Yves Saint Laurent Huge Cotton Multi-Leopard with Gray Border Scarf
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Yves Saint Laurent huge wonderful 100% cotton multi-colors with gray border leopard print scarf measures 54" x 54".
Yves Saint Laurent Huge Cotton Multi-Leopard with Gray Border Scarf
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Yves Saint Laurent huge wonderful 100% cotton multi-colors with gray border leopard print scarf measures 54" x 54".
Yves Saint Laurent Runway F/W 1982/83 Leopard Silk Gown High Slit Scarf Fr. 42
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Montgomery, TX
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Leopard Silk Gown F/W 1982/83 Runway Collection French size 42 - US 8 (run smaller, please check measurements) 100% Silk High Slit on Right Side and Bow, A...
YSL NWT Leopard Print Puffer Scarf
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Saint Laurent Leopard print scarf is the perfect winter accessory, featuring hues of brown and black.
Yves Saint Laurent Chiffon Scarf with Leopard Print
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Classic silk chiffon scarf from Yves Saint Laurent features a leopard print in hues of orange and brown.
1980's Yves Saint Laurent Leopard Print Silk Scarf/Wrap
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Francisco, CA
Vintage 1980's Yves Saint Laurent 100% silk scarf/wrap in tones of brown, black, white and burnt orange with a striped leopard print design.
Yves Saint Laurent Scarf 2000s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Vienna, AT
A fabulous Yves Saint Laurent Grey-Brown-Black Leopard Print Scarf in Virgin Wool and Cashmere in excellent condition.
A fabulous Yves Saint Laurent Silk Scarf 2000s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Vienna, AT
A fabulous and ever sexy Yves Saint Laurent Ochre-Brown-Black Leopard Print Scarf in very good condition.
80s YSL Leopard Print Silk Scarf
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The perfect accessory by YSL. Wear it as a head scarf or wrap. Leopard camo-print silk square with hand rolled edges. Semi-sheer.
Saint Laurent Leopard Print Scarf - '00s
By Saint Laurent
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent hand‑printed silk scarf featuring bold leopard motif in vibrant orange and brown tones.
Saint Laurent Leopard Print Scarf - '00s
By Saint Laurent
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent hand‑printed silk scarf featuring bold leopard motif in vibrant orange and brown tones.
SAINT LAURENT Beige Leopard Print Wrinkle Pleated Silk Scarf
By Saint Laurent
Located in San Francisco, CA
SAINT LAURENT scarf comes in beige leopard print silk with an all over pleated wrinkle texture.
Yves Saint Laurent Large Leopard Pattern Scarf
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in New York, NY
Yves Saint Laurent, large square, silk crepe, multiple leopards, pattern scarf on a red ground.
Yves Saint Laurent Leopard Pattern Silk Scarf with Gold Metallic Embellishment
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Yves Saint Laurent, rive gauche , extra large square, leopard pattern silk crepe scarf with gold metallic embellishment .
Yves Saint Laurent Leopard and Butterfly Print Silk Scarf
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in New York, NY
Yves Saint Laurent, Rive Gauche, large square, silk scarf, having a collage of mixed patterns of leopard, butterflies and tiger stripe.
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H 53 in W 53 in D 1.5 in
Framed Yves Saint Laurent Silk Scarf, Butterflies with Leopard and Tiger Print
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Morristown, NJ
Framed silk scarf from the Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche line c. 1990s, Made In France.
Silk, Plexiglass
Iconic Yves Saint Laurent Large Silk Leopard Scarf Shawl Oversized 55in 1990s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
This sheer silk scarf or shawl was made by Yves Saint Laurent in the early 1990s. Made from silk chiffon, it measures a massive 55 inches square. In excellent vintage condition, wi...
YVES SAINT LAURENT by TOM FORD Leopard Brown & Tan Silk Scarf
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Francisco, CA
YVES SAINT LAURENT by TOM FORD scarf comes in brown & tan leopard print silk with a twelve inch fringe trim.
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Large Animal Leopard Print Silk Scarf Or Wrap, 1980s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Munich, DE
This semi-sheer oversized square Yves Saint Laurent silk scarf or wrap from the 1980s features a wonderful leopard print on alternating stripes of silk crepe and silk chiffon.
