French fashion 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, he 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. Under creative director Hedi Slimane, the house’s ready-to-wear collection was rebranded as Saint Laurent in 2012.
Browse an extraordinary collection of vintage Saint Laurent evening dresses, shirts, handbags and other clothing and accessories today on 1stDibs.
Saint Laurent 2018 Sac Kate Opium Medium YSL Khaki Gold Leather Shoulder Bag
By Hedi Slimane, Saint Laurent
Located in PARIS, FR
Saint Laurent Kate, Kate Monogram, or Kate Opium medium-sized bag in quilted khaki and gold leather. It features a simple flap closure with a magnetic snap beneath the large YSL logo...
SAINT LAURENT white leather LIPS CLASSIC COURT Sneakers Shoes 39.5
By Saint Laurent
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Saint Laurent Court Classic in white calfskin with red and blue embossed lips patch on the heel. Have been worn with some so...
SAINT LAURENT Janis nude leather gold metal bar flat sandals EU38.5
By Saint Laurent, Anthony Vaccarello
Located in Hong Kong, NT
SAINT LAURENT Janis nude leather gold metal bar flat sandals EU38.5 Reference: CNPG/A00080 Brand: Saint Laurent Designer: Anthony Vaccarello Model: Janis Material: Leather, Metal Col...
2021 YVES SAINT LAURENT Acid Wash Bleached Denim Loose Low rise Boyfriend Jeans
By Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Sheffield, GB
A Pair of YVES SAINT LAURENT Bleached Denim Loose Low rise Boyfriend Jeans, featuring a classic 4 pocket design with button fasten closure, the jeans sit low slung around the hips an...
Saint Laurent Silk Metallic Dot Ruffle Cape Blouse Top Runway YSL 2018 NEW
By Saint Laurent
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Since its start in 1961, the house of Yves Saint Laurent has undoubtedly defined countless moments in fashion from his controversial time at Dior to his Le Smoking ensemble in the 70...
Saint Laurent Croc Embossed Leather Monogram Kate Tassel Small Shoulder Bag
By Saint Laurent
Located in Houston, TX
The French fashion house was founded in 1961 by designer Yves Saint Laurent and his partner, Pierre Bergé. Yves Saint Laurent revolutionized the world of women's fashion. In 1963, th...
SAINT LAURENT 100% cashmere black ostrich feather trim mini sweater dress XS
By Saint Laurent, Anthony Vaccarello
Located in Hong Kong, NT
SAINT LAURENT 100% cashmere black ostrich feather trim mini sweater dress XS Reference: AAWC/A00222 Brand: Saint Laurent Designer: Anthony Vaccarello Collection: 2020 Material: 100% ...
SAINT LAURENT black cotton blend 2014 OPEN KNIT BOATNECK Sweater S
By Saint Laurent
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Saint Laurent 2014 'Holey' knit sweater in black cotton (70%) and polyamide (30%). Features long sleeves and a boat neck. Unlined. Ha...
Black patent leather over-the-knee thigh boots Saint Laurent
By Saint Laurent
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black patent leather over-the-knee thigh boot. Total height= 66 cm Heels hight= 10 cm Shoe size 37 (It) = 38 (Fr)
$1,271Sale Price|20% Off
Saint Laurent American Flag Travel Bag
By Saint Laurent
Located in PARIS, FR
Elegant travel bag crafted from premium toile fabric, adorned with an iconic American flag motif. Black leather accents and reinforced handles provide both sophistication and durabil...
Saint Laurent Farrah Platform Sandals Black Croc Leather size IT 38 US 8 Chunky
By Saint Laurent
Located in San Diego, CA
Saint Laurent Farrah platform sandals, wrapped croc leather designed with a 1970s-inspired aesthetic. These high-end sandals feature a dramatic 5-...
SAINT LAURENT Wicker basket bag, YSL signature gold chain, wicker +black leather
By Saint Laurent
Located in KRAKÓW, PL
SAINT LAURENT Wicker basket bag, The coolest summer bag, St Tropez old money style NEW with tags Org price €2500 Beautiful bag with leather wrapped around its top handle, leat...
SAINT LAURENT silver polyester 2019 SEQUIN JERSEY MINI Dress S
By Saint Laurent
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Saint Laurent cocktail dress by Anthony Vaccarello in black semi-sheer jersey composed of polyester (90%), polyamide (5%) and polyethylene (5%), entirely covered in sh...
Yves Saint Laurent Vintage Silk Foulard
By Saint Laurent, Yves 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 !
Saint Laurent Janis Beige & Black Toe Cap Platform Pumps Heels.
