‘She was the real thing’, these are the words often used to describe Loulou de la Falaise (1947-2011), fashion icon and muse to Yves Saint Laurent as well as a designer of fashion, accessories and jewellery in her own right.

Loulou de la Falaise: Photograph JEAN-PIERRE MASCLET

Born to an Anglo-Irish fashion model and a French marquis, Loulou modeled briefly for American Vogue before moving to Paris in 1972 to work alongside Yves Saint Laurent with whom she formed a life long bond.  Her style served as the inspiration for YSL’s Le Smoking suit and YSL’s classic sheer blouse, a style de la Falaise often wore herself.

Loulou de la Falaise on holiday at sea. Courtesy of the de la Falaise family

As a free spirit, Loulou enjoyed living with a gay abandon that was exemplified in her bohemian chic style.  How natural and gorgeous is this?

Not confined by convention and possessed with daring, she displayed an element of casualness and mischief that was right for the times.

Loulou de la Falaise Photographed by Bert Stern (1970)

Loulou de la Falaise 1976 Picture credit: Guy Marineau

‘Hippie deluxe glamour’ was her hallmark. Her unique style came from within, guided by her keen eye that sort vivid colours, exotic influences and ethnic jewels.

1977- In Paris, photographed by Richard Avedon

Her avant-garde look, is 100% up to date 38 years later!  We could be forgiven for thinking this is a photo from Harpers Bazaar 2015.  There’s so much to love about this woman.

Loulou de la Falaise Photographed by Ali Mahdavi

There was an energy and an intelligence in the style that she brought to her jewellery designs and accessories for Saint Laurent.

Loulou de la Falaise | Source: Luxe Magazine

After three decades she launched her own fashion business designing clothing, jewellery and accessories that retailed in the US and Paris.

Loulou de la Falaise 2004: With Yves Saint Laurent during Paris couture week Image Source: Getty

At home in Paris, 2004 Alexandre Bailhache

Loulou’s social life was a high flying whirl but she was happiest in the company of her close friend Yves Saint Laurant, husband Thadée Klossowski de Rola and their daughter, Anna.

Loulou de la Falaise 2009: With her husband, Thadee Klossowski, in Paris Image Source: Getty

In her later life, Loulou became a passionate gardener and her innate style and exuberance was further expressed in the eclectic and exotic bohemian décor of her homes.

Loulou de la Falaise wearing a red coat: Picture credit: Jean-Francois Jaussaud

Loulou de la Falaise 2008: In her Paris home Photographed by Roberto Frankenberg Source: The Guardian

Loulou de la Falaise – Photograh Jean Charles de Ravenel

Loulou de la Falaise 2010: With Betty Catroux at the Toronto premiere of L’Amour Fou Image Source: Getty

Pictured above in 2010 with Betty Catroux she embodies cool class.

Gorgeous and bubbly with an ever present twinkle in her eye, Loulou’s gaiety of spirit shone through in her being and all that she touched. Fashion is all better for it.

“You took one look at Loulou and gasped.”  Grace Coddington.  You would have to agree.