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.
YVES SAINT LAURENT Cotton Safari Dress with Lace-Up Front
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT cotton safari dress. This safari dress bridges the iconic heritage of Monsieur Saint Laurent with the bold, sensual vision of Tom Ford. The safari style is one of...
Yves Saint Laurent "rive gauche" F/W 1978 Creme Gold Dots Silk Blouse
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Antwerpen, Vlaams Gewest
Yves Saint Laurent "rive gauche" silk blouse from Fall Winter 1978 collection. Made of a fine creme silk crêpe with interwoven gold tone metal dots. The cut is just lovely with a ruf...
2012 Yves Saint Laurent Runway Black Purple Boho Skirt Ensemble
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
This ensemble was designed by Stefani Pilati for Yves Saint Laurent’s Spring 2012 show where it walked as look 20. Consisting of an A-line, pleated maxi-skirt and billowing, bell-sle...
Yves Saint Laurent Printed Panther Satin (attributed to) Skirt Suit Circa 1990
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1990. France Yves Saint Laurent Skirt suit without label from the 1990s. Set in printed panther silk satin. Crossed jacket with topstichting, large lapels and pockets. Transluc...
YSL Niki Medium Flap Shoulder Bag BLACK WITH BLACK
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Ardmore, PA
YSL Niki Medium flap Shoulder Bag in excellent Condition. Crinkled calfskin leather in black. Blackened hardware. Double chain & leather shoulder strap. F...
New Yves Saint Laurent Size 38 / 8 Pink and Green Silk Puff Sleeve Sheath Dress
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful never worn YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Size 38 / US 6 pink and green silk puff sleeve dress! Various shades of pink, rose, and hot pink. Contrasting s...
1980s Yves Saint Laurent YSL Towels Uchino Set Pair With Original Box
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
Yves Saint Laurent towel set of 2 in presentation box, two soft cotton towels with classic YSL logo design in a colourful geometric pattern. M...
SS 2004 Yves Saint Laurent Tom Ford Lime Green Butter soft leather Blazer Jacket
By Yves Saint Laurent, Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Sheffield, GB
An incredible Spring / Summer 2004 Blazer by Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, superbly crafted from a butter soft, supple lime green leather featuring a plunged neckline, belt detail...
Runway Yves Saint Laurent S/S 1989 Lipstick Red Rayon Jersey Strapless 80s Dress
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Diego, CA
Sensational vintage YSL Rive Gauche spring / summer 1989 runway lipstick red rayon jersey strapless 1980s dress ! The same dress was featured on the runway in black. Sash at side wai...
1960s Yves Saint Laurent YSL Black Silk Satin Beaded Vintage 60s Turban Hat
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic 1960s YVES SAINT LAURENT black silk / satin beaded turban hat ! Features hand-sewn black beads around the brim, and on the band on the back. Couture...
AW 2001 Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford Black Pinstriped Blazer Pant Trouser Suit
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Sheffield, GB
A Sublime Autumn / Winter 2001 Yves Saint Laurent Suit by Tom Ford. Featuring an impeccably tailored pinstriped blazer and complimenting mid-rise matching pant. The suit features a d...
Yves Saint Laurent "rive gauche" F/W 1975 Runway Silk Majorelle Blue Long Dress
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Antwerpen, Vlaams Gewest
Yves Saint Laurent "rive gauche" Fall Winter 1975 Long dress in a stunning Majorelle cobalt blue, crafted from a luxurious viscose & silk blend jersey. Key features include a fla...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Blue silk Lavalliere Blouse
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Paris, FR
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Blue silk lavalliere blouse featuring an all-over flower print, a front button fastening with attached lavalliere, bishop sleeves and buttoned cuffs. Circa 19...
Yves St Laurent Color Block Mermaid Skirt
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous flare hem color block skirt from Yves St Laurent, YSL Rive Gauche. It consist of olive green, black and lavender bias cut panels wrapping around the skirt flaring at th...
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...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Silk Trench Coat with Wood Buttons
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
YSL Yves Saint Laurent Silk Trench Coat. Size 42 Fr. New condition. Belt missing. Wood buttons in the front and each sleeve. Top and bottom part of the coat have 2 pockets each. Fina...
