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.
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 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 ...
1990s Yves Saint Laurent frame
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Capri, IT
1990s Yves Saint Laurent frame
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...
1980s Yves Saint Laurent 8129 Y21 Aviator Sunglasses
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
1980s Yves Saint Laurent 8129 Y21 Rare Aviator Sunglasses , Yves Saint Laurent Red Teardrop Sunglasses, Red plastic frame, Brown lenses, gold tone metalware, logo plaque on temple ...
New Vintage Yves Saint Laurent YSL 8129 1980 Made in France Sunglasses
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Beautiful and stylish YSL sunglasses. White aviator frame holding a pair of double gradient lenses with beautiful old Cassandre logo. This pair show mi...
New Vintage Yves Saint Laurent YSL 541 Jasped Red 1970 France Sunglasses
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Beautiful and stylish vintage new Yves Saint Laurent 1970’s Oversized sunglasses in a jasped red frame. Spotless pair of light rose gradient...
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL6328S black flared out lens logo side square sunglasses
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Hong Kong, NT
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL6328S black flared out lens logo side square sunglasses Reference: AAWC/A01011 Brand: Yves Saint Laurent Model: YSL6328S Material: Acetate Color: Black Pattern:...
Saint Laurent sunglasses 'Cat eye'
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
SAINT LAURENT - (Made in Italy) Black bakelite 'cat eye' sunglasses topped with a silvery metal plate. Name of the house on the arms. Gray glasses. Condition: Very good condition D...
Yves Saint Laurent Vintage Sunglasses CYBELLE 54/14 140mm
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Rome, Rome
Step back into the elegance of the 1980s with these Yves Saint Laurent Vintage Sunglasses CYBELLE, a true reflection of the designer's graceful yet daring aesthetic. Made with care i...
Yves Saint Laurent Vintage Brown Sunglasses PLUTON 54/16 140mm
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Rome, Rome
These Yves Saint Laurent Vintage Butterfly Sunglasses PLUTON capture the bold elegance and glamour of 1980s French fashion. Crafted in France, this butterfly-shaped model combines ov...
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent YSL Bug Eye 1980 France Sunglasses
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Beautiful And Stylish Vintage Yves Saint Laurent 1980’S Bug Eyed Sunglasses. Spotless Pair Of Medium Brown Lenses. New! Never Worn Or Displayed. Flawless Pair!!! This Pair Could...
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent 7759 YSL Oversized 1980 France Sunglasses
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Beautiful And Stylish Ysl Oversized Frame Sunglasses. This Pair Show Minor Sign Of Wear Due To Storage. Please Study The Pictures. A Great Opportunity To Achieve A Unique And ...
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...
Yves Saint Laurent sunglasses
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT -(Made in Italy) Tortoiseshell bakelite sunglasses with hearts. Loulou Design. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Length: 14.5 cm - Height: 7 cm SKU:ACC6
Yves Saint Laurent Vintage Sunglasses CYBELLE 56/14 145mm
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Rome, Rome
Step into the elegance of the 1980s with these Yves Saint Laurent Vintage Sunglasses CYBELLE, a stunning reflection of the maison's bold yet graceful design sensibility. Crafted with...
YSL Saint Laurent The Mask 99MM Shield Metal Sunglasses
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
YSL Saint Laurent The Mask 99MM Shield Metal Sunglasses perfect condition Frame Width: 5.75 Opening Width: 4.5”
Yves Saint Laurent Violet Lucite "Swirls" Hardware Accent Sunglasses
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
These wicked Yves Saint Laurent Lucite sunglasses in a wonderful violet shade is detailed with silver hardware "Swirls" on the sides. The front measures 5 1/2" across, the wrap-aroun...
New Vintage Yves Saint Laurent YSL 7951 1980 France Sunglasses
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Beautiful and stylish vintage new Yves Saint Laurent 1980’s Oversized sunglasses in black with silver accents. Spotless pair of light rose gradient lenses. This pair may show min...
Yves Saint Laurent Black Rectangular YSL 2065/S Sunglasses 60/15
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Rome, Rome
Transport yourself to a cooler, glossier era with these vintage Yves Saint Laurent sunglasses, Model 2065/S - a sleek slice of early Y2K luxury. Designed in Italy, this standout piec...
Yves Saint Laurent Black Lucite with Gilded Gold Hardware "Swirl" Sunglasses
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Yves Saint Laurent wonderfully polished black lucite accented with polished gilded gold hardware sunglasses features curved corners and etched detailing on the center-front. Th...
Yves Saint Laurent Gilded Gold Hardware with Tortoise Shell Eyeglasses
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Yves Saint Laurent gilded gold hardware eyeglasses are accented with tortoise shell finished arms. The arms is highlighted with their signature "YSL" logo on the arms. The front ...
New Vintage Yves Saint Laurent YSL Alma Black Oversized 1980 France Sunglasses
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Beautiful and stylish YSL sunglasses. This pair show minor sign of wear due to storage, Please study the pictures. A great opportunity to achieve a u...
