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 Gripoix Sapphire Citrine Ruby Amethyst Pearls Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL by Robert Goossens Gripoix Vintage Sapphire Citrine Amethyst Blue Yellow Purple Oval Crystals Ruby RedDrop Dangle White Navy Blue Pearls Flower Interlocked Lin...
Gold Plate
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Vintage Gold Tone Heart Link Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage graduated gold tone heart link bracelet. Toggle clasp closure. Embossed YVES SAINT LAURENT on the largest heart link and on the heart loops. Made in Fran...
Gilt Metal
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Interlocked Chunky Curb Thick Oval Chain 2 Set
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Unisex Glow Thick Oval Interlocked Curb Chain Chunky Statement 2 Set Modernist Elegant Necklace Bracelet 2 Gift Jewellery Set, Gold Plated Very excell...
Gold Plate
1980s Vintage Yves Saint Laurent YSL Gold Tone Red Orange Resin Link Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a gold tone link bracelet designed by YSL in 1980’s. The piece is gold plated and features red-orange faceted resin. There is a fitting necklace from the same collection in...
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Vintage Green Resin Link Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage gold tone link bracelet featuring facetted green resin cabochons. Lobster clasp closure. Embossed YSL Made in France. Indicative measurements : length a...
Gilt Metal
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Gold Tone Chain Logo Charm Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT gold tone chain bracelet featuring textured oval links, YSL logo and coin charm embossed YVES SAINT LAURENT. T-bar closure. Adjustable length. Embossed YVES SAIN...
Gilt Metal
Yves Saint Laurent 'Paris' bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT - (Made in France) Golden metal bracelet representing the word 'Paris'. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Circumference: 15.5 cm - Opening: 2.5 cm SKU:...
Gilt Metal
Yves Saint Laurent coral bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT - (Made in France) Coral-like metal bracelet enameled with blue and with crystal rhinestones. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Length: 20 cm SKU:BRA35
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Vintage Silver Tone Maltese Cross Charm Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage silver tone chain bracelet featuring a Maltese cross charm embellished with blue glass cabochons. T-bar and love hear...
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Vintage Gold Tone Fossil Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage gold tone bracelet featuring fossil motif medallion links. Box clasp closure. Embossed YSL Made in France. Ind...
Gilt Metal
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Vintage Stone Nugget Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage gold tone oval nugget link bracelet featuring irregular shaped resin cabochons in smoky topaz colour. Toggle and loop closure. Adjustable length. Embosse...
Gilt Metal
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Vintage Square Link Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage articulated bracelet featuring textured gold tone and resin square links. Embossed YSL Made in France. Indicative measurements : inner circumference appr...
Gilt Metal
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Gold Toned Scrolls Bracelet and Earrings Set
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage gold toned bracelet and clip-on earrings set featuring an openwork scroll design. Both earrings are embossed YSL Made in France. Matching bracelet is unma...
Gilt Metal
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Flower Power Enamel Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage flower power enamel bracelet. Embossed YSL Made in France and YVES SAINT LAURENT on the love heart clasp. Indicative measurements : adjustable length fro...
YVES SAINT LAURENT Vintage Gold Tone Iconic Link Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage gold tone link bracelet featuring iconic symbols : YSL logo, crescent moon, star, heart, lucky clover. Push clasp closure. Embossed with the YSL logo on ...
Gilt Metal
YSL Yves Saint Laurent Vintage Silver Gray Oval Iridescent Link Bracelet Jewelry
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT silver/grey iridescent oval bracelet! Each oval varies with pattern, and gives so much to any outfit! Six ovals on silver links. In great unworn ...
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Gold Tone Chain Logo Charm Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT gold tone chain necklace featuring textured oval links, YSL logo charm and coin charm embossed YVES SAINT LAURENT. T-bar closure. Adjustable length. Embossed YVE...
Gilt Metal
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Vintage Textured Gold Tone Heart Link Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage textured gold tone heart link bracelet. Toggle clasp. Embossed YSL on the T bar. Indicative measurements : length approx. 17.5 cm (6.89 inches) / max. w...
Gilt Metal
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent YSL Gold Tone Heavy Link Bracelet Couture Circa 1985
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent YSL Gold Tone Heavy Link Bracelet Circa 1985. This was shown at the January Couture 1985 show. Signed and Numbered #267 of #425. Special when on. I have...
