Which designer created Yves Saint Laurent’s iconic Le Smoking tuxedo for women in 1966?

Yves Saint Laurent created the iconic Le Smoking tuxedo for women in 1966.

Le Smoking adapted the traditionally masculine dinner jacket into a sharply tailored women’s evening look. Saint Laurent presented it as part of his haute couture work, using clean lines, a narrow silhouette, and satin details associated with classic menswear. The design challenged expectations about what women should wear for formal occasions.

The tuxedo became one of the defining images of Saint Laurent’s career. It was photographed on models and celebrities and later appeared in many variations, including velvet, brocade, and different trouser cuts. Its influence extended beyond the runway into evening dress and professional wardrobes.

Le Smoking is sometimes mistaken for a generic women’s pantsuit. The name refers specifically to Saint Laurent’s tuxedo design, introduced in 1966, rather than to every tailored suit worn by women.