Medium Kate Saint Laurent
21st Century and Contemporary British Shoulder Bags
2010s Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
2010s Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
People Also Browsed
2010s Structured Shoulder Bags
1970s French Shoulder Bags
1970s French Shoulder Bags
2010s Italian Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary European Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
1920s French Suitcases and Trunks
21st Century and Contemporary French Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
2010s Italian Novelty Bags
1990s Structured Shoulder Bags
1990s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
1990s French Jackets
2010s Shoulder Bags
2010s Italian Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
1990s French Tote Bags
21st Century and Contemporary Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
2010s Italian Evening Bags and Minaudières
Recent Sales
2010s Italian Shoulder Bags
2010s Italian Shoulder Bags
2010s Italian Shoulder Bags
2010s Italian Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary French Shoulder Bags
2010s Italian Shoulder Bags
2010s Italian Shoulder Bags
2010s Italian Shoulder Bags
2010s Italian Shoulder Bags
2010s Italian Shoulder Bags
2010s Italian Shoulder Bags
2010s Italian Shoulder Bags
2010s Italian Shoulder Bags
2010s Italian Shoulder Bags
2010s Italian Shoulder Bags
2010s Italian Shoulder Bags
2010s Italian Shoulder Bags
2010s Italian Shoulder Bags
2010s Italian Shoulder Bags
2010s Italian Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
2010s Italian Shoulder Bags
2010s Italian Shoulder Bags
2010s Italian Shoulder Bags
2010s Italian Shoulder Bags
2010s Italian Shoulder Bags
2010s Italian Shoulder Bags
2010s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
2010s Italian Shoulder Bags
2010s Italian Shoulder Bags
2010s Italian Shoulder Bags
2010s Italian Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
2010s Italian Shoulder Bags
2010s Italian Shoulder Bags
2010s Italian Shoulder Bags
2010s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
2010s Italian Shoulder Bags
2010s Italian Shoulder Bags
2010s Italian Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary French Structured Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary French Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
2010s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
2010s Italian Shoulder Bags
Late 20th Century French Trunks and Luggage
Leather, Suede
21st Century and Contemporary Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Dresses
21st Century and Contemporary Structured Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags
21st Century and Contemporary Shoulder Bags
21st Century and Contemporary Twin Sets
Saint Laurent for sale on 1stDibs
French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent pioneered “cross-design” in fashion, taking inspiration from street trends to modernize haute couture.
Saint Laurent was the first to launch a ready-to-wear label, YSL Rive Gauche Prêt-à-Porter. He was the first couturier to open boutiques for both men and women. Using traditional menswear fabrics and designs for women, Saint Laurent also literally cross-dressed, giving men and women alike chic pant suits, elegant tuxedo jackets and urban safari gear. By blurring gender-specific design, he empowered individual style while creating a scissor-sharp fashion aesthetic of sensual ease and beauty. Many of his designs are today considered timeless classics. Saint Laurent also consistently used Black models, like Mounia, Iman and Naomi Campbell, and he drew endless inspiration from different ethnicities and cultures, in no small part because of his Algerian roots.
Born to French parents in Oran, Algeria, in 1936, Saint Laurent went to Paris at age 17 to study fashion at the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture. Just two years later, in 1955, his remarkable sketches were shown to Christian Dior, then the world’s reigning couturier, who hired him immediately.
Surprisingly soon thereafter, Dior publicly chose Saint Laurent as his successor, which sadly proved prescient when the fashion legend died unexpectedly, in 1957. A mere slip of a youth, the 21-year-old Saint Laurent was nevertheless up to the challenge. He shook the traditional couture clientele to its core with youthful silhouettes and styles like the A-line trapeze dress that hung with seeming effortlessness from the shoulders, the antithesis of the pinched waists and molded skirts that had been all the rage after the deprivations of World War II.
After a mandated spell in the torturous French military, Saint Laurent suffered a nervous breakdown and was dismissed by Dior in 1962. Out of the ashes rose the Age of Yves. With Pierre Bergé, his then-lover who became his lifelong business partner and friend, the designer founded Yves Saint Laurent YSL to encompass prêt-à-porter, or ready-to-wear. In 1966, they opened the first YSL Rive Gauche women’s boutique in Paris, followed soon thereafter by YSL Rive Gauche for men. Saint Laurent had given birth to a global brand.
His revolutionary Mondrian mini dress from 1965 is a core element of his fashion biography. It is a prime example of how Saint Laurent, an avid art lover and collector, looked to painters, from Goya to Picasso, Ingres to Matisse, for inspiration.