1980s YSL Yves Saint Laurent Cord Leather Tasseled Tie Belt
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
Yves Saint Laurent Leather and Cloth Plaited Brown tie belt This stylish tie belt is crafted from the highest quality leather and cloth, providing you with a timeless piece that you ...
1980s Yves Saint Laurent Orange Suede Gold High Waist Belt
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
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 by Tom Ford F/W 2003 Black Sheer Ruffled Top
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Paris, FR
From the F/W 2003 collection of Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford, this fitted top contrasts a sheer, semi-transparent body with an opaque ruffled front panel. The deep V-neckline is fr...
YVES SAINT LAURENT Stefano Pilati grey mesh ruffle ruched smocked peplum top M
By Yves Saint Laurent, Stefano Pilati
Located in Hong Kong, NT
YVES SAINT LAURENT Stefano Pilati grey mesh trim ruffle ruched smocked peplum top M Reference: MELK/A00554 Brand: Yves Saint Laurent Designer: Stefano Pilati Collection: Rive Gauche ...
2000s Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford Black Plunging One-Piece Swimsuit
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Yves Saint Laurent swimsuit from the 2000s collection by Tom Ford is cut in a fitted one-piece silhouette. It features a deep plunging V ne...
Navy blue cotton skirt-suit Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche SS 1992
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Navy blue cotton skirt-suit . Lining composition: 55% acetate, 45% rayon. Shoulder pad. Button closure on the middle front and buttons on the cuffs as well. SIZE OF THE JACKET : 38...
Spring 1994 Yves Saint Laurent Elega Black maxi cocktail dress with slit up leg
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Sheffield, GB
Spring / Summer 1994 Yves Saint Laurent Black maxi cocktail dress with slit up the leg and low back detail. The Material is light weight and breezy. MADE IN FRANCE. Size; Recommended...
Yves Saint Laurent Brown Slingback Heels, Circa 1970s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent brown slingback heels. Open toe, chunky high heel and rope trim along the vamp. Circa: 1975-1976 Yves Saint Laurent L...
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Spring 1978 Silk Wrap Skirt Blouse YSL 70s Dress Set
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Diego, CA
Marked Size 38 Measurements: Blouse 36 inch bust 36 inch waist Skirt 24-29 inch waist (adjustable wrap style—hook-and-eye closures could be moved to make larger) 64 inch hips 25.5 in...
Yves Saint Laurent New Suede Gauntlet Gloves
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Geneva, CH
Beautiful never worn 80’s YSL fuchsia gloves trimmed in matching leather diagonal stitching. Both gloves was linked by the original sealing thread. "Yves S...
1970's YVES SAINT LAURENT rive gauche floral cotton dress with tiered hemline
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Early 1970's Saint Laurent rive gauche floral cotton dress in a lightweight printed cotton with a black ground and pink, coral and white floral design. Designed with a scoop neckline...
Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent Black Off-The-Shoulder Ruched Top F/W 2001
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This Yves Saint Laurent Black Off-The-Shoulder Ruched Top from Fall/Winter 2001 by Tom Ford epitomizes timeless elegance and sophisticated fashion. Crafted from luxurious black fabri...
Yves Saint Laurent Couture 1970s Yellow Lucite ChainLink belt
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Boca Raton, FL
A rare 1970s Yves Saint Laurent Couture lucite chainlink belt in a striking marbled yellow colorway. Crafted from geometric lucite links with a softly swirled finish and joined by go...
Yves Saint Laurent "rive gauche" 1970s Red Silk Blouse & Signed Tassel Cord Belt
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Antwerpen, Vlaams Gewest
This vintage Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche blouse from the late 1970s to early 1980s is made from soft red silk. It features a ruffled neckline with a bow tie, long sleeves with but...
Spring 2006 Yves Saint Laurent by Stefano Pilati White Bow Tie Dress Shirt
By Yves Saint Laurent, Stefano Pilati for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Sheffield, GB
Spring 2006 Yves Saint Laurent by Stefano Pilati White Bow Tie Shirt featuring rounded collar line, buttons down the front and long sleeves. Recommended Size; U.K 8-10 Measurements ...
