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.
1970s Yves Saint Laurent Black Suede Pirate Boots
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
These are Circa's favourite boots and designed by Yves Saint Laurent in the late 1970s. Made with soft black suede and turned-over cuffs, finished with playful zig-zag ribbon work an...
Yves Saint Laurent corduroy jacket
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Yves Saint Laurent corduroy jacket size 46 the condition is good, see the photo
Yves Saint Laurent SS 1988 Rive Gauche Red & Gold Button Trim Jacket FR 40
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Toronto, ON
Pre-owned Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Spring/Summer 1988 red cotton and silk blend jacket featuring large gold tone button trim, single button front closure, padded shoulder, and hi-lo...
Tom Ford For Yves Saint Laurent Reptile Snake Print Lightweight Wool Top / Vest
By Tom Ford, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Diego, CA
Iconic TOM FORD for YVES SAINT LAURENT snakeskin print sleeveless top / sweater vest! Softest lightweight wool, that not only feels luxurious a...
80s Yves Saint Laurent Couture Black Velvet Cocktail Dress
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1980s Yves Saint Laurent Couture Black Velvet Long sleeve cocktail dress. Bust: 40”/ waist: 30/ Hip: 40” /sleeve: 23”/ Dress length: 38”
Yves Saint Laurent "Rive Gauche" 90s Black Wool & Leather Fringe Wrap Skirt
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Antwerpen, Vlaams Gewest
Enjoy this item as part of our Holiday Sale, for one week! Yves Saint Laurent "Rive Gauche" vintage 1990s Black Wool & Leather Fringe Wrap Skirt Discover this stunning early 90s...
Yves Saint Laurent FW 2009 Black Silk Tuxedo Blazer Jacket Top Runway
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Berlin, BE
Stunning Yves Saint Laurent silk blazer. Fall Winter 2009 Collection. Black jacket top in tuxedo look with dramatic pointy collar and ...
Yves Saint Laurent FW 1982 80s Rive Gauche Purple Cropped Runway Jacket FR 38
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Toronto, ON
Pre-owned Saint Laurent FW 1982 Rive Gauche vintage runway magenta jacket featuring a black trim, stand collar, black button trim, padded shoulder, open front, and cropped fit. Lined...
Yves Saint Laurent Gilt Bronze Link Belt
By Yves Saint Laurent, Robert Goossens for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Yves Saint Laurent Alligator textured gilt bronze link belt, made by Robert Goossens , as patches of torn alligator skin. Excellent Condition. Length 26" plus 5.75" extender, Width...
Yves Saint LAurent belt (attributed to)
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT - Black and red trimming belt ornamented with golden lurex thread decoration and four pompoms. Red trimming buckle topped with golden metal. Not signed accessory a...
Yves Saint Laurent white gabardine cotton safari mini dress, c. 1968
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
Yves Saint Laurent white gabardine cotton safari mini dress with applied pockets and front lacing. As seen on Veruschka photographed by Franco Rubartelli for Vogue Paris, 1968 and Betty Catroux...
Yves Saint Laurent Red Multicolored Plaid Full Maxi Skirt YSL , 1970s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Plaids were popularized in Saint Laurent’s collections from the late 1960s to the early 70s. Appearing most frequently in skirts, the colorful plaids for Rive Gauche reimagined tradi...
Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford 2004 Chinoiserie Tuxedo Smoking Evening Suit 34
By Yves Saint Laurent, Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Switzerland, CH
Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford Black Tuxedo Evening Suit An extremely rare piece from his final collection in 2004 for Yves Saint Laurent Stunnin...
Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Leather Mules YSL EU 38
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Tom Ford for YSL Heel Leather Mules with Tassel. Pointed toe Slide style Made in Italy Leather Uppers, Plastic Side, Leather Lining, Insole and Soles. Single Leather Tassel on Front ...
Yves Saint Laurent taffeta maxi skirt
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT - (Made in France) Asymmetrical black silk taffeta maxi skirt. Composition and size labels missing, it fits a 38FR. Piece from the 1970s under the artistic directi...
