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.
Yves Saint Laurent Suede Mombasa Bag
By Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
Beige Suede Leather side panels Signature belt detailing Silver-tone hardware Medium size Iconic Mombasa silver-embellished top handle Magnetic snap closure Suede lining Inner zip p...
YSL Small “La Boheme" Suede Fringe Hobo Bag
By Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
Tom Ford for YSL, 2004 Black Suede with fringes Adjustable leather and chain-link shoulder strap Magnetic closure Lined in textile, inside with a zippered compartment Marked "YVES SA...
SAINT LAURENT red leather KATE SMALL MONOGRAM Shoulder Bag
By Saint Laurent
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Saint Laurent Kate Small (original) shoulder bag in red Grain de Poudre leather embodies timeless sophistication. Accented with gold-tone hardware, it features th...
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...
SAINT LAURENT raspberry leather CASSANDRE MATELASSE A5 Pouch Bag
By Saint Laurent
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Saint Laurent "Cassandre" pouch, crafted from raspberry red chrome-metal free quilted leather, combines eco-conscious design with timeless style. Featuring gold-t...
Saint Laurent 2024 Sac Niki Baby Red Vintage Leather Shoulder Bag New
By Saint Laurent
Located in PARIS, FR
Saint Laurent Niki bag, PM size (small), red "vintage" leather, quilted in chevrons, Cassandre clasp covered in matching leather, interior in ca...
Saint Laurent Red Wine Patent Monogram Small Sunset Bag
By Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Saint Laurent Red Wine Patent Monogram Small Sunset Bag SKU: 152936 MSRP: 2990.00 USD Condition: Pre-owned Handbag Condition: Excellent Condition Comments: Item is in...
Saint Laurent Brown Pony Hair Nappa Leopard Print Small Le 5 A 7 Soft Hobo
By Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Saint Laurent Brown Pony Hair Nappa Leopard Print Small Le 5 A 7 Soft Hobo SKU: Z155767 MSRP: 3400.00 USD Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Yves Saint Laure...
SAINT LAURENT beige quilted leather BABYLONE MEDIUM Shoulder Bag
By Saint Laurent
Located in Zürich, CH
Saint Laurent "Sac Babylone" shoulder bag in light beige diagonally quilted calfskin leather. Features a bold geometric link bijoux gold chain shoulder strap. Magnet snap button unde...
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 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 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 Kaia brown heart embossed print YSL crossbody bag
By Saint Laurent
Located in Hong Kong, NT
SAINT LAURENT Kaia brown heart embossed print YSL crossbody bag Reference: TGAS/E00792 Brand: Saint Laurent Designer: Hedi Slimane Model: Kaia Collection: 2021 Material: Leather Colo...
Saint Laurent YSL Medium Kate Tassel Bag Burgundy Croc Embossed Leather
By Saint Laurent
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition Normal signs of wear, scratches on hardware, corner scuffs, interior and exterior are clean. Size Width: 24cm, Height: 15cm Designer Saint Laurent Model Medium Kate Tassel ...
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 Niki beige canvas brown leather trim logo flap crossbody chain bag
By Saint Laurent
Located in Hong Kong, NT
SAINT LAURENT Niki beige canvas brown leather trim logo flap crossbody chain bag Reference: NILI/A00051 Brand: Saint Laurent Model: Niki Material: Leather, Canvas Color: Beige, Brown...
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 Kate Reversible Shoulder Bag Croc Leather Suede Black Gold
By Saint Laurent
Located in Guangzhou, CN
These are professional pictures of the actual item offered by Eluse. Condition: Normal signs of use, worn corners and chain, scratches on hardware, slight stains and dark marks i...
Saint Laurent Red Smooth Calfskin Small Solferino Satchel
By Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Saint Laurent Red Smooth Calfskin Small Solferino Satchel SKU: 154184 Condition: Pre-owned Handbag Condition: Very Good Condition Comments: Item is in very good condi...
Saint Laurent Loulou Medium Suede Matelassé Chain Shoulder Bag
By Saint Laurent
Located in Houston, US
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 Womens LE 5 A 7 Shoulder Bag Smooth Leather Black Gold YSL Logo
By Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Miami, FL
- Black exterior - Brass colored hardware - Made in Italy - Zipped pocket interior Condition: The bag is in overall great condition with no major imperfections, this bag was ...
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 Navy Grained Calfskin Medium Monogram Sunset Bag
By Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Saint Laurent Navy Grained Calfskin Medium Monogram Sunset Bag SKU: 154182 Condition: Pre-owned Handbag Condition: Very Good Condition Comments: Item is in very good ...
