Paris is in awe after a weekend of unprecedented queues and bustle at the Grand Palais, as Christie’s prepared to host the auction of Yves Saint Laurent’s private collections of art.

Eager viewers had formed a line around the building by 7.30am on Sunday morning to guarantee themselves time to peruse the 733 exquisite pieces on display before they are sold to the very highest bidders. The exhibit is fashioned as replica rooms of Saint Laurent’s Parisian apartment, with the artwork freely displayed rather then enclosed behind cabinet doors. The VP of Christie’s America, Jonathan Rendell, described the set-up as “really glamourous…real luxury. The way they lived was extraordinary”.

The “they” to whom he refers is Laurent and his lifelong partner, Pierre Bergé, who will understandably be holding on to select pieces of the couple’s extensive collection, including Warhol portraits of Saint Laurent. Betty Catroux, the infamous YSL muse, has said she will accompany Bergé through “every minute” of the sale, describing the fashionistas as “a close family”.

The sale began in earnest on Monday morning, and runs until Wednesday. For up-to-the-minute news on the individual lots, see the Christie’s website, www.christies.com

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