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.
1980s Vintage Yves Saint Laurent YSL Gold Tone Pearl Enamel Chain Cufflinks
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a pair of vintage round chain cufflinks designed by YSL in 1980’s. The piece is gold plated. It features faux pearls and black enamel. Signed: “YSL” Diameter: 2cm IMPORTAN...
Yves Saint Laurent 2010 Collier long Agate YSL Real Agate Long String Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in PARIS, FR
Yves Saint Laurent Cruise 2010 collection necklace, a sautoir style made of black cotton cords held together by a series of silver-tone metal rings and extended by two large agate "s...
Agate
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 Yves Saint Laurent “YSL” Retro Cigarette Case & Black Lighter Set, Circa
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent “YSL” Retro Cigarette, Pill Or Make Up Case & Black Lighter Set, Circa 1980 A rare and highly collectible Vintage Yves Saint Laurent cigarette...
18k Gold, Gold Plate
Vintage “YSL” Yves Saint Laurent Retro Cigarette Case & YSL Lighter Set
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent “YSL” Retro Cigarette Case & Black Lighter Set, Circa 1980 A rare and highly collectible Vintage Yves Saint Laurent cigarette...
18k Gold, Gold Plate
YVES SAINT LAURENT Vintage Faux Pearl Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage necklace composed of faux pearls and gold‑tone bar links engraved with the Yves Saint Laurent cursive signature. A refined and timeless creation that capt...
SAINT LAURENT Black Velvet Choker with Crystal-Heart Pendant
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
SAINT LAURENT black velvet choker necklace featuring an oversized heart pendant embellished with clear crystals. This SAINT LAURENT Paris choker directly echoes one of the most embl...
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Zigzag Blue Rhinestone 3 Tiered Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Zigzag Blue Rhinestone 3 Tiered Bracelet Features: - 100% Authentic YVES SAINT LAURENT. - 3 Tiered zigzag bracelet with blue rhinestones embellishment...
$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
Vintage YSL Rhinestone Geo Style Necklace 1980s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A Vintage YSL Geo Necklace featuring a flattened curb chain adorned with a geometric design pendant lavishly embellished with crystals. Pure contemporary c...
Yves Saint Laurent earrings circa 1989
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT - A Collection circa 1989, under the artistic direction of Yves Saint Laurent. Golden wood earrings ornamented with a green resin cabochon. Made in France. Cond...
Gilt Metal
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Gripoix Amber Gold Heart Love Square 2 Set
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Arty Gripoix Amber Orange Cabochon Heart Love Square Cube Elegant Modernist 2 Gift Jewellery Set Earrings Brooch Pendant, Gold Tone Very excellent con...
Gold Plate
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Arty Gold Green Blue Maltese Cross Thistle Pendant Brooch
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Arty Ripple Lake Green Blue Enamel Maltese Cross Thistle Pineapple Flower Elegant Modernist Chunky Brooch Pendant, Gold Tone Very excellent condition,...
Gold Plate
Yves Saint Laurent Crystal Wheat Brooch, Goossens
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Yves Saint Laurent Crystal Wheat Brooch, by Maison Goossens, Paris. Beautiful construction, multi layered and large imposing scale set in silver plate met...
Silver 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...
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Flower Two Tone Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Flower Two Tone Earrings Features: - 100% Authentic YVES SAINT LAURENT. - Two tone flower earrings in Pop Art style. - Signed YSL Made in France. - Go...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Large Gold Ripple Zigzag Hoop Domed Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage 1980s Arty Textured Large Zigzag Ripple Fire Flame Hoop Domed Chunky Statement Modenrist Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good condition. Light scratches...
Gold Plate
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Gold Large Orange Crystal Flower Clover Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Large Textured Gripoix Orange Crystal Flourish Blossom Flower Clover Chunky Exquisite Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very good condition...
Gold Plate
$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
1990s Vintage Yves Saint Laurent YSL Gold Tone Chandelier Clip On Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is an amazing pair of vintage chandelier clip on earrings designed by YSL in 1990’s. The piece is gold plated and features clear shiny crystals. Signed: “YSL” Length: 8.5cm I...
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
Iconic Yves Saint Laurent YSL Gold Tone Charms Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Paris, FR
Yves Saint Laurent gold tone charms bracelet featuring a hook fastening, YSL pitted on the closure, large iconic charms. Circa 1980s Length7.8in. (20cm) Medal Diameter: 1.18in. (3c...
Rare Yves Saint Laurent vintage collier necklace with enamel fish pendants
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in NICE, FR
New in Nice.vintage.darling Rare vintage Yves Saint Laurent gold-plated necklace from the iconic Spring/Summer 1994 collection, featuring nine articulated fish-shaped pendants decora...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Arty Gold Textured Sun Flower Domed Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage 1980s Arty Unisex Textured Large Sunflower Sunburst Sun Dome Dots Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very good condition. Light scratches or...
Gold Plate
1980s Vintage Yves Saint Laurent YSL Massive Tassel Pendant
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a vintage massive tassel ornamented pendant designed by YSL in 1980’s. Signed: “YSL” Size: 18x6.5cm IMPORTANT: As a buyer, you are fully responsible for the customs duties...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Gripoix Ruby Square Crystal Crescent Chunky 2 Set
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage by Robert Goossens Arty Textured Ripple Gripoix Ruby Red Square Cabochon Crystal Collar Choker Chunky Modernist Elegant Necklace Crescent Clip Earrings...
