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The Saint Laurent Muse
The Paris runways of the 70s come to wild and splashy life in this novel of fashion's “It Girl” Loulou de la Falaise and her life partying and designing with Yves Saint Laurent, Karl Lagerfeld, and Halston. Nightlife! Gowns! Cocaine! Glamour!
It’s the 1970s, and from hippie London to Warhol’s Factory in New York, reluctant aristocrat Loulou de la Falaise is desperately seeking adventure. She’s escaped an early, unhappy marriage, and arrives on a whim in Paris—the champagne-soaked heart of the fashion world, where the old world of haute couture and the new world of ready-to-wear are vying for supremacy.
Glamour, sex, and cocaine nights fuel the Paris fashion scene. Its crown prince is the soulful and intensely gifted Yves Saint Laurent, whose sexy tuxedos for women and chic Rive Gauche boutiques reflect women’s desire for seductive independence, a desire Loulou knows all too well.
Loulou’s bohemian flair immediately captures Saint Laurent’s attention, and they embark on a glorious intimate friendship as artist and muse. Together they revel in the excesses of high society, decadent parties, and the hedonistic underworld of gay nightclubs, where the young and beautiful become prey, and dangerous rivalries start to emerge. Their course collides with eccentric designer Karl Lagerfeld, intent on his own conquest. Lagerfeld’s bitter professional rivalry with Yves divides Paris even in an era when anything goes. As Yves plunges into a secret affair with Karl’s enigmatic young companion, and Loulou finds herself falling in love with a colleague’s handsome boyfriend, evanescent illusion and savage deception will bring them to the brink of ruin.
Intoxicating and unforgettable, The Saint Laurent Muse is the dramatic story of a lifelong friendship between two kindred spirits, and of a tumultuous time and place in fashion history that will never be seen again.
It’s the 1970s, and from hippie London to Warhol’s Factory in New York, reluctant aristocrat Loulou de la Falaise is desperately seeking adventure. She’s escaped an early, unhappy marriage, and arrives on a whim in Paris—the champagne-soaked heart of the fashion world, where the old world of haute couture and the new world of ready-to-wear are vying for supremacy.
Glamour, sex, and cocaine nights fuel the Paris fashion scene. Its crown prince is the soulful and intensely gifted Yves Saint Laurent, whose sexy tuxedos for women and chic Rive Gauche boutiques reflect women’s desire for seductive independence, a desire Loulou knows all too well.
Loulou’s bohemian flair immediately captures Saint Laurent’s attention, and they embark on a glorious intimate friendship as artist and muse. Together they revel in the excesses of high society, decadent parties, and the hedonistic underworld of gay nightclubs, where the young and beautiful become prey, and dangerous rivalries start to emerge. Their course collides with eccentric designer Karl Lagerfeld, intent on his own conquest. Lagerfeld’s bitter professional rivalry with Yves divides Paris even in an era when anything goes. As Yves plunges into a secret affair with Karl’s enigmatic young companion, and Loulou finds herself falling in love with a colleague’s handsome boyfriend, evanescent illusion and savage deception will bring them to the brink of ruin.
Intoxicating and unforgettable, The Saint Laurent Muse is the dramatic story of a lifelong friendship between two kindred spirits, and of a tumultuous time and place in fashion history that will never be seen again.
336 pages, Paperback
First published March 18, 2025
35 people are currently reading
9660 people want to read
About the author
C.W. Gortner
18 books2,506 followersBestselling author C.W. Gortner holds an MFA in Writing, with an emphasis in Renaissance Studies. Raised in Spain and half Spanish by birth, he currently lives in Northern California. His books have been translated in over 20 languages to date.
He welcomes readers and is always available for reader group chats. Please visit him at www.cwgortner.com for more information.
He welcomes readers and is always available for reader group chats. Please visit him at www.cwgortner.com for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
February 11, 2025
The Saint Laurent Muse brings to life the Paris of the 70s with the greatest names in fashion, their rivalry, nightlife, glamour and vanity.
Loulou de la Falaise comes from aristocratic family. Her childhood wasn’t nurturing. It involved divorced parents, foster families, boarding schools, and unloving grandparents. It led her into unhappy marriage at young age, followed shortly by divorce. But there was one crucial lesson which her mother, Maxime, instilled in her that it was important to create one’s existence. Her mother always looked forward, never backwards, and understood that the key to happiness was to find something you love to do. For Maxime, it was fashion collections in Paris where she also took Loulou who was mesmerized by the clothes.
Loulou’s career path takes her from assisting at in-store fashion shows in Europe to some odd fashion jobs in NYC. While visiting a friend in Paris, she is invited to a Saint Laurent couture fashion show. And that’s when everything changes for her. She gets involved in designing with Yves and also becomes his muse. The fashion world becomes her family which she never experienced as a child.
The friendship between Loulou and Yves reveals all the glamour and excesses of high society, the decadent parties and underworld nightclubs. The professional rivalry between Yves and Lagerfeld leads to division and tensions among friends, which further leads to deception.
The Saint Laurent Muse exposes how in fashion boundaries of propriety are pushed to the brim and scandals. It reveals the time when haute couture was being rivaled by new trend of lucrative world of ready-to-wear clothes. Tumultuous time is vividly exposed with all the rivalry and tensions among fashion designers and personal friendships. The narrative and richly imagined interactions are authentic.
The story involves more of overindulgences rather than fashion designing itself, not shying away from graphic descriptions. Nevertheless, the subject is portrayed by a very talented writer who chose to tackle this challenging subject.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Loulou de la Falaise comes from aristocratic family. Her childhood wasn’t nurturing. It involved divorced parents, foster families, boarding schools, and unloving grandparents. It led her into unhappy marriage at young age, followed shortly by divorce. But there was one crucial lesson which her mother, Maxime, instilled in her that it was important to create one’s existence. Her mother always looked forward, never backwards, and understood that the key to happiness was to find something you love to do. For Maxime, it was fashion collections in Paris where she also took Loulou who was mesmerized by the clothes.
Loulou’s career path takes her from assisting at in-store fashion shows in Europe to some odd fashion jobs in NYC. While visiting a friend in Paris, she is invited to a Saint Laurent couture fashion show. And that’s when everything changes for her. She gets involved in designing with Yves and also becomes his muse. The fashion world becomes her family which she never experienced as a child.
The friendship between Loulou and Yves reveals all the glamour and excesses of high society, the decadent parties and underworld nightclubs. The professional rivalry between Yves and Lagerfeld leads to division and tensions among friends, which further leads to deception.
The Saint Laurent Muse exposes how in fashion boundaries of propriety are pushed to the brim and scandals. It reveals the time when haute couture was being rivaled by new trend of lucrative world of ready-to-wear clothes. Tumultuous time is vividly exposed with all the rivalry and tensions among fashion designers and personal friendships. The narrative and richly imagined interactions are authentic.
The story involves more of overindulgences rather than fashion designing itself, not shying away from graphic descriptions. Nevertheless, the subject is portrayed by a very talented writer who chose to tackle this challenging subject.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 7, 2025
ARC for review. To be published March 18, 2025.
2.5 stars, rounded to 3. And how on earth did it take me three days to finish this book? Was I comatose for part of the time? Actually I guess it was because I crammed my entire preparation for Christmas into about 48 hours. As I do.
Set in the Paris of the 1970s Loulou de la Falaise, a young woman of wealth and privilege travels to Paris on a whim having escaped a brief first marriage and a strained relationship with a mother she barely knows. Almost immediately she meets Yves Saint Laurent who is enchanted by her and she goes to work for him as an assistant (but really quite a bit more) and muse at a time when haute couture is being replaced by pret a porter.
I was disappointed this wasn’t about the fashion…this is all drugs, partying and sex and the rivalry between YSL and Karl Largerfeld. There’s some fairly scandalous stuff here, if it’s meant to be fact-ish (scandalous for the 70s, anyway. Who knows what qualifies as scandalous in the fashion world of today?) and while some of that can be fun, I was really looking for more about the clothes. Boo.
2.5 stars, rounded to 3. And how on earth did it take me three days to finish this book? Was I comatose for part of the time? Actually I guess it was because I crammed my entire preparation for Christmas into about 48 hours. As I do.
Set in the Paris of the 1970s Loulou de la Falaise, a young woman of wealth and privilege travels to Paris on a whim having escaped a brief first marriage and a strained relationship with a mother she barely knows. Almost immediately she meets Yves Saint Laurent who is enchanted by her and she goes to work for him as an assistant (but really quite a bit more) and muse at a time when haute couture is being replaced by pret a porter.
