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.
Iconic Yves Saint Laurent YSL Gold Tone Charms Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Paris, FR
Yves Saint Laurent gold tone charms bracelet featuring a hook fastening, YSL pitted on the closure, large iconic charms. Circa 1980s Length7.8in. (20cm) Medal Diameter: 1.18in. (3c...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Russian Inspired Enamel Charms Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage gold toned chain bracelet featuring four emameled olive shaped Russian inspired charms. T-bar and love heart toggle closure. Embossed with the cursive YV...
Enamel, Gilt Metal
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Gold Toned Charm Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage gold toned link bracelet featuring fours charms : cross, YSL logo, sun face and Love. T- bar closure and heart toggles. Marked with the YVES SAINT LAUREN...
Gilt Metal
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Vintage Medal Charm Bangle Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage antiqued bronze tone rigid wired bangle bracelet embellished with various medal charms. Slips on (no closure). Embossed YSL on the reverse of a medal. I...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Ruby Sapphire Emerald Heart Love Link Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Arty Unisex Heart Love Ruby Emerald Sapphire Citrine Red Green Navy Yellow Orange Purple Square Cube Oval Round Circle Marquise Crystals Link Interlock...
Gold Plate
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Large Four Clover Flower Circle Linked Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Robert Goossens Vintage Arty Vivid Textured Large Four Clover Blossom Flower Charm Pendant Circle Round Linked Monderist Elegant Bracelet, Gold Tone Very exce...
Gold Plate
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Arabesque Charm Link Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Arabesque Charm Link Bracelet Measurements: Pendant: 1.57 inches (4 cm) Wearable Length: 8.07 inches (20.5 cm) Features:...
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Robert Goossens Nugget Link Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Robert Goossens Nugget Link Bracelet Measurements: Height: 0.94 inch (2.4 cm) Wearable Length: 7.28 ...
Yves Saint Laurent 1980s "YSL" Logo Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
No one does eye candy like Yves Saint Laurent! This is an incredible and hard to find statement YSL logo bracelet from none other than the house of Y...
Gold Plate
Yves Saint Laurent Fishes Bracelet in Gilted Metal
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Yves Saint Laurent (Made in France) Gilted metal bracelet made of abstract charms representing fishes. Additional information: Dimensions: Width: 5 cm (1.97 in) Length: 20 cm (7....
Gilt Metal
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Fish Charm Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Fish Charm Bracelet Measurements: Height: 2 2/8inches Wearable Length: varies as it is adjustable Features: - 100% Authentic YVES SAINT LAURENT. - Ch...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Fish Charm Bracelet 1980s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wallkill, NY
Stunning YSL Yves Saint Laurent Fish Charm Bracelet that was never worn. Charms hang down 1.68 Inches. Will fit a 6 inch wrist nicely. This is out ...
Gilt Metal
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl logo Multi Chain Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl logo Multi Chain Bracelet Measurements: Height: 0.90 inch (2.3 cm) Wearable Length: 6.88 inches (17.5 cm) until 7....
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Arabesque Hammered Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Arabesque Hammered Bracelet Measurements: Height: 0.59 inch (1.5 cm) Wearable Length: 6.69 inches (17 cm) to 7.67 inches (19.5 cm) Features: - 100% Authe...
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Honeycomb Link Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Honeycomb Link Bracelet Measurements: Height: 1.34 inches (3.4 cm) Wearable Length: 6.88 inches (17.5 cm) Feat...
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Robert Goossens Flower Rhinestone Enamel Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Robert Goossens Flower Rhinestone Enamel Bracelet Measurements: Height: 7/8 inch Wearable Length: 7 5/8 inches to 8 5/8 inches Features: - 100% Authentic...
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Textured Disc Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Textured Disc Bracelet Measurements: Disc Height: 1 1/8 inches Disc Width: 1 1/8 inches Wearable Length: 7 4/8 inches Features: - 100% authentic YVES SAI...
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Jewelled Square Link Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Jewelled Square Link Bracelet Measurements: Height: 1 inch (2.5 cm) Wearable Length: 6.89 inches (17.5 cm) Features: - 100% Authentic YVES SAINT LAUR...
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Love Heart Hammered Cuff Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Love Heart Hammered Cuff Bracelet Measurements: Height: 1.14 inches (2.9 cm) Circumference: 7 inches (17.80 cm) opening included Features: - 100% Aut...
