–SPECIAL– “SAINT LAURENT” 2013-2016 Cross star silk ribbon choker

Building on the couture legacy established by Monsieur Yves Saint Laurent, and continuously refining the balance of rock and elegance through the eras, Saint Laurent presents a special piece that condenses the maison’s history and innovation into a single point.

This piece combines a silk ribbon tie with a cross motif that embodies both religious solemnity and rock spirit, making it highly symbolic. Regarding its age, the sans-serif Saint Laurent logo used on the motif and box, without Yves, belongs to the visual language established after the 2012 rebranding. When considering the combination of stars and crosses, the use of Italian silk ribbons, and the overall design, it’s most natural to place it within the flow from 2013 to around 2016, when Hedi Slimane was at the helm. The logo change and the specifications of the accessories support this dating, making it a very convincing archive piece.

The core of this item is the shape of the cross in the center. It’s not just a simple cross but features branches extending in four directions, alternately finished with black and white enamel, with the words Saint and Laurent split and arranged on top. This overlays the religious motif with typography as a design element. As a result, it’s not just a flat charm; the text, color fields, and shapes are all visible simultaneously, making it highly captivating.

What’s also striking are the nine stars placed at the center and tips of the cross. Stars are a highly significant motif in Saint Laurent’s language during the Edie era, but in this piece, they are not treated as mere cute details. Instead, they sharpen the outline of the cross and serve to enhance its iconographic strength. The stars at the tips catch the light as points, making the cross silhouette appear sharper, and creating a brilliance akin to jewelry combined with the excitement of stage costumes—this is truly excellent.

The contrast of black and white is another major element that supports the beauty of this piece. The gold-tone frame with a monochrome interior creates a look that is glamorous yet not overly sweet, even evoking a sense of austerity. By alternating these two colors instead of distributing them evenly, it achieves both serenity and provocation simultaneously. Saint Laurent’s signature refined yet decadent beauty is firmly encapsulated within this small surface.

What elevates this accessory to a special status is the deliberate pairing of a hard motif with a soft silk ribbon. If it had been made with a chain or stiff leather cord, it would have leaned more toward straightforward rock jewelry. However, by using a slender, flexible black ribbon, a couture-like nuance is created around the neck. The impression changes depending on whether you show the ribbon at the front, let it flow to the back, follow the curve of the neck, or let it hang slightly, making it more than just a necklace—it's a styling element that can be incorporated into how you wear it.

Additionally, the element of the ribbon subtly connects to the culture of bows and ties loved by Monsieur Yves Saint Laurent, blending naturally into the sharp rock sensibility characteristic of Hedi Slimane, while paying homage to the maison’s history. The cross as a religious symbol, the star as a pop and rebellious icon, and the ribbon as an elegant motif coexist seamlessly within a single accessory, giving this piece a meaning beyond mere decoration. It embodies the power to unify past and present, couture and stage, solemnity and pleasure—this is the essence of this piece.

The unified Saint Laurent logo on the included black box is also noteworthy. The visual language of the Edie era is thoroughly reflected not only in the product itself but also in the surrounding packaging, making this item more than just an accessory—it's an archive piece that preserves the atmosphere of that time. Recently, Saint Laurent during the Edie era has been globally re-evaluated, and accessories with such condensed brand codes are rare, making them highly collectible and very appealing.

The reason for positioning this piece as part of MOOD's special collection lies precisely in its condensed form. Instead of speaking through large areas of fabric, it encapsulates the brand’s philosophy, contemporary relevance, and sculptural beauty in a limited spot at the neck, which has a greater impact on the overall look than expected. Moreover, it’s not just flashy but also reflects the wearer’s sensibility and understanding of context, making it a deeply resonant piece for those who find mere luxury insufficient.

For everyday wear, there's no need to reserve it only for special events. Instead, accentuating a single element in a minimal outfit will make this item's perfection stand out even more. Its design draws attention to the neck, so even without overloading the clothing itself, the atmosphere changes sufficiently. It can be treated as a middle ground between jewelry and a tie, allowing for a gender-neutral, elegant beauty that is neither too feminine nor too masculine. Rather than adding decorations, it’s very stylish to incorporate it as a symbol that becomes the focal point of the outfit.

In terms of styling, pairing it with a neat jacket or a sharp shirt will best highlight the duality of couture and rock that this piece embodies, creating the most beautiful contrast. When combined with a simple dress or smooth top, it adds a sophisticated balance where a strong story is told only at the neckline. Furthermore, by pairing it with slim pants, long boots, or minimal outerwear, you can evoke the atmosphere of Saint Laurent during the Edie era while maintaining a modern, quietly tense look.

Take this opportunity.