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 Black Croc Embossed Calfskin Medium Monogram Sunset Bag
By Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Saint Laurent Black Croc Embossed Calfskin Medium Monogram Sunset Bag SKU: 153261 MSRP: 3050.00 USD Condition: Pre-owned Handbag Condition: Very Good Condition Commen...
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 Black Smooth Calfskin Studded Heart Medium Kate Chain Bag
By Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Saint Laurent Black Smooth Calfskin Studded Heart Medium Kate Chain Bag SKU: 152555 Condition: Pre-owned Handbag Condition: Very Good Condition Comments: Item is in v...
Saint Laurent Black Quilted Lambskin Jamie Small Shopping Tote
By Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Saint Laurent Black Quilted Lambskin Jamie Small Shopping Tote SKU: Z156348 MSRP: 3800.00 USD Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Yves Saint Laurent revolutio...
SAINT LAURENT Small Sac De Jour matte black stamped croc tote bag
By Anthony Vaccarello, Saint Laurent
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 ...
Saint Laurent Croc Embossed Leather Kate Tassel Shoulder Bag
By Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
Saint Laurent Croc Embossed Leather Kate Tassel Shoulder Bag Grey bag crafted in crocodile embossed calf leather. Featuring silver 'YSL' logo to the centre with branded chain tasse...
Greyish beige "Loulou " quilted leather shoulder bag SAINT LAURENT
By Saint Laurent
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Greyish beige "Loulou " quilted leather shoulder bag . Black rayon lining. Snap closure under the flap. Large inside pocket with zip closure. SIZE: 30cm X 23cm X 9cm Shoulder chain ...
Saint Laurent Black Quilted Lambskin Leather Gaby Envelope Satchel
By Saint Laurent
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Saint Laurent Black Quilted Lambskin Leather Gaby Envelope Satchel Product Details Xupes Ref: HB6079 Brand: Saint Laurent Model: Gaby Envelope Satchel Type: Shoulder, Crossbody Seri...
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 ID Convertible Travel Duffel Bag Large Black Canvas Leather Trim
By Saint Laurent
Located in San Diego, CA
Saint Laurent ID Convertible Travel Duffel Bag Large Black Canvas Leather Trim This pre-owned, excellent condition Saint Laurent travel duffel bag is designed in black canvas with t...
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 ...
Saint Laurent Leather Cross-Body Bag
By Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
Saint Laurent Leather Cross-Body Bag Brown 'Universite' structured bag detailed with gold 'YSL logo to the front. Designed with flap, magnetic closur...
Saint Laurent Pink Leather Mini Baby Duffle Handbag with Strap
By Saint Laurent
Located in Rome, Rome
Step into the chic world of 2010s Parisian fashion with this exquisite Saint Laurent Baby Duffle. A true icon of its era, this small-sized handbag captures the effortless elegance th...
Saint Laurent Caramel Crinkled Calfskin Matelasse Medium Niki Chain Satchel
By Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Saint Laurent Caramel Crinkled Calfskin Matelasse Medium Niki Chain Satchel SKU: Z154156 Condition: Pre-owned Handbag Condition: Very Good Condition Comments: Item is...
Saint Laurent Black Crinkled Calfskin Matelasse Medium Niki Chain Satchel
By Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Saint Laurent Black Crinkled Calfskin Matelasse Medium Niki Chain Satchel SKU: 153109 MSRP: 3250.00 USD Condition: Pre-owned Handbag Condition: Very Good Condition Co...
Saint Laurent Hot Pink Doodle Print City Backpack 54ys23s
By Saint Laurent
Located in Dix hills, NY
Saint Laurent Hot Pink Doodle Print City Backpack 54ys23s Date Code/Serial Number: IND326865-0514 Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 15" Width: 5.5" Height: 16" Shoulder Handle ...
Saint Laurent, Medium Kate shoulder bag in black
By Saint Laurent
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Saint Laurent, Medium Kate shoulder bag in black grained leather. The item is in very good condition and comes with dustbag.
Saint Laurent Vintage Shopper Signature Logo Bag
By Saint Laurent
Located in Krakow, PL
Saint Laurent Vintage Shopper with Signature Logo Condition: Very good condition, minor signs of wear such as scuffing and spots on the leather Description: Chic vintage Saint Lauren...
Saint Laurent Dark Grey Leather Cabas Chyc Shoulder Bag
By Saint Laurent
Located in Guangzhou, CN
A timeless classic from Saint Laurent Paris, this Cabas Chyc tote bag is crafted from supple, premium grained calfskin leather in a versatile dark grey/charcoal hue.
