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.
Yves Saint Laurent 1977 Gypsy Coin Medallion Gold Tone Necklace Single Strand
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Francisco, CA
Vintage gold tone tone Yves Saint Laurent triple-strand medallion charm necklace from his 1977 gypsy themed collection. Signed YSL at S hook closure and hang tag. A triple strand ...
Vintage YSL Heart Crystal Brights Brooch 1980s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A striking and vibrant Vintage YSL Heart Crystal Brights Brooch from the 1980s. Founded in 1961 after his tenure at Dior, Yves Saint Laurent built a...
Goossens for Yves Saint Laurent Gunmetal Wire Wrapped Rock Crystal Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Wonderfully massive and collectible Yves Saint Laurent collar by Robert Goossens of rock crystal mineral wrapped in gunmetal wire cages. Handmade in Paris 1980's, signed YSL. Excelle...
Rock Crystal, Bronze, Gilt Metal
1983 YVES SAINT LAURENT dramatic brass & copper numbered couture RUNWAY necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Fransisco, CA
This oversized 1983 numbered couture runway necklace by Yves Saint Laurent is made from a series of identical curved metal plates in alternating brass and copper tones. Each plate is...
Brass, Copper
Yves Saint Laurent Velvet Cuff Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Yves Saint Laurent Velvet Cuff Bracelet is made of sterling silver and features a central oval inlay of black velvet with a single small metal stud accent. Collectible 2002 Tom Ford ...
Sterling Silver
Yves Saint Laurent Gold-tone large YSL Cassandre Brooch
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Paris, FR
Yves Saint Laurent Gold-tone large YSL Cassandre brooch featuring a large center YSL Cassandre logo, a back safety pin pitted at back. Circa 2000s In good vintage condition Made in...
$363Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage YSL Gold Massive Blue Multicolour Stone Arty Ring in Size 6
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in PUTNEY, NSW
The YSL (Yves Saint Laurent) Arty Ring, also known as the YSL Arty Ovale Ring, is a popular and iconic fashion accessory that was available in a variety of colors and materials. This...
Gold
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Gripoix Sapphire Citrine Ruby Amethyst Pearls Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL by Robert Goossens Gripoix Vintage Sapphire Citrine Amethyst Blue Yellow Purple Oval Crystals Ruby RedDrop Dangle White Navy Blue Pearls Flower Interlocked Lin...
Gold Plate
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Goossens Amber Resin Dangling Clip On Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Antwerpen, Vlaams Gewest
Enjoy this item as part of our Holiday Sale, for one week only! Yves Saint Laurent YSL Goossens Amber Resin Dangling Clip On Earrings Yves Saint Laurent by Goossens vintage 1980s Sta...
Amber, Brass
Yves Saint Laurent snail earrings by Yves Saint Laurent Autumn-Winter 1989
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT - Rive Gauche Ready-to-Wear Collection Autumn-Winter 1989, under the artistic direction of Yves Saint Laurent. Atelier Goossens. Clip-on earrings in hammered gold...
Gilt Metal
Yves Saint Laurent Cassandre YSL Silver Rectangular Cuff Links
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Paris, FR
Yves Saint Laurent Cassandre Silver rectangular YSL cuff-links featuring a rectangular shape, gold-tone around,2 gold-tone stripes in the center and a side bl...
Yves Saint Laurent Maison Gripoix Sun Brooch
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Yves Saint Laurent 1970's Maison Gripoix sun brooch. Of gilt bronze, deep rose and vivid orange poured glass paste enamel. 1970's France. Unsigned. Excell...
Gold Plate, Bronze
YSL Dramatic Shell Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Dramatic YSL earrings in deep gunmetal finish with pâté de verre cabochons in peridot and olivine tones which are mirror backed. 4.75" x 1.75". 1990's Fra...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Gripoix Emerald Sapphire Hoop Leaf Drop Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Robert Goossens Vintage Arty Gripoix Sparkling Crystals Emerald Sapphire Green Blue Navy Square Marquise Circle Round Tear Water Drop Leaf Hoop Dangle Elegant ...
