Ibought my first pair of Saint Laurent (YSL) heels when I was 25.

They were all black patent leather in the iconic Tribute style, with crisscross straps and a sky-high platform that made absolutely no sense and every kind of sense at the same time.

I can't remember exactly why, but I had some reason to celebrate (or so I told myself), and I couldn't resist the rush of slipping those shoes on in the YSL store at Copley in Boston.

They were bold. A little aggressive. And completely, unapologetically French.

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That moment wasn't just about fashion - it was about owning something that felt like power. Putting them on was like flipping a switch: confidence, elegance, a little bit of edge.

Luxury brands like YSL know e

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