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Openwork Heart Star Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Openwork Heart Star Bracelet Measurements: Height: 1.65 inches (4.2 cm) Length: 7.28 inches to 8.46 inches (18.5 cm to 21.5 cm) Features: - 100% auth...
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Rhinestone Hoop Chain Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Rhinestone Hoop Chain Bracelet Measurements: Height: 0.98 inch (2.5 cm) Wearable Length: 8.46 inches to 9.44 inches (21....
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Rhinestone Bow Leaf Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Rhinestone Bow Leaf Bracelet Measurements: Height: 1.34 inches (3.4 cm) Wearable Length: 7.08 inches (18 cm) Features: ...
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Pineapple Maltese Cross Enamel Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Pineapple Maltese Cross Enamel Bracelet Measurements: Height: 1.57 inches (4 cm) Wearable Length: 7.67 inches to 8.66 inches (19.5 cm to 22 cm) Featu...
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Mercedes Car Charm, Mid-20th Century, Europe
Located in New York, NY
This vintage 14k yellow gold Mercedes car charm is a perfect gift for a Mercedes lover, car collector or new driver on his or her momentous birthday. An o...
14k Gold
KJL Kenneth Jay Lane Chain Link Five Charm Bracelet, with Toggle Clasp, in Gold
By Kenneth Jay Lane
Located in Milford, DE
A gold-plated chain bracelet with five charms - a pair of lucky dice, cherub, an angel, a pair of shoes, and a swan. Accented with crystals and enamel, fastened with a toggle clasp. ...
Crystal, Gold Plate
18k Yellow Gold Charm Bracelet Charm Numb 13 Bag of dollars Horseshoe Detachable
Located in Paris, FR
Charms bracelet in 18 carat yellow gold Double chain alternating with double chiseled circles retaining 3 groups of detachable charms, on each group: a number 13, a hand, a bag of 10...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage CHANEL Gold Toned Leather Chain Link Bracelet Unisex Mens
By Chanel
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage Chanel chain link bracelet is crafted of good toned metal interlaced with black lambskin leather. Hook fastening. Stamped CHANEL 95A, made in France. Inner circumference...
Betony Vernon "Mantra Bracelet" Sterling Silver 925 Bracelet
By Betony Vernon
Located in Rome, IT
The "Mantra Bracelet" is an original design by Betony Vernon made in 2018 and handcrafted in lost wax elements and a rolo chain. The "Mantra Bracelet" chain follows a pendant that can contain your most valuable wishes. The jewel is accompanied with a miniature booklet composed of 50 tear-off sheets for your personal mantras. The "Mantra Bracelet" is designed to help make your dreams come to fruition. The act of writing down your desires is proven to reinforce the likelihood of their manifestation. Imagine what happens if you carry them with you in all actions! Available as a kit, the "Mantra Bracelet" can be combined with the "Mantra Necklace...
Sterling Silver
14 Karat Rose Gold Lapis Lazuli and 0.19 Carat Diamond Evil Eye Bracelet
Located in Great neck, NY
This is an adorable Lapis Evil Eye Bracelet. Crafted of 14K Rose Gold with approximately 0.19ct Round Sparkly Diamonds with the center of an eye being a...
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
14 Karat Rose Gold 0.26 Carat Diamond and Sapphire Evil Eye Bracelet
Located in Great neck, NY
Add this station Evil Eye bracelet to your look! Crafted of 14k Gold and 0.26 ct. of Round Sparkly natural Diamonds and 0.27 ct. of shiny blue sapphires. Diamond Color and Clarity GH...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Philippe Ferrandis Vintage Charm Bracelet
By Philippe Ferrandis
Located in Nice, FR
PHILLIPE FERRANDIS Paris vintage gold toned link bracelet featuring foliage charms embellished with faux pearls. Signed PHILIPPE FERRANDIS Paris. Lobster clasp closure. Indicative...
18KT White Gold Baby Shoe With White and Light Blue Enamel
By Cellini
Located in New York, NY
The Absolute Perfect Gift for Mom" This 18 karat white gold bootie shoe charm is designed with white / light blue enamel. The shoe is further enhanced with a bow set with a white go...