Gold Plate
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Robert Goossens Shell Coral Branch White Crystals Brooch
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Robert Goossens Iconic Classic White Coquillage Shell Coral Crystals Branch Elegant Modernist Brooch, Gold Plated Very good condition. Not sure if it is a sma...
Gold Plate
Elegant Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture 2 Toned Collar
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Elegant YSL Haute Couture 2 Toned Collar, a deceptively simple design composed of hundreds of filigreed caps mounted on top of one another in high contrast tones of gold and silver t...
Gold Plate, Rhodium, Silver Plate, Base Metal, Brass, Gilt Metal
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Ruby Heart Massive Gripoix Cabochon Double Drop Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent by Robert Goossens Vintage Classic Iconic Massive Huge Large Gripoix Textured Ruby Red Cabochon Double Heart Love Dangle Drop Chunky Statement Clip Earrings, Gold ...
Gold Plate
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Vintage Dangle Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage dangle earrings (clip-on) featuring large marbled resin cabochons in a textured gold tone setting. Marked YSL Made in France. Indicative measurements : h...
Gilt Metal
Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Tassel Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Massive Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Tassel Earrings of ruby pastes, faux amber, faceted jet caps with ruby silk tassels. Clip back fittings. 1970's Haute Couture unsigned. YSL Chinese...
Gilt Metal
$644Sale Price|20% Off
1990' Yves Saint Laurent black stones gold tone hardware crystal stones NWOT
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Capri, IT
1990' Yves Saint Laurent black stones gold tone hardware crystal stones NWOT
Yves Saint Laurent cuff bracelet by Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture 1985
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT - A 1985 Haute Couture Collection under the artistic direction of Yves Saint Laurent. Antique-silvery metal cuff bracelet set with blue and white rhinestones. Con...
Yves Saint Laurent African Inspired Multi-Strand Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Geneva, CH
Very rare unusual multi strand necklace recalling certain designs of the dresses from the YSL 1967 haute couture African collection. Crafted with wood, variou...
Base Metal
Maison Denez for Yves Saint Laurent African Collection Long Earclips
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Important Maison Denez for Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture African Collection Long Ear clips circa 1967. Of antique gilt bronze with jute tassel accents ...
Gold Plate, Bronze, Gilt Metal
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Arty Red Ruby Cabochon Statement Chunky US 6 Silver Ring
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Arty Red Ruby Cabochon Stone Statement Chunky Modernist Ring, Size 6, Silver Black Tone Very good condition. Vintage. Very light scratches or colour l...
Silver Plate
Yves Saint Laurent Broche Cassandre 2025 Maxi Golden YSL Brooch Pristine
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in PARIS, FR
Saint Laurent Cassandre or YSL brooch, 2025 collection in progress, in raw shaped gold metal, width 3.3 cm x height 7.4 cm. The brooch is delivered without packaging or original invo...
Base Metal
Yves Saint Laurent Maison Gripoix Glass F/W 1977 Chinese Earclips
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Rare Maison Gripoix for Yves Saint Laurent from Fall/Winter 1977 Chinese Collection earclips. The hand made long double lotus blossoms of deep coral and black Gripoix Glass poured en...
Gold Plate, Brass, Bronze, Enamel, Gilt Metal
$695Sale Price|45% Off
Yves Saint Laurent Lapis Lazuli Semi Precious Floral Pendant Necklace c 1990s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in University City, MO
Yves Saint Laurent Lapis lazuli semi-precious floral pendant necklace c 1990s The stylish necklace is designed with a large scale floral pendant embellished with lapis lazuli pedals combined with elongated glass pedal beads The center of the flower is accented with a cluster of diamante crystals The sides transition into rows of oval shaped flat hinged...
Lapis Lazuli, Enamel, Stainless Steel
Maison Gripoix for Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Palmette Earclips
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Maison Gripoix for Yves Saint Laurent Anglo Indian palmette long earrings made of coral and two shades of amythest poured glass enamel. Set in spun gilt bronze wire. Spring/Summer 19...
