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 YSL - Vintage Silk Stole, Long Scarf c1980s/90s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in valatie, NY
Yves Saint Laurent YSL - Vintage Silk Stole, Long Scarf c80s/90s. The scarf is printed with stylized flowers and leaves. Saint Laurent (originally Yves Saint Laurent or YSL) is a pre...
$1,800Sale Price|20% Off
New Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent YSL Lotus Heels Final Collection 2004 Sz 36
By Yves Saint Laurent, Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Conroe, TX
Yves Saint Laurent Heels Brand New * Tom Ford Lotus Runway Ad Heels * This was his last collection for Yves Saint Laurent. He was inspired by the Chinese Collection of 1977... His Fi...
$214Sale Price|20% Off
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 ...
Rare F/W 1968 Yves Saint Laurent Vintage Jeweled Mohair Toque 1960s Hat Museum
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Diego, CA
A rare and museum-level Fall/Winter 1968 Yves Saint Laurent jeweled toque hat, crafted from plush black Austrian mohair felt and finished under the prestigious Paris–New York milline...
$1,000Sale Price|20% Off
New Rare Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent YSL Heels Sz 38
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Conroe, TX
Tom Ford For YSL Heels Brand New * Rare Tom Ford Heels. This was his last collection for Yves Saint Laurent. He was inspired by the Chinese Collection of 1977 * Adjustable Ankle Stra...
Shockingly New Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent Final Collection Heels Sz 37
By Yves Saint Laurent, Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Conroe, TX
Yves Saint Laurent Heels Brand New Size 37 * Tom Ford Era Velvet Heels * This was his last collection for Yves Saint Laurent. He was inspired by the Chinese Collection of 1977. Th...
New Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford Fall 2002 Size 38.5 / 8.5 Corset Heels YSL
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Diego, CA
Step into early-2000s runway glamour with these ultra-rare vintage Yves Saint Laurent slingback heels from Tom Ford’s iconic Fall 2002 collection. Crafted in sumptuous yellow silk s...
$1,140Sale Price|20% Off
New Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent YSL Heels Sz 40
By Yves Saint Laurent, Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Conroe, TX
Yves Saint Laurent Heels Brand New Size 40 * Tom Ford Era! This was his last collection for Yves Saint Laurent. He was inspired by the Chinese Collection of 1977 * Stunning Red & Da...
New Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent YSL Lotus Heels Final Collection 2004 Sz 37
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, 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 Coll...
$860Sale Price|20% Off
New Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent YSL Heels Sz 36.5
By Yves Saint Laurent, Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Conroe, TX
Tom Ford For YSL Heels Brand New as seen on Demi Moore * Stunning Black Satin Corset * Tom Ford's Final Years w/ YSL * Euro Size: 36.5 * Ribbon Secure Around Ankle * Leather Insole ...
$895Sale Price|30% Off
Shockingly New Vintage Yves Saint Laurent YSL Brocade Heels Pumps Sz 37
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Conroe, TX
Yves Saint Laurent Vintage Brand New Size 37 * Stunning Brocade Heels * Tom Ford's Final Years w/ YSL * Red Interior * Purples and Golds * Leather Insole * Pointed Toe * 4" Heel * ...
New Yves Saint Laurent YSL SS 2005 Avocado Heels Suede Pumps Sz 39
By Stefano Pilati for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Conroe, TX
Stefano Pilati for Yves Saint Laurent Debut Collection Brand New Size 39 Spring Summer 2005 * Detachable Feather Embellishment * Leather Insole * Square Toe * 3.5" Heel * With Box...
Yves Saint Laurent F/W 87 Runway Black Croc Embossed Leather Vintage 80s Belt
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Diego, CA
Amazing YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL F/W 1987 runway belt ! Features black alligator embossed leather with silver gunmetal buckle. Dress this museum piece up or down. Pair with jeans and a...
$1,238Sale Price|44% Off
Rare Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent YSL Lotus Heels 2004 Pumps Sz 40
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Conroe, TX
Yves Saint Laurent Heels Worn Twice. Only signs of Use is to the Sole, the Uppers are Perfect * Tom Ford Lotus Runway Ad Heels * This was his last collection for Yves Saint Laurent. He was inspired by the Chinese Collection of 1977... Own a Piece of Fashion History His Final Collection for YSL 2004...
