New Antonio Lopez Exhibition by Saint Laurent Offers Intimate Glimpse Into the Fashion World of the ’70s and ’80s – V Magazine

Born in Puerto Rico in 1943, Antonio Lopez was best known for his legendary fashion illustrations that graced the pages of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, and The New York Times, just to name a few. Together with his creative partner Juan Ramos, Lopez worked closely with some of the most influential designers of his time, including Yves Saint Laurent, Karl Lagerfeld, and Charles James. Often credited with discovering or boosting the careers of cultural icons like Jerry Hall, Grace Jones, Jessica Lange, and Pat Cleveland, Lopez’s talents nestled him at the heart of the fashion world’s often-mythologized social scene.

Starting December 4th, Saint Laurent is hosting an exhibition — located in Saint Laurent Rive Droite in Los Angeles and Saint Laurent Babylone in Paris — that offers a glimpse into Lopez’s artful documentation of his vibrant social and professional worlds, with photographs curated by Anthony Vaccarello in collaboration with the Antonio Archives.

During his time in Paris in the 1970s, Lopez began experimenting with photography, using a Kodak Instamatic and later a Polaroid SX-70. What began as reportage evolved into a medium for visual storytelling, as Lopez captured his muses, friends, and collaborators, distilling the spirit of an era steeped in art and culture. He often worked with recurring motifs — ribbons, red coats, and shower stalls — and arranged his images into grids reminiscent of film storyboards, creating striking narratives through his images.

The Antonio Lopez “UNPUBLISHED DIARY” exhibition is on display at the Saint Laurent Rive Droite store in Los Angeles from December 4th to February 3rd, as well as Saint Laurent Babylone in Paris from December 4th to February 2nd.