I was disappointed this wasn’t about the fashion…this is all drugs, partying and sex and the rivalry between YSL and Karl Largerfeld. There’s some fairly scandalous stuff here, if it’s meant to be fact-ish (scandalous for the 70s, anyway. Who knows what qualifies as scandalous in the fashion world of today?) and while some of that can be fun, I was really looking for more about the clothes. Boo.
December 18, 2025
**Copy of this book provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Every time I see a historical fiction book that is not taking place during WWII or Tudor period in England I am immediately intrigued. With this one my curiosity was doubled because it depicts the events that I know next to nothing about - the whereabouts of Yves Saint Laurent and his fashion house in the 70' in Paris.
This is one of this book that are extremally readable - even when I was struggling with emotionally engaging with the story I had no problems with turning pages and staying with it a bit longer just to read one more chapter. It shows a piece of history that I knew nothing about and it sent me on some lengthy google searches which I always appreciate. As a person that spends majority of her life in sweats and never cared about fashion I was surprised that the descriptions of couture clothes in this book made me look at them with a bit more understanding and appreciation.
But.
The book tries to be about Loulou de la Falaise, the titular muse of Saint Laurent, but it really wants to be about the Yves himself. As a result the book is about neither and left me feeling that there was no point to the story, all interesting aspects of Loulou and Yves lives glossed over in a constant struggle to identify who this book should be about. As a result I did not get emotionally invested but still found myself quite entertained. However, if you know anything about Yves Saint Laurent I think you will find this book a bit too boring.
Good beach read.
Every time I see a historical fiction book that is not taking place during WWII or Tudor period in England I am immediately intrigued. With this one my curiosity was doubled because it depicts the events that I know next to nothing about - the whereabouts of Yves Saint Laurent and his fashion house in the 70' in Paris.
This is one of this book that are extremally readable - even when I was struggling with emotionally engaging with the story I had no problems with turning pages and staying with it a bit longer just to read one more chapter. It shows a piece of history that I knew nothing about and it sent me on some lengthy google searches which I always appreciate. As a person that spends majority of her life in sweats and never cared about fashion I was surprised that the descriptions of couture clothes in this book made me look at them with a bit more understanding and appreciation.
But.
The book tries to be about Loulou de la Falaise, the titular muse of Saint Laurent, but it really wants to be about the Yves himself. As a result the book is about neither and left me feeling that there was no point to the story, all interesting aspects of Loulou and Yves lives glossed over in a constant struggle to identify who this book should be about. As a result I did not get emotionally invested but still found myself quite entertained. However, if you know anything about Yves Saint Laurent I think you will find this book a bit too boring.
Good beach read.
January 4, 2025
This intimate portrayal of Yves Saint Laurent goes behind closed doors to reveal the passions that drove the designer. Loulou de la Falaise, the muse in the title, is both friend and confidante. Her narration shows her devotion to the designer, but this is as much his story as hers. Fashion fans will appreciate this depiction of Saint Laurent's life, his loves, and his struggles.
I received an ARC of this book.
I received an ARC of this book.
December 23, 2024
“The Saint Laurent Muse” by C. W. Gortner is a riveting deep dive historical fiction about the life of Yves Saint Laurent and his lifelong friend and muse Loulou de la Falaise. The author tells the story with a passion that feels very personal and captures the time of the reinvention of Haute couture into the world of ready to wear fashion. The shocking lifestyle and the excesses of the time are written beautifully and the incredible descriptions of the clothes actually become a character in the book they are so real. Yves was a tormented man as were many in the competitive world of the designer fashion houses and without Lulu at his side I doubt he would have enjoyed his incredible fame. I did not know her story and I am so glad to have read more about the empire he built and her influence on his success. The book has graphic descriptions of excessive drug and alcohol abuse as well as descriptions of the sexual exploits that took place in the gay clubs of Paris, but written in a way that was part of the history and not for the shock value. I learned a lot about the world of high fashion, and it’s iconic players in a way we don’t often get to observe.
Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 5, 2025
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway for my honest opinion. I won this book in December and didn't receive it til June. I had given up on it. The book started out ok. But got more disenchanting as it went on. It has less to do with fashion and more to do with all the club scene and partying of the fashion industry. Normally that sounds like a great thing to read but not in this instant. It seemed a distraction from the plot and in itself wasn't very exciting.
The muse for Yves Saint Laurent becomes Loulou de la Falaise. She becomes not only his muse but more of an assistant, helping him in his fashion journey. A good part of the book is mostly about Saint Laurent's rivalry with Karl Lagerfeld. This fashion wars nearly division of Paris fashion. While this sounds like a good book, it is far from delivering that. It just didn't excite me at all. Maybe your opinion of the book will be different than mine. The only way to find out is to read it and form your own opinion.
The muse for Yves Saint Laurent becomes Loulou de la Falaise. She becomes not only his muse but more of an assistant, helping him in his fashion journey. A good part of the book is mostly about Saint Laurent's rivalry with Karl Lagerfeld. This fashion wars nearly division of Paris fashion. While this sounds like a good book, it is far from delivering that. It just didn't excite me at all. Maybe your opinion of the book will be different than mine. The only way to find out is to read it and form your own opinion.
March 30, 2025
It’s Paris, it’s fashion, it’s the 70s. Say less. This is a biographical fiction of LouLou de la Falaise who was a famous Saint Laurent muse and collaborator. We follow her work with Yves (and get to know him so well) as well as their wild life! So many fun celebrity cameos! The Battle of Versailles! A must read for the fashion girls.
April 7, 2025
DNF - I’m never one for books about privileged people doing drugs and high society things. I thought being historical fiction depicting a particular time and place (fashion houses in Paris in the 70s) it would capture my interest, but alas, it did not.
I lost track of who’s sleeping with who in this group of socialites in quasi open relationships and vague references to competition between Yves Saint-Laurent and other contemporary designers. It was actually interesting to hear about the clear division and tension between “haut couture” and “prêt-a-porter” fashion at the time, and a time and place where the success of a company or brand isn’t strictly about sales and profits (“what?!,” say we Americans).
Listened to over half of the audiobook before shelving it and deciding there are many many many more books in the world I’d rather give my time and attention to. Thanks to NetGalley for an opportunity to read this advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
I lost track of who’s sleeping with who in this group of socialites in quasi open relationships and vague references to competition between Yves Saint-Laurent and other contemporary designers. It was actually interesting to hear about the clear division and tension between “haut couture” and “prêt-a-porter” fashion at the time, and a time and place where the success of a company or brand isn’t strictly about sales and profits (“what?!,” say we Americans).
Listened to over half of the audiobook before shelving it and deciding there are many many many more books in the world I’d rather give my time and attention to. Thanks to NetGalley for an opportunity to read this advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 7, 2025
3.5 stars
Fashion. Sex. Drugs, 70s iconic designers. This book is very much a vibe, but lacking in emotional depth that I enjoy in historical fiction.
Fashion. Sex. Drugs, 70s iconic designers. This book is very much a vibe, but lacking in emotional depth that I enjoy in historical fiction.
September 28, 2024
As a lover of historical fiction, I can always count on author C.W. Gortner to offer up a skillful novel where I will learn something new, even when it's a topic of only marginal interest to me. THE SAINT LAURENT MUSE is a deep dive into the world of Haute couture during the 1970s in Paris. A period when the exclusivity associated with high fashion is shifting toward the more lucrative world of ready-to-wear. And it's hardly the world of glamour you might imagine.
Gortner's novel focuses on LouLou de la Falaise (1947-2011), a chic dresser known in fashion circles for being the muse of designer Yves Saint Laurent (1936-2008). Saint Laurent's steady partner and sometime lover was Pierre Bergé (1930-2017) who provided the business savvy behind the Saint Laurent brand.
As readers, we learn that Loulou, the daughter of an aristocratic French writer and a former model who divorce when she is just three years old, grows up in a string of foster families and boarding schools, never experiencing the love and security every child deserves. Until she finds a sense of family within the fashion world, where she ultimately gets her a chance to do her own designing.
