In the April 1988 issue of Vogue, Yves Saint Laurent was inspired by the stark cubist brush strokes of Georges Braque, as well as the artist’s preoccupation with birds. However, Braque drew birds in one freehand motion. Yves combined both ideas in an evening dress collar. The bird had a free-form outline; wings that conformed to Braque’s proportions; and embroidered, beaded pieces that resembled the artist’s brush strokes.

As a work of engineering, the bird drinking water with its beak immersed in fabric connects to its back wing, which winds around the Christy Turlington’s shoulder. It was a revolutionary work of haute couture. As a work of art, it remains unparalleled.

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