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” Yves Saint Laurent Large Gold Plated Retro Cigarette Case Circa 70
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Vintage “YSL” Yves Saint Laurent retro cigarette case This is the large Case, Pelaee see images and video. Logo Cigarette Case Gold Black Red The case is in great condition. The cl...
Gold Plate
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
$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
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
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 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
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Gripoix Amber Gold Perfume Bottle Brooch Pendant
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Arty Unisex Gripoix Clear Yellow Amber Cabochon Perfume Bottle Brooch Pin, Gold Plated In excellent condition. Signed at the rear. 100% Genuine. Sign...
Gold Plate
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 1990 Logo Brooch
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Paris, FR
1990s Yves Saint Laurent gold-tone logo brooch featuring a decorative YSL, a back safety pin. Length: 1.18in. (3cm) Width: 0.39in (1cm) In good vintage condition Made in France. ...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Amethyst Gripoix Cabochon Heart Love Logo Clip Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Unisex Gripoix Amethyst Purple Cabochon Heart Love Logo Elegant Modenist Exquisite Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. Maybe light scra...
Gold Plate
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 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
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 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 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
$665Sale 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 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 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 Ruby Sapphire Emerald Orange 5 Bouquet Flower Brooch
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL 1980s Five Ruby Red Orange Yellow Navy Blue Enamel Emerald Sapphire Crystals Flower Floral Bouquet Elegant Brooch, Gold Plated Very good condition. Only some ...
Gold Plate
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 Arty Lapis Navy Statement Chunky Cabochon Size 5 Ring
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Arty Vintage Unisex Blue Navy Lapis Statement Chunky Cabochon Cocktail Ring, Size 5, Gold Tone Very good condition on front side. Colour loss on back of band,...
Gold Plate
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, ...
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 Arty Glow Cluster Leaf Floral Clover Drop Clip Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Arty Vintage Large Glow Double Layer Cluster Leaf Floral Clover Bouquet Drop Dangle Chunky Statement Exquisite Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good condition. M...
Gold Plate
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Arty Large Foil Lapis Navy Cabochon Cocktail Ring, US 5
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Arty Vintage Unisex Large Lapis Navy Blue Foil Cabochon Cocktail Chunky Statement Ring, US 5, Gold Tone Very good condition. Very light scratches on stone, ve...
Gold Plate
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Ruby Sapphire Emerald Heart Love Link Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Arty Unisex Heart Love Ruby Emerald Sapphire Citrine Red Green Navy Yellow Orange Purple Square Cube Oval Round Circle Marquise Crystals Link Interlock...
Gold Plate
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Arty US 7 Large Navy Double Starfish Dots Statement Ring
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Arty Large Double Starfish Navy Blue Dots Statement Chunky Cocktail Ring, US 7, Gold Tone Very good condition. Signed at the rear. Vintage. Rare to fi...
Gold Plate, Enamel
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 necklace Spring 1996
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT - (Made in France) Short beaten golden metal necklace with spirals. 1996 Spring-Summer Ready-to-Wear Collection under the artistic direction of Yves Saint Laurent....
Gilt Metal
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Arty Large Pink Oval Cabochon Chunky Cocktail Ring, US 5
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Arty Vintage Textured Large Pink Oval Cabochon Chunky Statement Cocktail Elegant Modenist Ring, Size 5, Gold Tone Very good condition. Vintage. Very light scr...
Gold Plate
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 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
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...
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
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 house defined by boldness and cl...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Gripoix Orange Citrine Crystal Circle Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Arty Gripoix Textured Abnormal Citrine Orange Cabochon Circle Round Crystal Elegant Modernist Chunky Statement Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good cond...
Gold Plate
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Gold Toned Heart and Pearl Dangling Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage textured gold toned heart dangling earrings (clip on) embellished with a faux pearl drop. Embossed YSL Made in France. Indicative measurements : max. hei...
Gilt Metal
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 Vintage Iconic Gold Tone Curb Chain Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage iconic gold tone curb chain necklace. Hook clasp. Embossed YSL Made in France. Indicative measurements : length approx. 41 cm (16.14 inches) / width app...
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 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 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 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
Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Chinese Collection Demi Parure, Maison Gripoix
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Amazing Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Chinese Collection Demi Parure by Maison Gripoix of hand made settings with poured glass of Chinese florals in kingfisher blue, chalcedony an...
Bronze
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Robert Goossens White Shell Coral Crystals Branch 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
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL by TOM FORD Lucite Crystal Rigid Choker Necklace, 2003
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT by TOM FORD lucite crystal rigid choker necklace from the Fall/Winter 2003 Ready-to-Wear Collection. Similar version, in brown colour, worn by super model EVA HE...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Massive Textured Hoop Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage massive gold toned textured hoop earrings (clip-on). Embossed YSL Made in France. Indicative measurements : diameter approx. 4.2 cm (1.65 inches). NOTES...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Arty Lapis Cocktail Navy Cabochon Statement Ring, Size 5
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Arty Vintage Unisex Lapis Navy Blue Cabochon Sparkling foil Statement Chunky Cocktail Modenist Ring, Size 5, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. Vintage. 100%...
Gold Plate
Yves Saint Laurent short necklace Haute Couture
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT - (Made in France) Short golden metal necklace with rhinestones and iridescent glass pearls. Not signed jewelry from a fashion show. Condition: Very good conditio...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Interlocked Chunky Curb Thick Oval Chain 2 Set
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Unisex Glow Thick Oval Interlocked Curb Chain Chunky Statement 2 Set Modernist Elegant Necklace Bracelet 2 Gift Jewellery Set, Gold Plated Very excell...
Gold Plate
Vintage Gold-Plated Signed YSL Heart Necklace with Faux Pearl Accents
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Ardmore, PA
Vintage Signed Yves Saint Laurent Heart Necklace with Gold-Plated Multi-Strands and Faux Pearl Accents Excellent Condition
Pearl, Gold Plate
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Vintage Green Heart Cabochon Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage gold tone necklace featuring textured coins alterning with heart links embellished with green resin cabochons. Adjustable toggle clasp. Embossed YSL Made...
Gilt Metal
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Vintage Jewelled Domed Clip-On Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage gold tone domed clip-on earrings featuring a gorgeous openwork design of intertwined branches embellished with multicolored crystals. Embossed YSL Made in...
Gilt Metal