Yves Saint Laurent Vintage Beige Sunglasses DELIAS 52/18 140 mm
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Rome, Rome
A timeless piece from the golden era of designer eyewear, these vintage Yves Saint Laurent sunglasses, model Delias (52/18), offer understated elegance with a distinctly French touch...
Vintage YSL Brown and Black Square Sunglasses
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Product details: Circa 1970. Featuring clear brown and black matte finish frames, round square light brown gradient lens, silver tone YSL logo on the sides. Signed Yves Saint Lauren...
Yves Saint Laurent Vintage Red Rhinestone Cat eye Sunglasses c1980
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Yves Saint Laurent Vintage Red Rhinestone Cat eye Sunglasses c1980 in excellent condition. measurements: 5.75" x 2.125" x 5" arm length
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent 6556 YSL Oval Tortoise 1980 France Sunglasses
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Beautiful And Stylish Ysl Frame Sunglasses. This Pair Show Minor Sign Of Wear Due To Storage. Please Study The Pictures. A Great Opportunity To Achieve A Unique And Yet Timele...
New Vintage Yves Saint Laurent YSL " Vanessa " Tortoise Translucent Sunglasses
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Beautiful and stylish vintage new Yves Saint Laurent 1970’s " Vanessa " Spotless pair of medium brown lenses. New! never worn or displayed. Flawless pair!!! This pair is an style...
Yves Saint Laurent Vintage Butterfly Sunglasses CYBELLE 56/14 145mm
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Rome, Rome
Step into the elegance of the 1980s with these Yves Saint Laurent Vintage Sunglasses CYBELLE, a stunning reflection of the maison's bold yet graceful design sensibility. Crafted with...
Yves Saint Laurent Vintage Grey Sunglasses SALAMINE 56/15 130mm
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Rome, Rome
A refined echo from the haute couture runways of the 1980s, these Yves Saint Laurent Vintage SALAMINE Sunglasses are a captivating expression of quiet luxury and sculptural design. C...
New Vintage Yves Saint Laurent YSL Mask Shield 1970 France Sunglasses
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Beautiful and stylish vintage new Yves Saint Laurent 1970’s Oversized sunglasses in a translucent mask shaped frame. Spotless pair of light amber gradient lenses. New! never worn o...
New Vintage Yves Saint Laurent YSL Oversized Tortoise 1980'S France Sunglasses
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Beautiful And Stylish Ysl Sunglasses. This Pair Show Minor Sign Of Wear Due To Storage, Please Study The Pictures. A Great Opportunity To Achieve A U...
New Vintage Yves Saint Laurent YSL 545 Jaspe Marble 1970 France Sunglasses
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Beautiful and stylish vintage new Yves Saint Laurent 1970’s Oversized sunglasses in a jaspe marble green frame. Spotless pair of light ...
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent YSL Marrakech 9 1980 France Sunglasses
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Beautiful and stylish YSL frame sunglasses. This pair show minor sign of wear due to storage on both lenses and frame. Please study the pictures. A great opportunity to achieve...
New Vintage Yves Saint Laurent YSL 543 Jaspe Black & Grey 1970 France Sunglasses
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Beautiful and stylish vintage new Yves Saint Laurent 1970’s Oversized sunglasses in a jaspe two tone grey marble frame. Spotless pair of ro...
Yves Saint Laurent Black Lucite with Gold Hardware Sunglasses
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
These wicked Yves Saint Laurent lucite sunglasses are highlighted with gold hardware with their signature name elegantally written on the arms. The length across the front measur...
New Vintage Yves Saint Laurent YSL " Vanessa " Pearl Grey Sunglasses
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Baleares, Baleares
Beautiful and stylish vintage new Yves Saint Laurent 1970’s " Vanessa " Spotless pair of medium grey lenses. New! never worn or displayed. Flawless pair!!! This pair is an style ...
Yves Saint Laurent Black Hardware Sunglasses
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Yves Saint Laurent black hardware frame sunglasses measures 5" straight across the front. The curved front measures 7 1/2" from hardware side-...
Yves Saint Laurent Vintage Green Sunglasses GAUDE 58/17 140mm
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Rome, Rome
Radiating the joyful boldness of late-80s French fashion, these Yves Saint Laurent GAUDE sunglasses are a striking tribute to the maison's playful yet refined design language. Crafte...
Yves Saint Laurent Vintage Cat Eye Sunglasses TOHAS 56/14 140mm
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Rome, Rome
Step into the bold elegance of the 1980s with these vintage TOHAS cat-eye sunglasses by Yves Saint Laurent. Crafted in France from vibrant orange plastic, the frame exudes a playful ...
Yves Saint Laurent Vintage Oval Sunglasses POMONE 56/16 140mm
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Rome, Rome
There's a soft, poetic charm woven into the 1980s, and these vintage POMONE sunglasses by Yves Saint Laurent capture it perfectly. Made in France, the design features a gentle oval s...
