May 19, 2011 12:00AM

YSL Cigarettes

These would have been cool 40 years ago.

Stuck on how to accessorise that new YSL dress you spent your life savings on? Why not team it with yellow teeth and eau de stale ciggy smoke? Following in the footsteps of Givenchy, Versace, Pierre Cardin and Christian Lacroix, the luxury fashion house that has just released a thought-provoking documentary is now provoking controversy by licensing its name for cigarettes.*

While we're not convinced that cancer is the new black, it's a little surprising that the label behind the Le Smoking Jacket took so long to come up with the idea. It is a little awkward though that they're even being produced, considering YSL's recent venture into eco-conscious fashion with the release of the Muse Two Artisanal recycled bag. The bag retails for $1720, which is approximately $1670 more than a carton of their cigarettes, but it's clear which purchase would weigh heavier on the conscience.

Fashion's love affair with cigarettes is nothing new, and it's difficult not to be enticed by the sleek packaging or the accompanying image of a trail of smoke wafting seductively from the model's lips. However, you'll have to look further than your local 7-11 to get your fingers around these cancer sticks - they are only marketed towards women in Asia and Russia. For once we're not feeling so bitter about our geographical position. (stylecaster)

* Ed's note: Apologies - this is not a recent development, but interesting nonetheless.

Words: Hannah Ongley

www.YSL.com

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