Mixed Metal
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Limited Edition Textured Disc Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage rare limited edition bracelet featuring gold toned textured articulated discs in a gun patina setting. Signed YVES SAINT LAURENT 165/500. Indicative meas...
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Gold Tone Chain Logo Charm Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT gold tone chain necklace featuring textured oval links, YSL logo charm and coin charm embossed YVES SAINT LAURENT. T-bar closure. Adjustable length. Embossed YVE...
Gilt Metal
Gold Plated Yves Saint Laurent Heart Link Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Yves Saint Laurent gold plated link bracelet. It depicts seven asymmetrical rock texture hearts link bracelet. It closes with a hid...
Gold Plate
Yves Saint Laurent Pearl Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Pear shaped links of silvertoned metal with faux mabe pearls edged in gold by Yves Saint Laurent. 1980's France. Excellent condition.
Gilt Metal
Yves Saint Laurent coral bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT - (Made in France) Coral-like metal bracelet enameled with black and with crystal rhinestones. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Length: 20 cm SKU:BRA34
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
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Vintage Spring Summer 1994 Sealife Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage link bracelet featuring a sealife design. Gold tone metal hardware. Spring/Summer 1994 Collection. T bar closure. Love heart clasp. Embossed YVES SAINT...
Gilt Metal
$625
H 0.75 in W 0.75 in D 0.25 in Dm 2.25 in L 7.5 in
Vintage Ciner Gold Tone Diamante Link Bracelet Circa 1980s
By Ciner
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Ciner Gold Tone Diamante Link Bracelet Circa 1980s. It is a classic that has been made throughout the centuries. It can be great stacked up or worn alone. It can be mixed an...
Mixed Metal
Victorian 3.83ct White Opal and 1.12ct Diamond Yellow Gold Bracelet
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning Victorian 3.83 carat white opal and 1.12 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold and silver set bracelet; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This stunning, fine and impressive antique cabochon cut opal and diamond bracelet has been crafted in 18k yellow gold with silver settings. The curb style bracelet is ornamented with three feature graduated cluster designs. Each silver set cluster displays a cabochon cut white opal, the largest to the central cluster. The opals are framed by a total of fifty-four pave set Dutch cut diamonds. The curb bracelet secures to the reverse with a discreet integrated push fit clasp, hallmarked with the 18k gold fineness mark. The bracelet benefits from the additional security of a fine link safety chain. The setting has been independently tested using state of the art technology (Niton XL2 Analyzer) and verified as silver. This stunning antique opal and diamond bracelet...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Stephen LeBlanc Sterling Silver Ginkgo Necklace and Bracelet Set
Located in Cincinnati, OH
By designer Stephen LeBlanc, a beautiful unique sterling silver "ginkgo" cuff and necklace. This set can make an everyday day outfit stand out or make a statement when dressed up! Collar necklace is approximately 5" in diameter at its roundest part. Necklace ranges from approximately 3mm to 26mm wide...
Sterling Silver
$7,500
W 0.5 in L 7.5 in
Roberto Coin 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Princess Cut Citrine Square Link Bracelet
By Roberto Coin
Located in New York, NY
Chic and Beautiful, this 3 row panther link bracelet is invisibly set with princess cut citrines. Each link has 6 stones, expertly set by Roberto Coin. Measuring 7.5'' long and 0.5'...
Citrine, 18k Gold
$13,550
W 1 in L 8.13 in
Wide 14 Karat Yellow Gold Braided Woven Motif Bracelet 38.2 Grams 8.13 Inches
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
14 Karat yellow gold bracelet featuring a braided woven motif weighing 38.2 grams. Great looking bracelet!
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,475
H 1.25 in W 1.75 in D 0.25 in Dm 3.5 in L 8 in
Vintage Maison Goossens YSL Gold Tone Round Cuff Bracelet, Circa 1980s
By Maison Goossens for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Maison Goossens Yves Saint Laurent YSL Gold Tone Round Heavy Bracelet Cuff. Partly Matte and Partly Shiny. A classic bracelet, but one that's ...
Mixed Metal
Coomi 20 Karat Gold Ancient Roman Glass Diamond Bracelet
By Coomi
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Coomi ancient Roman glass bracelet set in 20K yellow gold with 2.06cts diamonds. Coomi presents her latest addition to the Antiquity collection, ...
White Diamond, Gold
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Vintage Gold Tone Arabesques Cuff Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage gold tone cuff bracelet embossed with large arabesques on a textured background. Embossed YSL Made in France. Indicative measurements : inner max. measur...
