1978 YVES SAINT LAURENT paisley printed quilted silk RUNWAY jacket
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Rare quilted silk quilted bomber jacket from Yves Saint Laurent’s Fall 1978 ready-to-wear
1978 YVES SAINT LAURENT paisley printed quilted silk RUNWAY jacket
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Rare quilted silk quilted bomber jacket from Yves Saint Laurent’s Fall 1978 ready-to-wear
Yves Saint Laurent Silk Crepe Paisley Blouse
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Yves Saint Laurent silk crepe blouse in deep gray with paisley print and super long neck tie
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Wool Purple Paisley Scarf
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Paris, FR
Purple wool scarf from Saint Laurent YSL featuring a paisley motif, fringed tassel trim & an
Yves Saint Laurent "Russian" Silk Paisley Print Ruffled Blouse
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Yves Saint Laurent Taupe silk crepe de chine with paisley print ruffled blouse from his "Russian
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Wool and Silk Paisley Long Scarf
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Paris, FR
Saint Laurent YSL wool & silk paisley wool & silk scarf featuring floral paisley motif
Yves Saint Laurent Psychedelic Paisley Silk Kimono Jacket YSL, 1967
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Boca Raton, FL
In retrospect, Yves Saint Laurent defined the fashion movement of the 1960s and 70s. YSL embodied a
$1,156
Size: 42 (Fr) 10 (us)
Sleeveless Paisley brocade vest Yves Saint Laurent Variation Circa 1980's
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Sleeveless brocade vest. Shell composition: 80% acetate, 12% acrylic, 6% rayon, 2% polyester. lining: 100% lining Split on both side SIZE 42 (Fr) 10 (Us)
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent YSL Massive Hand Painted Paisley Cotton Shawl Scarf
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT massive (55 inches by 55 inches) lightweight hand painted cotton voile
3-Piece Yves Saint Laurent Mohair Tunic / Silk Paisley Pants / Matching Turban
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Gresham, OR
3-Piece Yves Saint Laurent Wool and Mohair Tunic / Paisley Pants / Matching Turban: Sweater is YSL
Fall/Winter 1976 Yves Saint Laurent Russian Collection Paisley Peasant Skirt
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Saint Laurent
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Green, red, navy blue and yellow paisley printed cotton peasant skirt from the 1976 Yves Saint
1970s Saint Laurent Brown, Teal and Grey Paisley Print vintage Trench Coat
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage trench coat by Yves Saint Laurent has the classic good looks we expect from the cut of
Paisley printed cotton shirt with taffetas ruffles Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Paisley printed cotton shirt with taffetas ruffles. Jewellery buttons in the middle front and on
$1,415
Size: 34 (Fr) on tag but fit M
Paisley printed dress with black velvet collar Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Paisley printed dress with black velvet collar. Gold metal button in the middle front and on the
Wool skirt with Paisley print ruffle and velvet ribbon Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Long wool skirt with Paisley print, ruffle and velvet ribbon. Elastic waist band. Pocket on both
Yves Saint Laurent 80s floral paisley print vintage Blouse
Located in Carnate, IT
Yves Saint Laurent blouse. Vintage item. 80s. Floral damask paisley print composition label missing
1980's Yves Saint Laurent Cotton Paisley Peasant Dress
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage dress from Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche label dates to the early to mid-1980's and is
Yves Saint Laurent Vintage Rive Gauche Tapestry Paisley Printed Blazer XS
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Copenhagen, DK
A 1980s Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche tapestry blazer with an asymmetrical front buttoned closure
Unavailable
Size: 36
Vintage Rare Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Quilted Paisley Russian Collection Jacket
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Lake Park, FL
This is a rare vintage Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche whimsical diamond quilted silk paisley print
Unavailable
Size: 40
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent YSL Rive Gauche Paisley Plaid Wool Blouse w Ruffle & Scarf
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Lake Park, FL
This is an incredible Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche paisley and plaid print button up wool blouse
1980s Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Brocade Paisley Print Suit Pants
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Milan, Italy
This stunning 1980s Saint Laurent Rive Gauche suit pants is in brocade paisley print wool and silk
Unavailable
YSL Paisley Flower Scarf
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Westmount, Quebec
Brand: Yves Saint Laurent Country: France Material: 100% Silk Condition: Excellent Dimensions
Yves Saint Laurent pink paisley skirt, circa 1978
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
Inject some colour to an evening look with this fabulous Yves Saint Laurent skirt. Constructed from
Yves Saint Laurent Paisley Peasant Dress
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage 1970s Yves Saint Laurent classic dark navy blue velvet and paisley wool peasant dress
Yves Saint Laurent Paisley Patterned Day Dress
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Yves Saint Laurent, wool challis, paisley print, day dress, having a jewel neckline, long sleeves
Yves Saint Laurent Paisley Pattern Quilted Jacket
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in New York, NY
Yves Saint Laurent, Rive Gauche, viscose satin quilted jacket having a paisley pattern , braided
Vintage 1970s Yves Saint Laurent Paisley Mini Dress
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent red wool paisley peasant smock dress featuring a button front yoke, high
Vintage 1970s Yves Saint Laurent Paisley Mini Dress
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent red wool paisley peasant smock dress featuring a button front yoke, high
Yves Saint Laurent
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Yves Saint Laurent paisley print peasant maxi gown. Gathered square neckline and blouson sleeves.