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent YSL Silk Leopard "Panthere" Print Silk Dress w/Scarf
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Studio City, CA
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent iconic silk leopard or "panthere" print dress with asymmetric side bow tie at one side and attached scarf that drapes down left side at back.
YVES SAINT LAURENT c.1980's YSL Oversized Tan Brown Leopard Print Scarf / Shawl
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Thiensville, WI
DESCRIPTION: YVES SAINT LAURENT c.1980's YSL Oversized Tan Brown Leopard Print Scarf / Shawl Circa: c.1980’s Label(s): Designer: Yves Saint Laurent Style: Scarf / Shawl Color(s):...
YSL Leopard Print Silk Scarf
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
In a lovely slightly sheer silk, this leopard print Yves Saint Laurent scarf is sure to make a statement.
YSL Leopard Print Silk Scarf
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
In a lovely slightly sheer silk, this leopard print Yves Saint Laurent scarf is sure to make a statement.
Saint Laurent, leopard printed square scarf
By Saint Laurent
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Saint Laurent, leopard printed square scarf in black, grey and white.
Yves Saint Laurent Leopard Print Chiffon Scarf
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in New York, NY
Yves Saint Laurent, Rive Gauche, large size, silk chiffon leopard print scarf, having mixed leopard patterns on the interior and borders of the scarf.
Yves Saint Laurent large leopard silk chiffon shawl scarf
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Yves Saint Laurent large leopard silk chiffon shawl or scarf...This large scarf can be used as a shawl or wrap...Beautiful full body leopard printed across the scarf...Silk chiffon, ...
1980s Yves Saint Laurent Leopard Print Large Silk Scarf
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage Late 1980s early 1990s Yves Saint Laurent brown and black silk leopard print oversized large scarf / shawl/ Halter top or beach cover up.
Yves Saint Laurent Vintage Oversized Wool / Silk Blend Leopard Scarf
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Studio City, CA
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent oversized wool and silk blend scarf depicting graphic overlapping leopards.
Yves Saint Laurent Huge Cotton Multi-Color Leopard with Red Border Scarf
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Yves Saint Laurent huge wonderful multi-color leopard print accented with red borders 100% cotton scarf measures 54" x 54", made in Italy.
1980s Yves Saint Laurent Light Orange and Teal Leopard Print Large Silk Scarf
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage 1980s Yves Saint Laurent light orange silk scarf leopard print oversized scarf / shawl Scarf or shawl can be used as beach cover up. 12 large Leopard print color in beautiful...
Yves Saint Laurent Monumental Silk Leopard Scarf 55in Rare 93 YSL Spring Runway
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
This incredible scarf was made by Yves Saint Laurent and shown during the Spring 1993 Runway collection.
Yves Saint Laurent Shawl Leopard Oversized Scarf Silk Wool Blend Vintage 84" L
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
Authentic and exceptionally rare Yves Saint Laurent oversized leopard-motif shawl, dating to the 1990s. Measuring an impressive 84 inches long by 78 inches high, this dramatic textil...
Yves Saint Laurent Runway Leopard Silk Chiffon Shawl Scarf, Fall-Winter 1986
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Geneva, CH
From the iconic 1986-1987 Fall-Winter collection with the leopard theme, this runway (see picture 3) YSL shawl scarf is the largest I’ve ever seen ! Made from refined breezy silk chi...
Yves Saint Laurent Silk Twill Shawl 55in Scarf Leopard Motif YSL 1993 Runway
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
This impressive silk shawl was made by Yves Saint Laurent in the early 90s. Made from silk twill, it measures a massive 55 inches square. In very good preowned condition, with minim...
Yves Saint Laurent Enormous Leopard Scarf
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Spot on Yves Saint Laurent enormous leopard scarf. Be right on trend for the Fall obsession with anything leopard with this amazing scarf from YSL!
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Pure silk leopard print scarf
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Newport Beach, CA
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT pure silk leopard print scarf with sheer stripe base.