As a longtime employee and friend, it is from Loulou's vantage point that we explore the world of Saint Laurent-Bergé fashion in Paris. It's a high-pressure world where millions of dollars are at stake and the cults of celebrity and wealth are woven throughout the industry. There are endless deadlines around unveiling collections, petty jealousies among designers, competition over who is using which trendy models, and behind-the-scenes excess in alcohol, drugs, and sexual activity. Although this novel is set in a period before the AIDS epidemic, the book includes graphic descriptions of gay clubs in Paris where anonymous sex was readily available for both participants and voyeurs.
THE SAINT LAURENT MUSE also includes the story of the love Yves Saint Laurent felt for French socialite Jacques de Bascher (1951-1989), a much younger man who was German designer Karl Lagerfeld's (1933-2019) companion from 1971 to de Bascher's death. It's quite a strange love story. One that will leave you with many more questions than answers.
I walk away from this book knowing much more about the world of fashion, though I can't say it's one I find appealing. But I recommend the book for those who like to get inside unknown worlds that reflect aspects of society we don't often get to observe.
Gortner's novel focuses on LouLou de la Falaise (1947-2011), a chic dresser known in fashion circles for being the muse of designer Yves Saint Laurent (1936-2008). Saint Laurent's steady partner and sometime lover was Pierre Bergé (1930-2017) who provided the business savvy behind the Saint Laurent brand.
As readers, we learn that Loulou, the daughter of an aristocratic French writer and a former model who divorce when she is just three years old, grows up in a string of foster families and boarding schools, never experiencing the love and security every child deserves. Until she finds a sense of family within the fashion world, where she ultimately gets her a chance to do her own designing.
As a longtime employee and friend, it is from Loulou's vantage point that we explore the world of Saint Laurent-Bergé fashion in Paris. It's a high-pressure world where millions of dollars are at stake and the cults of celebrity and wealth are woven throughout the industry. There are endless deadlines around unveiling collections, petty jealousies among designers, competition over who is using which trendy models, and behind-the-scenes excess in alcohol, drugs, and sexual activity. Although this novel is set in a period before the AIDS epidemic, the book includes graphic descriptions of gay clubs in Paris where anonymous sex was readily available for both participants and voyeurs.
THE SAINT LAURENT MUSE also includes the story of the love Yves Saint Laurent felt for French socialite Jacques de Bascher (1951-1989), a much younger man who was German designer Karl Lagerfeld's (1933-2019) companion from 1971 to de Bascher's death. It's quite a strange love story. One that will leave you with many more questions than answers.
I walk away from this book knowing much more about the world of fashion, though I can't say it's one I find appealing. But I recommend the book for those who like to get inside unknown worlds that reflect aspects of society we don't often get to observe.
August 4, 2024
A very interesting subject tackled by a very capable author. The depection of Paris during the last years of couture is fascinating, and the level of attention and detail given to the fashion in the book makes it easy to imagine.
Some of the rougher topics - the homophobia of the era, the drug use, the mental health issues - sometimes seem to be overlooked. I guess, in an effort not to sound like a preacher, the all knowing narrator instead sounds a bit glib.
Great book, though. Highly recommend to fans of YSL the man.
Some of the rougher topics - the homophobia of the era, the drug use, the mental health issues - sometimes seem to be overlooked. I guess, in an effort not to sound like a preacher, the all knowing narrator instead sounds a bit glib.
Great book, though. Highly recommend to fans of YSL the man.
December 22, 2025
I’m interested in fashion and I’ve read a several of this authors books before, so I thought I’d like this one. From what I read, it seems St.Laurent trafficked in sex and drugs in order to gain publicity for his clothing line by shocking his audience. It’s a book about self indulgent elites leading shallow, pathetic lives. Half way in I just.told myself, “why keep reading this when my TBR pile is over a thousand titles? Just move on.” (I did google Bianca Jagger’s wedding dress and it’s trashy too.)
December 15, 2025
I really liked this book! The characters were well written and it made me feel like I was in France
April 8, 2025
THE SAINT LAURENT MUSE
BY: C.W. GORTNER
C. W. Gortner is really the Author I credit for my realization that I loved Historical fiction when I read one of his historical fiction novels approximately eleven or twelve years ago. I ended up reading everything that he published back then, and I always read whatever he publishes. This newest work of his called, "THE SAINT LAURENT MUSE," he said something to the effect that this is the one he has written that he felt the more passionate about. Although, in either his Author's Note or Acknowledgements he listed several books that he used to help him write this he states that his goal was not to write a biographical history. That is disappointing to me personally since I have come to admire historical fiction favorite Authors, for example Allison Pataki who do strive to stick as close to the historical record as much as possible. I understand that for many reasons such as narrative flow, too many characters that historical fiction Authors take creative license, and alter timelines, create composite characters. etc., for their idea of their improving the storytelling. However, that's a reason why I don't love historical fiction as much as I used to. One of the biggest reasons is beyond pure entertainment I read with an intent to learn, so with that said sometimes when Author's don't present historical fiction as factually correct it can lead me to read their primary sources, or do my own research on as much non-fiction as I can find. I know from other reviewers who read historical fiction that they, as well I, feel appreciative to when Authors distinguish in their Authors Notes what is factual, and what is fiction. That's not to say that C.W. Gortner did that with this novel, because he didn't other than saying this isn't biographical historical fiction, but he gives a glimpse as to what's important to him, and for that I am grateful. Even though C.W. Gortner didn't separate facts from fiction, he sure succeeds in being an impetus for me wanting to look into Yves Saint Laurent, and his muse, as they both led exceptional lives during an era that I know won't happen again. This is in my humble opinion, is this author's most controversial book out of his impressive back list of prior works it's fast paced, and has only reinforced my opinion that C.W. Gortner is a spectacular storyteller.
Loulou de la Falaise was hired by Yves Saint Laurent as his assistant since he was impressed by her Bohemian style when they met in Paris in approximately 1970-1971. The way this book was written depicted them as ending up being very close regarding their platonic relationship. Loulou did some modeling before she met Yves, but it was never a career that she was interested in doing even though she was very interested in pursuing a career in the fashion industry which is how being an American she moved to Paris. Loulou didn't have an easy childhood growing up, and had a short marriage and divorce when she was nineteen. When she was three years old her mother divorced her father, and the French courts in the 1950's deemed her mother unfit, where custody of her and her younger brother was awarded to her father. Whether he had no idea how to raise two young children, or he didn't have any interest she and her brother spent time in Foster care for their early years. For Loulou she later spent time in England's boarding schools, which during holidays split between her father in France, and her maternal grandparents in Sussex, since her mother was always away on some adventure.
Loulou's mother did impart on her the push she needed to move to Paris since her mother gave her some valuable advice. She always charged a head with her life, and if one great way that she helped Loulou was by reminding her that we can't depend on our looks forever. Also she said to Loulou that we all need to find something that we love to do more than anything else and do it. For Loulou that was working in fashion, and reminded her that if she was serious about a career in fashion, that Paris was the place. Loulou had just turned twenty-three years old and met a friend named Betty who took Loulou to one of Yves couture fashion shows.
Couture was made by hand, very expensive was all Loulou knew at the time but a more modern definition is its the design, and manufacture of fashionable clothing to a client's specific measurements. At that fashion show she heard two older women scoff that "What is he showing us this season? Clothes for boys?" Loulou realized as she overheard them that the clothes that the models wore were ensembles that were pieces from a male wardrobe, interpreted for a stylized female form. Yves and Loulou met at the end of the fashion show from Betty who already had planned their meeting at an afternoon tea given by Fernando who Loulou was staying with, and they both hit it off from the start. Yves asked Loulou what she thought of the show and she answered him by saying, "unexpected." With Yves response something like, "as it should be." He told Loulou that he designed the line of clothing for Betty. I thought that Yves was humble, but also vulnerable when it came to his partner Pierre who handled the business end of their Salon. I thought Loulou was very confident, who they both were extremely lovable characters as C. W. Gortner portrayed them in this book. I say that with admiration as their closeness was one of great sensitivity and politeness towards others as much as towards each other.
At age 23 when Loulou was invited by Yves to go to his Designer Salon she was asked to pick out her favorite sketches by which she did, and then she picked out from different fabrics she would include since he was known to design in Black, and White, then choose the colors of fabric later. She had such a keen eye and innate flair to pick out ideas that impressed him, he hired her at that first visit to be his assistant. I learned so much about fashion and the different designers at the time. What was so moving to me was how they treated each other with mutual respect, and how even though they worked closely together so well, but how tender they treated each other. Loulou was often the person Yves would turn to while he was going through a bad time, and she was not just his muse but the only person he sought out while going through an upsetting time with mostly Jacques a predator who was a young man that took advantage of Yves gentle, and sincere feelings. Another designer house that wasn't anywhere as talented, and successful as Yves Saint Laurent. Loulou had so much empathy, and she was talented, but did whatever she could to be helpful to other vulnerable young men who were in peril because of the excess of what went on that practically everyone participated in doing.
