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 necklace 'shell' by Yves Saint Laurent Summer 1994
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT - 1994 Spring-Summer ready-to-wear Collection under the artistic direction of Yves Saint Laurent. Golden metal shell necklace with purple resin. Made in France. ...
Gilt Metal
Yves Saint Laurent 1977 Gypsy Coin Medallion Gold Tone Necklace Single Strand
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Francisco, CA
Vintage gold tone tone Yves Saint Laurent triple-strand medallion charm necklace from his 1977 gypsy themed collection. Signed YSL at S hook closure and hang tag. A triple strand ...
1980s Vintage Yves Saint Laurent YSL Massive Tassel Pendant
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a vintage massive tassel ornamented pendant designed by YSL in 1980’s. Signed: “YSL” Size: 18x6.5cm IMPORTANT: As a buyer, you are fully responsible for the customs duties...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Rare Gripoix Gold Citrine Yellow Topaz Oval Set
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Robert Goossens Arty 1980s Vintage Gripoix Citrine Topaz Yellow Oval Cabochon Pendants Charms Crystals Chunky Double Wheat Chain Modernist Elegant Necklace Cli...
Gold Plate
SAINT LAURENT Black Velvet Choker with Crystal-Heart Pendant
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
SAINT LAURENT black velvet choker necklace featuring an oversized heart pendant embellished with clear crystals. This SAINT LAURENT Paris choker directly echoes one of the most embl...
YSL African Style Gold Coin and Wood Bead Bib Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Oversized YSL bib of unusual genius juxtaposition of dyed wood beads, gilt antique "coin" spacers and glass strass stones. 3 rows of birch toned wood beads are mixed with yellow pate de verre beads and the coin spacers. Blue compostion gilded beads are mixed with a cornflower pate de verre beads and coins as well. The clasp is composed of sapphire cabochon strasses. This unusual combination of materials was the hallmark of the YSL jewelry...
Gilt Metal
Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Gripoix Coin Sautoir
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Gripoix Coin Sautoir from the 1970's. Chain segments with gilt coin interdispersed Gripoix poured glass colored links to form a super long chain that...
Bronze
Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture necklace by Yves Saint Laurent, Summer 1983
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT - "Flowers and Scale Embroidery" Collection, Spring/Summer 1983 Haute Couture, under the artistic direction of Yves Saint Laurent. Gold-tone metal necklace with r...
Gilt Metal
Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Chinese Collection Demi Parure, Maison Gripoix
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Amazing Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Chinese Collection Demi Parure by Maison Gripoix of hand made settings with poured glass of Chinese florals in kingfisher blue, chalcedony an...
Bronze
SAINT LAURENT Bold Gun‑Patina Chain Necklace with a Massive Crystal Centrepiece
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
SAINT LAURENT Rive Gauche bold gun‑patina chain necklace featuring a massive green/yellow crystal centrepiece. This necklace channels the bold, urban sophistication of Saint Laurent...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Gripoix Gold Mondrian Sapphire Emerald Citrine Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Unisex Arty Mondrian Gripoix Cabochon Sapphire Emerald Citrine Navy Blue Green Yellow Topaz Rectangle Cube Square Geometric Chunky Statement Bib Charm ...
Gold Plate
Yves Saint Laurent Jewelled Tassel Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Chinese style YSL pendant necklace on magenta purple silk cord and tassel. Pierced medallion set with multicolored Swarovski crystals and abstract gilt mot...
Gilt Metal
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Gripoix Amber Gold Heart Love Square 2 Set
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Arty Gripoix Amber Orange Cabochon Heart Love Square Cube Elegant Modernist 2 Gift Jewellery Set Earrings Brooch Pendant, Gold Tone Very excellent con...
Gold Plate
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Massive Flaming Black Heart Pendant Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Massive Flaming Black Heart Pendant Necklace Features: - 100% Authentic YVES SAINT LAURENT. - Massive black heart r...