80's Iconic Yves Saint Laurent Leopard Chiffon Scarf
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Hamburg, Deutschland
** 80's Iconic Yves Saint Laurent Leopard Chiffon Scarf or Sarong. Measurements: 90" - 45" inches
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT 100% silk leopard face scarf 41"
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Newport Beach, CA
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT 100% silk leopard face scarf featuring all over-animal print upon semi-sheer shadow stripe fabrication.
Yves Saint Laurent rive gauche Leopard Print Silk Scarf Blouse
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in New York City, NY
The soft silk blouse with the loosely tied scarves and ribbons became a staple in his feminine/masculine design iconography. Yves Saint Laurent rive gauche black and white leopard...
Yves Saint Laurent rive gauche Leopard Print Silk Scarf Blouse
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in New York City, NY
The soft silk blouse with the loosely tied scarves and ribbons became a staple in his feminine/masculine design iconography. Yves Saint Laurent rive gauche leopard print silk scar...
Yves Saint Laurent rive gauche Leopard Print Silk Scarf Blouse
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in New York City, NY
The soft silk blouse with the loosely tied scarves and ribbons became a staple in his feminine/masculine design iconography. Yves Saint Laurent rive gauche purple leopard print si...
Yves Saint Laurent rive gauche Leopard Print Silk Scarf Blouse
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in New York City, NY
The soft silk blouse with the loosely tied scarves and ribbons became a staple in his feminine/masculine design iconography. Yves Saint Laurent rive gauche bordeaux colored silk l...
90's Yves Saint Laurent Sarong Scarf
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Hamburg, Deutschland
90's Yves Saint Laurent Sarong Scarf. Classic Leopard print in silk chiffon.
Yves Saint Laurent F/W 1986 Leopard Silk Gown with High Slit + Scarf Fr.42 - US8
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Montgomery, TX
Yves Saint Laurent Leopard Silk Gown F/W 1986 Collection Fr. size 42 - US 8 100% Silk High Slit on Right Side and Bow.
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Size: 38
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent YSL Rive Gauche Electric Royal Blue Silk Leopard Print SIlk Blouse w Scarf
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Lake Park, FL
This is an incredible Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche electric royal blue leopard print 100% silk blouse with attached scarf.
Yves Saint Laurent Scarf 2000s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Vienna, AT
A fabulous Yves Saint Laurent Ochre-Brown-Black Leopard Print Scarf in Silk and Cashmere in very good condition.
Yves Saint Laurent YSL huge tiger Butterfly Print Scarf 55"leopard base
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Incredible and absolutely breathtaking hand rolled silk / silk chiffon oversized square scarf by Yves Saint Laurent. Measures 55" by 55" never used new
F/W 1986 Rare 8' x 4.5' Yves Saint Laurent Leopard Silk Scarf
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Rockwood, ON
This is one of the most unusual scarves or shawls that I have ever seen from Yves Saint Laurent and certainly the largest one I have ever seen.
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent YSL Rive Gauche Silver Silk leopard print Blouse w Scarf
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Lake Park, FL
This is an incredible Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche silver & black leopard print 100% silk blouse with attached scarf.
Luxuious YSL 100% Silk Leopard Scarf in Brown, Beige & Black With Gold Flecks
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Palm Beach, FL
There are 4 sets of 3 leopards playing on a leopard background. The leopard's spot do change in this scarf, with scattered gold flecks on each spot!
2010 DRIES VAN NOTEN leopard printed fur RUNWAY scarf
By Dries van Noten
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Leopard printed fur scarf designed by Dries Van Noten exactly as seen in the fall 2010 runway. Scarf measures approximately 12' by 49" long. Fabric content: rabbit fur and silk. Made...
Yves Saint Laurent Vintage Silk Foulard
By Yves Saint Laurent, Saint Laurent
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Beautiful and rare scarf from Yves Saint Laurent Silk Multicolored (green, blue, black) Red profiles Cm 83 x 86 (32,6 x 33,8 inches) Worldwide express shipping included in the price !
S/S 2002 Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford Runway Jaguar Chiffon Wrap Gown FR36
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an incredible jaguar print, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche's backless gown designed by Tom Ford. From the Spring/Summer 2002 collection, this fabulous cut-out gown debuted...