This was a fast paced, interesting historical fiction in which I could add so much more about all the different designers who were mentioned. Ready to wear clothing and its origins within Yves Saint Laurent's designer house and how he had such a sixth sense for fashion. Pierre was described through a character who was a designer likened him to Napoleon, and I have to remember that C. W. Gortner is ultimately responsible for the character development. He is also responsible for illuminating Yves Saint Laurent, and Loulou de la Falaise who had been portrayed to not just collaborate together, but had a deeply caring, and larger than life platonic friendship who Yves and her love for one another that was as loyal as you could expect. As I am reiterating C.W. Gortner writes such captivating historical fiction novels, and made both Yves Saint Laurent, and Loulou de la Falaise's characters come to vibrant life on the page. I could feel the strength of their emotional connection to be so much more than mere one of Paris's top designers, and his muse, but two admirable people who met between 1970--1971. They meant so much to one another than a genius designer that collaborated with one another. There was a deep abiding love in a platonic sense that transcends their work. Yves seemed to give Loulou her big break to climb to the heights of working in fashion, and she supported Yves Saint Laurent as no one could. That's the way C. W. Gortner has presented their dynamics that she was his support system emotionally through his heartbreak. She was so much more than his muse. She at least in parts of this narrative given his honest nature trusted easily making them both to have both left a lasting impression. In summary, C. W Gortner did a fantastic job about achieving his goal with his most passionate writing project. I saw the humanity that he infused in this beautifully written novel. There's a lot of substance abuse that went on, so I would be remiss if I failed to disclose that aspect, but I still think its a labor of love by a favorite author whose the depths of love transcends. Highly, Highly Recommended. This historical fiction novel deserves to reach as wide of an adult audience as possible.
Publication Date: March 18, 2025
Thank you to Net Galley, C.W. Gortner and, William Morrow--William Morrow Paperbacks for your generosity in providing me with my ARC, in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own, as always.
#TheSaintLaurentMuse #CWGortner #WilliamMorrowWilliamMorrowPaperbacks #NetGalley
BY: C.W. GORTNER
C. W. Gortner is really the Author I credit for my realization that I loved Historical fiction when I read one of his historical fiction novels approximately eleven or twelve years ago. I ended up reading everything that he published back then, and I always read whatever he publishes. This newest work of his called, "THE SAINT LAURENT MUSE," he said something to the effect that this is the one he has written that he felt the more passionate about. Although, in either his Author's Note or Acknowledgements he listed several books that he used to help him write this he states that his goal was not to write a biographical history. That is disappointing to me personally since I have come to admire historical fiction favorite Authors, for example Allison Pataki who do strive to stick as close to the historical record as much as possible. I understand that for many reasons such as narrative flow, too many characters that historical fiction Authors take creative license, and alter timelines, create composite characters. etc., for their idea of their improving the storytelling. However, that's a reason why I don't love historical fiction as much as I used to. One of the biggest reasons is beyond pure entertainment I read with an intent to learn, so with that said sometimes when Author's don't present historical fiction as factually correct it can lead me to read their primary sources, or do my own research on as much non-fiction as I can find. I know from other reviewers who read historical fiction that they, as well I, feel appreciative to when Authors distinguish in their Authors Notes what is factual, and what is fiction. That's not to say that C.W. Gortner did that with this novel, because he didn't other than saying this isn't biographical historical fiction, but he gives a glimpse as to what's important to him, and for that I am grateful. Even though C.W. Gortner didn't separate facts from fiction, he sure succeeds in being an impetus for me wanting to look into Yves Saint Laurent, and his muse, as they both led exceptional lives during an era that I know won't happen again. This is in my humble opinion, is this author's most controversial book out of his impressive back list of prior works it's fast paced, and has only reinforced my opinion that C.W. Gortner is a spectacular storyteller.
Loulou de la Falaise was hired by Yves Saint Laurent as his assistant since he was impressed by her Bohemian style when they met in Paris in approximately 1970-1971. The way this book was written depicted them as ending up being very close regarding their platonic relationship. Loulou did some modeling before she met Yves, but it was never a career that she was interested in doing even though she was very interested in pursuing a career in the fashion industry which is how being an American she moved to Paris. Loulou didn't have an easy childhood growing up, and had a short marriage and divorce when she was nineteen. When she was three years old her mother divorced her father, and the French courts in the 1950's deemed her mother unfit, where custody of her and her younger brother was awarded to her father. Whether he had no idea how to raise two young children, or he didn't have any interest she and her brother spent time in Foster care for their early years. For Loulou she later spent time in England's boarding schools, which during holidays split between her father in France, and her maternal grandparents in Sussex, since her mother was always away on some adventure.
Loulou's mother did impart on her the push she needed to move to Paris since her mother gave her some valuable advice. She always charged a head with her life, and if one great way that she helped Loulou was by reminding her that we can't depend on our looks forever. Also she said to Loulou that we all need to find something that we love to do more than anything else and do it. For Loulou that was working in fashion, and reminded her that if she was serious about a career in fashion, that Paris was the place. Loulou had just turned twenty-three years old and met a friend named Betty who took Loulou to one of Yves couture fashion shows.
Couture was made by hand, very expensive was all Loulou knew at the time but a more modern definition is its the design, and manufacture of fashionable clothing to a client's specific measurements. At that fashion show she heard two older women scoff that "What is he showing us this season? Clothes for boys?" Loulou realized as she overheard them that the clothes that the models wore were ensembles that were pieces from a male wardrobe, interpreted for a stylized female form. Yves and Loulou met at the end of the fashion show from Betty who already had planned their meeting at an afternoon tea given by Fernando who Loulou was staying with, and they both hit it off from the start. Yves asked Loulou what she thought of the show and she answered him by saying, "unexpected." With Yves response something like, "as it should be." He told Loulou that he designed the line of clothing for Betty. I thought that Yves was humble, but also vulnerable when it came to his partner Pierre who handled the business end of their Salon. I thought Loulou was very confident, who they both were extremely lovable characters as C. W. Gortner portrayed them in this book. I say that with admiration as their closeness was one of great sensitivity and politeness towards others as much as towards each other.
At age 23 when Loulou was invited by Yves to go to his Designer Salon she was asked to pick out her favorite sketches by which she did, and then she picked out from different fabrics she would include since he was known to design in Black, and White, then choose the colors of fabric later. She had such a keen eye and innate flair to pick out ideas that impressed him, he hired her at that first visit to be his assistant. I learned so much about fashion and the different designers at the time. What was so moving to me was how they treated each other with mutual respect, and how even though they worked closely together so well, but how tender they treated each other. Loulou was often the person Yves would turn to while he was going through a bad time, and she was not just his muse but the only person he sought out while going through an upsetting time with mostly Jacques a predator who was a young man that took advantage of Yves gentle, and sincere feelings. Another designer house that wasn't anywhere as talented, and successful as Yves Saint Laurent. Loulou had so much empathy, and she was talented, but did whatever she could to be helpful to other vulnerable young men who were in peril because of the excess of what went on that practically everyone participated in doing.
This was a fast paced, interesting historical fiction in which I could add so much more about all the different designers who were mentioned. Ready to wear clothing and its origins within Yves Saint Laurent's designer house and how he had such a sixth sense for fashion. Pierre was described through a character who was a designer likened him to Napoleon, and I have to remember that C. W. Gortner is ultimately responsible for the character development. He is also responsible for illuminating Yves Saint Laurent, and Loulou de la Falaise who had been portrayed to not just collaborate together, but had a deeply caring, and larger than life platonic friendship who Yves and her love for one another that was as loyal as you could expect. As I am reiterating C.W. Gortner writes such captivating historical fiction novels, and made both Yves Saint Laurent, and Loulou de la Falaise's characters come to vibrant life on the page. I could feel the strength of their emotional connection to be so much more than mere one of Paris's top designers, and his muse, but two admirable people who met between 1970--1971. They meant so much to one another than a genius designer that collaborated with one another. There was a deep abiding love in a platonic sense that transcends their work. Yves seemed to give Loulou her big break to climb to the heights of working in fashion, and she supported Yves Saint Laurent as no one could. That's the way C. W. Gortner has presented their dynamics that she was his support system emotionally through his heartbreak. She was so much more than his muse. She at least in parts of this narrative given his honest nature trusted easily making them both to have both left a lasting impression. In summary, C. W Gortner did a fantastic job about achieving his goal with his most passionate writing project. I saw the humanity that he infused in this beautifully written novel. There's a lot of substance abuse that went on, so I would be remiss if I failed to disclose that aspect, but I still think its a labor of love by a favorite author whose the depths of love transcends. Highly, Highly Recommended. This historical fiction novel deserves to reach as wide of an adult audience as possible.
