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 Bone Beige Silk Blouse, Circa 1970s
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Yves Saint Laurent bone beige silk blouse. Jabot style ruffled collar, placket and cuffs. Long sleeves. Button front closure. Dry Cleaned. Circa 1970s Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Rive Gauche New Blue Plunging Silk Halter Top
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Diego, CA
New with tags YVES SAINT LAURENT 'Rive Gauche" Spring / Summer 2012 blue silk halter top! Sexy plunge with a perfectly tailored bodice. Hidden zip...
Yves Saint Laurent Silk Satin Tie Blouse
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Yves Saint Laurent Silk Satin Tie Blouse in beige and black striped silk satin. Concealed side button closure ends in a bias scarf which ties on the side of...
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche 1990s White Belgium Lace Sheer Blouse Top
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
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...
Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Runway Ruffled Blouse, Spring-Summer 1993
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Geneva, CH
Based on the 1993 YSL Spring-Summer haute couture collection, this bright floral printed blouse is a genuine ode to the Spring. Cut in organdy silk, this piece features a removable j...
Yves Saint Laurent Size 40 / US 8 Khaki Tan YSL Cotton Safari Ruffle Vest Top
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Diego, CA
Essential YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL S/S 2012 sleeveless cotton safari ruffle vest! Khaki color matches anything, and is perfect all year round. Open front style make this gem easy to we...
1980s Yves Saint Laurent/YSL Black Silk Jacquard Ruffle Blouse
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Very fun Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche blouse from the 1980's. Black silk jacquard with a tonal black oval dot all-over pattern. The blouse sits open with a single small tie at the ...
1990's YVES SAINT LAURENT rive gauche jacquard silk top with leopard motif
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Rust jacquard woven silk top with leopard safari motif designed by Yves Saint Laurent dating to the 1990's. Labeled a French 38. Approximate measurements: shoulder to shoulder 18", b...
Vintage 2000's Yves Saint Laurent Black Cashmere Tank Top
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
An effortlessly sensual piece from Yves Saint Laurent, this early 2000s knit top embodies the house’s refined approach to transparency and feminine structure. Crafted in a lightweigh...
S/S 1992 YVES SAINT LAURENT White Multi-Coloured Heart Print Jacket or Top
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Munich, DE
Lovely Yves Saint Laurent heart-print spencer jacket or top with heart-shaped buttons dated from Spring/Summer 1992. The design is from the 'Variation' line which was a second ready-...
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche YSL Tropical Print Bishop Sleeve Blouse
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Rive Gauche cotton blouse or jacket! Has a tropical vibe, with bright colors of red, purple, pink, blue and white throughout. Signature YSL lapels can be ...
1970s Yves Saint Laurent YSL Cotton Abstract Floral Print Size 34 Blouse 70s Top
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic vintage late 1970s YVES SAINT LAURENT Rive Gauche abstract floral print short puff sleeve blouse / shirt ! Lightweight cotton, features vibrant colors of burnt orange, marigold,...
Yves Saint Laurent Cashmere Camel Geometric Paint Print Cardigan Sweater
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Francisco, CA
Yves Saint Laurent cashmere button front cardigan with a geometric painted design at front with yarn-stitched accents. 100% cashmere. Ma...
S/S 2003 Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche by Tom Ford Blush Slinky Tank Top
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an incredible blush Yves Saint Laurent sleeveless top designed by Tom Ford. This slinky top features ruching throughout from the Spring/Summer 2003 collection and a diamond panel at the back and front. Many pieces from the Fall/Winter 2022 Saint Laurent collection took inspiration from Ford’s slinky designs in this collection, reinforcing the importance of this style and collection to the YSL fashion...
F/W 1985 Saint Laurent Runway Black Velvet Corseted Strapless Button Up Top
By Yves Saint Laurent, Saint Laurent
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From the Saint Laurent’s Fall/Winter 1985 collection by Yves Saint Laurent, this strapless top is crafted from plush black velvet and features a corset-inspired silhouette with a scu...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL by Tom Ford 2002 Black Tulle Silk Layer Jacket Top 38
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Switzerland, CH
Stunning piece designed by Tom Ford for his FW collection for Yves Saint Laurent in 2002 Finest black tulle silk Beautiful tailoring with many layers Frayed details Collection Autumn...
Tom Ford For Yves Saint Laurent Reptile Snake Print Lightweight Wool Top / Vest
By Tom Ford, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Diego, CA
Iconic TOM FORD for YVES SAINT LAURENT snakeskin print sleeveless top / sweater vest! Softest lightweight wool, that not only feels luxurious a...
F/W 2003 Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford Pale Blue Layered Tank Top
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous light blue and black lace Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche tank top, designed by Tom Ford. From the Fall/Winter 2003 collection, this top debuted on the season's ...