$1,800Sale Price|20% Off
Shockingly New Tom Ford Yves Saint Laurent YSL Final Collection Heels Sz 39.5
By Yves Saint Laurent, Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Conroe, TX
Yves Saint Laurent Heels Brand New * Tom Ford Final Collection 2004 * This was his last collection for Yves Saint Laurent. He was inspired by the Chinese Collection of 1977. This C...
$1,800Sale Price|20% Off
New Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent YSL Lotus Heels Final Collection 2004 Sz 37
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Conroe, TX
Yves Saint Laurent Heels Brand New * Tom Ford Lotus Runway Ad Heels * This was his last collection for Yves Saint Laurent. He was inspired by the Chinese Collection of 1977... His Final Collection for YSL 2004...
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...
$995Sale Price|31% Off
New Tom Ford for YSL Yves Saint Laurent Nadja Rosette Gold Heels Sz 40
By Yves Saint Laurent, Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Conroe, TX
Tom Ford For YSL Heels Brand New * Nadja Rosette Heels to match the Famous Nadja Bags! This was his last collection for Yves Saint Laurent. He was inspired by the Chinese Collectio...
New Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent YSL Lotus Heels Final Collection 2004 Sz 37
By 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...
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...
New Tom Ford Yves Saint Laurent Resort Platform Espadrille Heels Sz 41 U.S 10
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Conroe, TX
Tom Ford For YSL Heels Brand New * Tom Ford Canvas Wedges * Beautiful Beige Canvas * Dark Burnt Orange Leather * Size: 41 U.S. 10 * Gold Grommet Hardware...
$995Sale Price|35% Off
New Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent YSL Leather Heels Sz 39.5
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Conroe, TX
Yves Saint Laurent Heels Brand New * Tom Ford Era * Stunning Black & Amethyst Leather * Criss Cross Toe * Leather Insole * 4.25" Heel * Red, Black & Purple * With YSL Box...
$1,320Sale Price|20% Off
New Yves Saint Laurent by Stefano Pilati YSL Runway Satin Heels Pumps Sz 39.5
By Stefano Pilati for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Conroe, TX
Stefano Pilati for Yves Saint Laurent Debut Collection Rare & Collectible Brand New * Yves Saint Laurent "POUF" Heels * Fuchsia Satin Upper * Removable Feather POUF * Leather Ins...
Early Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Snake Belt
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Rare Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture snake skin belt from the 1970s. Padded to be 3 dimensional and set with a silvered bronze snake head which se...
$1,163Sale Price|24% Off
New Yves Saint Laurent YSL SS 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 Camel Spring 2005 * Unique Scalloped Sides & Heel * Leather Insole * Open Square Toe * 4.5" Heel * With Box & Extra Heel Tips
$1,160Sale Price|20% Off
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...
New Rare Yves Saint Laurent New YSL Eva Lips Heels Sz 38.5 U.S. 8
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Conroe, TX
Yves Saint Laurent Heels Brand New Marked Size: 38.5 Fits Sise 38 (U.S. 8) * Stunning Olive & Cream Lips! * Leather Insole * Adjustable Ankle Strap * Gold Hardware * 4.5" Heel * .5" Lip * With YSL Box...
$393Sale Price|25% Off
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...
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...
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...
$189Sale Price|25% Off
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 ...
New Rare Yves Saint Laurent New YSL Eva Lips Heels Sz 38.5
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Conroe, TX
Yves Saint Laurent Heels Brand New Size: 38.5 * Stunning Olive & Cream Lips! * Leather Insole * Adjustable Ankle Strap * Gold Hardware * 4.5" Heel * .5" Lip * Comes with YSL Box...
new 1970's YVES SAINT LAURENT gold leather heels - size 6.5
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Fransisco, CA
New old stock 1970s heels by Yves Saint Laurent in metallic gold leather. The design is simple but distinctive: a slip-on mule with a mid-height heel and an open toe. The upper is ma...