With its pure lines and hues, Mondrian’s ground-breaking 1935 color-block painting Composition C transmutes beautifully into a dress that is highly valued by collectors of contemporary fashion and widely copied commercially to this day. The design is the epitome of Saint Laurent’s aesthetic, requiring a meticulous hand piecing of each color block so that, despite the body’s curves, the visual plane is as flat as a canvas when the garment is worn. Mondrian’s purity met its match in Saint Laurent.
“I am no longer concerned with sensation and innovation, but with the perfection of my style,” Saint Laurent said four years before retiring, in 2002. After a long period of ill health, he died at his home in Paris on June 1, 2008. Under creative director Hedi Slimane, the house’s ready-to-wear collection was rebranded as Saint Laurent in 2012.
Browse an extraordinary collection of vintage Saint Laurent evening dresses, shirts, handbags and other clothing and accessories today on 1stDibs.
Finding the Right shoulder-bags for You
Ever since we’ve needed an accessory to carry our personal items when we’re on the go, shoulder bags have proven indispensable. Today, vintage and designer shoulder bags are such a treasured part of fashion history that they even get their own museum exhibitions.
Prior to bags becoming an essential piece of any ensemble for any gender, women wore pockets strung on ribbons as garments that were separate from their gowns, accessible by openings in the fabric. Small handbags and handheld purses were developed before the accessory gained importance as functional and fashionable. Most had more in common with wallets than anything else.
While the bags of the 16th century warranted ornament, such as exteriors embroidered with silver-gilt thread and beads, it wasn’t until the late 18th century and early 19th century that the design and craft of bags had really broadened. Handheld purses were finished with details that were meant to garner attention, and bags were fitted with shoulder straps. A stylish shoulder bag meant that women could tote jewelry, cash and perhaps a decorative snuff box full of tobacco to an evening ball across town.
The early 1900s saw the introduction of gold and silver minaudières. The patenting of these compact bejeweled clutches has been attributed to revered French jewelry house Van Cleef & Arpels, and today they remain a fashion favorite. One of Judith Leiber’s innovative minaudières even earned a role in the movie Sex and the City.
A luxury shoulder bag is a work of art with a long, fascinating origin story, and entire brands and fashion lines have emerged around creating the perfect versions of shoulder bags and top-handle bags. For example, the iconic Hermès Kelly bag, which was popularized by actress Grace Kelly, is a widely coveted, collected and often faked entry from the handbag hall of fame. And while vintage Gucci tote bags have their own dedicated fan base, collectors and lovers of luxury are likely familiar with the Dionysus, a pared-down Gucci shoulder bag that manages to make a substantial statement anyway.
Embrace a classic look with a vintage shoulder bag designed by Chanel, Givenchy or Fendi — find yours on 1stDibs today.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 18, 2024The creative director of Saint Laurent is Anthony Vaccarello. He joined in 2016 following the departure of Hedi Slimane. Prior to his appointment at Saint Laurent, Vaccarello was the creative director at Versus Versace. Find vintage Saint Laurent bags, clothing and accessories on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 18, 2024Yves Saint Laurent was a fashion designer for nearly five decades. He started to work for Christian Dior during the 1950s, when Saint Laurent was still in his teens. He established his eponymous couture house with Pierre Bergé in 1962 and didn’t retire from designing until 2002. Find vintage Yves Saint Laurent bags, clothing and accessories from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- Who designs for Yves Saint Laurent?2 Answers1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Designer Anthony Vaccarello is Yves Saint Laurent’s creative director and was appointed to the position in April 2016. You can find vintage and contemporary Yves Saint Laurent bags, clothing and accessories from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yves Saint Laurent was the original designer for the eponymous label. Today the brand is led by creative director Anthony Vaccarello, who stepped into the position in April of 2016. In between creative directors included Alber Elbaz, Tom Ford, Stefano Pilati and Hedi Slimane. Shop a collection of vintage and new Saint Laurent bags, clothing and accessories from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 18, 2024Yves Saint Laurent was founded in 1962.
The revered and groundbreaking French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent established his eponymous luxury house with his partner, Pierre Bergé. In the years prior, beginning in his teens, Saint Laurent had been working for Christian Dior. In 1966, four years after establishing the label, he and Bergé opened the first YSL Rive Gauche women’s boutique in Paris, followed soon thereafter by YSL Rive Gauche for men. Saint Laurent had given birth to a global brand and didn’t retire from designing until 2002.