Yves Saint Lauren Made of Rooster Feathers Collar
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT - (Made in France) Accessory made of rooster feathers. Additional information: Condition: Good condition Dimensions: Length: 190 cm Seller Reference: ACC58
rare YVES SAINT LAURENT Vintage beige YSL badge military captain shirt
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Hong Kong, NT
rare YVES SAINT LAURENT Vintage beige YSL badge military captain shirt Reference: CRTI/A00726 Brand: Yves Saint Laurent Material: Feels like cotton Color: Beige Pattern: Striped Clos...
An Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Top Embroidered with Sequins Circa 1980
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1980/1990 France Top entirely embroidered with black and silver sequins by Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche dating from the 1980s. Round low-cut neckline, long sleeves and closur...
1968 SAINT LAURENT rive gauche dark khaki 'saharienne' safari tunic
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Extremely rare, safari tunic from Saint Laurent dating to 1968. Made in a dark khaki green polished cotton with slight iridescence. It has a sharp, oversized collar and a deep lace-u...
Yves Saint Laurent Tom Ford era SS 2002 Silk Leopard Print Long Sleeve Blouse
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Slinky and sexy silk jaguar top from Tom Ford's Spring/Summer 2002 Ready-to-Wear Safari collection for Yves Saint Laurent. This famous collection brought iconic pieces from the Momba...
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent F/W 2001 Pink Angora Top
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent F/W 2001 pink angora top. Crafted in a delicate blush-toned angora knit, this tank top is defined by its tactile softness and gently fuzzy finish. The si...
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent ' Rive Gauche ' Yellow Cotton Tunic Dress YSL
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Diego, CA
Perfect vintage Yves Saint Laurent "Rive Gauche" muted yellow cotton tunic/dress! Perfect as a dress or a tunic....great over a swimsuit! V-neck style, with pockets at both...
Yves Saint Laurent Runway Floral-Print Silk-Chiffon Shirt Blouse, SS1974
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Geneva, CH
Worn on the Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Spring 1974 runway show in various style and color combinations (see pictures 2, 3, 4 & 5), this rare and collectible shirt is cut from lig...
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 ...
Yves Saint Laurent Silk Blouse 1976 Collection "Russian Collection" YSL
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wallkill, NY
Stunning Red Ruffled YSL Silk Top Russian Collection 1976. Numbered 41163 Yves Saint Laurent Paris Double Ruffles on this amazing piece of YSL history! Large oversized bell cuff slee...
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Vintage Iconic Black Velvet Safari Shirt US Size 6
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT VARIATION vintage iconic black velvet SAFARI shirt. This shirt features : - Lace-up front construction with metal eyelets and black satin rope. - 2 front pockets....
Printed cotton shirt with short sleeves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Printed cotton shirt with short sleeves. One snap closure on the middle front ( but I dont think it's original, it's has been probably add later to be able to close the shirt) Elast...
Yves Saint Laurent Metallic Polka Dots Evening Blouse, Fall-Winter 1978-1979
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
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...
An Yves Saint Laurent Couture Bodice numbered 18603, 1967 Collection
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Toulon, FR
Collection 1967. France Yves Saint Laurent top in navy blue cotton jersey from the Couture 1967 collection, numbered 18603. Straight cut in tube, cross lacing on the front in topstit...
1979 YSL Yves Saint Laurent Moon & Stars Sleeveless Tunic Top Documented
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Almost three decades have passed and the moon and star remain iconic to Yves Saint Laurent. Recent collections have shown the celestial bodies on wallets, shoes, belts, dresses and shirts. In this top from 1979, the nighttime symbols appear in bold green, purple, red and white on a background of black rayon crepe. The print caught the eye of editors at Vogue UK, who featured it in a head-to-toe outfit on model and Yves Saint Laurent muse Gia Carangi...
Yves Saint Laurent Bold Multi-Abstract & Detailed Micro Beaded Blouse
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Yves Saint Laurent bold multi-color Abstract silk blouse embellished with micro beaded as well as turquoise shades and shells along the collar and cuffs as well as the front emb...
Yves Saint Laurent Beige Cotton Top
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Carnate, IT
Yves Saint Laurent Beige Cotton Top Yves Saint Laurent top. In cotton and polyurethane. Cream color \ light beige. Neckline supported by rigid bo...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Matisse Inspired Floral Cotton Sash Skirt
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT RIVE GAUCHE vintage skirt featuring a multicolored floral and heart print inspired by the cut-out artworks of HENRI MATISSE. This skirt features : - White cotton ...
S/S 1988 Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Royal Blue Bustier Boned Crop Top
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a beautiful royal blue Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche tube top, designed by Yves Saint Laurent. This fabulous crop top from the Spring/Summer 1988...
1980's YVES SAINT LAURENT rive gauche cotton floral printed top
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Vivid, floral-printed, cotton top from Yves Saint Laurent rive gauche dating to the early 1980's. Labeled a French size 40, which best fits a US S-M or modern FR 38. Approximate meas...
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...
S/S 2002 Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford Safari Jaguar Print Sheer Silk Top
By Yves Saint Laurent, Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a stunning jaguar print Yves Saint Laurent top, designed by Tom Ford. From the Spring/Summer 2002 collection, this top debuted as part of look 34 modeled by Rie Rasmussen....