Gold Plate
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Gold Orange Heart Love Floral Pearl Drop Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Arty 1980s Textured Orange Heart Love Floral Flower White Pearl Elegant Drop Dangle Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Good condition. One clip is very small sp...
Gold Plate
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 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 Vintage Gold-Tone Jewelled Heart Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage gold-tone necklace embellished with clear crystals and featuring a heart as centrepiece. This necklace, with its radiant crystal composition and heart‑sha...
Gilt Metal
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
$655Sale 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 Russian Collection Torque Necklace, F/W 1976
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Rare Yves Saint Laurent Russian Collection torque necklace from Fall-Winter 1976 Haute Couture collection. Deceptively constructed with a soft core tightly wrapped gold metallic, re...
Gold Plate, Brass, Bronze, Gilt Metal
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Purple and Red Jeweled Gilded Metal Brooch
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Yves Saint Laurent YSL Paris jeweled brooch features a gilt-metal geometric star shape, carved and see-through, adorned with purple and ruby-red crystal rhinestones. Th...
Gilt 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 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
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
Massive YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Blue Rhinestone Green Lucite Hexagon Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage Massive YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Blue Rhinestone Green Lucite Hexagon Earrings Features: - 100% Authentic YVES SAINT LAURENT. - Massive hexagon green lucite earrings with blue...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Lava Gold Crystals Nugget Stones Link Chunky Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Robert Goossens Arty Gripoix Unisex Abnormal Nugget Lava Stones Oval Round Circle Crystals Link Chunky Modernist Choker Collar Necklace, Gold Plated V...
Gold Plate
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Vintage Jewelled Heart Brooch
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage gold tone heart brooch embellished with multicolor crystals. Embossed YSL and E2. Indicative measurements : max. height approx. 4.5 cm (1.77 inches) / ma...
Gilt Metal
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
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Statement YSL Sterling Silver Torque Logo Cuff 1980s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wilmslow, GB
What a rare and fabulous French designer cuff. A vintage Yves Saint Laurent Sterling Bangle. Featuring solid sterling silver in a broad contemporary style band engraved with the icon...
Sterling Silver
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, ...
SAINT LAURENT Antiqued Silver-Tone Crystal Curb Chain Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
SAINT LAURENT antiqued silver-tone curb chain necklace featuring crystal links on one half. This SAINT LAURENT Paris curb chain necklace embodies the House’s signature blend of mode...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Gripoix Ruby Vintage Large Heart Love Cabochon Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Arty Large Gripoix Ruby Red Heart Love Cabochon Crystal Chunky Statement Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. Come with original box and...
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 Chainmail Cuff Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT antiqued bronze tone chainmail cuff bracelet. Secure clasp closure. Embossed YVES SAINT LAURENT. Indicative measurements : inner circumference approx. 18.85 cm ...
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Vintage Hammered Gold Tone Rigid Choker Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage hammered gold tone rigid choker necklace. Heart toggle closure. Adjustable length. Embossed YSL Made in France. Cursive signature YVES SAINT LAURENT embo...
Gilt Metal
Yves Saint Laurent brooch by Yves Saint Laurent circa 1985-1990
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT - A ready-to-wear Collection circa 1985-1990 under the artistic direction of Yves Saint Laurent. Goossens Atelier. Beaten golden metal cross pendant brooch centere...
Gilt Metal
$720Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage “YSL” Yves Saint Laurent Retro Cigarette Lighter, Circa 1980s Original C
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Rare Cognac & Gold Vintage “YSL” Yves Saint Laurent Retro Cigarette Lighter, Circa 1980s Original Case “YSL” Yves Saint Laurent retro cigarette lighter Logo Cognac and Gold The Li...
Gold Plate
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 Vintage Unisex Gold Quilted Braided Monderist Chunky Cuff
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Arty Vintage Unisex Textured Glow Chunky Quilted Monderist Bangle Cuff Bracelet, Gold Tone Very good condition. Light scratches or colour loss, barely noticea...
Gold Plate
Yves Saint Laurent brooch 'butterfly' by Yves Saint Laurent Winter 1995-1996
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT - 1995-1996 Fall-Winter ready-to-wear Collection under the artistic direction of Yves Saint Laurent. Golden metal openwork butterfly brooch decorated with green a...
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 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 turtle brooch by Yves Saint Laurent circa 1985
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT - A ready-to-wear Collection circa 1985 under the artistic direction of Yves Saint Laurent. Golden metal turtle brooch with a black resin cabochon and a costume p...
Gilt Metal
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 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 1980s Gold Link Chain Necklace with Rhinestone Accent
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Classic 1980s design is this gold plate Yves Saint Laurent necklace large link necklace. The central and largest link is 2 inches wide and set with rhinestones. From the center rhin...
Gold Plate
Exceptional Yves Saint Laurent wheat necklace, created by Maison Goossens
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in TOULOUSE, FR
This exceptional Yves Saint Laurent wheat necklace, created by the legendary Maison Goossens, represents one of the most iconic motifs in couture jewelry history. The wheat or ear-of...
Silver Plate