New Rare Yves Saint Laurent YSL Heels Sz 39
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Conroe, TX
Tom Ford For YSL Heels Brand New * Adjustable Ankle Strap * Size 39 * Black Patent Piping * Leather Insole * Black & White Polka Dot Canvas * 4.5" Heel * 1...
1979 YVES SAINT LAURENT satin kimono RUNWAY jacket with Asian jacquard motif
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Extremely rare satin kimono jacket designed by Yves Saint Laurent for his fall 1979 collection, exactly as seen on the runway. The piece has a relaxed, open-front cut with wide sleev...
1990s Yves Saint Laurent Black and White Silk Chiffon Evening Dress
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Alford, MA
A beautiful float of a dress, this Yves Saint Laurent evening caftan-style gown is crafted of black silk chiffon printed asymmetrically with a white abstract floral/leaf pattern belo...
1980s Rare YSL Yves Saint Laurent Camel Pelisse Coat
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Paris, FR
1980s Rare Yves Saint Laurent camel pelisse coat featuring front hook opening, cotton outside, brown sheep fur finishing, an inside detachable brown sheep fur lining, braided finishi...
1970's YVES SAINT LAURENT tortoise and gold link belt
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Fransisco, CA
This 1970's Yves Saint Laurent link belt is composed of alternating rectangular and circular tortoise acetate elements, connected by polished gold-tone metal links. The tortoiseshell...
1977 YVES SAINT LAURENT silk Batik printed quilted RUNWAY jacket
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Rare silk batik quilted jacket from Yves Saint Laurent’s Spring/Summer 1977 ready-to-wear collection, “Les Espagnoles et les Romantiques,” exactly as seen on the runway. Designed in ...
New Yves Saint Laurent YSL Aviator Swarovski Crystal Sunglasses With Case
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Conroe, TX
Yves Saint Laurent Sunglasses Brand New *Stunning in Bronze * Crystal Front & Sides * Lightweight * YSL at Temple * Made in Italy * 100% UVA/UVB Protection * Comes with Case, Cleanin...
New Vintage Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent YSL Python Heels Sz 40
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Conroe, TX
Yves Saint Laurent Heels Stunning Black Python * Rare Tom Ford Era * Euro Size: 40 * Pointed Toe & Heel * Leather Insole * A True Black * 3.75" Heel * With YSL Box & Dust ...
1980s Yves Saint Laurent Size 8 Plunging Halter One Piece 80s Bodysuit Swimsuit
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy vintage early 80s YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL for Saks 5th Avenue plunging halter one piece bodysuit or swimsuit ! Swimsuit is a black lycra with color block stripes of purple, neon ...
Purple and green wool cape with check pattern Yves Saint Laurent
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Purple and green wool cape with check pattern and passementerie embellishment . Hook&eye closure on the top middle front. Opening on both side. NO BRAND TAG . One SIZE ( fit M & L )
Yves Saint Laurent Burgundy Velvet Jacket
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Amsterdam, NL
This vintage YSL "Rive Gauche" jacket is made of soft bordeaux velvet with 5 black buttons at the front, no pockets. Size is marked EU 42 but fits like a EU 40/ US 10, please refer t...
YVES SAINT LAURENT Vintage Gold Metallic Brocade Skirt Suit, Fall-Winter 1991
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT Rive Gauche vintage gold metallic brocade suit including a jacket and a skirt. Ready-to-wear collection Fall-Winter 1991. A remarkable expression of Yves Saint L...
YVES SAINT LAURENT black wool High Waisted Knee Length Skirt XS
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Zürich, CH
authentic Yves Saint Laurent high waisted knee-length flared skirt in black wool (100%). Closes with a zipper on the back. Lined (missing content ). Has been worn and is in excellent...
Saint Laurent Tribute Glittered Platform Sandals in Black Suede
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Houston, TX
Command attention with these glamorous Saint Laurent Tribute Glittered Platform Sandals in black suede, designed with shimmering accents and the iconic crossover straps for timeless ...