Saint Laurent 2017 Sac Autruche noir Eddie Black Leather Shoulder Bag Pristine
By Saint Laurent
Located in PARIS, FR
Saint Laurent Eddie bag in black ostrich-effect leather and gold-tone metal, wide flap with snap closure adorned with a large tortoiseshell-colored bakelite ring, black suede interio...
Saint Laurent Take Away black bag
By Saint Laurent, Anthony Vaccarello
Located in CANNES, FR
Saint Laurent "Take Away" bag in embossed black leather, YSL silver logo, handles cut. Very good condition. Dimensions : 19x21x10cm.
Saint Laurent Black Quilted Lambskin Leather Gaby Phone Holder
By Saint Laurent
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Saint Laurent Black Quilted Lambskin Leather Gaby Phone Holder Product Details Xupes Ref: HB6024 Brand: Saint Laurent Model: Gaby Phone Holder Type: Shoulder, Crossbody, Clutch Seri...
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 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 Calfskin Medium Manhattan Shoulder Bag
By Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Saint Laurent Black Calfskin Medium Manhattan Shoulder Bag SKU: 151799 Condition: Pre-owned Handbag Condition: Very Good Condition Comments: Item is in very good cond...
Saint Laurent Black Crocodile Embossed Calfskin Mini Camera Bag
By Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Saint Laurent Black Crocodile Embossed Calfskin Mini Camera Bag SKU: 153779 MSRP: 1090.00 USD Condition: Pre-owned Handbag Condition: Very Good Condition Comments: It...
Saint Laurent Taupe Grained Calfskin Leather Sac De Jour Zip Around Wallet
By Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Saint Laurent Taupe Grained Calfskin Leather Sac De Jour Zip Around Wallet Product Details Xupes Ref: AA0348 Brand: Saint Laurent Model: Sac De Jour Zip Around Wallet Type: Wallet S...
SAINT LAURENT Betty black smooth leather silver studded envelope clutch bag
By Saint Laurent, Hedi Slimane
Located in Hong Kong, NT
SAINT LAURENT Betty black smooth leather matte silver studded flipped flap envelope clutch bag Reference: MELK/A00392 Brand: Saint Laurent Designer: Hedi Slimane Model: Sac Betty Fla...
Saint Laurent Black Calfskin Small Bucket Bag
By Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Saint Laurent Black Calfskin Small Bucket Bag SKU: 153547 MSRP: 2400.00 USD Condition: Pre-owned Handbag Condition: Excellent Condition Comments: Item is in excellent...
Saint Laurent Black Grain De Poudre Medium Kate Chain Bag
By Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Saint Laurent Black Grain De Poudre Medium Kate Chain Bag SKU: 153776 MSRP: 2450.00 USD Condition: Pre-owned Handbag Condition: Excellent Condition Comments: Item is ...
1960s Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Rattan Woven Wicker Shell Accordion Bag
By Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a rare woven rattan crossbody accordion bag designed by Yves Saint Laurent for his first ready-to-wear line, Saint Laurent Rive Gauche. The introduction of YSL's new line was a radical shift in the fashion industry, emphasizing couture-level craftsmanship and attention to detail in ready-to-wear. A natural shell adorns the front of this bag, making it the perfect beach...
Saint Laurent Shearling Quilted Monogram Small Loulou Puffer Chain Satchel
By Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Saint Laurent Shearling Quilted Monogram Small Loulou Puffer Chain Satchel SKU: 153439 MSRP: 3800.00 USD Condition: Pre-owned Condition Description: Named after Loulo...
Saint Laurent Grain de Poudre Skeleton 5 Fragments Zip Pouch Card Holder
By Saint Laurent
Located in Dix hills, NY
Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 5" Width: .3" Height: 2.75" OVERALL VERY GOOD CONDITION ( 8/10 or AB ) Signs of Wear: Exterior Canvas: Little to No Markings Exterior Leath...
Saint Laurent Take Away bag natural leather
By Saint Laurent, Anthony Vaccarello
Located in CANNES, FR
Saint Laurent "Take Away" bag in natural tan embossed leather, two handle cuts, YSL logo antiq gold. Very good condition (few marks as seen on pictures). Dimensions : 19x21x10cm.
Saint Laurent Light Green Smooth Calfskin Le Carre Satchel
By Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Listing Title: Saint Laurent Light Green Smooth Calfskin Le Carre Satchel SKU: 153096 MSRP: 2900.00 USD Condition: Pre-owned Handbag Condition: Very Good Condition Comments: Item is...
YSL Saint Laurent Kate Small Pony-style Calfskin Leather Leopard Print Tassle
By Saint Laurent
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
YSL Saint Laurent Kate Small Pony-style Calfskin Leather Leopard Print Tassle Crossbody Bag These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. CONDITION: VERY GOOD T...
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