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.
1980s Yves Saint Laurent Ivory + Gold Vintage 80s One Piece Swimsuit
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful and classic early 1980s YVES SAINT LAURENT ivory / off-white and gold seashell print one piece halter swimsuit / bodysuit! Features a flattering ruched waist that hides any...
Yves Saint Laurent Vintage Black Leather Flap Crossbody Bag
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Rome, Rome
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent shoulder bag in black leather. Flap with button closure. Beige signature fabric lining. 1 side zip pocket inside. ' Yves Saint Laurent ' embossed inside Co...
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent F/W 2001 Runway Leather Wrap Sandals
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent F/W 2001 runway leather wrap sandals. Crafted from smooth black leather, the silhouette features a braided toe strap paired with structured ankle cuffs, de...
YSL Red Logo Print Platform Wedge Sandals US9, 1970s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1970s era red silk wedges with jacquard YSL logo fabric. Mid height heel with ankle strap. Comfy and chic walking shoes to pair with your easy, breezy summer frocks. Never worn. Come...
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...
Yves Saint Laurent Couture Belt Gold Chain Cabochons Rhinestone Medallion 1970s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
An exceptional vintage Yves Saint Laurent couture belt, dating to the late 1970s, and emblematic of the house’s early exploration of bold, jewelry-inspired accessories. Crafted in ri...
Yves Saint Laurent Smocked Floral-Print Silk-Chiffon Maxi Dress, SS1977
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Geneva, CH
Cut from airy sheer silk chiffon, this rare 1977 Spring-Summer Saint Laurent Rive Gauche maxi dress is shirred from under the chest to the hips for a flattering - though comfortable ...
Yves Saint-Laurent, Fur Coat, France 2000s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in PARIS, FR
Beautiful vintage Yves Saint-Laurent Fur Coat from the early 2000s. In very good condition. Approximately a size 42/44. Width: 22.05 in (56 cm) Length: 35.44 in (90 cm) Bust: 21.2...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Wool and Silk Shawl
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Paris, FR
Yves Saint Laurent YSL wool & silk shawl featuring a paisley print, a woven ground, fringed edges, and a YSL signature. 65%wool, 35%silk Circa 1970s In good vintage condition. Made ...
A/W 1994 Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Elegant Long Black Wool Coat
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Sheffield, GB
An Elegant Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Long Black Wool Coat from the Autumn / Winter 1994 Collection. (Look 2 worn on the Runway by Linda Evangelista). MADE IN FRANCE. Size; Recom...
Yves Saint Laurent Claret Velvet Straight Skirt with High Waistband
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New Hope, PA
Yves Saint Laurent chose a beautiful and rich claret colored velvet for this straight skirt with a slightly gathered waist, two side pockets, a left side zipper and a high waistband....
Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Plaid Silk Blouse Pleated Wool Skirt, 1980s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sweet as can be plaid ensemble by Yves Saint Laurent. Circa late 70's/ early 80's. Bishop sleeve silk blouse with a ruffled collar and back button-up closure. The skirt is a matching...
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent ' Rive Gauche ' 1970s Khaki Plaid Cape Trench Jacket
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Diego, CA
Absolutely AMAZING Rare vintage Yves Saint Laurent YSL "Rive Gauche" dark khaki cape! Trench style, with classic YSL style. Plaid interior (fully lined) that peaks through when worn....
Terracotta linen skirt-suit Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche SS 1994
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Terracotta linen skirt-suit . Lining composition: acetate & rayon. Shoulder-pads. Jacket's size : 38 (Fr) but can fit M or L Skirt size 36 (Fr) fit M
Yves Saint Laurent Gold and Blue Jacket
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Vintage YSL jacket from the" variation" collection We offer more exclusive vintage items, view our frontstore Details: with 2 pockets and a button. Its in pre loved condition Size...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Le 5 A 7 Hobo Mini Brown Silk Crystals Shoulder Bag
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Le 5 A 7 Hobo Mini Brown Silk Crystals Shoulder Bag These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. CONDITION: NEVER WORN DETAILS YSL Le 5...
