The curve of a woman's hip in one swift pencil stroke. The confidence of her step in well cut pants. “Yves Saint Laurent,” running May 29 to September 28 at the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Montréal, spans the 40-year history of the celebrated designer and his label, starting with its 1962 founding by Laurent and his business manager, Pierre Bergé. Items from Laurent's first collection count among the exhibit's 145 accessorized ensembles, all culled from the Fondation Pierre Bergé Yves Saint Laurent archives. Four themes divide the show: At the Pencil Point, the Yves Saint Laurent Revolution, the Palette, and Lyrical Sources. In the first grouping, sketches showcase his gift for drawing. The others address his empowerment of women via the pantsuit, peacoat, and blazer; his use of contrasting colors, such as green and orange; and his artistic inspirations, from Piet Mondrian to Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque.

Though the show doesn't officially open until next month, InteriorDesign.net gives you an early admission pass. Just click to start the slide show at right for our pictorial preview.