Yves Saint Laurent F/W 2004 by Tom Ford Dragon Print Silk Blouse
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Paris, FR
Silk blouse Yves Saint Laurent featuring an elaborate chinoiserie dragon print in muted tones of sage green, dusty pink, navy and cream against a dark brown ground. The design incorp...
Yves Saint Laurent 1985s Veste Smoking FR38 Black silk velvet Jacket UK10 US8
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in PARIS, FR
Yves Saint Laurent jacket circa 1985 tuxedo in black silk velvet, contrasting notched collar closed by a faceted black glass button, 2 chest pockets, long sleeves adorned with a coor...
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" collection measures 24" in length in front and 25 1/2" in back. Underarm circumferen...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Red Ribbons Tokyo 1990 Silk Scarf
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Paris, FR
1990 Tokyo Yves Saint Laurent YSL small silk scarf featuring a multicolour ribbons scene, signature marked on. In good vintage condition. Made in France. 14....
New Yves Saint Laurent Crystal Embellished Champagne Silk Dress Fr. 44 - US 12
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Montgomery, TX
NWT Yves Saint Laurent Crystal Embellished Silk Dress Gown 2012 Collection French size 44 - US 12 Carla Bruni-Sarkozy Looked Stunning in this Column Dress by Saint Laurent. Kylie Minogue...
YVES SAINT LAURENT Clutch in Brown Ostrich Leg Leather
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Paris, FR
Yves Saint Laurent clutch in brown ostrich leg leather. The interior is in smooth brown leather with a zipped pocket and a patch pocket. Will be...
2003 Spring/Summer Yves Saint Laurent Brown Suede Bomber Jacket
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Excellent Tom Ford era brown suede bomber jacket from the 2003 S/S RTW collection. Seen on the runway with a blush purple satin skirt, the jacket features ruched accents at the shoul...
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent wool coat, 1997, made in France Size FR 40
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent wool coat, 1997, made in France Size FR 40 This elegant vintage coat from the legendary house of Yves Saint Laurent...
YSL New Maroon Credit Card Wallet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in West Hollywood, CA
YSL brand new unisex credit card wallet, maroon pebbled leather with logo silver details. Comes with original dustcover and box.
1970s Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Brown Corduroy A - Line Vintage Mide Skirt
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic late 1960s 60s / early 70s YVES SAINT LAURENT 'Rive Gauche' fine chocolate brown corduroy A-Line midi skirt! Super flattering fit, with the softest cotton corduroy fabric! Butto...
S/S 1992 Yves Saint Laurent Runway Ad Bright Green Ruffle Heart Button Dress
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous bright green Yves Saint Laurent mini dress, designed by Yves Saint Laurent. From the Spring/Summer 1992 collection, this dress debuted on the season’s runway in...
Black asymmetrical bustier cocktail dress Yves Saint Laurent ( no brand tag)
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black asymmetrical bustier cocktail dress. No fabric composition tag but the bustier is in silk Gazar and the wrapped skirt in rayon and the lining ( inside the skirt only) is probab...
Yves Saint Laurent long hooded dress
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT - (Made in France) Long dress with a pointed hood ornamented with a trimming pompom. Size 38FR. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Shoulder width: 42 cm ...
Yves Saint Laurent NEW Saint Laurent Wicker Bag
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Yves Saint Laurent bag in beige crafted of wicker. The bag closes with a strap attached to it is a buckle. The interior is brown fabric. The bag ...
2000s Yves Saint Laurent Genuine Ostrich Skin XL Grey Muse Tote Bag
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From the late 2000s, this gorgeous, grey Yves Saint Laurent 'Muse' bag is constructed entirely of genuine ostrich leather. Designed by Stefano Pilati, this oversized bag features a d...
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...