Yves Saint Laurent African Inspired Multi-Strand Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Geneva, CH
Very rare unusual multi strand necklace recalling certain designs of the dresses from the YSL 1967 haute couture African collection. Crafted with wood, variou...
Base Metal
$641Sale Price|20% Off
1990' Yves Saint Laurent black stones gold tone hardware crystal stones NWOT
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Capri, IT
1990' Yves Saint Laurent black stones gold tone hardware crystal stones NWOT
Vintage YSL Rhinestone Geo Style Necklace 1980s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A Vintage YSL Geo Necklace featuring a flattened curb chain adorned with a geometric design pendant lavishly embellished with crystals. Pure contemporary c...
Yves Saint Laurent Russian Collection Torque Necklace, F/W 1976
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Rare Yves Saint Laurent Russian Collection torque necklace from Fall-Winter 1976 Haute Couture collection. Deceptively constructed with a soft core tightly wrapped gold metallic, re...
Gold Plate, Brass, Bronze, Gilt Metal
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Vintage Hammered Gold Tone Rigid Choker Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage hammered gold tone rigid choker necklace. Heart toggle closure. Adjustable length. Embossed YSL Made in France. Cursive signature YVES SAINT LAURENT embo...
Gilt Metal
Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Passementerie Necklace, S/S 1977
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Yves Saint Laurent Passementerie Necklace, Haute Couture Spring Summer 1977 Spanish Collection. Composed of silk cord with tassel ends. Black faceted jet crystal beads and black cor...
Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Byzantine Cross Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Striking Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Byzantine Cross Necklace 1970's, workshop Maison Goossens. Of gilt bronze with faux amythest and em...
Gold Plate, Bronze, Gilt Metal
Vintage Oriental-Inspired Necklace Set Featuring One Signed YVES SAINT LAURENT
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
Eclectic and vibrant ensemble of three oriental‑inspired vintage necklaces combining braided cords, clusters of seed beads, green glass beads, and decorative elements. These necklac...
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Baroque Link Blue Rhinestones Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Baroque Link Blue Rhinestones Necklace Features: - 100% Authentic YVES SAINT LAURENT. - Baroque style link necklace with blue rhinestone embellishment...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Opium Inro Pendant Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage OPIUM inro pendant necklace. This necklace consists of a black cord, a burnt orange plastic container, a silk tassel adorned with black and gold tone beads. Plastic container opens to insert a miniature bottle (empty bottle...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Iconic Jewelled Gold Toned Curb Chain Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage iconic gold toned curb chain necklace embellished with three ruby red crystals. Hook clasp closure. Embossed YSL Made in France. Indicative measurements...
Gilt Metal
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Vintage Chunky Gold Tone Curb Chain Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage chunky gold tone curb chain necklace. Adjustable T-bar and heart toggles closure. Embossed YSL Made in France. Cursive YVES SAINT LAURENT signature on th...
Gilt Metal
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Gold Toned Gadroon Design Collar Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage gold toned articulated collar necklace featuring a gadroon design. Hook closure with extension chain. Embossed YSL Made in France. Indicative measuremen...
Gilt Metal
Yves Saint Laurent Signature"Opium" Perfume Holder Necklace with Silk Tassle
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Yves Saint Laurent signature "Opium" collection perfume holder pendant with adjustable black silk cord necklace and black silk tassel d...
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Robert Goossens Blue Rhinestone Flower Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Robert Goossens Blue Rhinestone Flower Necklace Features: - 100% Authentic YVES SAINT LAURENT by Robert Goossens. - Huge faceted blue resin with rhine...
Rare Yves Saint Laurent vintage collier necklace with enamel fish pendants
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in NICE, FR
New in Nice.vintage.darling Rare vintage Yves Saint Laurent gold-plated necklace from the iconic Spring/Summer 1994 collection, featuring nine articulated fish-shaped pendants decora...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Rare Vintage Arty Gripoix Crystals Circle Oval White Set
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Robert Goossens Gripoix Vintage Arty Long Asymmetric Circles Sparkling Whole White Crystals Eye Tear Drop Dangle Elegant Modernist 2 Gift Jewellery Set Earring...