Stunning Vintage Bob Mackie Heavily Beaded Silk Chiffon Leopard Gown
By Bob Mackie
Located in San Diego, CA
Drop dead gorgeous vintage Bob Mackie Fall 1997 Gown! Features all-over beading on bodice, with a leopard chiffon backdrop. Skirt features beading amongst layers of silk chiffon on a...
1980 NORMA KAMALI leopard printed jersey RUNWAY dress
By Norma Kamali
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Leopard printed jersey dress from Norma Kamali dating to 1980. The dress was designed with a dropped waist and an extremely full skirt. The neckline sits slightly off the shoulder wi...
1996 GIVENCHY by GALLIANO Leopard gown
By Givenchy, John Galliano
Located in Austin, TX
1996 GIVENCHY by GALLIANO Leopard gown Buttons down front to hem Condition : Excellent 21.75" bust, 21.75" waist, 25.25" hips, 58.5" length mannequin is a US sz 6 Size XS / S ru...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Silk Scarf
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Paris, FR
Multicoloured silk scarf from Saint Laurent YSL featuring a geometric motif and a top logo signature. 100% silk. Circa 1980s In good vintage condition. Made in France. 35in. (89cm...
F/W 1997 Dolce & Gabbana sheer leopard evening jacket
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Austin, TX
F/W 1997 Dolce & Gabbana sheer evening jacket CONDITION: Excellent Silk & Feathers MADE in Italy Bust: 34"+, Waist: 26"+, Hips: 44"+, Length: 61", Arms from shoulder to end...
Roberto Cavalli leopard print silk evening dress with built-in corset, fw 2006
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in London, GB
▪ Roberto Cavalli evening dress ▪ Constructed from leopard printed silk ▪ Bulit-in corset bodysuit ▪ Pleated bodice with asymmetric draped neckline ▪ One shoulder strap ▪ Floor-l...
$12,640Sale Price|20% Off
Size: 40IT
Gianni Versace Couture Vintage Leopard Evening Gown Size 40IT Spring/Summer 2002
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
Gianni Versace Couture Vintage Leopard Evening Gown Size 40IT Spring/Summer 2002
Louis Vuitton Stephen Sprouse Shiny Leopard shawl
By Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs
Located in CANNES, FR
Louis Vuitton Stephen Sprouse Édition Shiny Leopard printed shawl in cashmere and silk. Dimensions : 140x190cm.
Saint Laurent leopard poncho cape
Located in Carnate, IT
Saint Laurent leopard wool poncho cape. It has no fastenings and no size. It can be worn both as a cape or as a maxi shawl. New, never worn. Length 130 cm
2000s Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford Leopard Print Sleeveless Silk Blouse
By Tom Ford, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
2000s YSL by Tom Ford Leopard print sleeveless silk blouse/top. Size: SM/MED 2/4/6. Marked size: 36F Bust: 34 inches This Garment has been professionally Dry Cleaned and Ready to wear.
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Multicolor Cotton Scarf
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Paris, FR
Yves Saint Laurent YSL multico cotton scarf featuring a geometric print, a top logo signature YSL. Circa 1980s In good vintage condition. Made in France. 25.1in. (64 cm) X 25.1in. (6...
NWT Yves Saint Laurent 2012 Collection Silk Leopard Print Corset Maxi Dress Fr40
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Montgomery, TX
New Yves Saint Laurent Silk Leopard Print Strapless Maxi Dress 2012 Collection French size 40 - US 6/8 100% Silk, Double layered, Leopard print, Finished with corset, Fully lined in ...
2001 Vintage Roberto Cavalli Leopard Acid Print Ruffled Silk Dress
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Montgomery, TX
Roberto Cavalli 2001 Stretch Silk Dress – Iconic Archive Print A bold testament to early 2000s glamour, this rare Roberto Cavalli dress from the 2001 collection is a collector’s dre...
Vintage Art Deco Handbag
Located in London, GB
The best things do come in small sizes. This evening bag has a gold decorative frame, with a central clasp , and internally there is one pouch pocket. Measurements: Width 6'', height...
$8,920
H 2 in W 5.5 in L 5.2 in
Chanel White 1994 Runway Karl Lagerfeld CC Logo Iconic Rare Sunglasses
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel White 1994 Runway Karl Lagerfeld CC Logo Iconic Rare Sunglasses From the 1994 Chanel runway collection, these glasses were made for the catwalk as a Sample and never made it ...
