FRANCE 98 – Press releaseTemplate

“Once again, Yves Saint Laurent has popped up where it was least expected!” said Pierre Bergé, President of the Yves Saint Laurent house of fashion, when an agreement was struck in June 1997 between the latter and the French Organising Committee.

The first exciting step in this symbolic and daringly new partnership is the design and creation of the Official World Cup outfits, all of which are to bear the famous Yves Saint Laurent signature.

Eleven different men’s and women’s designer outfits for the city and for the stadium have been created for the occasion. From 10 June to 12 July 1998, at the World Cup venues and around town, 3,500 men and women (FIFA officials, French Organising Committee staff, FRANCE 98 hosts and hostesses as well as off-the-field designer clothes for the referees) will be symbolically wearing the colours of France in sublime Yves Saint Laurent style.

No less than 4,200 different outfits are to be specially made for those taking part in the event, making a total of 19,000 articles of clothing and 10,000 accessories. Other impressive statistics concerning the project include 250 hours of fittings, 30,000 metres of cloth for all the oufits, and taking the measurements of 3,500 people.

The second high spot in the Yves Saint Laurent FRANCE 98 partnership will come on 12 July 1998 at the Stade de France. Before the World Cup Final kicks off, Yves Saint Laurent will present a fashion show in homage to women all over the world. In a breathtaking parade, 300 of the fashion giant’s most famous designs, created over the last forty years, will grace the proceedings.

The World Cup, in fact, coincides with the 40th anniversary of Yves Saint Laurent’s very first collection for Dior in 1958.