Gold Plate, Bronze, Enamel, Gilt Metal
Yves Saint Laurent Broche Cassandre 2025 Medium Golden YSL Brooch Pristine
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in PARIS, FR
Saint Laurent Cassandre or YSL 2025 collection brooch in gold-tone metal sculpted with stripes, 2 cm wide x 5.5 cm high (0.8 x 2.2 inches). The brooch is delivered without original p...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Paris Jeweled Hoop Clip Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Atlanta, GA
These exquisite Yves Saint Laurent YSL Paris clip-on earrings feature a dimensional half-hoop shape in shiny gilt metal, adorned with clear crystal rhinestones and carved with intric...
Gilt Metal
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Patterned Bomb Earrings 1980s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A magnificent pair of Vintage YSL Bomb Earrings. Crafted in gold plated metal. A large bomb style drop hangs from a button style clip on top. In very good vintage condition, signed, ...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Massive Turquoise Heart Crystals White Pearl Drop Brooch
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL by Robert Goossens Haute Couture Vintage 1980s Massive Large Turquoise Green Blue Marquise Crystals Openwork Heart Love White Pearl Water Tear Drop Dangle Eleg...
Gold Plate
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Arty Navy Enamel Black Cabochon Dots Statement Ring, US 5
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Arty Vintage Unisex Cabochon Navy Blue Enamel Black Dots Statement Chunky Cocktail Ring, US 5, Gold Tone Front side is excellent, colour loss at back and band...
Gold Plate, Enamel
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Arty Cabochon Green Emerald Dots Chunky Gold Ring, Size 6
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Arty Vintage Cabochon Green Emerald Dots Chunky Statement Cocktail Ring, Size 6, Gold Tone Very good condition. Unique design. Signed on the back YSL, Made ...
Gold Plate
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Large Heart Logo Gripoix Emerald Sapphire Drop Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Large Heart Love Logo Gripoix Emerald Sapphire Green Navy Blue Cabochon Crystals Double Side Chunky Statement Exquisite Drop Dangle Clip Earrings, Gold...
Gold Plate
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Vintage Gold Tone Sailboat Clip-On Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage textured gold tone clip-on earrings featuring a sailboat. Embossed YSL Made in France. Indicative measurements : max. height approx. 4 cm (1.57 inches) /...
Gilt Metal
Yves Saint Laurent YSL African Mask Charm Wood Link Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT large wood chain link bracelet featuring african mask charms. Antiqued bronze toned hardware. Spring clasp closure. Embossed YSL PARIS. Indicative measurements...
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Vintage Jewelled Dangle Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage dangle gold tone earrings (clip on) embellished with multicolored enamel and crystals. Embossed YSL Made in France. Indicative measurements : max. height...
Gilt Metal
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Vintage Gold Tone Lava Textured Wide Cuff Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage gold tone lava textured wide cuff bracelet. Embossed YSL Made in France. Indicative measurements : inner measurements approx. max. 6 cm x max. 4.8 cm (2....
Gilt Metal
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Opium Inro Pendant Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage OPIUM inro pendant necklace. This necklace consists of a black cord, a burnt orange plastic container, a silk tassel adorned with black and gold tone beads. Plastic container opens to insert a miniature bottle (empty bottle...
Yves Saint Laurent necklace 1980s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT - (Made in France) Golden metal articulated necklace with orange resin cabochons. Jewelry from the early 1980s under the artistic direction of Yves Saint Laurent. ...
Gilt Metal
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Vintage Chunky Gold Tone Curb Chain Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage chunky gold tone curb chain necklace. Adjustable T-bar and heart toggles closure. Embossed YSL Made in France. Cursive YVES SAINT LAURENT signature on th...
Gilt Metal
YSL African Style Gold Coin and Wood Bead Bib Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Oversized YSL bib of unusual genius juxtaposition of dyed wood beads, gilt antique "coin" spacers and glass strass stones. 3 rows of birch toned wood beads are mixed with yellow pate de verre beads and the coin spacers. Blue compostion gilded beads are mixed with a cornflower pate de verre beads and coins as well. The clasp is composed of sapphire cabhon strasses. This unusual combination of materials was the hallmark of the YSL jewelry...