White Gold, Enamel
Red Enamel Bangle Bracelet Diamond Braided Charm Gold Plated Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Red Enamel Star Sphere Bangle Bracelet Diamonds 14k Gold Plated Designer: J Dauphin The Red Enamel Star Sphere Bangle is a definitive architectural piece handcrafted in 14k gold pla...
Black Diamond, White Diamond, Diamond, Enamel, Brass, Gold Plate, 14k Gold
Christian Lacroix Vintage Sterling Silver Chain Bracelet with Charms
By Christian Lacroix
Located in Nice, FR
CHRISTIAN LACROIX vintage sterling silver multi strand chain bracelet featuring charms (quartz stones, CL monogram, heart...). Probably dating from the early 2000s. Embossed CHRIST...
Garland Collection Medium Solid Gold Heart Charm Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Garland Collection's solid gold heart charms are custom and hand made to order by our master bench jewelers in Los Angeles. Garland's solid gold hea...
Gold
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Gold Tone YSL Cassandre Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Paris, FR
Yves Saint Laurent Gold-tone YSL Cassandre bracelet featuring a gold-tone chain, a center “YSL” Cassandre and a claps closure. Circa 2010s. In good vintage condition. Made in France...
Sold
W 0.71 in L 8.86 in
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Gripoix Clear Crystals Hearts Love Interlinked Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage 1980s Arty Gripoix Clear Crystals Hearts Love Interlinked Elegant Bracelet, Gold Tone Very good condition. Light scratches or colour loss at clasp. Ve...
Gold Plate
Sold
W 0.71 in L 8.86 in
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Gripoix Clear Crystals Hearts Love Interlinked Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage 1980s Arty Gripoix Clear Crystals Hearts Love Interlinked Elegant Bracelet, Gold Tone Very good condition. Light scratches or colour loss at clasp. Ve...
Gold Plate
Sold
W 0.71 in L 8.86 in
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Gripoix Clear Crystals Hearts Love Interlinked Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage 1980s Arty Gripoix Clear Crystals Hearts Love Interlinked Bracelet, Gold Tone Very good condition. Light scratches or colour loss at clasp. Very goo...
Gold Plate
Yves Saint Laurent Golden Metal Charm Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Yves Saint Laurent - (Made in France) Golden metal bracelet with charms representing trump cards. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Length: 22 cm S...
Sold
W 0.71 in L 8.86 in
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Arty Gripoix Crystals Hearts Cabochon Interlink Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Arty Gripoix Crystals Hearts Cabochon Interlink Bracelet, Gold Tone Good condition. Light scratches and colour loss. Very good to wear. 100% genuine. Rare to ...
Gold Plate
Sold
W 0.4 in L 8.67 in
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Arty Beaded Clear Ruby Ball Openwork Interlink Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Arty Beaded Clear Ruby Ball Openwork Interlink Bracelet, Gold Tone. Good condition. Light scratches and colour loss. Very good to wear. 100% genuine. Size: ...
Gold Plate
Sold
W 0.71 in L 8.86 in
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Arty Gripoix Crystals Hearts Cabochon Interlink Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Arty Gripoix Crystals Hearts Cabochon Interlink Bracelet, Gold Tone Good condition. Light scratches and colour loss. Very good to wear. 100% genuine. Rare to ...
Gold Plate
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Vintage Gold Tone Medal Charm Chain Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage gold tone chain bracelet featuring medal charms embossed YVES SAINT LAURENT. Spring clasp closure. Embossed YSL on the clasp. Hanging metal tag embossed ...
Gilt Metal
Yves Saint Laurent Clover Bracelet with Green Resin
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Yves Saint Laurent - (Made in France) Golden metal articulated bracelet with rhinestones and green resin. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Length: ...
Sold
W 0.4 in L 8.67 in
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Arty Beaded Clear Ruby Ball Openwork Interlink Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Arty Beaded Clear Ruby Ball Openwork Interlink Bracelet, Gold Tone. Good condition. Light scratches and colour loss. Very good to wea...
Gold Plate
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Vintage Medal Charm Bangle Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage gold tone rigid bangle oriental coin bracelet embellished with various medal charms. Slips on (no closure). Embossed YSL. Indicative measurements : inne...
Gilt Metal