By Saint Laurent, Hedi Slimane for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
Sexy smart Saint Laurent Janis platform pumps. Worn once. Made from smooth beige leather with glossy black leather toe caps, they have ins...
Saint Laurent Grain de Poudre Monogram Uptown Envelope Clutch
By Saint Laurent
Located in Houston, TX
The French fashion house was founded in 1961 by designer Yves Saint Laurent and his partner, Pierre Bergé. Yves Saint Laurent revolutionized the world of women's fashion. In 1963, th...
SAINT LAURENT Runway 110 Aylah Over-The-Knee Vinyl Boots Size 40 patent leather
By Saint Laurent
Located in KRAKÓW, PL
SAINT LAURENT Aylah 110 Over-The-Knee Vinyl Boots Size 40, perfect condition Product Details No one does slick, all-gloss over-the-knee boots quite like Saint Laurent. The blac...
$1,024Sale Price|20% Off
SAINT LAURENT Size 40 Black Multi Color Floral Viscose Varsity Jacket
By Saint Laurent
Located in San Francisco, CA
SAINT LAURENT PARIS jacket in a black viscose featuring a varsity style, vibrant multi-color floral print, and snap closure. Made in Italy.Excellent Pre-Owned Condition. Marked: ...
Saint Laurent Matelasse Grain de Poudre Monogram Chain Wallet
By Saint Laurent
Located in Houston, TX
The French fashion house was founded in 1961 by designer Yves Saint Laurent and his partner, Pierre Bergé. Yves Saint Laurent revolutionized the world of women's fashion. In 1963, th...
SAINT LAURENT Size 6.5 Black Studded Leather Lace-Up Belted Boots
By Saint Laurent
Located in San Francisco, CA
SAINT LAURENT boots in a black leather featuring an all over studded design, belted straps with pearlescent and metal heel chains, and lace-up closure.Very Good Pre-Owned Condition. ...
Saint Laurent Bordeaux Y Quilted Lambskin Leather Small Loulou
By Saint Laurent
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Saint Laurent Bordeaux Y Quilted Lambskin Leather Small Loulou Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1643 Brand: Saint Laurent Model: Small Loulou Type: Shoulder, Crossbody Serial Number: ...
Saint Laurent Matelasse Calfskin Monogram Lou Camera Bag
By Saint Laurent
Located in Houston, TX
The French fashion house was founded in 1961 by designer Yves Saint Laurent and his partner, Pierre Bergé. Yves Saint Laurent revolutionized the world of women's fashion. In 1963, th...
SAINT LAURENT black wool 2016 SATIN TRIM Blazer Jacket 40 M
By Saint Laurent
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Saint Laurent classic tuxedo blazer in black Grain de Poudre wool (100%). This luxury Saint Laurent blazer features a tailored, fitted silhouette with slightly padded ...
SAINT LAURENT black suede 2018 BILLY PLATFORM Ankle Boots Shoes 39.5
By Saint Laurent
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Saint Laurent Billy platform ankle boots in black suede featuring silver-tone metal buckle. Opens with a zipper on the inside. Brand new. Come with dust bags. Measur...
Saint Laurent Mild Rose Patent Nano Sac de Jour
By Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Saint Laurent Mild Rose Patent Nano Sac de Jour SKU: 153559 MSRP: 2850.00 USD Condition: Pre-owned Handbag Condition: Pristine Condition Comments: Item has no indicat...
Saint Laurent Black Silk Gold Dot Cut Out Back Mini Dress YSL
By Saint Laurent
Located in Boca Raton, FL
An unexpected take on a spring line, the Spring 2017 collection from YSL showcased various forms of black, paying homage to Saint Laurent’s creative use of form and texture in a slee...
SAINT LAURENT black suede BELLE DU JOUR GLITTER Clutch Bag
By Saint Laurent
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Saint Laurent Belle du Jour clutch in black glitter suede, crafted in a sleek, refined silhouette that captures the house’s timeless elegance and evening allure. The s...
SAINT LAURENT black KOLLER STRETCH CLOQUE OVER KNEE Boots Shoes 39
By Saint Laurent
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Saint Laurent Koller over-the-knee boots are made from black tactile stretch-cloqué that has a sock-like fit through the calves and thighs. They have internal rubberiz...
Saint Laurent, Pink leather tribute heels.
By Saint Laurent
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Saint Laurent, Pink leather tribute heels. This item has some light signs of wearing all over. Comes with the original box.
