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.
Black emboss leather hand bag Yves Saint Laurent
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black emboss leather hand bag.Heart shape gold metal hardware to hold the handle. One flat pocket outside. One small pocket with zip inside. Branded nylon lining. SIZE : 25cm X 20cm...
Iconic Tom Ford Yves Saint Laurent 2004 Silk Pagoda Jacket YSL
By Yves Saint Laurent, Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Berlin, BE
So Iconic. The famous Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche FW 2004 Collection. The Pagoda Jacket made of 100% pure Silk. Tom Ford's final show for Yves Saint Laurent, his exquisite YSL Riv...
Yves Saint Laurent 1960s YSL Black Gunmetal Bronze Sequin Vintage 60s Cloche Hat
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Diego, CA
Extremely chic mid 60s YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL fully sequined 1920s style cloche hat ! Features thousands of hand-sewn sequins in black, gunmetal silver and bronze rose gold. Lined wi...
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent ' Rive Gauche ' Short Sleeve Belted Black Linen Dress
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Diego, CA
Superb vintage YSL "Rive Gauche" black double-faced linen dress, w/ detachable tie belt. Functional black + gold buttons down the front, w/ hidden hook and eye closure at bust + wais...
1972 Fall/Winter Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Lurex Wrap Top
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Worn in the 1972 Saint Laurent Fall/Winter runway show, this beautiful evening blouse is pairs perfectly with a skirt or pants. Made of a sheer shimmery lurex silver fabric with a do...
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 "Rive Gauche" 70s Black Scarf Blouse & Maxi Skirt Set
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Antwerpen, Vlaams Gewest
Yves Saint Laurent "Rive Gauche" 1970s/80s black viscose scarf blouse and maxi pleated skirt ensemble Made in France, Size 36 (Small). Note that the skirt's waist has no stretch, co...
Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Top FR38 Mint Silk Classic Top Blouse UK10 US8
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in PARIS, FR
Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche top, mint green silk crepe blouse, straight cut, round neck with hook closure, long sleeves with zippered cuffs. The composition and size labels are no...
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...
1985 YVES SAINT LAURENT embroidered RUNWAY jacket with soutache trim & beads
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Exceptional Yves Saint Laurent jacket from spring of 1985, as shown on the runway that season. Tailored in navy linen with a dramatic, sculptural cut. The silhouette is sharp and ang...
Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent S/S 2002 Safari Collection Leopard Silk Top F 38
By Yves Saint Laurent, Tom Ford
Located in Montgomery, TX
Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent Leopard Silk Top Blouse Fr. size - 38 S/S 2002 Collection 100% Sheer Silk, Leopard Print, Front Zip Clo...
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...
YSL Yves Saint Laurent Vintage 1960s 60s Gray Wool Pencil Skirt
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Sparks, NV
Gorgeous tailored gray wool skirt by Yves Saint Laurent. Details: Fully Lined Side Metal Zip and Hook Closure Marked Size: 38 Estimated Size: Small Color: Gray Fabric: Wool Label: ...
Yves Saint Laurent pink jacket
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT - (Made in France) Short pink silk jacket with pearl buttons. Size 40FR indicated. A Collection circa 1980 under the artistic direction of Yves Saint Laurent. Con...
Saint Laurent Hedi Slimane Wide Brim Hat Black Rabbit Felt 2012 France Size 56
By Saint Laurent, Yves 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. ...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Floral Wool and Silk Scarf
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Paris, FR
Saint Laurent YSLmulticolor wool & silk Floral shawl scarf featuring a Cassandre YSL signature, fringed hems. Composition: Wool & Silk Circa 1970s. In good vintage conditio...
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Lilac and Black Jacket
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
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...
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent 1980s ' Rive Gauche ' Black + White Leaf Dress & Sash
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful vintage YSL "Rive Gauche" black and white silk dress! Wonderful leaves printed throughout, w/ tiny leaves surrounding the large on...
1990's YVES SAINT LAURENT gilt coin charm belt or necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Fransisco, CA
This Yves Saint Laurent coin belt is made with a substantial gold-tone curb chain. Along its length hang 16 irregularly struck medallion coins—some round, others cut into crescent or...
Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford 2004 Tangerine Chiffon Satin Silk Wrap Top 40
By Yves Saint Laurent, Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Switzerland, CH
Stunning Silk Top By Tom Ford For His Final Summer Collection 2004 For Yves Saint Laurent This top was featured in the AD campaign, editorials and seen on the runway and is a key pi...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Documented Oriental Cropped Evening Jacket
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage cropped evening supple jacket from the Spring/Summer Ready-to-Wear 1993 Collection. Similar jacket worn on the runway by NADEGE DUBOSPERTUS. This JACKET ...
