Visionary French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent was the first to launch a ready-to-wear label, YSL Rive Gauche Prêt-à-Porter. The inaugural Rive Gauche boutique — a modern shop in Paris’s bustling, bohemian Left Bank district — offered stylish garments and accessories that were intended to be affordable for a younger generation of fashion enthusiasts. The store featured Mies van der Rohe chairs and played host to actor Catherine Deneuve during its grand opening.
Saint Laurent pioneered “cross-design” in fashion, taking inspiration from street trends to modernize haute couture. He was the first couturier to open boutiques for both men and women. Using traditional menswear fabrics and designs for women, he 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 — Rive Gauche is French for “left bank” — followed soon thereafter by YSL Rive Gauche for men. Ready-to-wear materialized during a period of dynamic transformation and experimentation and came to dominate the Paris fashion scene. 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.
The vintage YSL Rive Gauche clothing for sale on 1stDibs includes evening dresses and gowns, jackets, shoes, handbags and other items.
1980s Yves Saint Laurent Orange Suede Gold High Waist Belt
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
Yves Saint Laurent High Waist Belt, Orange Suede on Gold leather details, Made in France Measurements: 85 (buckle included) x8cm Condition details: 1980s, vintage, a little mark ...
Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Chain Link Tassel Belt
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in New York, NY
Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche chain belt. Composed of rust brown braided suede, purple silk passementerie woven cord and round gilt plate round twisted links. Further decorated with...
Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Opulent Gilt Metal Crystal Couture Belt c 1970s
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in University City, MO
YVES SAINT LAURENT Rive Gauche Paris Opulent articulated gilt metal crystal couture belt c 1970s The exquisite rare Saint Laurent couture belt is designed with heavy gilt metal artic...
Iconic Yves Saint Laurent Velvet Beret
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Yves Saint Laurent Deep Green Cotton Velvet Rive Gauche Beret from the 1980's. Edged and tied in black grosgrain ribbon. YSL Rive Gauc...
S/S 2001 Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford Black Bandage Corset Waist Belt Top M
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an incredible black knit Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche waist belt, designed by Tom Ford. From the Spring/Summer 2001 collection, this corset-esque top debuted on the seas...
YVES SAINT LAURENT Rive Gauche “Russian Collection” Knit Wool Hat FW 1976
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Genève, CH
A meticulously crafted Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche hat from the iconic Fall/Winter 1976-77 “Russian Collection.” This knit piece features a rich medley of oranges, reds, brown, a...
F/W 2004 Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford Embroidered Chinoiserie Wedge 36
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an iconic pair of taupe floral Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche wedge heels, designed by Tom Ford. From the Fall/Winter 2004 collection, these heels debuted on the season's ...
S/S 2001 Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford Black Bandage Corset Waist Belt Top L
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This black knit waist belt by Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, designed by Tom Ford for the Spring/Summer 2001 collection. Debuting as part of look 12 on Kate Moss, this corset-inspir...
F/W 2004 Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford Leopard Pony Hair 4.5" Wedge EU37
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting Tom Ford designed these sultry pony hair and red lacquer wedges for his final collection with Yves Saint Laurent. These shoes were featured on Gemma Ward...
S/S 2004 Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford Croc Lace Up White Ankle Boot 4.5" Heels
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an iconic pair of Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche crocodile skin-lined bootie heels designed by Tom Ford. These stunning shoes first debuted on the Spring/Summer 2004 runwa...
Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Vintage Leather Belt
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Glasgow, GB
Vintage leather belt from Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche. Made in Italy, 1980's. Wide belt in deep cream caviar leather with oversized brassy gold toned metal eyelets. Fixed with a l...
1980s Yves Saint Laurent Geometric Abstract Print Silk Scarf
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
This 1980s Yves Saint Laurent Geometric Abstract Print Silk Scarf stands out with its 100% blue silk material, adorned with a modern abstract...
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Floral Hair Comb, 1970s
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
Authentic, preowned vintage Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche floral hair comb, likely dating to the late 1970s. A rare and highly collectible designer headpiece, this dramatic accessor...
