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 Vintage Gold Large Orange Crystal Flower Clover Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Large Textured Gripoix Orange Crystal Flourish Blossom Flower Clover Chunky Exquisite Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Plated Very good condition...
Gold Plate
YSL Dramatic Shell Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Dramatic YSL earrings in deep gunmetal finish with pâté de verre cabochons in peridot and olivine tones which are mirror backed. 4.75" x 1.75". 1990's Fra...
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Vintage Dangle Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage dangle earrings (clip-on) featuring large marbled resin cabochons in a textured gold tone setting. Marked YSL Made in France. Indicative measurements : h...
Gilt Metal
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Vintage Jewelled Dangle Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage dangle gold tone earrings (clip on) embellished with multicolored enamel and crystals. Embossed YSL Made in France. Indicative measurements : max. height...
Gilt Metal
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent YSL Statement Fancy Cut Crystal Shell Earrings 1980's
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A truly exquisite and large pair of Vintage YSL Shell Earrings. Crafted in gold plated metal an set with a large teardrop faceted glass crystal. The...
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Patterned Bomb Earrings 1980s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A magnificent pair of Vintage YSL Bomb Earrings. Crafted in gold plated metal. A large bomb style drop hangs from a button style clip on top. In very good vintage condition, signed, ...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Red Resin Cabochon Logo Clip-On Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage textured gold toned clip-on earrings featuring a red domed resin cabochon with YSL logo inlaid. Embossed YSL Made in France. Indicative measurements : ap...
Gilt Metal
Yves Saint Laurent 1970s Modernist Earclips
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Yves Saint Laurent Modernist earclips 1970s. Of faux tortise resin and gold plate metal Excellent Condition Unsigned L2.25" W 1.25"
Gold Plate, Brass, Gilt Metal
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Vintage Gold Tone Sailboat Clip-On Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage textured gold tone clip-on earrings featuring a sailboat. Embossed YSL Made in France. Indicative measurements : max. height approx. 4 cm (1.57 inches) /...
Gilt Metal
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Massive Diamante Logo Dangling Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage rare massive gold toned dangling earrings (clip-on) featuring the YSL monogram embellished with clear crystals. Marked YSL Made in France. Indicative mea...
1990s Yves Saint Laurent Gold and Emerald Crystal Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
These late 1980s to 1990s Yves Saint Laurent earrings are made from a gold-tone base metal and crafted to a curved half-hoop shape with careful engraved detailing. They are each set ...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Gripoix Ruby Vintage Large Heart Love Cabochon Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Arty Large Gripoix Ruby Red Heart Love Cabochon Crystal Chunky Statement Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. Come with original box and...
Gold Plate
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Ruby Heart Massive Gripoix Cabochon Double Drop Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent by Robert Goossens Vintage Classic Iconic Massive Huge Large Gripoix Textured Ruby Red Cabochon Double Heart Love Dangle Drop Chunky Statement Clip Earrings, Gold ...
Gold Plate
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Vintage Green Cabochon Textured Clip-On Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage textured clip-on earrings featuring a large emerald green colour resin cabochon. Gold tone metal hardware. Embossed YSL Made in France. Indicative measu...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Jewelled Gold Toned Floral Clip On Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
Yves Saint Laurent vintage gold toned floral clip-on earrings embellished with multicolored crystals. Marked YSL. Made in France. Indicative measurements : approx. 2.4 cm (0.94 inc...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Gold Toned Heart and Pearl Dangling Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage textured gold toned heart dangling earrings (clip on) embellished with a faux pearl drop. Embossed YSL Made in France. Indicative measurements : max. hei...
Gilt Metal
Vintage YSL Diamante Dome Pearl Earrings, France, Circa 1980s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent YSL Diamante Dome Like Pearl Earrings Circa 1980s. These are so gorgeous. Where do I even begin? The faux pearl is like a flower waking up under a dome of ...
Mixed Metal
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Green Resin Cabochon Clip-On Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage gold toned clip-on earrings featuring an irregular green resin cabochon. Embossed YSL Made in France. Indicative measurements : width approx. 2.8 cm (1.1...
Gilt Metal
Maison Denez for Yves Saint Laurent African Collection Long Earclips
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Important Maison Denez for Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture African Collection Long Ear clips circa 1967. Of antique gilt bronze with jute tassel accents ...
Gold Plate, Bronze, Gilt Metal
YSL Max Ernst Inspired Hoops
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Hammered gold hoop earrings by Yves Saint Laurent inspired by Max Ernst. Large hoops fall from abstract "faces" on ear. Clip back fittings. ...
Gilt Metal
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Bejeweled Shoulder Duster Dangling Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT RIVE GAUCHE vintage gorgeous and rare shoulder duster dangling earrings (clip-on) featuring multicolored crystals and glass cabochon in a copper patina setting. M...
Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Tassel Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Massive Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Tassel Earrings of ruby pastes, faux amber, faceted jet caps with ruby silk tassels. Clip back fittings. 1970's Haute Couture unsigned. YSL Chinese...