Yves Saint Laurent Gold Wrap-Around with Gold Etch Sunglasses
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Yves Saint Laurent gilded gold framed wrap-around sunglasses are detailed with gilded gild etched on both corners along with "Yves Saint Laurent" in ...
Yves Saint Laurent Tortoise Shell with Textured Gold Hardware Sunglasses
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Yves Saint Laurent tortoise shell sunglasses have textured gold hardware arms with their signature "Y" towards the front of the arms. The t...
Yves Saint Laurent vintage frames
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Capri, IT
Yves Saint Laurent vintage frames
Yves Saint Laurent Vintage Sunglasses SOPHOCLE 54/14 140mm
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Rome, Rome
Embrace the understated sophistication of the 1980s with these Yves Saint Laurent Vintage Sunglasses SOPHOCLE, a refined piece that perfectly captures the era's love for structure an...
Yves Saint Laurent Vintage Sunglasses CARISTE 2 58/16 140mm
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Rome, Rome
Step into the playful sophistication of 1980s Paris with these Yves Saint Laurent Vintage Sunglasses CARISTE 2, a design that perfectly balances boldness and elegance. Expertly craft...
Yves Saint Laurent Vintage Butterfly Sunglasses MARS 58/16 140mm
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Rome, Rome
A rare gem from the golden age of Parisian fashion, these Yves Saint Laurent Vintage "MARS" Sunglasses capture the essence of 1980s sophistication and creative flair. Made in France,...
Yves Saint Laurent Vintage Sunglasses CARISTE 2 56/16 140mm Black
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Rome, Rome
Step into the playful sophistication of 1980s Paris with these Yves Saint Laurent Vintage Sunglasses CARISTE 2, a design that perfectly balances boldness and elegance. Expertly craft...
Yves Saint Laurent Black Frame Dark Sunglasses
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Yves Saint Laurent black frame dark sunglasses measures 4 1/4" across the top-front, overall length across the front measures 5 5/8", height is 2", arm...
Yves Saint Laurent Black & White Horn Accent with Black Hardware Sunglasses
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Yves Saint Laurent black hardware sunglass accented with black & white horn measures 5 3/8 inches; across the front, height including the horn accented on top is 2 inch...
Yves Saint Laurent Burgundy Lucite with "Y" Gold Hardware Sunglasses
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
This wonderful Yves Saint Laurent in burgundy sunglasses is accented with his signature "Y" in gold hardware on the arms. There's also gold hardware detailing on the front center top...
Yves Saint Laurent Vintage Red Sunglasses ISMENE 58/14 140mm
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Rome, Rome
A bold expression of 1980s avant-garde fashion, these vintage Yves Saint Laurent sunglasses, model ISMENE (58/14 - 552), are a rare and radiant find from the golden age of French cou...
Yves Saint Laurent Vintage Black Rhinestone Cat Eye Sunglasses c1980s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Yves Saint Laurent Vintage Black Rhinestone Cat Eye Sunglasses c1980s in excellent condition. measurements: 5.75"x2"x5" arm length
Yves Saint Laurent Vintage Blue Sunglasses CYBELLE 56/14 145mm
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Rome, Rome
Step into the elegance of the 1980s with these Yves Saint Laurent Vintage Sunglasses CYBELLE, a stunning reflection of the maison's bold yet graceful design sensibility. Crafted with...
Yves Saint Laurent Vintage Red Menphis Sunglasses 56/14 135mm
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Rome, Rome
Embrace the refined elegance of 1980s eyewear with these vintage Yves Saint Laurent sunglasses, model Menphis (56/14)-a rare and beautifully preserved piece that captures the era's s...
Yves Saint Laurent Vintage Cat Eye Sunglasses TOHAS 56/14 140mm
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Rome, Rome
Step into the bold elegance of the 1980s with these vintage TOHAS cat-eye sunglasses by Yves Saint Laurent. Crafted in France from vibrant orange plastic, the frame exudes a playful ...
Yves Saint Laurent Vintage Pink Lenses Sunglasses ISMENE 58/14 140mm
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Rome, Rome
A bold expression of 1980s avant-garde fashion, these vintage Yves Saint Laurent sunglasses, model ISMENE (58/14 - 552), are a rare and radiant find from the golden age of French cou...
Yves Saint Laurent Vintage Turquoise Acetate Sunglasses ANTEE 56/14
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Rome, Rome
Bold, playful, and effortlessly chic, these vintage Yves Saint Laurent sunglasses, model Antee, capture the vibrant energy of YSL's daring 1980s aesthetic. Crafted in France from str...
Yves Saint Laurent Shades of Blue and Black Sunglasses
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Yves Saint Laurent wonderful sunglasses are in streaks of French blue and highlighted with black accents. The sides have silver name plate with "Yves Saint Laurent". Highly hand-poli...
Yves Saint Laurent Vintage Red White Eole Sunglasses 56/16 140mm
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Rome, Rome
Winds of Style: Vintage Yves Saint Laurent EOLE Sunglasses A true treasure from the archives of 1980s fashion, these vintage Yves Saint Laurent EOLE sunglasses bring a breeze of bold...