YVES SAINT LAURENT 2009 grey wool metallic sheen back mini dress FR34 XXS
By Yves Saint Laurent, Stefano Pilati
Located in Hong Kong, NT
YVES SAINT LAURENT 2009 grey wool blend metallic sheen pleated back mini dress FR34 XXS Reference: MELK/A00465 Brand: Yves Saint Laurent Designer: Stefano Pilati Model: Fall/Winter 2...
YVES SAINT LAURENT 2007 black 1wool frayed seam ruched neck shift dress FR34 XS
By Stefano Pilati, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Hong Kong, NT
YVES SAINT LAURENT 2007 black 1wool frayed seam ruched neck shift dress FR34 XS Reference: MELK/A00488 Brand: Yves Saint Laurent Designer: Stefano P...
Yves Saint Laurent chain belt
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT - (Made in France) Golden metal chain belt. Accessory from the 1960s. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Length: 75 cm SKU:ACC192
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Colorful Floral Maxi Skirt
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Celebrate the vibrancy of classic couture with the Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Colorful Floral Maxi Skirt, a radiant expression of the designer’s iconic love for bold prints and effor...
Gorgeous Vintage Yves Saint Laurent " Rive Gauche " Black Sequin Skirt
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful vintage YSL "Rive Gauche" black sequin skirt. The best black skirt for any fashionista's wardrobe! In great condition. Marked Size EU 44 ...
Yves Saint Laurent "Hommage A Matisse" Runway Dress, Spring-Summer 1983
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Geneva, CH
As a tribute to the painters he admired, YSL celebrated once again "Le Peintre de la Couleur", Henri Matisse, with his 1982 Spring-Summer haute couture collection. Our dress is from the ready-to-wear Spring-Summer 1983...
2012 YSL Edition Soir Strapless Crystal Embellished Nude Silk Dress 6
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Montgomery, TX
2012 Yves Saint Laurent Edition Soir Embellished Strapless Silk Dress Carla Bruni-Sarkozy looked stunning in this column dress. Kylie Minogue wore the same gown to the BRIT Awards. ...
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 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 trimming belt (Attributed to)
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT - Black, brown, and golden trimming belt. Not signed piece from the 1975s under the artistic direction of Yves Saint Laurent. Condition: Very good condition Dime...
Yves Saint Laurent Vtg Deep V Plunge Back Leopard Print Strap Swimsuit Bodysuit
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent leopard print stretch bodysuit swimsuit. Circa 1980's. Label marked, "maillots de bain" which is French for swimwear. Beauti...
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 F/W 1982 Runway Documented Black Velvet Ruffled Collar Dress
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Antwerpen, Vlaams Gewest
Yves Saint Laurent F/W 1982 Runway Documented Black Velvet Ruffled Collar Dress This beautiful 1980s evening dress is pure Yves Saint Laurent. The designers style is seen in the simp...
Yves Saint Laurent S/S 2012 Stefano Pilati Purple Silk Taffeta Mini Dress or Top
By Stefano Pilati for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL by Stefano Pilati purple and black silk taffeta micro mini strapless dress or top ! Features a boned tailored bodice ...
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent decorated all-silk tie
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Milano, IT
Decorated with blue and yellow paisley motifs on a dark red background, this vintage tie has been designed by Yves Saint Laurent. Made in all silk, this tie is a classic and goes per...
Saint Laurent Magenta Silk Floral Print Dress Ensemble, 1989
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vibrant, cheerful floral print silk blouse, skirt, and scarf-belt ensemble by Saint Laurent. All-over relaxed scribble floral motif in red, magenta, and black. The blouse features a ...
Stefano Pilati For YSL Yves Saint Laurent Resort 2010 Coat NEW
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Stefano Pilati For YSL Yves Saint Laurent Resort 2010 coat. Beautiful coat with sculptural shape & unfussy French frill , perfection and pure simple Parisian flair. This garme...
Yves Saint Laurent Tan Suede Vintage Lace Up Heels
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Yves Saint Laurent Tan Suede Vintage Lace-Up Heels are a timeless addition to any sophisticated wardrobe. Crafted from luxurious tan suede, these heels exude an effortless elegance t...
1978 YVES SAINT LAURENT paisley printed quilted silk RUNWAY jacket
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
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...
F/W 2002 Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford Runway Semi Sheer Black Lace Poet Dress
By Yves Saint Laurent, Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This gorgeous black lace dress from Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, designed by Tom Ford, is from the Fall/Winter 2002 collection. It debuted on the runway as Look 33, modeled by Ama...
Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford SS 2004 3 PCS Tangerine Skirt Top Belt/Scarf Set
By Yves Saint Laurent, Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Switzerland, CH
Stunning Pleated Silk Skirt Ensemble By Tom Ford For His Final Summer Collection 2004 For Yves Saint Laurent This skirt was featured in the AD campaign, editorials and seen on the r...
Saint Laurent Rive Gauche F/W 1974 Dark Brown Floral-Print Satin Maxi Dress
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Paris, FR
From the F/W 1974 collection of Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, this maxi dress is executed in a lustrous satin-finish fabric printed with an all-over scattered ditsy floral motif in red,...