Publication Date: March 18, 2025
Thank you to Net Galley, C.W. Gortner and, William Morrow--William Morrow Paperbacks for your generosity in providing me with my ARC, in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own, as always.
#TheSaintLaurentMuse #CWGortner #WilliamMorrowWilliamMorrowPaperbacks #NetGalley
March 17, 2025
4.5
Surprise at every turn…
…but perhaps not what you think!
With several historic novels set in Paris released over the last couple of years, I did not anticipate the seriousness of this story. Most of the other books dealt with their serious issues with with a c’est-la-vie attitude and Paris itself was a main character.
Often in historical fiction, famous characters may be key to the story, but one of the main character is made up of or is a composite of several different real people.
This book reads like a biography and I was just waiting to finish to find out what was real and what was not. I kept myself from looking up images of people just in case I stumbled upon some fact that would spoil the book for me. That said, I just had to look up the “offensive” collections. That and Marie-Hélène de Rothschild could not wait for image searches.
This book covers a time when sex and drugs, mainly cocaine (which apparently the 80s did not own), were infamously free flowing and many stories of real-life icons ended in tragedy. I anticipated tragedy at every show of wreckless behavior, especially before the story’s climax finally revealed itself. My mind was playing its own suspenseful music track and calling it a thriller.
In “The Saint Laurent Muse”, Paris’s importance is as the fashion capital, but the settings are primarily interior and, other than the infamous Versailles event, the history and architecture could be interchangeable. Paris is their home, not a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that weaves in every famous bridge and boulevard.
Diving into this book, I was aware that I knew little about Yves Saint Laurent as a person. I soon realized that I not only knew very little about the brand, but the entire history of couture and prêt-à-porter fashion.
This book is a bit of a tough pill to swallow for a straight arrow like me, but it’s a well-woven tale of design and debauchery and the thin lign between the two.
Thank you to C.W. Gortner, NetGalley, and William Morrow for providing me with a free advanced copy of this ebook for my unbiased review.
#TheSaintLaurentMuse #NetGalley #yvessaintlaurent #paris #louloudelafalaise #fashion #couture
Surprise at every turn…
…but perhaps not what you think!
With several historic novels set in Paris released over the last couple of years, I did not anticipate the seriousness of this story. Most of the other books dealt with their serious issues with with a c’est-la-vie attitude and Paris itself was a main character.
Often in historical fiction, famous characters may be key to the story, but one of the main character is made up of or is a composite of several different real people.
This book reads like a biography and I was just waiting to finish to find out what was real and what was not. I kept myself from looking up images of people just in case I stumbled upon some fact that would spoil the book for me. That said, I just had to look up the “offensive” collections. That and Marie-Hélène de Rothschild could not wait for image searches.
This book covers a time when sex and drugs, mainly cocaine (which apparently the 80s did not own), were infamously free flowing and many stories of real-life icons ended in tragedy. I anticipated tragedy at every show of wreckless behavior, especially before the story’s climax finally revealed itself. My mind was playing its own suspenseful music track and calling it a thriller.
In “The Saint Laurent Muse”, Paris’s importance is as the fashion capital, but the settings are primarily interior and, other than the infamous Versailles event, the history and architecture could be interchangeable. Paris is their home, not a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that weaves in every famous bridge and boulevard.
Diving into this book, I was aware that I knew little about Yves Saint Laurent as a person. I soon realized that I not only knew very little about the brand, but the entire history of couture and prêt-à-porter fashion.
This book is a bit of a tough pill to swallow for a straight arrow like me, but it’s a well-woven tale of design and debauchery and the thin lign between the two.
Thank you to C.W. Gortner, NetGalley, and William Morrow for providing me with a free advanced copy of this ebook for my unbiased review.
#TheSaintLaurentMuse #NetGalley #yvessaintlaurent #paris #louloudelafalaise #fashion #couture
March 18, 2025
Glamour and drama set in the 70's fashion scene
Loulou de la Falaise was part aristocrat, part iconoclast, and 100% It Girl during the tumultous 70's. After marrying an Irish baron with a castle when she was young (a very bad choice for someone who wasn't inclined to follow the rules) and quickly divorcing him, she eventually returned to NYC and fell in with the crowd at Andy Warhol's Factory. She wasn't really going anywhere, though, so her mother (no stranger to raising eyebrows and scandalizing the masses herself) suggested that Loulou head to Paris and give the fashion world a try. She did just that, and despite having no particular training in design and only a brief stint at a London fashion magazine, Loulou would make her mark on the world of high fashion nonetheless. Her innate sense of style caught the eye of the young designer taking Paris by storm, Yves Saint Laurent, and the two quickly become a team breaking through the barriers of old school haute couture with Yves's Rive Gauche high end ready to wear line. Cocaine, champagne, and no-rules sex were de rigeur, friendships would be made and broken, and rivalries would endeavor to ruin everything and everyone on the scene.
While this is very much a novel that details how things may have happened during these heady days in Paris, the characters contained within its pages and many of the events therein described were very real. Before the Kardashian/Jenner clan and the Hadid girls there was Loulou de la Falaise, who parlayed her fearless approach to fashion into crafting an image of who she wanted to be to the world. The story is full of dazzling (often decadent) parties, namedrop-worthy celebs (Andy Warhol, Mick and Bianca Jagger), and the hedonistic world of Paris fashion, all vividly portrayed as the characters soar in their chosen endeavor...a quick and engaging read perfect for lovers of fashion and the 70's era as well as for those who enjoy authors like Marie Benedict, Judith Krantz and Erika Robuck. I rate it at 4.5 ⭐️ rounded up to 5 in a nod to the days when I spritzed myself with the Rive Gauche scent. Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow Paperbacks for allowing me access to this splashy and addictive tale in exchange for my honest review.
Loulou de la Falaise was part aristocrat, part iconoclast, and 100% It Girl during the tumultous 70's. After marrying an Irish baron with a castle when she was young (a very bad choice for someone who wasn't inclined to follow the rules) and quickly divorcing him, she eventually returned to NYC and fell in with the crowd at Andy Warhol's Factory. She wasn't really going anywhere, though, so her mother (no stranger to raising eyebrows and scandalizing the masses herself) suggested that Loulou head to Paris and give the fashion world a try. She did just that, and despite having no particular training in design and only a brief stint at a London fashion magazine, Loulou would make her mark on the world of high fashion nonetheless. Her innate sense of style caught the eye of the young designer taking Paris by storm, Yves Saint Laurent, and the two quickly become a team breaking through the barriers of old school haute couture with Yves's Rive Gauche high end ready to wear line. Cocaine, champagne, and no-rules sex were de rigeur, friendships would be made and broken, and rivalries would endeavor to ruin everything and everyone on the scene.
While this is very much a novel that details how things may have happened during these heady days in Paris, the characters contained within its pages and many of the events therein described were very real. Before the Kardashian/Jenner clan and the Hadid girls there was Loulou de la Falaise, who parlayed her fearless approach to fashion into crafting an image of who she wanted to be to the world. The story is full of dazzling (often decadent) parties, namedrop-worthy celebs (Andy Warhol, Mick and Bianca Jagger), and the hedonistic world of Paris fashion, all vividly portrayed as the characters soar in their chosen endeavor...a quick and engaging read perfect for lovers of fashion and the 70's era as well as for those who enjoy authors like Marie Benedict, Judith Krantz and Erika Robuck. I rate it at 4.5 ⭐️ rounded up to 5 in a nod to the days when I spritzed myself with the Rive Gauche scent. Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow Paperbacks for allowing me access to this splashy and addictive tale in exchange for my honest review.