Gilt Metal
15.18 Carat Emerald White Diamond White and Yellow Gold Bracelet
By Shimon's Creations
Located in New York, NY
18 Emerald Gemstones: 14.40 Carats 17 White Diamonds: 0.78 Carat Metal: 18K White Gold, 14.80 Grams
White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$295Sale Price / set|21% Off
Geoffrey Beene Rare Choker Chain Necklace & Hinged Bangle Set c 1970s
By Geoffrey Beene
Located in University City, MO
Geoffrey Beene Rare choker chain necklace & hinged bangle c 1970s The set is comprised of a gold matte tone metal choker necklace; embellished with three lucite cabochons in red, gr...
Gilt Metal
Hermès bracelet 'Farandole'
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - 925 Sterling silver Farandole-design bracelet. Total weight: 25 g. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Length: 19 cm SKU:BRA12
Silver
2.20 Carat Diamond Chain Link 18 Karat Rose Gold Bracelet
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast from 18-karat rose gold, this link bracelet is hand set with 2.20 carats of sparkling diamonds. Available in yellow, rose and white gold. Bracelet Size 7 inches. FOLLOW MEGHNA...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Paris Goldtone Arabesque Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Atlanta, GA
This elegant Yves Saint Laurent YSL Paris link bracelet features stylized "S" shaped arabesque elements in gilded metal, hammered textured, carved, and see-thru. The bracelet closes ...
Gilt Metal
Yves Saint Laurent Gold and Silver Geometric Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Atlanta, GA
Refined Yves Saint Laurent Paris link bracelet bangle designed by Robert Goossens. The rare piece features geometric elements in gilt metal and silver plate metal, all textured with ...
Silver Plate, Gilt Metal
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Goldtone Butterflies Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Atlanta, GA
This cute Yves Saint Laurent YSL Paris link bracelet features a butterfly shape with gilded metal, all textured. The toggle fastening has two gilt metal heart-shaped branded logo pla...
Gilt Metal
Yves Saint Laurent 1980's Large Panel Link Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful statement bracelet from the 1980s by famous fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent of Paris. The bracelet is comprised of a central rectangular piece 1.5 inches wide with th...
Gold Plate
YVES SAINT LAURENT Vintage Gold Tone Link Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage gold tone bracelet featuring oval and diamond shape textured links. T-bar closure. Embossed YSL on the T-bar. Indicative measurements : length approx. 2...
Gilt Metal
Sold
H 1.3 in W 1.3 in D 0.25 in Dm 2.6 in L 7.75 in
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent YSL Gold Tone Heavy Link Bracelet Couture Circa 1985
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent YSL Gold Tone Heavy Link Bracelet Circa 1985. This was shown at the January Couture 1985 show. Signed and Numbered #267 of #425. Special when on. I have...
Mixed Metal
Yves Saint Laurent Paris Blue Jeweled Floral Link Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Atlanta, GA
This charming Yves Saint Laurent YSL Paris jeweled gilded metal link bracelet features a gilt worked chain with metal all pierced and textured ornate with one central floral element ...
Gilt Metal
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Gold Tone Chain Logo Charm Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT gold tone chain bracelet featuring textured oval links, YSL logo and coin charm embossed YVES SAINT LAURENT. T-bar closure. Adjustable length. Embossed YVES SAIN...
Gilt Metal
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Vintage Jewelled Three Strand Cadix Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage three strand gold tone link CADIX bracelet embellished with blue shade crystals and a large blue resin cabochon at the center of the central medallion. Secure clasp closure. Embossed YSL Made in France. Indicative measurements : length approx. 19.5 cm (7.68 inches) / max. width approx. 5.3 cm (2.09 inches). Material : Gold tone metal hardware / Crystal / Resin. Comes with the original YVES SAINT LAURENT Collection...
Gilt Metal
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Vintage Iconic Initials Heart Star Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage gold tone iconic bracelet featuring YSL initials, heart and star links. Spring clasp closure. Embossed YSL Made in France. Indicative measurements : len...
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Vintage Gold Tone Foliage Design Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage gold tone articulated necklace featuring a foliage design. Adjustable lobster clasp closure. Embossed YSL. Made in France. Indicative measurements : adj...
Gilt Metal
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Vintage Jewelled Heart Charm Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage gun patina chain bracelet featuring a jewelled heart pendant, red faceted ball beads and grey faux pearls. T-bar and love heart toggle clasp closure. Emb...