Yves Saint Laurent cardigan Summer 1991
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT - (Made in France) Red wild silk cardigan embroidered with multicolored sequins. Size 38FR indicated. 1991 Spring-Summer Collection. Condition: Very good conditio...
Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford White Cotton Tie Front Blouse
By Yves Saint Laurent, Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Yves Saint Laurent white creme cotton button tie front blouse designed by Tom Ford era. Size: Medium Bust: 36 inches/ Waist: 32 inches/ blouse lengt...
Yves Saint Laurent Runway Antique Pink Cotton Gypsy Blouse, Spring-Summer 1983
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Geneva, CH
Early 80’s Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche runway (see picture 2) gypsy blouse. Constructed in antique pink satin cotton, the peasant tunic features three-quarter full sleeves that ga...
YVES SAINT LAURENT c.1980's YSL Red & Black Scoop Neck Tunic Top / Dress
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Thiensville, WI
DESCRIPTION: YVES SAINT LAURENT c.1980's YSL Red & Black Scoop Neck Tunic Top / Dress Circa: c.1980’s Label(s): Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Designer: Yves Saint Laurent Style: Tunic ...
YSL Black Lace & Cotton Strapless Bustier Top w/ Grograin Trim - 44 - 60s-70s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
YSL Black Lace & Cotton Strapless Bustier Top w/ Grograin Trim - 44 - 60's-70's. This sexy vintage top is in excellent vintage condition. It fe...
Yves Saint Laurent cardigan Summer 1991
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT - (Made in France) Green wild silk cardigan embroidered with multicolored sequins. Size 38FR indicated. 1991 Spring-Summer Collection. Condition: Very good condit...
Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Pink Linen Top
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
A pretty pink vintage top by Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche. The top has a scoop neckline and double layer cap sleaves. Size 38 Measurements: Bust up to 37'', length 21''
Yves Saint Laurent blouse
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT - (Made in France) Transparent blue muslin blouse with silvery lurex dots. Size 38FR indicated. A Collection circa 1977. Condition: Very good condition Dimension...
1980s Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Green Silk Printed Blouse
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Beautiful silk blouse by YSL Rive Gauche from the 1980s. Very flattering, can be worn tucked in or not. Has a small square pocket on the front and a ball...
Yves Saint Laurent "Russian" Silk Paisley Print Ruffled Blouse
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Yves Saint Laurent Taupe silk crepe de chine with paisley print ruffled blouse from his "Russian" collection measures 24" in length in front and 25 1/2" in back. Underarm circumferen...
Yves Saint Laurent Multicolor Logo Print Cotton Long Sleeve Top circa 1970s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Yves Saint Laurent Multicolor Logo Print Cotton Long Sleeve Top from the circa 1970s is a striking piece that embodies the vibrant spirit and innovative design of the era. Crafted fr...
Yves Saint Laurent Ivory and Black Thin Striped Cotton Shirt - 36 - 1960's
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Yves Saint Laurent Vintage Ivory and Black Thin Striped Cotton Button Up Shirt - 36 - 1960's. This vintage long sleeve, cotton, button up is ivory and black with thin vertical stripe...
Yves Saint Laurent top 1990s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT - (Made in France) Black velvet long-sleeve top edged with black satin. Black faceted buttons and zipper on the front. Size 38FR indicated. A Collection circa 1990...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Jewel Print Blouse
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage iconic jewel print blouse. This shirt features : - Gorgeous opulent multicolored jewel print with black accents. - Classic collar. - Long sleeves. - Hidde...
1980's SAINT LAURENT magenta silk plisse top
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Magenta and purple plisse top with long mutton-style sleeves from Saint Laurent dating to the 1980's. No size is indicated however this best fits a US 4-6. Approximate measurements (...
1983 YVES SAINT LAURENT rive gauche khaki cotton RUNWAY top with puffed sleeves
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Khaki-green, cotton shirt with puffed sleeves and scoop neckline designed by Yves Saint Laurent dating to the 1983 as seen on the spring runway. Labeled a French size 40 better fits ...
Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche silk floral "Bow" blouse
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
This Multicolored Yves Saint Laurent Floral blouse are in shades of tangerines, yellows, greens & golds on a black backdrop. The material is French crepe de chine. The neck has a ext...
2008 Yves Saint Laurent Black Strapless Wool Bustier Top
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
This tailored bustier top was designed by Stefano Pilati when he headed up the fashion house Yves Saint Laurent as the creative director. A dress version walked the runway in a grey ...
S/S 2002 Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford Jaguar Print Sheer Silk Top
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a chic jaguar print Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche short-sleeve top, designed by Tom Ford. From the Spring/Summer 2002 collection, this top features a scoop neckline, over...
Rare Yves Saint Laurent Multi-Colored Floral Silk Crepe di Chine blouse
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Yves Saint Laurent multi-colored floral print of violets, greens, plums, and black is made of silk crepe de chine. The neck neck has a single button clousure. The front measures ...