Yves Saint Laurent

This pantsuit features real metal piping and golden guipure—or embroidered lace—trim. The highwaisted trousers and strong shoulders suggest the “power suit” silhouette of the 1980s, but the ensemble’s inspiration comes from the traditional costume of the bullfighter, the traje de luces ( “suit of lights”). Just as the bullfighter in his golden costume seeks to attract the bull, a woman wearing this striking pantsuit would similarly draw all eyes to her. In both instances, gold imbues the wearer with a sense of power.