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 Rive Gauche Vintage Quilted Metallic Gold Pencil Skirt
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Sparks, NV
Vintage 1980s metallic gold quilted pencil skirt by Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche. Fully lined with side zip and hook closure and pockets. The marked size is 38, and the skirt fits ...
Yves Saint Laurent Encore Navy Blue Pinstripe Pencil Skirt 1990s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Francisco, CA
1990s vintage Encore by Yves Saint Laurent pencil skirt in navy blue with skinny white pinstripe throughout. Side zip and button closure. Short slit at center back. 60% wool, 39% r...
Sexy Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Leather High Waisted Black Pencil Skirt
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Diego, CA
Incredibly sexy vintage Yves Saint Laurent YSL ‘Rive Gauche' black leather skirt!!! High-waisted pencil style, with pockets at both sides of waist. Slight slit up middle front makes ...
YVES SAINT LAURENT black wool High Waisted Knee Length Skirt XS
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Zürich, CH
authentic Yves Saint Laurent high waisted knee-length flared skirt in black wool (100%). Closes with a zipper on the back. Lined (missing content ). Has been worn and is in excellent...
Yves Saint Laurent Tom Ford Fall 2002 Black Silk Bow Panelled Skirt
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
Collector's dream, never worn with vintage Yves Saint Laurent x Tom Ford Fall 2002 skirt - look 15 on the catwalk. In incredible new with tags condition. Crafted from a super soft do...
Stunning Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Silk Laser Cut High Waist Black Skirt Sz 44
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Diego, CA
Out of this world vintage YSL "Rive Gauche" laser cut black silk skirt! Intricate design, with an amazing fit. Fine silk that almost has a paper-like feel. So unique, yet so utterly ...
A/W 2001 Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford Black Draped Wrap around Pencil Skirt
By Yves Saint Laurent, Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Sheffield, GB
Elegant and Sexy Autumn / Winter 2001 Yves Saint Laurent 'Rive Gauche' by Tom Ford Draped Wrap around Pencil Skirt in Black Blended cotton with a Gold Metal Buckle at the Hip. MADE I...
New Yves Saint Laurent YSL F/W 2008 Runway Heavy Wool Skirt Sz Fr42
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Conroe, TX
Yves Saint Laurent New F/W Runway 2008 Skirt Size: FR42 100% Heavy Virgin Wool Black High Waist Fit Diagonal Front Zipper Concealed Button Closure Waist: 30" High Waist Hip: 40" ...
Yves St Laurent Color Block Mermaid Skirt
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous flare hem color block skirt from Yves St Laurent, YSL Rive Gauche. It consist of olive green, black and lavender bias cut panels wrapping around the skirt flaring at th...
New Tom Ford For Yves Saint Laurent YSL F/W 2001 Velvet Runway Ad Skirt Sz Fr36
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Conroe, TX
Tom Ford For Yves Saint Laurent Size: FR36 Tom Ford's Coveted 2001 Winter Collection Runway Skirt Impossible to Find New Brand New Without Tags Black Velvet Zipper and Hook & E...
Yves Saint Laurent 1970s Vintage Plaid Wool Midi Skirt
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Sparks, NV
Early Yves Saint Laurent! Vintage 1970s plaid wool midi skirt with a velvet hemline. The marked size is 42 and the skirt fits like a size large. Details: Unlined Front Pockets in P...
Yves Saint Laurent Red Pencil Silk Skirt
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Paris, FR
YSL Yves Saint Laurent red silk skirt featuring a mid-length, a pencil shape, front pockets, fully lined. Circa: 1987 Estimated size 38fr/US6 /UK10 Composition: Silk 100% In good vi...
Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2004 – Skirt by Tom Ford
By Yves Saint Laurent, Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2004 – Skirt by Tom Ford Italy • Excellent condition • Rare vintage This elegant skirt is from the Yves Saint Laurent Fall/Winter 2004 a...
1977 Yves Saint Laurent YSL Russian Collection Geometric Petticoat Skirt
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Paris, FR
YSL Yves Saint Laurent "Russian Collection" petticoat skirt featuring a geometric print, velvet ribbons, side pockets,. Circa: 1977 Estimated size 38fr/US6 /UK10 Composition: wool ...
Yves Saint Laurent "Rive Gauche" 90s Black Wool & Leather Fringe Wrap Skirt
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Antwerpen, Vlaams Gewest
Enjoy this item as part of our Holiday Sale, for one week! Yves Saint Laurent "Rive Gauche" vintage 1990s Black Wool & Leather Fringe Wrap Skirt Discover this stunning early 90s...
Yves Saint Laurent Skirt Black Moire Maxi Rare Ballet Russes Vintage 70s EU 42
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
Authentic, preowned vintage Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche black moiré maxi skirt, likely dating to the late 1970s and believed to be associated with Saint Laurent’s iconic Ballets R...