Silver Plate
Yves Saint Laurent 1980s Gold Link Chain Necklace with Rhinestone Accent
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Classic 1980s design is this gold plate Yves Saint Laurent necklace large link necklace. The central and largest link is 2 inches wide and set with rhinestones. From the center rhin...
Gold Plate
Yves Saint Laurent Vintage Three Tiered Enamel Heart Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage three tiered black bead necklace embellished with clear crystal rondelles and a jewelled black enamel heart clasp. Embossed YSL. Indicative measurements ...
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Pearl & Faux Turquoise Couture Necklace, France 1980s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture 3 Strand Faux Pearl and Faux Pearl Necklace Circa 1980. It is not signed as its couture, which was never signed but attributed to Yves Saint...
Mixed Metal
$688Sale Price|25% Off
1990' Yves Saint Laurent Black faux pearls and crystal stones necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Capri, IT
1990' Yves Saint Laurent Black faux pearls and crystal stones necklace gold tone hardware
Goossens for Yves Saint Laurent Gunmetal Wire Wrapped Rock Crystal Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Wonderfully massive and collectible Yves Saint Laurent collar by Robert Goossens of rock crystal mineral wrapped in gunmetal wire cages. Handmade in Paris 1980's, signed YSL. Excelle...
Rock Crystal, Bronze, Gilt Metal
Exceptional Yves Saint Laurent wheat necklace, created by Maison Goossens
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in TOULOUSE, FR
This exceptional Yves Saint Laurent wheat necklace, created by the legendary Maison Goossens, represents one of the most iconic motifs in couture jewelry history. The wheat or ear-of...
Silver Plate
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Statement Black Bead Sautoir Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT striking multi-strand sautoir necklace composed of black resin beads. Slips on (no clasp). Featuring a hanging YSL charm. Embossed YSL Made in France. Material(...
Yves Saint Laurent Rock Crystal "Love" Pendant
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Rare Yves Saint Laurent Rock Crystal Love Pendant made by Maison Goossens in sterling silver with gilt applications. All of the YSL favorite themes ...
Rock Crystal, Sterling Silver, Vermeil
YVES SAINT LAURENT by R. GOOSSENS Vintage Rock Crystal Cross Pendant Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT by ROBERT GOOSSENS vintage rare rock crystal cross pendant necklace. This necklace is made of a rock crystal cross adorned by...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Drop Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Paris, FR
Yves Saint Laurent YSL gold-tone fancy drop necklace featuring a fancy large drop center medal, a fancy chain, YSL pitted on the charm closure. Circa 1980s. In good vintage conditio...
Yves Saint Laurent Mondrian Gripoix Glass Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Maison Gripoix for Yves Saint Laurent Mondrian necklace. Of Gripoix Glass hand poured enamel in shades of sapphire and amythest set in gold plat...
Gold Plate, Brass, Bronze, Enamel, Gilt Metal
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Gold Omega Interlocked Square Curb Link Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage 1980s Unisex Arty Glow Square Charm Openwork Interlocked Omega Curb Link Chain Chunky Choker Collar Elegant Modernist Necklace, Gold Plated Very excel...
Gold Plate
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Vintage Gold-Tone Jewelled Heart Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage gold-tone necklace embellished with clear crystals and featuring a heart as centrepiece. This necklace, with its radiant crystal composition and heart‑sha...