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Vintage Leopard Print Spencer-Style Jacket
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage lightweight spencer-style jacket, featuring a striking leopard print in deep black and golden brown tones. Crafted from an unlined, fluid fabric, this pie...
New Yves Saint Laurent YSL S/S 2005 Heels Pumps Sz 38.5
By Stefano Pilati for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Conroe, TX
Brand New Stefano Pilati for Yves Saint Laurent Debut Collection Spring Summer 2005 This is the Style Worn in the Stefano Pilati YSL Banned Ad * Detachable Feather Embellishment * S...
Yves Saint Laurent x Tom Ford Suede Gladiator Skirt
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
Super rare vintage Yves Saint Laurent x Tom Ford suede gladiator skirt. Worn once. Made from heavy dark brown suede with brass stud detailing. Lined in silk and has side zip. Size FR...
00s YSL Space Black Knee High Platform Boots 38.5
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Miami, FL
Very cool knee high platform boots from early 00's YSL collection. In black suede with black leather tie up laces, and a zip up the side. The platform is in a patent that looks lik...
Yves Saint Laurent Maillots de Bain Swimsuit
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Gorgeous YSL one piece swimsuit! Black and ivory white color blocking, plunging halter neck line, ruching at waist, high cut thigh, clasp closure at back neck. A beautiful one piece...
Yves Saint Laurent Patron Original Evening Dress
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Geneva, CH
A beautiful and rare haute couture find, this 70’s YSL evening dress is made of refined satin silk, featuring an abstract black pattern upon a rich g...
Yves Saint Laurent Coat Black Wool 1970s Russian Collection YSL Rive Gauche Rare
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
Authentic, preowned vintage Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche long black wool coat, likely dating to the 1970s and widely attributed to the era of Saint Laurent’s iconic Ballet Russes /...
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...
1978 YVES SAINT LAURENT paisley printed quilted silk RUNWAY jacket
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Rare quilted silk quilted bomber jacket from Yves Saint Laurent’s Fall 1978 ready-to-wear collection, as seen on the runway. The jacket is made from richly patterned silk featuring a...
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...
Iconic Yves Saint Laurent Velvet Beret
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
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...
A vintage 1990s Yves Saint Laurent Cream Jacket
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
A chic cream jacket by Yves Saint Laurent , Encore line. This jacket is made of a clotted cream colour fabric with a fine rib detail. It is collarless, with 4 pockets on the front. I...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Robe FR40 Black Silk Crepe Fold Maxi Dress UK12 US10
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in PARIS, FR
Yves Saint Laurent circa 1995 long black crepe dress, sleeveless, with a full, bell-shaped silhouette cinched by draping at the waist and back, a round split neckline, two bra straps...
Yves Saint Laurent Vintage Black Textured Vinyl Canvas Crossbody Bag
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Rome, Rome
This Yves Saint Laurent Vintage Black Textured Vinyl Canvas Crossbody Bag is a striking messenger-style piece from the 1980s, a decade when bold shapes and refined contrasts defined ...
1970s Yves Saint Laurent Avante Gard Turkish-Inspired Spiral Toque w Tassel
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Gresham, OR
1970s Yves Saint Laurent Avant Garde Turkish-Inspired Spiral Toque w Tassel: Very rare, one-of-a-kind black Fall/Winter fur felt sculpted to the heavens in a tiered spiral twist---a ...
Yves Saint Laurent "Rive Gauche" Fall Winter 1977 Runway Brown Silk Crepe Floral
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Antwerpen, Vlaams Gewest
Enjoy this item as part of our Holiday Sale, for one week! only.Incredible and rare vintage Yves Saint Laurent "rive gauche" fall winter 1977 runway high collar ruffled blouse en max...
Yves Saint Laurent 2003 Tom Ford Dusty Pink Silk Evening Gown
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, 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...
Saint Laurent Black Calfskin Leather Studded Fringe Festival Backpack
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Saint Laurent Black Calfskin Leather Studded Fringe Festival Backpack Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1621 Brand: Saint Laurent Model: Fringe Festival Backpack Type: Backpack Serial Nu...