Yves Saint Laurent 1980s Polka Dot Dress & Brooch Set
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Make a Bold Statement with the Yves Saint Laurent 1980s Polka Dot Dress & Brooch Set! Introducing a striking ensemble from the 1980s, the Yves Saint Laurent Polka Dot Dress...
Deep red patent leather open-toe sandals with cabochons Yves Saint Laurent
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Deep red patent leather open-toe sandals with cabochons and rhinestone. Buckle closure on the top side. heels height = 11 cm plateform = 1 cm SHOE-SIZE = 38 1/2
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...
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent all-silk tie
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Milano, IT
Fine and elegant, this vintage tie has been designed by Yves Saint Laurent and it is in all silk. Its green, blue and red motifs make this tie classy and stylish. This tie is perfect for every situation, from work to a night...
1980's YVES SAINT LAURENT black & floral lace up corset top
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Fransisco, CA
This Yves Saint Laurent Variation corset top dates to the late 1980's and combines a structured black bodice with colorful printed sleeves. The body is fitted and cut from a smooth b...
1974 YVES SAINT LAURENT black jersey RUNWAY gown with soutache trim
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very rare Yves Saint Laurent runway dress, 1974 A rare and important example of Saint Laurent’s Moroccan-inspired designs from the mid-1970's. This black maxi dress was shown on the...
Yves Saint Laurent x Tom Ford Fall 2003 Frilled Crepe Skirt
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
Super collectible vintage Yves Saint Laurent x Tom Ford Skirt. From the Fall 2003 collection. Unworn. Made from super fluid petrol blue viscose crepe, it has a gorgeous bias cut pane...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Cotton Floral-Print Dress
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Paris, FR
Yves Saint Laurent YSL cotton floral-print dress featuring an oversize fitting, multicolour all-over floral print, round neck, pleat detailing, straight hem and side pockets. Circa ...
YVES SAINT LAURENT By STEFANO PILATI S/S 2011 Runway Halter Dress
By Stefano Pilati for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Berlin, BE
Yves Saint Laurent by Stefano Pilati Spring Summer 2011 textured runway dress Brand: Yves Saint Laurent Designer: Stefano Pilati Collection: Spring Summer 2011 Fabric: Cotton / wool...
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!
Yves Saint Laurent Black Guipure Haute Couture Lace Blouse, 1990s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Incredible Yves Saint Laurent 1990s Black Guipure Lace Blouse. Features inner lining at bust ending at hip. Side zipper. Top back button and hook. Zipper at either wrist. Excellent c...
Yves Saint Laurent Knit & Tulle Mini Dress, Fall-Winter 1988
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Geneva, CH
Anthony Vaccarello has dived into Saint Laurent's archives once more ! We can find a close inspiration of this original 80's dress in the current 2019 Fall-Winter collection (see pic...
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent 1990s Size 38 Red White Cotton 90s Trapeze Dress YSL
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic early 90s YVES SAINT LAURENT Rive Gauche lipstick red cotton sleeveless trapeze tent dress ! Pockets at each side of the hips. Simply slip this rare beauty over your head. Easy ...
Yves Saint Laurent Black Patent Tribute Platform Sandal SIZE 38
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Ardmore, PA
Yves Saint Laurent Black Patent Tribute Platform Sandal Size EU 38
Yves Saint Laurent Édition Soir Teal Silk Gown, FW 2009, Size 38, NWT
By Stefano Pilati for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingston, NY
This brand-new-with-tags (NWT - priced at $6590) Yves Saint Laurent Édition Soir gown, attributed to Fall-Winter 2009 under Stefano Pilati’s creative direction, represents a rare jewel from YSL’s modern archives. Rendered in vibrant turquoise silk satin, the dress boasts a sculpted sleeveless bodice, structured waist seaming, and a sweeping floor-length skirt finished with a dramatic train—striking the perfect balance between architectural precision and fluid elegance. About Édition Soir Launched in 2008, Édition Soir was a couture-adjacent eveningwear capsule crafted under Pilati’s stewardship. Designed with limited production runs and atelier-level finishes, the line existed in a unique space between ready-to-wear and true haute couture—making these garments highly sought after by collectors and style insiders alike . Red Carpet Resonance While this specific Turquoise gown...
F/W 1978 Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Purple Lesage Embroidery Floral Jacket
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This extraordinary Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture evening jacket from the Fall/Winter 1978 collection exemplifies the designer’s reverence for both artistry and history. Handcrafte...
1960s Yves Saint Laurent Leopard Print Felt Stingy-Brim Fedora w Leather Band
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Gresham, OR
1960s Yves Saint Laurent Leopard Print Felt Stingy-Brim Fedora w Leather Band: Austrian fur felt in androgynous styling with a bold animal print. Underside of brim and crown are ca...