Brown suede heeled loafer with platform Yves Saint Laurent
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Brown suede heeled loafer with platform. Top-stitched, pompom and eyelet. Heel height = 10,5 cm Platform height = 2,5 cm Shoe size: 36 ( It)
New Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent YSL Velvet Leather Heels Sz 36.5
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Conroe, TX
Tom Ford For YSL Heels Brand New * Stunning Black Leather & Velvet * Tom Ford's Final Years w/ YSL * Euro Size: 36.5 * Ribbon Can be Tied Around Ankle or Accented at Back * Leat...
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...
Black and White Bootie Yves Saint Laurent Size EU 40
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Ardmore, PA
Black and White Bootie Yves Saint Laurent Zipper Detail Zipper Closure Size EU 40
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...
Shockingly New Vintage Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent YSL Heels Mules Size 37.5
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Conroe, TX
Tom Ford For YSL Heels Shockingly Brand New * Rare Tom Ford For YSL Runway Celebrity Heels * Size 37.5 * Lucite & Crystal Toe * Bronze Metallic Leather * C...
$1,267Sale Price|35% Off
New Vintage Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent YSL Collectible Heels Sz 38.5
By Yves Saint Laurent, Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Conroe, TX
Yves Saint Laurent Heels Brand New Size: 38.5 * Tom Ford Era Final Collection Heels This Collection was Featured at the Metropolitan Museum of Art * Metallic Covered Heel * Double...
New Yves Saint Laurent YSL Aviator Sunglasses With Case
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Conroe, TX
Yves Saint Laurent Sunglasses Brand New *Stunning in Silver Aviator * Blue Gradient Lenses * Lightweight * White Sides * Made in Italy * 100% UVA/UVB Protection * With Hard Case, Cl...
Yves Saint Laurent 2000s Black Leather Belt with Gold Leaf Buckle
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
Authentic, preowned vintage Yves Saint Laurent (YSL) wide black leather statement belt featuring an oversized abstract gold leaf buckle with dramatic tassel detail, likely dating to ...
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent YSL Rive Gauche Gunmetal & Crystal Belt 1970s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A stand-out Vintage YSL Rive Gauche Belt. In 1961, following his time as Dior's Art Director, Yves Saint Laurent launched his namesake couture label. His fearless approach to blurrin...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Silk Scarf
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Paris, FR
Multicoloured silk scarf from Saint Laurent YSL featuring a geometric motif and a top logo signature. 100% silk. Circa 1980s In good vintage condition. Made in France. 35in. (89cm...
Yves Saint Laurent belt by Yves Saint Laurent circa 1990
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT - A ready-to-wear Collection circa 1990 under the artistic direction of Yves Saint Laurent. Bottle-green fabric and velvet belt with a Harlequin pattern in red, y...
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...
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...
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...
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent YSL Massive Hand Painted Paisley Cotton Shawl Scarf
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT massive (55 inches by 55 inches) lightweight hand painted cotton voile shawl / scarf! Features vibrant colors of red, gold, green, blue and white throughou...
1960s Yves Saint Laurent Roger Scemama Floral Cabochon Chain Belt
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
A striking example of Scemama’s iconic jewelry design for YSL, this gold-tone link chain belt features five sculptural floral medallions crafted in twisted rope-style metalwork, each...
1990's YVES SAINT LAURENT pony fur and leather heels
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Spotted pony fur and jet black leather heels from Yves Saint Laurent dating to the 1990's. Labeled a size 7 however these best fit a modern US 6.5. Heels measure approximately 2....
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...
$1,331Sale Price|25% Off
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 ...
1980's Yves Saint Laurent/YSL Black and White Brogue Style Kitten Heels
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Very chic Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche kitten heels from the 1980's. White leather with contrasting black leather brogue details and heels. Elongated pointy toe and 1.5" heel. Good...
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 Tom Ford huge hat
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Yves Saint Laurent Tom Ford huge hat Very wide brim, I have not seen anything like the outside of a hat like fur size 57 The condition is very good
Yves Saint Laurent Black Leather Pump Shoes
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Paris, FR
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Black leather pump shoes featuring sleek point toe, mid heel (height: 85mm), leather lining. Circa 1990s Label size: 35 ½ fr In good vintage condition. Made ...
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...
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 YSL Vintage Jewelled Heart Silk Cord Belt
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage black passementerie cord belt featuring a gold and silver toned heart with crystal embellishement. One size fits all. Adjustable ...