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Brown Paisley Silk Smock Dress
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Brown silk paisley Yves Saint Laurent smock dress with ruffle collar and tie.
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Psychedelic Acid Paisley Pants 1970s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent high waisted, wide leg, and cropped silk pants with a multicolored
Yves saint Laurent Rive Gauche Paisley Print Skirt
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche paisley print skirt in a wonderful colour palete of pinks and and
YVES SAINT LAURENT green white black cotton PAISLEY Shawl Scarf
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Yves Saint Laurent Vintage floral print scarf in light grey, green and midnight and
Yves Saint Laurent Green Red Silk Paisley Classic Ceremony Tie 1980s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Brindisi, Bt
Yves Saint Laurent vintage silk tie. Classic theme of 1980s. Main color red with green paisley
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Orange & Pink Paisley Peasant Skirt Ensemble 1970s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent bright orange and fuchsia pink silk two piece set. Wrap blouse features
1974 Yves Saint Laurent Russian Paisley Quilted Satin Jacket Documented YSL
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Never one for subtlety, French designer Yves Saint Laurent experimented with a broad palette of
Yves Saint Laurent Vintage Wool Challis & Silk Plaid & Paisley Patterned Scarf
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Banner Elk, NC
Yves Saint Laurent Vintage Wool Challis & Silk Plaid & Paisley Patterned Scarf, Circa 1970 - 1980
Yves Saint Laurent Silk Blouse and Woo Skirt in Paisley Design
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
A beautiful outfit by Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche. The blouse is in silk , with a frill edge on
1970s Yves Saint Laurent Red Gold Paisley Silk Feather Shawl YSL
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Boca Raton, FL
season. Saint Laurent’s penchant for eccentric accessories sedimented a place in the fashion lexicon for
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent YSL Paisley Print Peasant Dress w/Velvet Trim
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Studio City, CA
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent YSL multi-colored paisley print wool long sleeve tiered peasant dress
1980s Yves Saint Laurent RG Silk Paisley Blouse 36 Fr
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Port Hope, ON
Bold paisley pattern of green, purple, orange and black, this blouse is typical of the 80s with an
Yves Saint Laurent Vintage Rust Paisley Print Peasant Dress - 36 - 1960's
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This vintage Yves Saint Laurent dress is rust colored with a paisley print. It is wool with taffeta
Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Paisley Pattern Peasant Ensemble
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in New York, NY
Yves Saint Laurent, wool Challis, paisley pattern skirt and top in shades of greens, and blues. Top
Yves St. Laurent Quilted Paisley Print Jacket
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
YSL quilted, hip length collarless jacket with a bold multicolored, paisley pattern on a purple
Yves Saint Laurent 1970s Red Orange Paisley Ruffle Prairie Skirt and Top Set
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Francisco, CA
Vintage 1970s Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche red orange paisley print prairie style skirt with
YVES SAINT LAURENT Silk Peasant Blouse
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Austin, TX
Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche blue silk paisley peasant blouse. 48" bust, 19 1/2" sleeve, 27
Iconic 1970s Yves St Laurent YSL paisley challis tiered peasant skirt
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
that I gave to this collection.” Quote taken from St Laurent's obituary, New York Times, June 1, 2008
1970s Yves Saint Laurent Silk Peasant Blouse - Never worn
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Austin, TX
1970s Yves Saint Laurent silk paisley pesant blouse. 48" bust, 19 1/2" sleeve, 27 1/2" length
Paisley printed top Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Paisley printed top buttoned in the middle front
VintageYves Saint Laurent YSL Paisley Print Peasant Maxi Skirt w/Velvet Trim
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Studio City, CA
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent green, purple, red and black paisley print light weight wool maxi skirt
Yves St Laurent YSL Rive Gauche metallic paisley tiered gypsy skirt 1970s
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Yves St Laurent Rive Gauche metallic paisley tiered gypsy skirt 1970s...Triple tiered metallic
Paisley print silk tunique dress with colerette Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Paisley print silk tunique dress with ruffle collar. One button on the top middle front and on
Sold
Size: 36 (Fr) 6 (Us) S
Paisley printed see-through silk and lurex blouse Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
See-through silk and lurex chiffon blouse with Paisley print. Smocks collar and elastic band at the
Sold
Size: 38 (but fit more likely S)
Yellow raw silk shirt with Paisley print Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Circa 1970
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Yellow raw silk shirt with Paisley print. The top button is different from the others ( hidden
YSL Paisley Print Blouse
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
YSL, silk, black and white, paisley print blouse with tie. C. Late 70's.