Gilt Metal
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Massive Diamante Logo Dangling Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage rare massive gold toned dangling earrings (clip-on) featuring the YSL monogram embellished with clear crystals. Marked YSL Made in France. Indicative mea...
Vintage YSL 3 Strand Pearl & Faux Turquoise Couture Necklace, France 1980s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture 3 Strand Faux Pearl and Faux Pearl Necklace Circa 1980. It is not signed as its couture, which was never signed but attributed to Yves Saint...
Mixed Metal
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Black Cabochon Enamel Silver Dots Chunky Ring, Size 6
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Arty Cabochon Black Enamel Dots Chunky Statement Cocktail Ring, Size 6, Silver Tone Very good condition. Very light scratches, Barely noticeable. 100%...
Silver, Enamel
Rare Maison Gripoix for Yves Saint Laurent Star Earclips
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Rare and exceptional Maison Gripoix for Yves Saint Laurent star ear clips. Composed of black and white Gripoix glass poured enamel bezel set stars and hand made pate de verre beads o...
Gold Plate, Brass, Bronze, Enamel, Gilt Metal
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Vintage Gold Tone Heart Link Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage graduated gold tone heart link bracelet. Toggle clasp closure. Embossed YVES SAINT LAURENT on the largest heart link and on the heart loops. Made in Fran...
Gilt Metal
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Jewelled Gold Toned Floral Clip On Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
Yves Saint Laurent vintage gold toned floral clip-on earrings embellished with multicolored crystals. Marked YSL. Made in France. Indicative measurements : approx. 2.4 cm (0.94 inc...
Yves Saint Laurent Chinese Passementerie Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Yves Saint Laurent Bib necklace, Haute Couture, Chinese Collection, Opium, Fall/Winter 1977. Woven silk cord, silvered metal beads, with bakelite spacers...
Silver Plate
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Large Purple Trillion Crystal Ring 1980s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wilmslow, GB
The most mesmerising Vintage YSL Trillion Ring. In 1961, following his time as Dior's Art Director, Yves Saint Laurent launched his namesake couture label. His fearless approach to b...
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Vintage Green Cabochon Textured Clip-On Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage textured clip-on earrings featuring a large emerald green colour resin cabochon. Gold tone metal hardware. Embossed YSL Made in France. Indicative measu...
1990s Vintage Yves Saint Laurent YSL Pink Green Crystal Flower Pin Brooch
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a vintage flower pin brooch designed by YSL in 1990’s. The piece is crafted in gold plated base metal and features pink/green crystals. Signed: “YSL. Made in France” Length...
Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Passementerie Long Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture rare long earrings. Composed of multi colored hand made Passementerie silk beads, crystal rondelles and prong set Swarowski assorted gem colored f...
Gold Plate, Brass, Bronze, Gilt Metal
Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Byzantine Cross Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Striking Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Byzantine Cross Necklace 1970's, workshop Maison Goossens. Of gilt bronze with faux amythest and em...
Gold Plate, Bronze, Gilt Metal
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Rive Gauche Vintage Faux Stones Cross Pendant Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT RIVE GAUCHE vintage resin cross pendant necklace featuring irregular multicolored resin faux stones alterning with textured gold toned beads. T-bar and toggle clo...
Gilt Metal
1980s Vintage Yves Saint Laurent YSL Gold Tone Red Orange Resin Link Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a gold tone link bracelet designed by YSL in 1980’s. The piece is gold plated and features red-orange faceted resin. There is a fitting necklace from the same collection in...
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL 2010 Vintage Statement Drop Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Leonardo, NJ
Yves Saint Laurent Vintage Ad campaign 2010 Excellent condition, no flaws final sale
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Russian Inspired Enamel Charms Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage gold toned chain bracelet featuring four emameled olive shaped Russian inspired charms. T-bar and love heart toggle closure. Embossed with the cursive YV...
Enamel, Gilt Metal
Yves Saint Laurent "Limited Edition" Magnificent "Multi Leaves" Crystal Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Yves Saint Laurent Magnificent "Show Stopping Entrance Maker", "Limited Edition", numbered 65/900 "Multi Leaves" crystal necklace. The curved necklace, when worn, measures 18 inches ...