Saint Laurent Black Shiny Calfskin Small Le 37 Bucket Bag
By Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Saint Laurent Black Shiny Calfskin Small Le 37 Bucket Bag SKU: 151293 MSRP: 2900.00 USD Condition: Pre-owned Handbag Condition: Pristine Condition Comments: Item has ...
Saint Laurent, beige cashmere wool coat 2018
By Saint Laurent
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Saint Laurent, beige cashmere wool coat 2018. The item is in very good condition.
SAINT LAURENT 2014 Hedi Slimane Runway wool houndstooth caped coat FR34 XS
By Hedi Slimane, Saint Laurent
Located in Hong Kong, NT
SAINT LAURENT 2014 Hedi Slimane Runway virgin wool houndstooth buttoned caped coat FR34 XS Reference: MELK/A00431 Brand: Saint Laurent Designer: Hedi Slimane Collection: Fall Winter ...
Saint Laurent Mini Loulou Black Lambskin Chevron Quilted Crossbody Bag
By Saint Laurent
Located in Salt Lake Cty, UT
Authentic Saint Laurent YSL Lambskin Chevron Quilted Mini Loulou shoulder crossbody bag in Black. This classic bag is one that will take you through all seasons. Adorned with iconic ...
Saint Laurent Black Leather Gold-Tone Statement Bangle
By Saint Laurent
Located in Amman, JO
Saint Laurent Black Leather Gold-Tone Statement Bangle Bold and architectural, this Saint Laurent statement bangle combines sleek black leather with striking gold-tone geometric har...
SAINT LAURENT brown 2014 OCELTO PRINTED FUR Coat Jacket 36 XS
By Saint Laurent
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Saint Laurent fur coat in beige and black ocelot-printed marmot fur exudes vintage-inspired glamour with a modern edge. Designed with a fitted, double-breasted si...
Saint Laurent Jodie Peep Toe Platform Heels Pump IT40
By Saint Laurent
Located in Brossard, QC
Jodie sandals by Saint Laurent crafted entirely of patent leather with a wide heel and platform. Ankle strap closure with buckle Open almond toe Wide covered heel Leather sole; P...
Saint Laurent, Lurex shirt with ruched strokes 2019
By Saint Laurent
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Saint Laurent, Black lurex shirt with ruched strokes 2019. The item is in very good condition.
Saint Laurent Leopard One Shoulder One Piece Swimsuit XS
By Saint Laurent
Located in KRAKÓW, PL
Saint Laurent Leopard One Shoulder One Piece Swimsuit It beautifully highlights the silhouette and thanks to its great cut, the body looks great and the proportions are maintained....
Saint Laurent, Black and white striped shirt 2019
By Saint Laurent
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Saint Laurent, Black and white striped shirt 2019. The item is in very good condition.
Saint Laurent, 2016 black leather biker
By Saint Laurent
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Saint Laurent, 2016 black leather biker with black hardware. The item is in very good condition, hardware has some scratches
SAINT LAURENT black 2013 BETTY STUDDED PYTHON MINI Shoulder Bag
By Saint Laurent
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Saint Laurent Mini Betty Clous in black python, exquisitely crafted in a sleek, structured silhouette that blends sharp geometry with the house’s signature rock-chic e...
Saint Laurent Loulou Medium Suede Matelassé Chain Shoulder Bag
By Saint Laurent
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Saint Laurent Gender: Ladies Measurements (W x H x D): 12.00" x 9.00" x 3.50" Weight: 990.00 grams Saint Laurent loulou medium suede matelassé. Engraved with "Paris". The...
SAINT LAURENT 2024 Le 5 a 7 supple calfskin YSL logo Large hobo tote bag
By Saint Laurent, Anthony Vaccarello
Located in Hong Kong, NT
SAINT LAURENT 2024 Le 5 a 7 off white supple calfskin YSL logo Large hobo tote bag Reference: CNPG/A00168 Brand: Saint Laurent Designer: Anthony Vaccarello Model: Le 5 à 7 Hobo Mate...
Saint Laurent, 19FW sequin embroidered trim blazer
By Saint Laurent
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Saint Laurent, 19FW sequin embroidered trim blazer in grey. The item is in very good condition.
Saint Laurent, SL28 slim metal sunglasses in black
By Saint Laurent
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Saint Laurent, SL28 slim metal sunglasses in black. The item is in very good condition and comes with case and dust cloth.
SAINT LAURENT bubblegum pink leather 2022 LE 5 A 7 Hobo Bag
By Saint Laurent
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Saint Laurent Le 5 À 7 shoulder bag in Bubblegum pink smooth calfskin leather, crafted in the house’s sleek, softly structured silhouette with a refined, minimalist pr...