YSL Vintage Oversize Paisley Shawl
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in West Hollywood, CA
YSL vintage large shawl in wool and silk combination. Multicolor paisley pattern. No label.
YSL Haute Couture Paisley Print Day Dress, Circa 1970
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This green and purple paisley print day dress is available to be viewed privately in our Beverly
Yves Saint Laurent Paisley Wool Shawl
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Geneva, CH
This wonderful large 70's YSL stole, beautifully patterned with Paisley motifs, is providing an
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Paisley Style Silk Scarf
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Atlanta, GA
Reminiscent of the English obsession with paisley design though no doubt inspired by Yves Saint
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Paisley Print Silk Puffer Coat
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Antwerpen, Vlaams Gewest
80's Yves Saint Laurent Silk Paisley Print Puffer Coat/Doudoune Size Free - Excellent condition
Yves Saint Laurent Brown Paisley Maxi Dress
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent brown cotton paisley maxi dress featuring 3/4 peasant style sleeves, a
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Paisley Shawl
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage paisley shawl featuring an opulent design with lurex threads on a deep
1970s Yves Saint Laurent RIve Gauche Paisley Coat
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Austin, TX
1970s Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Paisley Printed coat. Two front pockets, drawstring at waist
Yves saint Laurent Rive Gauche Paisley Print Skirt
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche paisley print skirt in a wonderful colour palete of pinks and and
Yves Saint Laurent Russian paisley floral jacket. Early 70s.
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Carnate, IT
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Variation Jacket. Early 70s. Very particular quilted Russian paisley
1970's YVES SAINT LAURENT black silk paisley peasant dress
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Black peasant dress with woven abstract paisley pattern and velvet trim from Yves Saint Laurent
1970's YVES SAINT LAURENT cotton paisley floral maxi dress
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Fransisco, CA
, and a corded waist tie with tassels from Yves Saint Laurent dating to the 1970's. Labeled a French
1977 YVES SAINT LAURENT tiered floral paisley RUNWAY skirt
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Floral and paisley printed wool challis tiered skirt designed by Yves Saint Laurent dating to 1977
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Large Paisley Cotton Voile Scarf
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage large multicolored Paisley cotton voile scarf. Hand rolled borders
Rare Yves Saint Laurent Russian Collection Paisley Cotton & Lurex Schawl
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Geneva, CH
This wonderful large 70's YSL Russian Collection stole, beautifully patterned with multicoloured flowers and cashmere motifs, is providing effortlessly a romantic and joyful feel to ...
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Autumn Tone Paisley Ruffle & Taffeta Trim Ensemble
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Los Angeles, CA
matching skirt with waistband, side zipper, and gathered full skirt. Yves Saint Laurent Size 36 Wool
1970s Yves Saint Laurent High Waist Cotton Paisley Peasant Maxi Skirt
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Born in French Algeria, Yves Saint Laurent likely saw a great variety of world dress while growing
Fall/Winter 1976 Yves Saint Laurent Russian Collection Silk Paisley Dress
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Maroon, blue and rust paisley printed silk smock dress from the 1976 Yves Saint Laurent Russian
S/S 2005 Versace by Donatella Medusa Medallion Backless Halter Top Blue Blouse
By Versace, Donatella Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a mint-colored Versace halter neck designed by Donatella Versace. From the Spring/Summer 2005 collection, this wrap halter neck top is complete with a large interlocking V...
Valentino Garavani Bag In Purple Alligator
By Valentino
Located in Paris, FR
Golden jewelry. Zip closure. The interior is in golden leather. Serial number: BSXAB912T In very good condition. Slight wear and tear on one of the flowers and on the border along th...