Yves Saint Laurent 1985s Veste Smoking FR38 Black silk velvet Jacket UK10 US8
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
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 2003 Tom Ford Dusty Pink Silk Evening Gown
By Yves Saint Laurent, Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Oakland, CA
YSL dusty pink silk floor-length dress, very much in the style of 1930s glamour. Back zipper. 100% silk, made in France. Size F38, which generally equates to a US size small. Thi...
1970s YSL Silk Scarf Concentric Square Stripe Border Print Brown Orange
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Morongo Valley, CA
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent silk twill scarf featuring a concentric stripe border design in shades of brown, orange, coral, white, and yellow. 30" square silk construction with hand-r...
YVES SAINT LAURENT purple metallic scaled leather wraparound clutch bag
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Hong Kong, NT
YVES SAINT LAURENT purple metallic scaled leather wraparound clutch bag Reference: PYCN/A00116 Brand: Yves Saint Laurent Material: Leather Color: Purple, Silver Pattern: Animal Print...
1980’s Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Red Lambskin and Cotton Bucket Bag
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Sheffield, GB
A Fun 1980’s Yves Saint Laurent bucket bag, crafted in a red cotton, with Lambskin trimmed edges, bottom and tassled tips. The bag featur...
Magnificent Silk Yves Saint Laurent Wrap Stole Jacket Cape 2006
By Stefano Pilati for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Conroe, TX
Yves Saint Laurent Store Display Stunning Fuchsia Silk Evening Cape/Overcoat Size: One Size Hand Sewn and Limited Edition Fall 2006 A rare Find The black sash tie on the runway i...
1976 YVES SAINT LAURENT Balle Russes collection burgundy velvet RUNWAY jacket
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Fransisco, CA
This 1976 Yves Saint Laurent runway jacket from the Balle Russes collection is made from rich burgundy velvet. The cut is simple and slightly boxy, with a cropped length, relaxed fit...
Saint Laurent belt bag by Yves Saint Laurent Autumn 1991-1992
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT - Ready-to-Wear Fall/Winter 1991-1992 Collection under the artistic direction of Yves Saint Laurent. Colorful passementerie belt bag finished with tassels. Signa...
New Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent YSL Lotus Heels Final Collection 2004 Sz 38
By Yves Saint Laurent, Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Conroe, TX
Yves Saint Laurent Heels Brand New * Tom Ford Era Lotus Slides * This was his last collection for Yves Saint Laurent. He was inspired by the Chinese Collection of 1977 His Final Collection for YSL 2004...
Yves Saint Laurent Sexy Two Piece Black Velvet Cocktail Dress
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in New Hope, PA
Yves Saint Laurent designed this sexy two piece black velvet and black faille dress with a halter neckline and a boned bodice lined in black satin. The top has a left side zipper an...
1978 YVES SAINT LAURENT metallic caftan cape and dress ensemble
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Fransisco, CA
This stunning Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche two-piece ensemble, dating to circa 1978, is made of a sheer silk chiffon woven with metallic threads forming a dense floral motif in ton...
YSL Gold Studded Black Suede Jacket
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Strong shouldered YSL heavy black suede jacket with gold stud adornments. Strong elegant proportions as only YSL can cut. Massive golden domed buttons edge up each cuff. 2 large sla...
Important Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Coat, 1970 Fall/Winter
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Extraordinary Museum Quality Yves Saint Laurent Early Haute Couture coat from fall/winter 1970 in a Russian style which predates his Opera Ballets...
Yves Saint Laurent Fourrures Black Cashmere Cape c 1970s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in University City, MO
Yves Saint Laurent Fourrures Black cashmere cape c 1970s The stylish plush black cashmere cape secures with a single large resin button The voluminous cape secures around the body...
YVES SAINT LAURENT F/W 1987 Collectors Runway & Campaign Bow Dress FR42
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Berlin, BE
Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Fall Winter 1987 Runway / Campaign Dress FR42 - Illustrated by René Gruau Brand: Yves Saint Laurent Designer: Yves Saint Laurent Collection: Fall / W...