Find vintage Yves Saint Laurent bags, clothing and accessories from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs. - Does Saint Laurent go on sale?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, you can find Saint Laurent pieces on sale from their home websites or authorized third-party websites. However, their sales are often not advertised or are invite-only — but some retailers who carry Saint Laurent have items on sale occasionally. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Saint Laurent pieces from top sellers worldwide.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, Yves Saint Laurent has quite a few outlets across the globe, including in Paris and in the US. Depending on your location, you can find an outlet store — or Shop authentic Yves Saint Laurent pieces on 1stDibs from trusted sellers worldwide.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022One of Yves Saint Laurent's most famous and iconic styles is the "Le Smoking,” originally launched as a black suit for women at a time when women didn’t wear pants in public — and were sometimes kicked out of luxury establishments for wearing them. Many incarnations of “Le Smoking” have hit the shelves in the decades since its debut. Shop a large collection of new and vintage Yves Saint Laurent pieces from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 18, 2024No, Saint Laurent is not owned by Luxottica. Saint Laurent’s parent company is Kering, while Luxottica, a luxury eyewear company, is held by EssilorLuxottica SA. Saint Laurent sunglasses and other eyeglasses are made by Kering Eyewear. Find vintage Yves Saint Laurent sunglasses on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Saint Laurent Derbies tend to run true to size. Consult the brand’s website for sizing guides to ensure a proper fit. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of vintage and contemporary Yves Saint Laurent shoes from some of the world’s top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To tell if a Saint Laurent Nano bag is real, first check the leather. Oftentimes, fakes will have wrinkly or grainy leather — an authentic Nano bag should be smooth and high-quality. Similar to other fake Saint Laurent products, the fonts will likely be sloppy, off-center, or the wrong thickness so be sure to compare with reference pictures of genuine articles. Sloppy craftsmanship on the stitching is also a very common issue among fakes. Shop a collection of expertly-vetted Saint Laurent bags from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- How do I wear Saint Laurent?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The best way to wear Saint Laurent fashions is a matter of preference. Whether you’re interested in clothes, shoes or other accessories like Saint Laurent’s iconic bags, you’ll find a wide collection of contemporary and vintage editions available on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 18, 2024Yes, Yves Saint Laurent was an entrepreneur. The revered and groundbreaking French fashion designer founded his eponymous luxury house with his partner, Pierre Bergé, in 1962. In the years prior, beginning in his teens, Saint Laurent had been working for Christian Dior. In 1966, four years after establishing the label, he and Bergé opened the first YSL Rive Gauche women’s boutique in Paris, followed soon thereafter by YSL Rive Gauche for men. Saint Laurent had given birth to a global brand and didn’t retire from designing until 2002. Find vintage Yves Saint Laurent bags, clothing and accessories from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022New Saint Laurent fashions are available online from Saint Laurent directly as well as through multiple retailers. For physical store locations, consult the brand’s website. Vintage or antique editions of Saint Laurent pieces are available for purchase through multiple platforms, including 1stDibs. It’s important to purchase from a vetted seller or vendor to ensure authenticity. While Saint Laurent has at times inspired knockoffs, 1stDibs partners with only top-vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee.
- Who owns Saint Laurent?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Saint Laurent is owned by Kering, a French-based multinational corporation. Kering specializes in luxury goods and also owns Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Gucci and Alexander McQueen. Browse a wide range of luxury designer goods, including Saint Laurent, on 1stDibs and other authorized retailers.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yves Saint Laurent is made with the utmost quality and high-end materials. You can check for authenticity cards, near perfect stitching and a branded label along the inside to confirm the item is authentic. Find a large collection of authentic Yves Saint Laurent from some of the world’s top reputable boutiques on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022There are a few ways to spot a fake Saint Laurent wallet. Check to see if ‘Made in Italy’ is stamped on the interior of the bag along with the serial number. You will also receive an authenticity card with care instructions with your wallet. If your bag is missing any of these details, or the logo and interior stamping are muddy and hard to read, it could be a fake. Shop a collection of expertly vetted Saint Laurent bags from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To care for Saint Laurent boots, make sure you protect them from excessive exposure to water, rain and snow. Invest in products to moisturize the material, and use a boot tree to maintain the shape of taller boots. Most importantly, never forget to wipe down your boots after each wear. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a wide array of Saint Laurent boots from some of the world’s top boutiques.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To find out how to clean your Saint Laurent jeans, check the care instructions tag sewn on the inside of the jeans. Different materials require different care, so be sure to follow the instructions provided with your unique pair. Find vintage and contemporary Saint Laurent bags, clothing and accessories from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Saint Laurent Wyatt boots typically run large, so go down one size for the best fit. The brand’s famous Wyatt boots offer legendary style and are the role model for all other Chelsea boots. On 1stDibs, find a collection of genuine Saint Laurent footwear from some of the world’s top sellers.
Read More
How to Spot a Fake YSL Bag
Counterfeiters know that savvy fashionistas cherish YSL bags. Learn how to tell if yours is the real deal. Of course, you don't have to worry about that on 1stDibs, where every seller is highly vetted.
This Golden Saint Laurent Handbag Feels Like a Disco-Era Throwback (in the Best Way Possible)
If you're looking for an accessory that brings the party, this is it.