Gilt Metal
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Jewelled Silver Toned Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage silver toned necklace featuring faceted green-blue resin cabochons and ball link chain. Lobster clasp closure. Extension chain. Embossed YSL Made in Fran...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Cassandre Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Paris, FR
Yves Saint Laurent YSL gold-tone "Cassandre" logo pendant necklace featuring a rectangular “YSL” Cassandre center medal, a flat snake chain, YSL pitted on the charm closure. Circa 1...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Rare Gripoix Cross Red Gold Pendant Chunky Brooch
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL by Robert Goossens Vintage Arty Unisex Large Gripoix Red Cross Enamel Openwork Citrine Yellow Crystal Elegant Statement Brooch Pendant, Gold Tone Very excel...
Gold Plate
Yves Saint Laurent necklace 1980s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT - (Made in France) Golden metal articulated necklace with orange resin cabochons. Jewelry from the early 1980s under the artistic direction of Yves Saint Laurent. ...
Gilt Metal
$695Sale Price|45% Off
Yves Saint Laurent Lapis Lazuli Semi Precious Floral Pendant Necklace c 1990s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in University City, MO
Yves Saint Laurent Lapis lazuli semi-precious floral pendant necklace c 1990s The stylish necklace is designed with a large scale floral pendant embellished with lapis lazuli pedals combined with elongated glass pedal beads The center of the flower is accented with a cluster of diamante crystals The sides transition into rows of oval shaped flat hinged...
Lapis Lazuli, Enamel, Stainless Steel
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Gripoix Ruby Square Crystal Crescent Chunky 2 Set
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage by Robert Goossens Arty Textured Ripple Gripoix Ruby Red Square Cabochon Crystal Collar Choker Chunky Modernist Elegant Necklace Crescent Clip Earrings...
Gold Plate
Yves Saint Laurent 2010 Collier long Agate YSL Real Agate Long String Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in PARIS, FR
Yves Saint Laurent Cruise 2010 collection necklace, a sautoir style made of black cotton cords held together by a series of silver-tone metal rings and extended by two large agate "s...
Agate
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Zigzag Blue Rhinestone Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Zigzag Blue Rhinestone Necklace Features: - 100% Authentic YVES SAINT LAURENT. - Zigzag choker with blue rhinestones embellishment. - Silver tone hard...
Yves Saint Laurent sautoir necklace by Yves Saint Laurent circa 1985-1990
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
294 YVES SAINT LAURENT - Ready-to-wear collection circa 1985-1990 under the artistic direction of Yves Saint Laurent. Long necklace featuring seashells in gold-tone metal and glass...
Gilt Metal
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Rive Gauche Rope Tassel & Carved Wood Ball Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT rope tassel necklace featuring seven graduated dark carved wood balls. Adjustable length. Slips on. Embossed YVES SAINT LAURENT Rive Gauche. Made in France. Ind...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Lava Gold Crystals Nugget Stones Link Chunky Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Robert Goossens Arty Gripoix Unisex Abnormal Nugget Lava Stones Oval Round Circle Crystals Link Chunky Modernist Choker Collar Necklace, Gold Plated V...
Gold Plate
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Vintage Cord-Wrapped Torque Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage lightweight torque necklace made of braided off-white and brown cords. S-hook clasp. Embossed YSL metal hanging tag. Indicative measurements : inner cir...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Rare Gold Leaf Crystals Long Statement Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Arty Unisex 1980s Double Dangle Drop Openwork Crystals Chunky Statement Tassel Rope Leaf Flower Pendants Charms Layers Strands Modernist Elegant Long Necklace ...
Gold Plate
YVES SAINT LAURENT Vintage Faux Pearl Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage necklace composed of faux pearls and gold‑tone bar links engraved with the Yves Saint Laurent cursive signature. A refined and timeless creation that capt...
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Rive Gauche Vintage Multi-Strand Sea Life Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT Rive Gauche vintage rare multi-strand sea life necklace featuring hard stones, gold toned hardware and a large 3-dimensional curv...
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL by TOM FORD Lucite Crystal Rigid Choker Necklace, 2003
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT by TOM FORD lucite crystal rigid choker necklace from the Fall/Winter 2003 Ready-to-Wear Collection. Similar version, in brown colour, worn by super model EVA HE...