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent YSL 90s Logo + Stars Silk High Waist Pencil Skirt
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Diego, CA
1990s YVES SAINT LAURENT ' logo and stars' high waisted silk pencil skit! Features a black silk background, with brown, gray and white YSL logo and stars pri...
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Pink Skirt
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in London, GB
A bright pink vintage skirt, by Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche. The dress has a zip on the left hand side and 2 diagonal pockets. It has been profess...
Yves Saint Laurent Silk Skirt Spring with Golden Lurex Yarns, 1986
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Yves Saint Laurent - (Made in France) Silk skirt with golden lurex yarns. Indicated size 40FR. Spring-Summer 1986 Collection. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition ...
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: ...
New Yves Saint Laurent YSL 2006 Silk Culottes Skirt Pants Sz Fr36
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Conroe, TX
Yves Saint Laurent New Without Tags FR36 100% Sheer Double Layered Silk Black High Waist Fit Culottes Evening Skirt Pants 3 Button Closure Hidden Zipper Two Hidden Side Pockets Wais...
Navy blue thin wool skirt with wrap fabric belt Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Navy blue thin wool skirt with wrap fabric belt . ( the belt is a part of the waist band, start on the left side, then go along the back and come back from the right side to get atta...
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 Colorblock Skirt, Circa 1980s
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Yves Saint Laurent two tone color block cotton gabardine skirt. high waist. a line silhouette. ruffle & knife pleating. hidden hip pockets. side zip closure with hidden hook & eye. ...
Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford F/W 2003 Red Ruffled Wrap Skirt
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Paris, FR
Red jersey wrap skirt Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford featuring asymmetrical ruffle detailing along the side seam. Constructed from lightweight stretch jersey with a wrap closure secu...
New Tom Ford For Yves Saint Laurent YSL F/W 2001 Velvet Runway Skirt Sz Fr44
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Conroe, TX
Tom Ford For Yves Saint Laurent Size: FR44 Tom Ford's Coveted 2001 Winter Collection Runway Skirt Impossible to Find New Brand New Without Tags Black Velvet Zipper and Hook & Ey...
Yves Saint Laurent Russian Collection Velvet Skirt
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Yves Saint Laurent Russian Collection Skirt in a soft, silky wine cotton/rayon blend. Simply constructed with gathered waist and gold soutache embroidery...
Yves Saint Laurent taffeta maxi skirt
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT - (Made in France) Asymmetrical black silk taffeta maxi skirt. Composition and size labels missing, it fits a 38FR. Piece from the 1970s under the artistic directi...
YSL Rive Gauche fuchsia silk skirt, 1990s vintage
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Genova, IT
YSL Rive Gauche fuchsia silk skirt ABOUT Vintage Yves Saint Laurent skirt from the 1990s with a minimal line and a bright, striking fuchsia color. The skirt is silk, with lining. C...
Yves Saint Laurent Wine Velvet Skirt
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in New York, NY
Yves Saint Laurent Claret Wine Cotton-rayon Velvet Skirt, easy construction with a series of inverted pleats which release from waist to fullness at hem. Side zip closure and practi...
Yves Saint Laurent By Tom Ford F/W 2003 Green Silk Flared Midi Skirt
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Paris, FR
Silk satin mermaid skirt from Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford Fall/Winter 2003 collection in vibrant emerald green. Features a fitted silhouette through the hips with a flared trumpet...
1970s Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Brown Corduroy A - Line Vintage Mide Skirt
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic late 1960s 60s / early 70s YVES SAINT LAURENT 'Rive Gauche' fine chocolate brown corduroy A-Line midi skirt! Super flattering fit, with the softest cotton corduroy fabric! Butto...
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 Vintage Rive Gauche Chevron Print Pleated Skirt
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Diego, CA
Stunning vintage Yves Saint Laurent "Rive Gauche" chevron print skirt! Gorgeous vibrant colors that zig zag around this beauty. Fabric covered buttons down the front. Fully lined. So...
Yves Saint Laurent x Tom Ford Fall 2003 Frilled Crepe Skirt
By Yves Saint Laurent, Tom Ford for 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 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...
Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford F/W 2002 Ribbon Tie Silk Skirt
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Paris, FR
Silk skirt from Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford featuring an intricate ribbon tie construction throughout. The piece is crafted from charcoal grey silk with tonal ribbon details that ...
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent 1970s Black Wool Size Small 70s Wrap Maxi Skirt YSL
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic, yet classic vintage late 70s YVES SAINT LAURENT Rive Gauche black wool wrap maxi skirt! Features an interior button with hook-and-eye closure. POCKETS at each side of the waist...
S/S 1989 Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Black Wool Wrap Button Skirt
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a black wrap Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche skirt, designed by Yves Saint Laurent. From the Spring/Summer 1989, this timeless skirt features a curved cut hem and is made c...
Yves Saint Laurent Sequin Skirt
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New Hope, PA
Black sequins are complemented by a black satin waistband and skirt edge on this side buttoning evening skirt. It is fully lined in black silk and marked a size 38. Measurements; W...