March 29, 2025
THE SAINT LAURENT MUSE is a fabulously juicy and salacious look into fashion and culture in the 70s. This binge-able read pulls you in with the glamour of those in fashion and society during this time but holds onto your interest because of the heart, emotion, and very real situations the characters are thrust into. Gortner beautifully showcases the ups and downs of being in the spotlight and running with a certain type of crowd.
I will be honest. I have been a fan of Gortner since I first picked up THE CONFESSIONS OF CATHERINE DE MEDICI from my local library. The author’s ability to completely immerse the reader in whatever era he is writing about is a gift. The eloquence and development of the characters, many of whom are known throughout history for one reason or another, make his books addictive and all-encompassing. I can honestly say that I could not put THE SAINT LAURENT MUSE down. A must-read for anyone who loves fashion, pop culture, and a really good story.
Audiobook Note: Ell Potter narrated this book perfectly. The way she brought the characters to life made me feel like I was in the story as an acquaintance, watching this all unfold. The pace and flow moved through the narrative at just the right speed. Honestly, it was a brilliant version of this addictive read.
Highly Caffeinated Rating of… ☕ ☕ ☕ ☕
Reviewer Disclaimer: I have been playing around with a hybrid reading method where I read and listen to the same book. The physical book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review, but the audiobook was borrowed from my local library.
✦ ✦ ✦ ✦
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✦ ✦ ✦ ✦
I will be honest. I have been a fan of Gortner since I first picked up THE CONFESSIONS OF CATHERINE DE MEDICI from my local library. The author’s ability to completely immerse the reader in whatever era he is writing about is a gift. The eloquence and development of the characters, many of whom are known throughout history for one reason or another, make his books addictive and all-encompassing. I can honestly say that I could not put THE SAINT LAURENT MUSE down. A must-read for anyone who loves fashion, pop culture, and a really good story.
Audiobook Note: Ell Potter narrated this book perfectly. The way she brought the characters to life made me feel like I was in the story as an acquaintance, watching this all unfold. The pace and flow moved through the narrative at just the right speed. Honestly, it was a brilliant version of this addictive read.
Highly Caffeinated Rating of… ☕ ☕ ☕ ☕
Reviewer Disclaimer: I have been playing around with a hybrid reading method where I read and listen to the same book. The physical book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review, but the audiobook was borrowed from my local library.
✦ ✦ ✦ ✦
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✦ ✦ ✦ ✦
January 16, 2025
I love clothes and dressing up as much as any girl, but I wouldn’t call myself one of those hardcore fashion enthusiasts who know every haute couture collection from the most famous fashion houses. So, when I got the chance to work on this book, I was thrilled, especially to learn more about Yves Saint Laurent and his muse, Loulou de La Falaise.
I was enraged to discover that Yves’ collection was once considered "scandalous" for showcasing women in masculine clothing. And when I looked it up, I found out there was actually a law prohibiting women from wearing trousers because it supposedly "confused gender." Seriously—how ridiculous! Imagine blaming clothes instead of the men who controlled women’s liberty to choose for themselves.
This book is such a fantastic introduction to the world of fashion. It beautifully captures the creative process of an artist through clothing. However, beneath the glamour and glitter lies darkness and shadows. I was shocked none of them passed out from the sheer amount of cigarettes, alcohol, drugs, and espresso they consumed—and still showed up for work! Truly a different breed.
Even though this book is fiction, certain real-life events are woven into the story, and the author masterfully crafted an alternative narrative that fits so perfectly. It was beautiful, and I couldn’t help but fall in love with Yves and Loulou. Their friendship and dynamic—the artist and his muse—were captivating.
Thadée and Loulou’s marriage, spanning over 30 years, was portrayed with such angst and intensity, especially alongside Jacques and Yves’ relationship. By the time I was 70% in, I was so hooked I couldn’t put it down. I live for the drama, and the final moments with Pierre and Yves were absolutely gut-wrenching.
I was enraged to discover that Yves’ collection was once considered "scandalous" for showcasing women in masculine clothing. And when I looked it up, I found out there was actually a law prohibiting women from wearing trousers because it supposedly "confused gender." Seriously—how ridiculous! Imagine blaming clothes instead of the men who controlled women’s liberty to choose for themselves.
This book is such a fantastic introduction to the world of fashion. It beautifully captures the creative process of an artist through clothing. However, beneath the glamour and glitter lies darkness and shadows. I was shocked none of them passed out from the sheer amount of cigarettes, alcohol, drugs, and espresso they consumed—and still showed up for work! Truly a different breed.
Even though this book is fiction, certain real-life events are woven into the story, and the author masterfully crafted an alternative narrative that fits so perfectly. It was beautiful, and I couldn’t help but fall in love with Yves and Loulou. Their friendship and dynamic—the artist and his muse—were captivating.
Thadée and Loulou’s marriage, spanning over 30 years, was portrayed with such angst and intensity, especially alongside Jacques and Yves’ relationship. By the time I was 70% in, I was so hooked I couldn’t put it down. I live for the drama, and the final moments with Pierre and Yves were absolutely gut-wrenching.
March 26, 2025
It was the 70's and Paris was the center of the haute couture world. It was also a chaotic time as tensions and rivalries were mounting between those top designers. Who would be the premiere designer, who would be the one that no aristocrat, socialite or celebrity could not live without? This is the story that is behind one of the most talented of those designers, Yves Saint Laurent. We follow not only his fashion sense, but more to the point his life behind those fashions. Along with Loulou de la Falaise, who not only was his assistant at his atelier, but also his friend and his confidant. We visit his life, his loves...his visits to gay bars, underground bars, his sexual exploits.. We read about his over-the-top use of drugs, but most of all his love affair with Jacques de Bascher who was a companion to Karl Lagerfield. A love affair that brought Saint Laurent to the brink of suicide. He lived a life he was ashamed of, yet one that he couldn't help. Through all this we see Loulou, who was more than his muse as she managed to get through his very rough time.
Reading this book was more than I knew of Saint Laurent and I have not been able to stop thinking about it and in thinking about his life, I am saddened. Saddened by the fact that he felt ashamed of who and what he was; saddened by the fact that in Europe, in Paris, he had to hide. He had no freedom to live his life as he wanted. I have always thought that Europe, especially Paris, was more accepting of "diversity" more so than "puritanical" America.
There is so much more to this novel than I could write in this review, you just to have to read it for yourself. Yes, 5 stars from me, a book I would highly recommend.
Reading this book was more than I knew of Saint Laurent and I have not been able to stop thinking about it and in thinking about his life, I am saddened. Saddened by the fact that he felt ashamed of who and what he was; saddened by the fact that in Europe, in Paris, he had to hide. He had no freedom to live his life as he wanted. I have always thought that Europe, especially Paris, was more accepting of "diversity" more so than "puritanical" America.
There is so much more to this novel than I could write in this review, you just to have to read it for yourself. Yes, 5 stars from me, a book I would highly recommend.
March 11, 2025
3.5 Stars
Sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll -but with a LOT more sex and drugs---I mean tons! However, the sex doesn't really get explicit until near the end of the book.
At any rate, that was my warning. Now, on to the meat of the review.
This book would have been my cup of tea had the drug use and sex not been so explicit. I know the '70s were a lot different, with different types of drugs being favored and AIDS just coming into play. I also understand that these arty types had a different life to lead than I did. (Yes, I admit I was a teen in the '70s!) I hadn't even seen cocaine until I was nearly 30! These explicit scenes needed to be part of the story if we are to believe that this was a historical/ biographical writing about Yves Saint Laurent and Loulou de la Falaise. It must be true.
I learned a lot about the "dawning of the age of Aquarius" that I had never seen before, and, of course, about the life of a haute couture designer who goes to ready-to-wear.
An interesting, thought-provoking read that just didn't do it for me. Would I recommend this book? Yes, I would becuase just because it wasn't for me, I can see that there are going to be many out there (especially those in my age bracket) that are going to love this gossipy inside scoop to the elite of the haute couture world.
A lot of good gossip (or fiction) about Karl Lagerfeld and others of his ilk.
Depressing, well just a bit; backstabby and vicious---oh my yes!
*ARC provided by the publisher William Morrow and Company, the author, and NetGalley.
Sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll -but with a LOT more sex and drugs---I mean tons! However, the sex doesn't really get explicit until near the end of the book.
At any rate, that was my warning. Now, on to the meat of the review.
