Venture Growth and Socio Economic Factors

Document Type:Essay

Subject Area:Business

Document 1

Introduction The main character in question for this paper is Yves Saint Laurent. He is considered to be one of the most iconic fashion enigmas that have ever lived. Starting the Yves Saint Laurent brand at an early age was not an easy decision (Rawsthorn, 1996). Still, the same unknown brand is one of the recognized fashion brands in the world. Both the business and personal choices made by Laurent paid off ever since his first endeavor. Nevertheless, the true and authentic charitable individuals create or invest in socio-enterprises. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to show that Yves was a sound-minded individual who also cared for the welfare of other people, especially the underprivileged. These traits enabled him to use his success to invest in as well as create numerous programs which helped and still helps the needy (Rawsthorn, 1996).

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Dilemma in the Case Study The dilemma in this case study is that it deals with a rich designer who fashioned clothes for the rich. When trying to look for socio-entrepreneurs, such characters are not the most appealing ones. It is not clear whether this genius purposed to help others just because he could, or whether he wanted to help, and even whether he knew that such situations could lead to more income for his company. Purpose of the Case Study The purpose of this case study is to ensure that authentic facilities which offer charity to the needy without the requirement for gratitude or even tangible benefits need to be promoted. Celebrities and rich politicians tend to use such venues as their very own publicity stunt.

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They donate several items or even they can donate some money. However, such individuals are only seeking social valediction. This brand was created by a fashion designer with the same name. Laurent managed to establish a respected fashion line at a tender age of 21 (Rawsthorn, 1996). Having initially worked as an assistant to Christian Dior, Laurent was already talented and gifted for him to get such a role. Eventually, the demise of his mentor enabled Yves to rise to the ranks of the greatest fashion designers in history. Yves Saint Laurent ended up designing apparels for both men and women. He is mainly known for his generous efforts in donating funds to numerous charitable organizations. However, Laurent’s charitable actions are unclear on whether he did that to benefit the people in need or whether he did that to somehow benefit his brand.

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The findings from this research offer insights on the issue. Theory Used The theory applied in this case study is the economic theory. This theory talks about the economic returns of various business or entrepreneurial ventures. Thus, Laurent’s positions as an assistant for the renowned Christian Dior was no surprise. Yves worked for Dior from the time he was 17 years old (Rawsthorn, 1996). Ultimately, when Dior passed away four years later, Yves was selected as the leader of the group. However, despite the great honor and recognition for this appointment, the creative nature of Yves Saint Laurent could not let him rest. Laurent could not operate a company whose founder overshadowed him. The clothes grew in popularity to the point where every woman could dress in the fashion they wanted.

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However, when reviewing this case, Yves did not create such attires for charitable or economic gain (Rawsthorn, 1996). He yearned the fame and recognition. Thus, when he eventually produced such a controversial clothing line, his fame grew. Most of the houses that Yves Saint Laurent owned are still kept in the perfect conditions. However, an underlying problem is that the charitable actions carried out by Laurent are not for the underprivileged. The museums of his designs only cater for the tastes of the rich without any returns going to the poor. Thus, the role of Yves Saint Laurent as a social entrepreneur is put into question when such actions are brought to light (El Brasha, 2013). Conclusion and Prompting Questions The description of a social entrepreneur is a person who is ready to offer some of their money so that he or she can invest in a charitable business.

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The aim of such a program is not just to offer money to organizations dealing with charity but to be a part of a company which will not just rely on donations to help the needy. This love for history made him preserve most of his earliest works and designs. Additionally, Yves has donated a lot of money to museums and other similar institutions. However, the question of whether Yves Saint Laurent himself used his charitable actions to promote his business or if he was just philanthropic is hard to answer. Considering that he had a same-sex partner during a time when such relationships were frowned upon, it is clear that Yves wanted to somehow remind people of their humanity by using the historical artifacts.

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Questions The main question in this paper is that how Yves Saint Laurent can can be deemed as a social entrepreneur yet most of his works focused on the tastes of the rich? Also, did Yves Saint Laurent do his charitable work for himself or for the benefit of the community and society? Finally, the distinction between socio-enterprise and socio-entrepreneurs when considering this case study is not clear. References Defourny, J. , & Nyssens, M.  Conceptions of Social Enterprise and Social Entrepreneurship in Europe and the United States: Convergences and Divergences.  Journal of Social Entrepreneurship, 1:1, 32-53. El Ebrashi, R. Luke, B. , & Chu, V. Social enterprise versus social entrepreneurship: An examination of the ‘why’ and ‘how’ in pursuing social change.  International Small Business Journal, 31(7), 764-784.

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