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Brown Wool Hat with Leather Trim
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
A chic vintage hat by Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche. In a chestnut wool with brown leather trim, the hat measures, internal circumference 22 1/2 '', height 8 1/2''
Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Brown Leather Sandals, Size 41
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
- Round toes - T- strap - Wrap around - Buckle closure - Gold tone hardware detail - Block heel, measures 4.75” high - Brand new, never worn
F/W 2003 Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford Green Rhinestone Lucite Pumps 38EU
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a pair of incredible shimmering green Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche heels, designed by Tom Ford. From the Fall/Winter 2003 collection, these heels debuted on the season's runway as part of look 5 modeled by Elise Crombez and were also used in looks 13, 14, 20, and 25. The heels were also featured in the season's ad campaign photographed by Craig McDean...
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche White Hat with Grossgrain Ribbon
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
A headturning hat for fall /winter by Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, In a cream wool with matching ribbon detail , the hat measures , internal circumference 22''', height 8''
Yves Saint Laurent New Studded Suede Gloves
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Geneva, CH
Unusual, never worn 80’s YSL black gloves, probably a prototype or a runway model, with gold metal pyramid studs which are enhancing the forearms. Unlined, the...
Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Vintage Red Leather Heart Belt, 1970s
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
A striking example of Saint Laurent’s playful yet polished Rive Gauche era, this vivid red leather belt captures the house’s signature balance of romance and structure. The design is...
Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent F/W 2001 Wide Leather Belt with Secret Pocket
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Tom Ford
Located in Montgomery, TX
Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent F/W 2001 Runway Collection Iconic Wide Leather Belt, Embroidered Pattern Throughout, Grommet Embellishments at Trim Dual Buckle Closure at Front, Secr...
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Rust Wool Hat with Ribbon Detail
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
A chic vintage hat for Fall. In a rust wool with ribbon trim, the hat meaures internal circumference 22'', height 8''.
1980s Yves Saint Laurent Pink Kid Leather Gloves & Mod Coordinating Vera Scarf
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Gresham, OR
1980s Yves Saint Laurent Pink Kid Leather Gloves & Mod Coordinating Vera Scarf Set: Gloves have a lovely vented and repeat trapunto stitched detail at side...
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Bamboo Resin Multi Strand Belt
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Bamboo Resin Multi Strand Belt Measurements: Height: 1.37 inches (3.5 cm) Overall Bamboo Length: 29.13 inches (74 cm) Leather Length Right Side: 34.64 inches (88 cm) Leather Length Left Side: 37 inches (94 cm) Features: - 100% Authentic YVES SAINT LAURENT. - Multi strand bamboo resin belt...
Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Red and Gold Suede Wide Belt
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Product details: The belt features red suede finish, detailed with gold tone flat bead, measuring 1 inch wide. Made in France.
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Enamel Heart Woven Belt
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Enamel Heart Woven Belt Measurements: Large Heart: 2 4/8 inches X 2 4/8 inches Small Hearts: 1 4/8 inches X 1 4/8 inch...
Early Yves Saint Laurent Large Logo Scarf, 1970's
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in New York, NY
Large Early YSL Large Silk Twill Scarf from the 1970's. Early logo placement with vibrant striped patterns by the House of Yves Saint Laurent, often styled with tailored suits in the...
Vintage 1970s Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Cord Belt Gold Stone Buckle
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Boca Raton, FL
A striking example of Yves Saint Laurent’s celebrated bohemian aesthetic, this vintage belt combines rich texture, vibrant color, and artisanal craftsmanship. Constructed from multi...
Yves Saint Laurent Deep Lavender & Green Border Silk Scarf
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Yves Saint Laurent signature deep lavender and green border silk scarf with hand-rolled edges measures 24 inches by 25 inches. Made in France.
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Articulated Mesh Belt
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Articulated Mesh Belt Measurements: Height: 6.3 cms Length: 87 cms Features: - 100% Authentic YVES SAINT LAURENT. - Articulated metal belt in gold tone. ...
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Jewel Studded Metallic Wide Leather Belt
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Jewel Studded Metallic Wide Leather Belt Measurements: Height: 3.35 inches (8.5 cm) Buckle: 3.58 inches X 3.62 inches (9.1 cm...
Saint Laurent 1980s Color Block Straw Cap
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This hat is serving all the 80s vibes! Circa 1980s, this YSL glossy straw hat features a contrasting vibrant green cap and a large deep pink brim. Perfect fo...