Midnight Black Fully Lined Silk Chiffon Beaded Evening Top
Located in New York, NY
This wonderfully elegant midnight black fully lined silk chiffon beaded evening top features an invisible side zipper measuring 11 inches with hook & eye. The length measures 2...
1970's Tan Shearling Embroidered Coat
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Winter warm 1970's tan sheepskin shearling fur coat by San Francisco manufacturer Furs by Max. Beautiful embroidery throughout the front and seams of coat. Coat hits right below the ...
Atelier Versace Black Satin Sling Backs, Never Worn Size 7
By Atelier Versace
Located in Buchanan, MI
Atelier Versace Black Satin Sling Backs, Never Worn Size 7
$524Sale Price|25% Off
Moschino Vintage Heart Dress US Size 8
By Moschino
Located in Nice, FR
MOSCHINO vintage black dress featuring a large cut-out red velvet heart shaped breast. This dress features : - Black wool blend fabric. - Large cut-out red velvet heart shaped breas...
$2150 New Rare Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent YSL F/W 2001 Jacket Blazer SZ 36
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Conroe, TX
Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent Fall / Winter 2001 Brand New Without Tags A Rare Find Size: FR 36 $2150 100% Virgin Wool Black Virgin Wool Jacket With Ruffle Trim Shown at the 2001 ...
HERVE LEGER 90's Vintage Black Crystal Halter Wiggle Maxi Dress Gown
By Herve Leger by Max Azria
Located in Leonardo, NJ
Herve Leger Vintage 1990's Jet black, I changed the contrast to better show the details, but in real life, this dress reads very chic pitch black Opaque stones Net design Lined Invis...
Vivienne Westwood cotton jersey mini dress with François Boucher print, ss 1991
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in London, GB
Vivienne Westwood, cotton jersey mini dress with a print of François Boucher's painting of Daphnis and Chloe. Spring-Summer 1991
1875 Dramatic Sleeve & Watteau Back Robe Déshabillé In Victorian Floral Print
Located in Gresham, OR
This garment from 1875 features dramatic sleeve and Watteau-back robe déshabillé with train in a gorgeous Victorian floral printed wool challis. Plunging velvet-trimmed neckline. Stu...
1990s GIANNI VERSACE Mixed Blues & Green Metal Mesh & Crystal Cocktail Dress
Located in New York, NY
MORPHEW VINTAGE represents the finest pieces of fashions past. Sourced from across the globe, dating as far back as a century. Each piece is selected with both quality and rarity in ...
Chanel 1994 Vintage Runway Waist Fanny Pack Belt Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Rare Collectible Vintage Belt Bag Waist Bag 1994 Vintage Gold hardware CC turnlock Dark brown quilted lambskin leather Adjustable hook belt Made in France
$12,920
H 12.5 in W 9 in L 5.5 in
Chanel Drawstring Bucket Cruise 2015 Tweed Fringe & Lambskin Mini Blue Denim Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Rare Cruise 2015 Denim Tweed Fringe Bucket Bag Antiqued ruthenium hardware Blue denim Chanel bucket bag Drawstring CC Logo closure at front Classic interwoven chain strap Cha...
Alaia 3 piece knitted ensemble, Spring-Summer 1992
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in London, GB
Alaia Spring-Summer 1992 3 piece knitted ensemble
$10,594
Size: IT 38 - FR 34 - UK 6 - XS
Gianni Versace black and gold leather bondage Medusa vest, fw 1992
By Gianni Versace
Located in London, GB
Gianni Versace black leather and wool bondage vest with large gold Medusa encrusted plates. Fall-Winter 1992
Dolce & Gabbana Silk Corset Dress with Sheer and Ruched Panels
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous silk jersey and mesh dress from Dolce & Gabbana. It has a fitted mesh bodice and long sleeves with ruched jersey at the bust and waist. The bodice is vertically boned...
French 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, Saint Laurent 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.
Browse an extraordinary collection of vintage Yves Saint Laurent evening dresses, shirts, handbags and other clothing and accessories today on 1stDibs.