Yves Saint Laurent New Studded Suede Gloves
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
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 Purple Suede Crossbody Bag
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Rome, Rome
Step into the vibrant elegance of the 1980s with this Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Vintage Purple Suede Crossbody Bag, a collectible piece for lovers of iconic fashion. Crafted in ...
Yves Saint Laurent Vintage Spring/Summer 1995 Barbie Pink Gold Hearts Jacket
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Jersey City, NJ
A stunning vintage blazer from the Spring/Summer 1995 collection by Yves Saint Laurent. This classic jacket in vibrant Barbie pink wool boasts a subtly tailored fit, and the added st...
RARE Y2K Yves Saint Laurent Tom Ford Lipstick Red XL Mombasa Shoulder Hand Bag
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Switzerland, CH
RARE COLLECTOR'S ITEM BY TOM FORD FOR YVES SAINT LAURENT Yves Saint Laurent Mombasa bag Designed by Tom Ford for his collection at YSL Perfect size - XL Mombasa to fit in all you...
Yves Saint Laurent Straw and Black Patent Leather Red Poppy Flower Hat, 1970s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Boca Raton, FL
In the 1970s, Yves Saint Laurent produced a number of hat styles that incorporated natural straw or rattan material with a stark contrasting black patent leather. Saint Laurent frequ...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Blue Wool Cropped Jacket With Brown Trim
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Resurrection Vintage is excited to offer a vintage teal blue YSL wool cropped jacket with brown trim and buttons, patch pockets, an easy body and sleeves, and satin lining. Yves Sa...
Yves Saint Laurent F/W 2011 Gold Chain-Embellished Crepe Black Jumpsuit Fr. 38
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Montgomery, TX
Yves Saint Laurent Gold Chain-Embellished Black Halter Jumpsuit Automne/Hiver 2011 Designer size - French 38 Black satin crepe, Gold-tone chain-...
Yves Saint Laurent maxi dress Winter 1988
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT - (Made in France) Black and red velvet maxi dress. Size 38FR. 1998 Fall-Winter Collection under the artistic direction of Yves Saint Laurent. Condition: Very goo...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Robert Goosens Gold Sun Medallion Passementerie Belt
By Yves Saint Laurent, Robert Goossens for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in BELLEVUE HILL, NSW
An exceptional accessory from the Yves Saint Laurent archives, this 1980's belt features an oversized & sculptural sun medallion designed by Robert Goossens - the legendary Parisian ...
YSL New Gold Mini Betty Cross Body Bag
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in West Hollywood, CA
YSL brand new metallic gold mini Betty cross body evening bag. Calfskin with metallic gold hardware. Flat exterior pocket and black suede interior with card slots. Detachable and adj...
1992 Runway Yves Saint Laurent Black Wool Dress with Crystal Buttons
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
This runway documented Yves Saint Laurent coat dress is from his spring / summer 1992 collection. With 'headlight' crystal buttons and matching belt it is exceptional quality and in ...
YVES SAINT LAURENT By Tom Ford F/w 2002 Black Ruffled Silk Skirt Set
By Yves Saint Laurent, Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in 上海市, Xuhui district
All measurements taken laid flat NOTE: stretchy fabric which allows about 1-2 inches / 2.5 - 5cm to wiggle than laid flat measurements. Top - Sleeve: 29.53" / 75cm - Bust: 16.9" /...
New Yves Saint Laurent YSL 2006 Silk Culottes Skirt Pants Sz Fr36
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Conroe, TX
Yves Saint Laurent New Without Tags FR36 100% Sheer Double Layered Silk Black High Waist Fit Culottes Evening Skirt Pants 3 Button Closure Hidden Zipper Two Hidden Side Pockets Wais...
Yves Saint Laurent Abstract Keyhole Dress
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Resurrection Vintage is excited to offer a vintage Yves Saint Laurent silk summer dress with abstract print and keyhole cutout at the bodice. Yves S...
Yves Saint Laurent box bag by Yves Saint Laurent circa 1975
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT - A Collection circa 1975, under the artistic direction of Yves Saint Laurent. Black inside-out leather and canvas box bag. Golden metal elements. Made in France...
