That Saint Laurent loves limited editions dedicated to a luxurious lifestyle is certainly not new, as it’s not new the occasionally rock and underground vein of the maison. Now, therefore, the French brand takes a new step in the world of music by collaborating with Fender for a collection that includes a Stratocaster guitar in a limited edition of 10 pieces worldwide, a Fender Deluxe Reverb x Saint Laurent amplifier from ’65 and even a set of collectible celluloid guitar picks.
Founded in 1946, Fender Musical Instruments Corporation is one of the world’s most famous manufacturers of guitars, electric basses, electric pianos and amplifiers. Precisely in the years in which the YSL maison was born in Paris (1961), Fender was experiencing its “golden age” by expanding on the market with its iconic instruments.
This co-branded collection with Saint Laurent is part of an initiative by Fender to increase its presence in other commercial fields, and that of fashion always represents in a certain sense a guarantee. It is no coincidence that the electric guitar giant also collaborated with Wrangler in March on a range of denim-covered cases, straps and picks.
Now it’s up to Anthony Vaccarello, creative director of SL, to present a collection that perfectly combines the experience and manufacturing skill of Fender and the stylistic soul of Saint Laurent.
“Saint Laurent is one of the most celebrated luxury brands in the world and an influential powerhouse in fashion culture,” said Justin Norvell, Executive Vice President FMIC Product. “We are honored to partner with them to infuse iconic elements from both of our legacy roots in this beautiful ‘Limited Edition Saint Laurent’ collection.”
The main piece of the series is a gloss-black urethane Stratocaster guitar featuring a combination of an alder body and a maple ’60s Oval “C”-shaped neck with a flat-laminated ebony fingerboard and sterling silver dot inlays.
Even the amp, one of Fender’s timeless classics, is a tribute to mid-60s design with details that include black grille cloth, upgraded covers, and YSL logo embellishments. Finally, the collection is complete with custom Picks for any playing style or technique, featuring Fender’s classic 351 shape. Obviously, they too come with co-branded collector’s packaging.
The guitars are available exclusively in SLRD boutiques in Paris and Los Angeles.
Surprisingly, despite their sky-high $12,500 price tag, nine of the 10 models built have already been sold, with only one available for purchase from Yves Saint Laurent, although Fender has reassured that additional models can be built upon request, by adding custom build fees to the retail price.
