As I mentioned to the Chronicle’s Leah Garchik before she stepped inside the glittery evening gown gallery of the de Young’s Yves Saint Laurent exhibit — take a deep breath! The glamour of it all with take your breath away.

As a lifelong fan of the late designer’s work, I was thrilled to see some of the classics of his career all in one place: the Mondrian-inspired dresses, the Tuxedo he made for Francoise Hardy in 1966, the homages to Picasso, Braques, Matisse and Proust.

My heart skipped a beat when I turned a corner and saw the dress (above) that Catherine Deneuve wore in “Belle de Jour.” Fashion editor Elizabeth Varnell especially loved the belt.

These images represent just a small sample of what’s in store for you, so I highly recommend a visit. The exhibit will be a great joy for almost anyone.

• Photos & Text: Damion Matthews, for sfluxe.com

Exhibition dates: November 1, 2008–April, 2009

Hours: Tuesday–Thursday, Saturday and Sunday: 9:30 am–5:15 pm
Friday: 9:30 am–8:45 pm
Closed on Monday

Admission:
$20 adults
$17 seniors
$16 youths 13–17 and students with a college I.D.
Members and children 12 and under are free.
The first Tuesday of every month is free.
(admission $10 to view the permanent collections only)

Information:
www.deyoungmuseum.org
415.750.3600