Yves Saint Laurent Variation Royal Blue Satin Pants - Spring/Summer 1997
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Charenton-le-pont, FR
A striking piece of late 90s minimalism, these high-waisted trousers from the Yves Saint Laurent Variation Spring/Summer 1997 collection are crafted in a luminous deep royal blue sat...
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Lilac and Black Jacket
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
A stunning jacket by Yves Saint Laurent , Rive Gauche line. This jacket has wonderful tailoring and the fabric is lilac and black in colour with a slightly metallic sheen.It has a o...
Yves Saint Laurent Metallic Polka Dots Evening Blouse, Fall-Winter 1978-1979
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Geneva, CH
This 70's ruffled boho blouse is constructed of lightweight black silk chiffon woven with gold metallic "fil coupé" polka dots. Cut for a flowing fit, it has a sexy sheer finish. Two...
$4450 New Yves Saint Laurent YSL Pre-Fall 2009 Heavy Wool & Mink Coat Sz FR40
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Conroe, TX
Yves Saint Laurent Pre-Fall 2009 Brand New Without Tags $4450 Black Wool Mid/Long Coat FR40 Mink Collar, Mink Trim on Pockets & Mink Trimmed Belted Tie Two Front Large Pockets Butt...
Yves Saint Laurent 1990s Silk Jacket in Red, Green, Blue and Yellow Stripe
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Francisco, CA
Yves Saint Laurent vintage Rive Gauche silk short jacket in red with yellow, green, blue and white stripes. Open front style. Slightly cropped with a puffed sleeve at shoulder (produ...
Yves Saint Laurent Navy Blue 8.5 Rhinestone Vintage Heels Shoes Avant Garde
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful vintage Yves Saint Laurent YSL navy blue heels! Avant Garde detailing, with 'wings' at each outer side. Triangle rhinestone detail that accen...
Yves Saint Laurent Padded Chinese Satin Coat Ensemble
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Yves Saint Laurent Chinese Padded Satin Coat Ensemble with quilted ruby satin lining. It has a flared tent shape with strong shoulder line, Haute Couture i...
New Yves Saint Laurent F/W 2007 Runway Wool Cashmere Coat Dress Sz French 36
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Conroe, TX
Yves Saint Laurent Fall Winter 2007 Brand New Without Tags $3275 Butter Soft Runway Wool Cashmere Coat FRENCH 36 Dual Slit Side Pockets Hidden Double Button Closure at Front Pouf S...
1993 YVES SAINT LAURENT rive gauche black wool RUNWAY dress with lace up back
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Jet-black wool dress from Saint Laurent’s 1993 resort collection, as shown on the runway that season. It has a simple, slightly A-line cut and a deep lace-up panel that runs the leng...
Rare 1970s Yves Saint Laurent Veruschka Gold Disco 70s Ring Chain Belt Neckalce
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare early 70s YSL gold chain link ring belt OR necklace ! This rare gem is nearly identical to the one Veruschka wore with the iconic safari dress. Can easily...
1980s Yves Saint Laurent Robins Egg Blue Vintage 80s Negligee + Jacket Set YSL
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful 1980s vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL robins egg blue silky nightgown and bed jacket! Features lace and embroidery throughout. Racerback with two straps at each back shoulde...
New Yves Saint Laurent Spring 2008 Size 40 / US 8 Black Silk Strapless Dress
By Stefano Pilati for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic brand new with tags YVES SAINT LAURENT Spring 2008 black silk strapless dress! Features intricate interior corset boning that holds everything in place. Hidden zipper up the sid...
Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Vintage Fall 1991 Gold Brocade Jacket Skirt Suit
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Jersey City, NJ
This vintage 1991 Yves Saint Laurent suit features a luxurious gold brocade jacket and matching high-waisted pencil skirt. The tailored jacket has a round neckline, ornate gold butto...
