It was the Graham Nash song Marrakech Express that took me to Marrakech, but it was Yves St Laurent which made the more lasting impact. Just before going out there, I read an article in a Newspaper on the opening of the new museum dedicated to the famous designer, and having then visited La Jardin Majorelle, I became determined to find out a bit more about him and the impact that Marrakech had upon him. I should say that my interest in fashion extends as far as “The Devil wears Prada” and not much further.

I picked up Alice Rawsthorne’s biography, written in 1996, so long before his death in June 2008; It is a good solid read, particularly good on the early years when St Laurent established himself as one of the most brilliant and celebrated designer. Equally interesting is the business side in that early period. I felt that in the latter part of the book, Yves St Laurent the designer is subsumed by Yves St Laurent the brand. Perhaps that reflects the reality of the situation.

St Laurent was inspired by the colours of Marrakech. He said that he discovered colour in Marrakech. It is easy to see why he was so inspired. It is therefore a little disappointing that the photographs in the book are in black and white rather than in colour. It is hard to visualise the extraordinary use of colour St Laurent employed from black and white pictures.  St Laurent would return to Marrakech every year to design. He drew his inspiration from the colours and the Berber people. Walking around the Jardin Majorelle, it is again so easy to see where he found the peace and calm to work.