This book would have been my cup of tea had the drug use and sex not been so explicit. I know the '70s were a lot different, with different types of drugs being favored and AIDS just coming into play. I also understand that these arty types had a different life to lead than I did. (Yes, I admit I was a teen in the '70s!) I hadn't even seen cocaine until I was nearly 30! These explicit scenes needed to be part of the story if we are to believe that this was a historical/ biographical writing about Yves Saint Laurent and Loulou de la Falaise. It must be true.
I learned a lot about the "dawning of the age of Aquarius" that I had never seen before, and, of course, about the life of a haute couture designer who goes to ready-to-wear.
An interesting, thought-provoking read that just didn't do it for me. Would I recommend this book? Yes, I would becuase just because it wasn't for me, I can see that there are going to be many out there (especially those in my age bracket) that are going to love this gossipy inside scoop to the elite of the haute couture world.
A lot of good gossip (or fiction) about Karl Lagerfeld and others of his ilk.
Depressing, well just a bit; backstabby and vicious---oh my yes!
*ARC provided by the publisher William Morrow and Company, the author, and NetGalley.
February 15, 2025
Paris - 1970s
Loulou de la Falaise is looking for a new life after a failed early marriage. Leaving an unsatisfying job in New York City, Loulou sets off to Paris where haute couture and ready-to-wear are setting the fashion world afire. Soon, the wild lifestyles of those in the business, including drugs, all night parties, and sex consume Loulou's time. And then she meets the leading designer of the times, Yves Saint Laurent, and her life gets even more frenetic.
One of the reasons why Yves is so intrigued with Loulou is her own bohemian style. She is unaffected by the glamour of the fashion industry, and pursues her own ideas, and he is dazzled by her casual, but personal choices in clothing. Although the lifestyle that they continue to survive in with the wild parties, and outlandish behavior, Yves considers Loulou to be a valuable muse in his work.
With all of the new ideas coming from the Saint Laurent lines, other designers, like Karl Lagerfeld, begin to resent someone they consider an upstart. There are heated disagreements, and rivalries get very serious, especially when Yves begins a secret liaison with someone close to Lagerfeld. Loulou is also testing her reputation when she falls in love with another woman's boyfriend.
THE SAINT LAURENT MUSE is an inside peek into a time when fashion, imaginative designers, and "It" girls controlled the runways of glamorous Paris in the 1970s.
Loulou de la Falaise is looking for a new life after a failed early marriage. Leaving an unsatisfying job in New York City, Loulou sets off to Paris where haute couture and ready-to-wear are setting the fashion world afire. Soon, the wild lifestyles of those in the business, including drugs, all night parties, and sex consume Loulou's time. And then she meets the leading designer of the times, Yves Saint Laurent, and her life gets even more frenetic.
One of the reasons why Yves is so intrigued with Loulou is her own bohemian style. She is unaffected by the glamour of the fashion industry, and pursues her own ideas, and he is dazzled by her casual, but personal choices in clothing. Although the lifestyle that they continue to survive in with the wild parties, and outlandish behavior, Yves considers Loulou to be a valuable muse in his work.
With all of the new ideas coming from the Saint Laurent lines, other designers, like Karl Lagerfeld, begin to resent someone they consider an upstart. There are heated disagreements, and rivalries get very serious, especially when Yves begins a secret liaison with someone close to Lagerfeld. Loulou is also testing her reputation when she falls in love with another woman's boyfriend.
THE SAINT LAURENT MUSE is an inside peek into a time when fashion, imaginative designers, and "It" girls controlled the runways of glamorous Paris in the 1970s.
July 29, 2025
In another complex character study from CW Gortner, readers discover the fascinating life of Loulou de la Falaise, a reluctant aristocrat trapped in an unhappy marriage looking for something real. Discovering the glamorous world of Parisian haute couture and the fashion scene, Loulou’s flair for fashion captures Yves Saint Laurent’s interest and she becomes the muse for his brilliant and captivating collections. When Karl Lagerfeld, another eccentric designer, arrives on the scene, things change both personally and professionally for Loulou and Yves as friends and colleagues in this complex and fascinating novel. The characters are the star of this book just as they are in all of Gortner’s other novels, and the depth and intricacy of detail really pulls readers into the complex and fascinating world of 1970s French fashion. With its attention to detail and human emotion, the book hooks readers with the fascinating relationships between characters and their complicated dynamics and keeps them immersed in the novel with the drama and tension that these relationships introduce. Full of intense emotion and drama, this book is another brilliant character-centric historical fiction novel full of glitz, glam, and drama from CW Gortner that fashion lovers and historical fiction readers will absolutely devour.
Thanks to NetGalley, William Morrow, and William Morrow Paperbacks for the advance copy.
Thanks to NetGalley, William Morrow, and William Morrow Paperbacks for the advance copy.
June 27, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperAudio for an audio copy in exchange for an honest review.
2.5 stars
Sex, drugs and fashion. Bohemian fashionista Loulou de la Falaise joined Yves Saint Laurent in his 1970s Paris fashion house as a muse, co-designer and best friend. He was enthralled with her unusual vision of his designs and he gave her the independence she had been looking for. They were great friends partying at the hottest Paris clubs with other famed designers Karl Lagerfeld and Halston to name a few. Messy relationships and secret romances pushed their dragadiddle friendship to its limits all while establishing YSL as the leading fashion brand.
I enjoy historical fiction and was excited to read more about the life of the famed designer and someone so impactful to his fashion house but this was less about the visionaries and more about their drugged up sex fueled escapades through Paris. There were a few interesting touch points like the Battle of Versailles when American and Parisian designers competed for charity. The story is told from Loulou's pov but she proves to be an unreliable narrator. The story ended up dragging and became highly repetitive. I know it was a different era but the drug use and promiscuousness of the characters became so overdone it was tragic more than proactive. Overall this wasn't a favorite novel or one I'd recommend.
I had the audio version read by Ell Potter who did a very nice narration. She was easy to listen to and had good timing and inflections. I would listen to more of her work in the future.
2.5 stars
Sex, drugs and fashion. Bohemian fashionista Loulou de la Falaise joined Yves Saint Laurent in his 1970s Paris fashion house as a muse, co-designer and best friend. He was enthralled with her unusual vision of his designs and he gave her the independence she had been looking for. They were great friends partying at the hottest Paris clubs with other famed designers Karl Lagerfeld and Halston to name a few. Messy relationships and secret romances pushed their dragadiddle friendship to its limits all while establishing YSL as the leading fashion brand.
I enjoy historical fiction and was excited to read more about the life of the famed designer and someone so impactful to his fashion house but this was less about the visionaries and more about their drugged up sex fueled escapades through Paris. There were a few interesting touch points like the Battle of Versailles when American and Parisian designers competed for charity. The story is told from Loulou's pov but she proves to be an unreliable narrator. The story ended up dragging and became highly repetitive. I know it was a different era but the drug use and promiscuousness of the characters became so overdone it was tragic more than proactive. Overall this wasn't a favorite novel or one I'd recommend.
I had the audio version read by Ell Potter who did a very nice narration. She was easy to listen to and had good timing and inflections. I would listen to more of her work in the future.
March 6, 2025
Real-life Loulou de la Falaise as Yves Saint Laurent muse gave both "wow she is lucky to have fallen into this job," feeling but then followed with "okay but she's obviously made for this job," feeling while we follow her story to helping YSL during fashion's transition from runway to ready-to-wear paralleling the changing times in women's clothing & fashion in the 70s.
The behind the scenes happenings in high fashion circles both professionally and extracurricularly felt like watching a fashion-biased "I love the 70s" MTV episode mixed with a little Bravo reality TV. Given Loulou's biological family history, I was pleasantly surprised at the essentially "found family" trope being part of this high fashion and celebrity story. We also get a glimpse of an interesting love triangle/romance that I had no idea about.... My favorite historical fiction are those with a real-life character that I can intermittently stop, fact find and learn something that really happened while enjoying story telling that also includes some flourish and dialogue. The story could have had much more FASHION in it, but ended up being a really fun behind the scenes look at this industry and fashion house rivalries in the 1970s.
The behind the scenes happenings in high fashion circles both professionally and extracurricularly felt like watching a fashion-biased "I love the 70s" MTV episode mixed with a little Bravo reality TV. Given Loulou's biological family history, I was pleasantly surprised at the essentially "found family" trope being part of this high fashion and celebrity story. We also get a glimpse of an interesting love triangle/romance that I had no idea about.... My favorite historical fiction are those with a real-life character that I can intermittently stop, fact find and learn something that really happened while enjoying story telling that also includes some flourish and dialogue. The story could have had much more FASHION in it, but ended up being a really fun behind the scenes look at this industry and fashion house rivalries in the 1970s.