Gilt Metal
Vintage YSL Diamante Clip-On Half Flower Earrings, 1980s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent YSL Diamante Half Flower Earrings Circa 1980s. These earrings are a Flower that has been cut in half. There are specific ones for the left and right ears,...
Mixed Metal
Yves Saint Laurent green earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT - (Made in France) Golden metal clip-on earrings with green resin cabochons. Jewelry from the 1980s. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Length: 6.5 cm S...
Gilt Metal
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Leopard Print Pyramid Clip-On Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage gold toned raised pyramid clip-on earrings featuring leopard print panels. Embossed YSL Made in France. Indicative measurements : approx. 3.6 cm x 3.5 cm...
Gilt Metal
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Massive Textured Hoop Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage massive gold toned textured hoop earrings (clip-on). Embossed YSL Made in France. Indicative measurements : diameter approx. 4.2 cm (1.65 inches). NOTES...
Vintage YSL Heart Leopard Print Earrings 1980s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A pair of Vintage YSL Heart Leopard Earrings. An ultra cool combination of the YSL heart motif with an animal print finish. Utterly chic and timeless...
Maison Gripoix for Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Palmette Earclips
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Maison Gripoix for Yves Saint Laurent Anglo Indian palmette long earrings made of coral and two shades of amythest poured glass enamel. Set in spun gilt bronze wire. Spring/Summer 19...
Gold Plate, Bronze, Enamel, Gilt Metal
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Vintage Butterfly Purple Enamel Clip-On Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage massive gold tone butterfly clip-on earrings embellished with purple enamel. Embossed YSL. Made in France. Indicative measurements : max. height approx. ...
Gilt Metal
Yves Saint Laurent Maison Gripoix Glass F/W 1977 Chinese Earclips
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Rare Maison Gripoix for Yves Saint Laurent from Fall/Winter 1977 Chinese Collection earclips. The hand made long double lotus blossoms of deep coral and black Gripoix Glass poured en...
Gold Plate, Brass, Bronze, Enamel, Gilt Metal
Yves Saint Laurent 1980s Vintage Clip-On Earrings with Crystals
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Capri, IT
1980s vintage Yves Saint Laurent pendant clip on earrings with Crystal Swarovski Stones
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Vintage Jewelled Gold Tone Sea Life Dangle Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage gold tone textured sea life dangle earrings (clip-on) embellished with clear crystals. Embossed YSL Made in France. Indicative measurements : max. height...
Gilt Metal
Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Passementerie Long Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture rare long earrings. Composed of multi colored hand made Passementerie silk beads, crystal rondelles and prong set Swarowski assorted gem colored f...
Gold Plate, Brass, Bronze, Gilt Metal
Yves Saint Laurent Chinese Lacquer Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Unusual and large Yves Saint Laurent Lacquer Earrings from the 1980's. Made by Maison Denez with bright red Chinoiserie lacquer finish likely for his Chinese Collections. The pendant...
Gilt Metal
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Vintage Massive Jewelled Logo Dangle Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage massive gold tone dangle earrings (clip-on) featuring the YSL monogram embellished with clear crystals. Embossed YSL. Indicative measurements : height ap...
Gilt Metal
Rare Maison Gripoix for Yves Saint Laurent Star Earclips
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Rare and exceptional Maison Gripoix for Yves Saint Laurent star ear clips. Composed of black and white Gripoix glass poured enamel bezel set stars and hand made pate de verre beads o...
Gold Plate, Brass, Bronze, Enamel, Gilt Metal
$1,032Sale Price / set|40% Off
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Goossens Amber Resin Dangling Clip On Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Antwerpen, Vlaams Gewest
Enjoy this item as part of our Holiday Sale, for one week only! Yves Saint Laurent YSL Goossens Amber Resin Dangling Clip On Earrings Yves Saint Laurent by Goossens vintage 1980s Sta...
Amber, Brass
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent, YSL Gold & Crystal Maltese Cross Pendant Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
These stunning vintage YSL (Yves Saint Laurent) pierced earrings feature a unique design characterized by a bold Maltese cross shape, elegantly crafted from gold-tone metal. The earr...
Crystal, Gold Plate
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Vintage Jewelled Sun Dangling Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage gold tone dangling earrings (clip-on) featuring a large textured and stylized sun embellished with clear crystals. Embossed YSL Made in France. Indicativ...
Gilt Metal
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Amethyst Gripoix Cabochon Heart Love Logo Clip Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Unisex Gripoix Amethyst Purple Cabochon Heart Love Logo Elegant Modenist Exquisite Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. Maybe light scra...
Gold Plate
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Large Yellow Oval Double Crystals Clip Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Arty Large Double Yellow Citrine Crystals Cabochon Oval Rectangle Square Chunky Statement Modernist Elegant Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good conditi...
Gold Plate
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Jewelled Domed Clip-On Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage gold tone domed clip-on earrings featuring a gorgeous openwork design of intertwined branches embellished with multicolored crystals. Embossed YSL Made in...