YVES SAINT LAURENT c.2017 "Opyum" Black Swarovski Crystal YSL Logo Sandals Heels
By Yves Saint Laurent, Anthony Vaccarello
Located in Thiensville, WI
YVES SAINT LAURENT c.2017 "Opyum" Black Swarovski Crystal YSL Logo Sandals Heels Brand / Manufacturer: Saint Laurent Circa: 2017 "Opyum Sandal" Designer: Anthony Vaccarello Style: H...
Yves Saint Laurent 1970's Wool Cloak
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Legendary Yves Saint Laurent 1970's wool cloak. Our collectible 1970's cape encapsulates refined drama and is the perfect addition to any look. Made from a wool Striped fabricat...
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Russian Collection 1976 Jacket and Skirt Suit YSL 70s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Diego, CA
Iconic vintage 1970s YSL YVES SAINT LAURENT Paris 'Rive Gauche' virgin wool jacket and skirt suit from the famed 1976 Russian Collection! Jacket features a windowpane gingham checker...
2004 Saint Laurent “Saint Tropez” Horn-Handle Bag
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Milano, Lombardia
The Saint Laurent “Saint Tropez” bag from 2004 is a standout piece from the brand’s early-2000s era, when Yves Saint Laurent explored bold silhouettes, soft leathers, and sculptural ...
TOM FORD for YVES SAINT LAURENT 2003 Jeweled Embellished Runway Clutch Bag
By Yves Saint Laurent, Tom Ford
Located in Montgomery, TX
TOM FORD for YVES SAINT LAURENT 2003 Collection Jeweled Embellished PVC Clutch Brown Satin Underlay and Lining. Kiss-lock Closure. Silver-tone hardware. Measurement: 10 inches x 4.5...
Yves Saint Laurent Vintage Rectangle Sunglasses THEOPHANE 55/22 140mm
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Rome, Rome
Embodying the refined elegance of 1980s French couture, these Yves Saint Laurent Vintage Rectangle Sunglasses THEOPHANE showcase the Maison's talent for blending classic shapes with ...
Yves Saint Laurent "Rive Gauche" 1971 Collection Vintage Documented Dress
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Antwerpen, Vlaams Gewest
Yves Saint Laurent "Rive Gauche" 1971 Vintage Documented Dress A rare, iconic piece from YSL's 1971 "Rive Gauche" collection, instantly recognizable to collectors. The bold print is ...
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent 1990s Chartreuse Long Sleeve Liquid Silk Blouse YSL
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic late 90s YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL 'Rive Gauche' chartreuse long sleeve silk top! Vibrant chartreuse color that is not quite green, yet not quite yellow. Smart tailored fit. Button...
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche 1990s White Belgium Lace Sheer Blouse Top
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Rive Gauche YSL white Belgium lace sleeveless blouse! Features hand embroidered silk lace. Semi sheer white chiffon l...
1979 YVES SAINT LAURENT wool IKAT quilted RUNWAY jacket
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very rare and striking, wool quilted Ikat peasant jacket with brown woven trim, button closure and optional waist tie from Yves Saint Laurent dating to 1979 as seen on the fall runwa...
1990s Yves Saint Laurent Size 40 6 / 8 Brown Plunging Vintage 90s YSL Dress
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy 1990s YVES SAINT LAURENT Rive Gauche chocolate brown plunging dress and sash belt ! Features faux tortoise shell rings at each shoulder. Wrap style with hidden hook-and-eye clos...
Yves Saint Laurent Runway Oversized Fox Fur Wool & Cashmere Coat Fr. 44
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Montgomery, TX
Exquisite Yves Saint Laurent luxury coat featuring plush fox fur panels combined with a rich, structured wool and cashmere body. This rare piece showcases an oversized silhouette wit...
Saint Laurent Hedi Slimane Wide Brim Hat Black Rabbit Felt 2012 France Size 56
By Yves Saint Laurent, Saint Laurent
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
Authentic, preowned Saint Laurent Paris wide-brim hat, designed by Hedi Slimane for his debut runway collection for Saint Laurent in 2012—a pivotal moment in modern fashion history. ...