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...
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche YSL Black Hi - Lo Asymmetrical 90s Skirt
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Diego, CA
The perfect black early 1990s vintage hi-low pencil skirt by YVES SAINT LAURENT Rive Gauche YSL ! Features a flattering straight fit, and is shorter i...
1970s Yves Saint Laurent Size 38 4/6 Navy Blue Brown Tan Vintage 70s Wool Skirt
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic 1970s YVES SAINT LAURNT Rive Gauche plaid wool skirt ! This YSL skirt has warm hues of navy blue, nude, tan and brown. Gold buttons down the fro...
Yves Saint Laurent Vintage Black and Red Chevron Cotton Skirt - 40 -Circa 1970/s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This vintage Yves Saint Laurent long skirt is black with a red and blue chevron design. There is a tie at the waist, a side zipper, and 2...
Yves Saint Laurent Skirt Russian Collection Purple Skirt YSL, 1970s
By Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Boca Raton, FL
The 1976 Russian Collection is perhaps one of Yves Saint Laurent’s most renowned collections. Drawing international inspiration from the traditional Russian and Balkan cultures, YSL ...
Ruby red cotton skirt with laces and belt Yves Saint Laurent
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Ruby red cotton skirt with laces and belt. Fabric composition: 98% cotton, 2% spandex Zip and hook&eye closure in the middle back. Fabric belt hold on metal ring and tie in the midd...
1980s Yves Saint Laurent RG wool skirt
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Port Hope, ON
A lovely skirt with a nice weight and double stitched seams. The skirt comes below the knee and has a high waist.
Yves Saint Laurent F/W 2002 Burgundy Velvet Runway Skirt
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Athina, GR
Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford F/W 2002 Runway Velvet Burgundy Panel Skirt Size: FR 40 An elegant and highly collectible piece from Tom Ford’s Fall/Winter 2002 collection for Yves Sa...
Yves Saint Laurent 1984 Vintage Floral Print Wool Skirt Size 38
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
Authentic vintage Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche skirt from the iconic Fall/Winter 1984 ready-to-wear collection. A true collector’s piece, this design reflects Yves Saint Laurent’s ...
Saint Laurent skirt by Hedi Slimane Winter 2015
By Yves Saint Laurent, Hedi Slimane for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT - 2015 Fall-Winter ready-to-wear Collection under the artistic direction of Hedi Slimane. Creased-effect pleated black lamb leather skirt, black silk and tulle sli...
F/W 1988 Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Runway Red Satin Pocket Pencil Skirt
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a striking red satin skirt designed by Yves Saint Laurent for his Fall/Winter 1988 collection. Multiple versions of this classic skirt debuted on the season's runway. The ...
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Le Smoking Skirt
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
A chic vintage skirt 'Le Smoking' tuxedo by Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche. The skirt is wool and fully lined, with sloping pockets and a zip on the left hand side. It has gathering...
YSL Rive Gauche 1970's Lavender Silk Mid Length Skirt w/ Diamond Print - 36
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
YSL Rive Gauche 1970's Lavender Silk Mid Length Skirt w/ Diamond Print - 36. This vintage skirt is in very good condition, with no flaws other th...
Yves Saint Laurent Silk Dupioni Pleated Skirt size 34 1990s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wallkill, NY
Stunning Yellow and blue striped YSL skirt with gold-tone buttons. The extra button still attached inside the skirt. I have the blouse that matches this skirt on our storefront. Labe...
Vintage Burgundy Saint Laurent Velvet Pencil Skirt Size FR 38
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Vintage burgundy velvet pencil skirt by Saint Laurent. Thick waistband. Side closure. 24" waist, 30" hips, 29.5" length.
Yves Saint Laurent Red Multicolored Plaid Full Maxi Skirt YSL , 1970s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Plaids were popularized in Saint Laurent’s collections from the late 1960s to the early 70s. Appearing most frequently in skirts, the colorful plaids for Rive Gauche reimagined tradi...
Yves Saint Laurent Black Striped Wool Knee-Length High-Waisted Skirt circa 1980s
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Yves Saint Laurent black striped wool knee-length high-waisted skirt from the circa 1980s exudes timeless elegance and sophisticated style. Crafted from a luxurious wool fabric, it f...
YVES SAINT LAURENT Black Leather Skirt Size 46
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Yves Saint Laurent skirt is composed of black leather. Features a pencil silhouette with front pocket applique. There is a zipper closure. In excellent vintage condition. **...
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent F/W 2003 Black Ruffled Silk Maxi Skirt
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent F/W 2003 Black Ruffled Silk Maxi Skirt. This skirt is seen similarly throughout the F/W 2003 collection of YSL by Tom Ford. This skirt features ruffled det...
Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Satin Pencil Skirt
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Vivienne Westwood Black set, including a jacket with long sleeve and button fastening, and long asymmetrical skirt with zip fastening. *Skirt is pierced.