Gilt Metal
Yves Saint Laurent 1970s Bakelite Earclips
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Large scale Yves Saint Laurent 1970s bakelite earclips. Designed in the Art Deco Revival taste, red bakelite squares and polished gold plate. Des...
Gold Plate, Brass, Gilt Metal
YSL Jeweled Hoop Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Silvertone jeweled earrings from Yves Saint Laurent with large stone and jewel decorated dangling hoops. Clip back fittings. 2.5" x 1.25". France 1980s.
Base Metal
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Vintage Jewelled Flower Clip-On Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage flower clip-on earrings embellished with fuchsia and green crystals. Embossed YSL Made in France. Indicative measurements : approx. 3.3 cm x 3.3 cm (1.30...
Gilt Metal
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Vintage Jewelled Dangling Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage gold tone dangling earrings (clip-on) featuring a faux turquoise cabochon and blue shade crystals. Embossed YSL. Indicative measurements : height approx....
Gilt Metal
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Vintage Gold Tone Red Resin Clip-On Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage MURANO gold tone textured diamond shaped clip-on earrings embellished with a red resin cabochon. Embossed YSL Made in France. Indicative measurements : height approx. 5.9 cm (2.32 inches) / max. width approx. 4.3 cm (1.69 inches). Weight per earring : approx. 24 grams. Materials : Gold tone metal hardware / Resin. Come with the original YVES SAINT LAURENT Collection...
Gilt Metal
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage 1985 Massive Door Knocker Crystals Catwalk 2 Set
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage 1985 Arty Huge Massive Door Knocker Crystals Pendants Openwork Charms Triangle Rectangle Modernist Elegant Chunky Statement Necklace Exquisite Drop Dan...
Gold Plate
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Massive Large Chunky Vivid Shell Clip Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL 1980s Vintage Arty Unisex Massive Large Vivid Shell Chunky Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good condition. Light scratches or colour loss, barely noti...
Gold Plate
$803Sale Price / set|20% Off
Vintage YVES ST. LAURENT Paris, dangling clip-on earring, Rive Gauch, 1980
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Stuttgart, DE
About Vintage dangling YSL Paris, Rive Gauche ear clip, in blue, brown and orange Acrylic. Measurement: Height: 3,5 inches/9 cm Wight: 1.18 inches/3 cm, the brown and orange colored sphere in diameter 1,18 inches. Features: -100 % Authentic YVES SANT LAURENT GIVE GAUCH EARRING -blue-white marbled and angular first part, with a brown and orange colored ball...
Other
Yves Saint Laurent Long Silk Tassel Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Yves Saint Laurent Long Earrings spring summer 1980. Composed of painted, stained and lacquered wood with long multi colored silk tassels. Excellent condit...
Gold Plate, Brass, Bronze, Gilt Metal
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Massive Gripoix Crystals Orange Heart Oval Drop Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Arty Massive Large Gripoix Orange Ruby Red Heart Oval Crystals Openwork Chunky Statement Exquisite Drop Dangle Dangle Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very ex...
Gold Plate
Yves Saint Laurent Barbaric Gilt Earclips
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Yves Saint Laurent textured gilt massive earclips each patinated in a faux verdigris. Pendants have foil backed large oval topaz cabochon drops. Clip back fittings. Unsigned. 1980's ...
Enamel, Gilt Metal
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Gripoix Orange Citrine Crystal Circle Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Arty Gripoix Textured Abnormal Citrine Orange Cabochon Circle Round Crystal Elegant Modernist Chunky Statement Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good cond...
Gold Plate
Yves Saint Laurent Dangle Gunmetal and Faceted Crystal Clip Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Atlanta, GA
These stunning Yves Saint Laurent YSL Paris clip-on earrings feature a dangling geometric shape. The framing is made of antique silvered metal with a shiny gunmetal finish. The dangl...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Ruby Emerald Sapphire Dome Openwork Gold Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Arty 3D Vivid Textured Ruby Emerald Sapphire Citrine Pink Red Blue Navy Green Multicolour Round Circle Dome Openwork Elegant Modernist Chunky Statement...
Gold Plate
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Vintage Extra Long Gold Tone Floral Dangle Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage extra long gold tone textured dangle earrings (clip-on), featuring an articulated floral design adorned with a large faux pearl drop. Embossed YSL Made in...
Gilt Metal
Yves Saint Laurent Maison Gripoix Chinese Opium Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Rare Yves Saint Laurent by Maison Gripoix, Haute Couture, Fall Winter 1977 Chinese Opium Collection. Super long, hand made by Gripoix of poured glass enamel, gilt plated bronze and wood. The poured glass enamel in beads of coral and jade with dark citrine...
Bronze, Gilt Metal
Ultra rare Yves Saint Laurent Lion Clip on earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in TOULOUSE, FR
These exceptional lion-shaped clip-on earrings by Yves Saint Laurent are a true collector’s treasure. Bold, sculptural, and richly detailed, the lion symbolizes power, majesty, and c...
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Vintage Passementerie Tassel Dangling Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage dangling earrings (clip-on) featuring black beaded top, large multifaceted resin bead and black passementerie tassel. ...