Saint Laurent 2015 Top T-Shirt V Soie Ecru FR38 Slimane Silk Jersey Top UK10 US8
By Saint Laurent, Hedi Slimane
Located in PARIS, FR
Saint Laurent top from 2015 by Hedi Slimane, crafted in ecru silk jersey; features a deep V-neck, a small patch chest pocket, two mini darts at the upper back, and short sleeves. Siz...
SAINT LAURENT black leather & gold BEADED FRINGE Mini Skirt 36 XS
By Saint Laurent
Located in Zürich, CH
authentic Saint Laurent fringe skirt in black lambskin (100%) with small golden heavy beads. Closes with one button and a zipper on the side. Line...
$439Sale Price|34% Off
Yves Saint Laurent Floral Peplum Jacket Top, 1990s
By Yves Saint Laurent, Saint Laurent
Located in Boca Raton, FL
YSL was one of the more prominent designers to create fashionable, yet functional suiting. Since his controversial release of the women’s smoking suit in...
Fall/Winter 1976 Yves Saint Laurent Russian Collection Paisley Peasant Skirt
By Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Green, red, navy blue and yellow paisley printed cotton peasant skirt from the 1976 Yves Saint Laurent Russian collection. The collection was "inspired by Russian folk dress and Léon Bakst’s costumes for the Ballet Russes. Full-skirted, billowing ensembles in vibrant jewel tones were styled with an array of shawls, head scarves...
Saint Laurent Museum Black Grained Calfskin Leather Briefcase - ' 20s
By Saint Laurent
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Elegant Saint Laurent Museum briefcase crafted in black grained calfskin leather with gilt-metal hardware. Featuring double leather top handles and a removable leather shoulder strap...
SAINT LAURENT 2022 brown slinky scoop neck sheer knit maxi dress XS
By Saint Laurent, Anthony Vaccarello
Located in Hong Kong, NT
SAINT LAURENT 2022 brown slinky scoop neck sheer knit maxi dress XS Reference: TGAS/F00654 Brand: Saint Laurent Designer: Anthony Vaccarello Collection: 2022 Material: Viscose Color:...
Saint Laurent Paris bomber jacket versityin Wool and Leather Collection 2017
By Saint Laurent
Located in Basaluzzo, IT
Saint Laurent Paris varsity jacket made of a combination of textured wool and smooth leather, a perfect expression of the maison's contemporary aesthetic under modern creative direct...
Saint Laurent Grey Grained Calfskin Small Souple Sac De Jour
By Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Saint Laurent Grey Grained Calfskin Small Souple Sac De Jour SKU: Z150437 Condition: Pre-owned Handbag Condition: Good Condition Comments: Item is in good condition w...
SAINT LAURENT navy blue & white BIANCO POLKA DOT PLATFORM Sandals Shoes 37.5
By Saint Laurent
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Saint Laurent Bianca sandal is crafted in navy blue fabric printed with white polka dots. It features open toes with s...
SAINT LAURENT Small Sac De Jour matte black stamped croc tote bag
By Saint Laurent, Anthony Vaccarello
Located in Hong Kong, NT
SAINT LAURENT Small Sac De Jour matte black stamped croc tote bag Reference: KNLM/A00238 Brand: Saint Laurent Designer: Anthony Vaccarello Model: Sac De Jour Small Material: Leather ...
$1,060Sale Price|20% Off
SAINT LAURENT Size 2 Black Jersey Long Skirt
By Saint Laurent
Located in San Francisco, CA
MOSCHINO Cheap and Chic skirt set comes in a black and white virgin wool woven material featuring a personalized buttons, and a matching layered mini skirt. Made in Italy.Very Good P...
SAINT LAURENT black silk 2017 BEADED CRYSTAL FRINGE Cocktail Dress 40 M
By Saint Laurent
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Saint Laurent cocktail dress in black silk (100%), exquisitely embellished with black and silver beadwork throughout. Features a sleek, sleeveless fitted silhouette wi...
Saint Laurent Python Skin Ankle Boots
By Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
Saint Laurent Python Skin Ankle Boots Black ankle boots crafted from exotic python skin with light grey details along the front. Detailed with a smooth burgundy leather pointed toe...
SAINT LAURENT natural beige SHEARLING FUR 2021 SMALL PUFFER Clutch Bag
By Saint Laurent
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Saint Laurent Puffer Small Clutch in natural beige quilted shearling exudes effortless sophistication with a cozy, luxurious touch. Featuring the iconic gold-tone...