Yves Saint Laurent belt by Saint Laurent circa 1990
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT - Collection circa 1990, under the artistic direction of Yves Saint Laurent. Belt in passementerie and gold-tone metal. Made in France. Condition: Very good con...
Yves Saint Laurent Leather and Fox Fur Coat 1980s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
Yves Saint Laurent Fourrures Lambskin leather coat with dark brown fox fur sleeves and trim. The coat is typical of the period and has a boxy fit with 2 pockets and dramatic sleeves ...
An Yves Saint Laurent Couture Evening Set Numbered 65123, Circa 1989
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1989. France Haute Couture Proper Collection of Mrs Catherine Deneuve. Luxury evening set, Haute Couture skirt, blouse, jacket and belt numbered 65123 from the Yves Saint Laurent 1989...
YSL Yves Saint Laurent Black Suede Fringe Logo Chain Purse
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
YSL Black Suede Fringe Logo Chain Purse Great overall condition Strap drop 22” 6.5" width 8" pocket length 10" overall length with fringe
Yves Saint Laurent 1990s Wool Challis Flower Print Vintage 90s Smock Dress
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Diego, CA
Signature vintage early 90s YVES SAINT LAURENT Rive Gauche colorful lightweight wool challis long sleeve dress! Features a flattering and forgiving loose fitting bodice, with a taper...
New Yves Saint Laurent YSL Summer 2005 Suede Heels Pumps Sz 38
By Yves Saint Laurent, Stefano Pilati for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Conroe, TX
Brand New * Stunning Suede In Plum S/S 2005 Runway * Unique Scalloped Sides & Heel * Leather Insole * Open Square Toe * 4.5" Heel * With Box * Beautiful!
New Rare $2590 Yves Saint Laurent YSL Imperiale Crocodile Heels Pumps 2009 Sz 39
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Conroe, TX
Stefano Pilati for Yves Saint Laurent Brand New Runway Ad Heels Seen on Naomi Campbell F/W 2009 $2590 Deep Wine Red 100% Genuine Crocodile Throughout * Euro Size: 39 * Leather Padde...
1970sYves Saint Laurent YSL Cotton Dress
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Paris, FR
1970s Yves Saint Laurent YSL printed wool dress featuring an all-over print with plaid and paisley, long sleeves with black velvet button cuffs, black velvet collar, three flounce h...
Yves Saint Laurent Thick Black Lucite Sunglasses
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Yves Saint Laurent thick black lucite sunglasses are accented with his signature "YSL" in gold hardware along the arms. The front measures 5 3/8" across, height is 2", arms are 5...
1990s Yves Saint Laurent YSL Silk Velvet Dress
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Paris, FR
Yves Saint Laurent YSL 1990s silk velvet dress featuring a straight fit, gathering details, a round neck, an invisible back zip fastening, long sleeves, elasticated cuffs, an over-th...
Yves Saint Laurent, Tribute ankle boots in blue
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Yves Saint Laurent, Tribute ankle boots in blue. The item is in very good condition. Comes with box and dustbag. • CONDITION: very good condition • SIZE: 40 • INSOLE MEASUREMEN...
Yves Saint Laurent Vintage 1988 Black Jersey Women's Skirt Suit Set
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT - (Made in France) Black jersey set composed of a long wrapover skirt, and of a short jacket topped with two patched pockets, embroidered with a black trimming br...
An Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Evening Dress - Spring Summer 1978
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Toulon, FR
Spring Summer 1978 Collection. France Beautiful Antique printed silk long evening dress by Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche from the 1978 Collection. Peplum dress with asymmetrical tr...
Yves Saint Laurent Skirt Black Moire Maxi Rare Ballet Russes Vintage 70s EU 42
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
Authentic, preowned vintage Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche black moiré maxi skirt, likely dating to the late 1970s and believed to be associated with Saint Laurent’s iconic Ballets R...