F/W 2000 Thierry Mugler Runway Cat Eye Brooch Green Velvet Evening Gown
By Thierry Mugler, Mugler
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Thierry Mugler evening gown from the Fall/Winter 2000 collection is crafted in deep green velvet and designed with an asymmetric one-shoulder silhouette. The dress is defined by...
$13,274
H 0.87 in W 0.87 in Dm 0.87 in
Chanel 1989 Montre Mademoiselle 16 cm Yellow Gold Pearls bracelet Watch M
By Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Chanel Mademoiselle model watch, square yellow gold case, quartz movement, white background with Roman numeral indexes, crown with a small half pearl, yellow gold and pearl bracelet,...
Pearl, Yellow Gold
Chic 1950s Pale Blue Couture French Lace Taffeta Avant Garde Vintage 50s Blouse
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic early 50s demi couture pale blue French Lace wrap blouse top! Features a chiffon backing, with taffeta covered button. Attached taffeta ribbon ties multiple times around the wai...
1990s Richard Tyler Couture Size 6 Cranberry Red Burgundy Sequin Vintage Gown
By Richard Tyler, Richard Tyler Couture
Located in San Diego, CA
Phenomenal 90s RICHARD TYLER COUTURE cranberry red / burgundy / maroon fully sequined and beaded silk chiffon evening dress! Features thousands of vibrant hand-sewn sequins and beads...
UNWORN Rare Gucci by Tom Ford SS 1996 Black Lace Mini Dress Gown 38
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Switzerland, CH
Stunning Gucci by Tom Ford lace dress From his SS 1996 collection for Gucci Finest black lace Fully lined with nude silk Made in Italy Dry Clean Only Size 38 Seen in the AD campaig...
S/S 1992 Gianni Versace Light Green Ribbed Knit Bodycon Mini Dress Cap Sleeve
By Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This ribbed bright green Gianni Versace mini dress, designed by Gianni Versace for the Spring/Summer 1992 collection, is a form-fitting bodycon piece. It features off-the-shoulder pe...
$5,039Sale Price|44% Off
Size: 42
UNWORN Versace 2007 Silk Goddess Evening Bridal Wedding Gown Maxi Dress 42
By Versace
Located in Switzerland, CH
Incredible Versace Grecian Goddess Silk Evening Gown Featured In The AD Campaign, Runway Show And Worn By Many Models & Celebs Like Jennifer, Liz, Leona, Daria and many more So...
2008 Vintage Alexander McQueen Wire-Embroidered and Crystal Embellished Dress 40
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Montgomery, TX
Alexander McQueen 'The Girl Who Lived in the Tree' Bullion Wire-Embroidered and Crystal Embellished Dress FW 2008 Collection by Alexander McQueen Italian size 40 - US 4 Inc Blue, Pl...
$6,134
Size: FR 38 - UK 10 - IT 42
Alexander McQueen black lace ruffled blouse and pants ensemble, ss 1999
By Alexander McQueen
Located in London, GB
Alexander McQueen black lace ruffled blouse and flared pants ensemble. Spring-Summer 1999
Yves Saint Lauren Made of Rooster Feathers Collar
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT - (Made in France) Accessory made of rooster feathers. Additional information: Condition: Good condition Dimensions: Length: 190 cm Seller Reference: ACC58
Sensational 1990s Bill Blass Couture Nude Silk Chiffon Paisley Vintage 90s Gown
By Bill Blass
Located in San Diego, CA
Sensational vintage late 90s BILL BLASS couture nude silk chiffon paisley print full length evening dress with dramatic train! This is an original sample, and is incredibly well made...
$680
Size: FR 34 (US 0) but runs a bit big
Yves Saint Laurent Metallic Polka Dots Evening Blouse, Fall-Winter 1978-1979
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Geneva, CH
This 70's ruffled boho blouse is constructed of lightweight black silk chiffon woven with gold metallic "fil coupé" polka dots. Cut for a flowing fit, it has a sexy sheer finish. Two...
$8,861
Size: IT42 - FR38 - UK10 - US6
Gucci by Tom Ford Silver Beaded Fringe Silk and Leather Skirt, SS 1999
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in London, GB
Gucci by Tom Ford, Spring-Summer 1999: A knee-length skirt featuring a nude silk base with vertical silver-tone beaded fringe. The beads create a gradient effect and are interspersed...
Halston Metallic Gown
By Halston
Located in London, GB
Brand New - Halston Metallic Gown Metallic crepe long 'Raelynn' dress embellished with twisted halter-neckline and open back with concealed zip fastening. Rrp Approx. £460 Size – ...
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.