March 31, 2025
British aristocrat Loulou de la Falaise is seeking adventure and finds it in the fashion world of Paris in the 1970s. Her bohemian style instantly captures Saint Laurent's attention and becomes his muse, his assistant, and his confidant. Woven into the story are other players in the fashion scene during that time as well as Loulou's own self discovery.
I have read almost all of Gortner's books and usually enjoy them and the unique glimpse of history that they provide. However this one didn't quite hit the mark for me and I waited to write the review to figure out why. I have two thoughts as to why this one wasn't a favorite (I mean I love fashion and the stories were fun and wild) - the first is that the main character was not the historically significant person but rather than another character in their life (i.e. this was about Yves Saint Laurent but through his muse). For me this didn't work as well because she was not a character I connected with, in addition there was a lot of her story in it and I would have preferred YSL's story more. Looking at Gortner's catalog I think he prefers to write from the women's perspective and maybe that was why the choice was made, but I would have preferred it to be centered on YSL. Second, and keep in mind I LOVE books - but this one was so visual that I really would have preferred a TV series on it so I can look at all the fashion. All that being said, it was fun to read about this time, place and people - I just found it a little slow at times.
3.75 stars
I have read almost all of Gortner's books and usually enjoy them and the unique glimpse of history that they provide. However this one didn't quite hit the mark for me and I waited to write the review to figure out why. I have two thoughts as to why this one wasn't a favorite (I mean I love fashion and the stories were fun and wild) - the first is that the main character was not the historically significant person but rather than another character in their life (i.e. this was about Yves Saint Laurent but through his muse). For me this didn't work as well because she was not a character I connected with, in addition there was a lot of her story in it and I would have preferred YSL's story more. Looking at Gortner's catalog I think he prefers to write from the women's perspective and maybe that was why the choice was made, but I would have preferred it to be centered on YSL. Second, and keep in mind I LOVE books - but this one was so visual that I really would have preferred a TV series on it so I can look at all the fashion. All that being said, it was fun to read about this time, place and people - I just found it a little slow at times.
3.75 stars
March 31, 2025
3.75 stars This book is a novelization of Loulou de la Falaise, who worked for YSL for many years' life in the 1970s when she joined his atelier and became a core part of his inner circle.
I listened to this on audio and it was kind of how I imagine Loulou de la Falaise's life felt during this time, chaotic, a little confusing, decedent and overstuffed. There are more descriptions of drugs, parties and sex than clothing and it focuses a lot on the bed hopping and rivalry between Saint Laurent and Karl Lagarfeld. Battle of Versailles is a plot point and you get lots of cameos like Halston on the beginning of his decline. There are a lot of gay men and some straight couples with "arrangements" and a lot of people pushing the envelope on what their "arrangements" allow.
I often find that this genre has too many characters and minor details like location changes that a novelist wouldn't include if they were starting from scratch. This is true in this instance and gets a bit confusing. Real life for notable people includes a lot of names and faces and it can be a little tough at times to remember how everyone is connected.
That being said, it was fun, I enjoyed it, and if the topic sounds interesting and you aren't looking for subtle literature, go for it!
Thank you to HarperAudio Adult for an advance listening copy for an unbiased review.
I listened to this on audio and it was kind of how I imagine Loulou de la Falaise's life felt during this time, chaotic, a little confusing, decedent and overstuffed. There are more descriptions of drugs, parties and sex than clothing and it focuses a lot on the bed hopping and rivalry between Saint Laurent and Karl Lagarfeld. Battle of Versailles is a plot point and you get lots of cameos like Halston on the beginning of his decline. There are a lot of gay men and some straight couples with "arrangements" and a lot of people pushing the envelope on what their "arrangements" allow.
I often find that this genre has too many characters and minor details like location changes that a novelist wouldn't include if they were starting from scratch. This is true in this instance and gets a bit confusing. Real life for notable people includes a lot of names and faces and it can be a little tough at times to remember how everyone is connected.
That being said, it was fun, I enjoyed it, and if the topic sounds interesting and you aren't looking for subtle literature, go for it!
Thank you to HarperAudio Adult for an advance listening copy for an unbiased review.
March 14, 2025
***I received an ARC from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review
This book details the life of Loulou de la Falaise, who's bohemian flair immediately captured Saint Laurent’s attention, when she arrived in Paris, looking for work. Together, they embarked on a glorious intimate friendship as artist and muse.. The 1970's were a time of excess - from the excessive drinking & drug use, to the hedonistic underworld of gay nightclubs, to the decadent parties that were thrown by members of high society. As Yves plunged into a dangerous, secret affair with Karl Lagerfeld's young companion, Loulou found herself falling in love with a colleague’s handsome boyfriend, This was not only a story about some of the greatest designers of that time period, but also a story of friendship. I personally am uninterested in fashion, so the topic of this book wasn't one that interested me. That being said, I am a huge fan of this author, and so I was interested in reading it regardless. I felt that he did an excellent job bringing these individuals to life. If you enjoy historical fiction, then you should definitely check this out.
This book details the life of Loulou de la Falaise, who's bohemian flair immediately captured Saint Laurent’s attention, when she arrived in Paris, looking for work. Together, they embarked on a glorious intimate friendship as artist and muse.. The 1970's were a time of excess - from the excessive drinking & drug use, to the hedonistic underworld of gay nightclubs, to the decadent parties that were thrown by members of high society. As Yves plunged into a dangerous, secret affair with Karl Lagerfeld's young companion, Loulou found herself falling in love with a colleague’s handsome boyfriend, This was not only a story about some of the greatest designers of that time period, but also a story of friendship. I personally am uninterested in fashion, so the topic of this book wasn't one that interested me. That being said, I am a huge fan of this author, and so I was interested in reading it regardless. I felt that he did an excellent job bringing these individuals to life. If you enjoy historical fiction, then you should definitely check this out.
March 16, 2025
The Saint Laurent Muse grabbed me from the first page and reeled me in. You can smell the cigarettes, perfume and sweat in the clubs, feel the intensity of preparing fashion shows, and sense the slide of silk over models bodies as they prepare for the runway. The vibe is similar to that of 80's rock and roll bands: sex, drug and music (even if not rock and roll).
Loulou is the daughter of a seemingly indifferent mother. It's a time of hippies and the cutthroat battles between famous couture houses. Loulou becomes Saint Laurent's muse, and more....his best friend. The life could be brutal, long hours, extreme competition, full of politics, sex, drugs and more. The relationship between Loulou and Saint Laurent is deep and resilient, a beautiful thing.
The book is a compelling deep dive into a world I'd never known about before. It's a beautifully researched, well written, totally engrossing book.
Loulou is the daughter of a seemingly indifferent mother. It's a time of hippies and the cutthroat battles between famous couture houses. Loulou becomes Saint Laurent's muse, and more....his best friend. The life could be brutal, long hours, extreme competition, full of politics, sex, drugs and more. The relationship between Loulou and Saint Laurent is deep and resilient, a beautiful thing.
The book is a compelling deep dive into a world I'd never known about before. It's a beautifully researched, well written, totally engrossing book.
done-with
April 7, 2025I am not a fashionista, but have found myself oddly drawn to a number of books that offer behind-the-scenes peeks at the fashion world and the lives of designers lately, and have really enjoyed them. I have particularly enjoyed several set in the 1970s, amid the rise of American fashion in relation to French design, and was intrigued by this title as a result.
While I enjoyed the way it began, it rather quickly became apparent that this book was at least as much - if not more - about the decadence of the era than the actual designing/designers/muses, and that's where it lost me. LouLou felt like a spoiled child, and the descriptions of drugs and parties wore me out. I'm sure many people will find that focus highly interesting - unfortunately it wasn't a good fit for me.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my obligation-free review copy.
While I enjoyed the way it began, it rather quickly became apparent that this book was at least as much - if not more - about the decadence of the era than the actual designing/designers/muses, and that's where it lost me. LouLou felt like a spoiled child, and the descriptions of drugs and parties wore me out. I'm sure many people will find that focus highly interesting - unfortunately it wasn't a good fit for me.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my obligation-free review copy.
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