Vintage YSL Heart Leopard Print Earrings 1980s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wilmslow, GB
Vintage YSL Jewellery is strong on style with exceptional craftsmanship.
Vintage YSL Heart Leopard Print Earrings 1980s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wilmslow, GB
Vintage YSL Jewellery is strong on style with exceptional craftsmanship.
Vintage YSL Rhinestone Geo Style Necklace 1980s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wilmslow, GB
Vintage YSL Jewellery is strong on style with exceptional craftsmanship.
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Large Purple Trillion Crystal Ring 1980s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wilmslow, GB
Vintage YSL Jewellery is strong on style with exceptional craftsmanship.
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Large Purple Trillion Crystal Ring 1980s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wilmslow, GB
Vintage YSL Jewellery is strong on style with exceptional craftsmanship.
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent YSL Statement Logo Plaque Shield Brooch 1980s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wilmslow, GB
Vintage YSL Jewellery is strong on style with exceptional craftsmanship.
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Floral Nest Style Earrings 1980s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wilmslow, GB
Vintage YSL Jewellery is strong on style with exceptional craftsmanship.
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent YSL Rive Gauche Gunmetal & Crystal Belt 1970s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wilmslow, GB
Vintage YSL Jewellery is strong on style with exceptional craftsmanship.
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent YSL Cut Out Logo Folding Mirror 1970s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wilmslow, GB
Vintage YSL Jewellery is strong on style with exceptional craftsmanship.
Yves Saint Laurent 1990s Heart Clip-On Earrings by Robert Goossens
By Maison Goossens for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in TOULOUSE, FR
This intentionally irregular texture catches the light beautifully and perfectly embodies the artistic spirit that permeated YSL’s jewelry ateliers in the 1980s and 1990s.
Gold Plate
YSL African Style Gold Coin and Wood Bead Bib Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
This unusual combination of materials was the hallmark of the YSL jewelry studios where antique, ethnic and new materials were mixed with equal abandon.
Gilt Metal
A large pair of black and silvered metal earrings, Yves Saint Laurent, 1990s.
By Robert Goossens for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Greyabbey, County Down
Accessories had always held an important place in his work, and he became highly prolific in this field, taking on certain designers, notably Loulou De La Falaise, who took charge of...
Base Metal
Yves Saint Laurent Rock Crystal "Love" Pendant
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
The hammered heart adjuster is gilt silver with matching end caps on the cords. Most of YSL's jewelry made for Haute Couture and RTW is made of bronze or base metal.
Rock Crystal, Sterling Silver, Vermeil
Yves Saint Laurent 1990s Goossens Heart Clover Clip-On Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in TOULOUSE, FR
The design feels both romantic and imaginative, reflecting the playful elegance of YSL jewelry from this era. Despite their sculptural appearance, the earrings are exceptionally ligh...
Other
1970's ROBERT GOOSSENS YVES SAINT LAURENT gilt bracelet with faceted crystals
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Fransisco, CA
A collectible statement piece that perfectly captures the drama and sophistication of 1970's YSL jewelry. Fits a small to medium sized wrist.
YVES SAINT LAURENT – Vintage Gold-Tone Sunflower Clip-On Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in CACHAN, FR
These striking earrings add a sophisticated couture touch to any outfit and remain an iconic example of vintage YSL jewelry.
Very large gilt and colored paste 'heart' earrings, Yves Saint Laurent, 1980s.
By Robert Goossens for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Greyabbey, County Down
Accessories had always held an important place in his work, and he became highly prolific in this field, taking on certain designers, notably Loulou De La Falaise, who took charge of...
Gilt Metal
Rare Yves Saint Laurent Wheat Brooch, Iconic Museum Piece, c.1987–1990
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in TOULOUSE, FR
Crafted in textured gold-tone metal, it reflects the artisanal aesthetic of late-1980s YSL jewelry, a period when golden wheat frequently appeared on Haute Couture hats, lapels, and ...
Gold Plate
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 ...
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 France. Unusual "Spring" Clip b...
Vintage YSL Heart Crystal Brights Brooch 1980s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A striking and vibrant Vintage YSL Heart Crystal Brights Brooch from the 1980s.
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
Monumental YSL Leaf Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
The Monumental YSL Leaf Necklace is a striking, sculptural piece of jewelry that combines the organic beauty of leaves with the luxurious craftsmanship of Yves Saint Laurent.
Gold Plate
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Cassandre Pin Brooch
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Paris, FR
1990s Muticolor Yves Saint Laurent YSL logo brooch featuring a blue, white and red YSL Cassandre logo, a back pin closure. Length: 1.18in. (3cm) Width: 0.39in (1cm) In good vintag...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Gold Tone Brooch
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The colors are bold and lively making this a statement piece of jewelry. In good condition. 3.1in x 2.5in
Gold Plate
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 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 YSL 1990 Logo Brooch
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Paris, FR
1990s Yves Saint Laurent gold-tone logo brooch featuring a decorative YSL, a back safety pin. Length: 1.18in. (3cm) Width: 0.39in (1cm) In good vintage condition Made in France. ...
Yves Saint Laurent Silver-tone “YSL” Cassandre pin
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Paris, FR
Yves Saint Laurent Silver-tone “YSL” Cassandre pin featuring a YSL” Cassandre shape and a back pin fastening. Circa 1990s In good vintage condition Made in France. Length: 1.18i...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Black Cassandre Tie Clip
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Paris, FR
Yves Saint Laurent “YSL” black Cassandre" tie clip featuring a gold-tone “YSL” Cassandre pitted on and pitted at back. Circa 1990s In good vintage condition Made in France Maxi...
Yves Saint Laurent Cassandre YSL Black Cufflinks Set
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Paris, FR
Yves Saint Laurent Black “YSL” Cassandre cuff-links featuring a rectangular shape, tricolour effect and a central pitted “YSL” Cassandre logo. Delivered in original box. They come as...
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Vintage Jewelled Heart Brooch
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage gold tone heart brooch embellished with multicolor crystals. Embossed YSL and E2. Indicative measurements : max. height approx. 4.5 cm (1.77 inches) / ma...
Gilt Metal
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Silver Tone Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Paris, FR
Saint Laurent YSL Cassandre Silver-tone earrings featuring a textured round shape a center YSL Cassandre logo, pitted at back. They come as a pair. Circa 2020s. In good vintage con...
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. 1980's France. Length 3.25", Width 2.2"
Gilt Metal
YSL Ruby Oval Drop Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Long Yves Saint Laurent dangle earrings of bezel set oval ruby pastes. Articulated to move with wearer. Silvered metal, Made in France. 1980's. 3". Excellent condition.
Yves Saint Laurent Cassandre YSL Gold tone Cuff Links
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Paris, FR
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Cassandre Gold-tone cuff-links featuring a square shape, and a central pitted “YSL” Cassandre logo. They come as a pair. In good vintage condition Circa 1990s...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Silver Tone Cassandre Tie Link
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Paris, FR
Yves Saint Laurent Silver-tone “YSL” tie link featuring a black “YSL” Cassandre pitted at back. Circa 1980s In good vintage condition Made in France Maxi Length: 1.9in. (5cm) Wi...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Cassandre Silver Tone Cufflinks Set
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Paris, FR
Yves Saint Laurent "Cassandre-logo" silver-tone cufflinks featuring a Cassandre YSL pitted, rectangular shape, gold-tone in corners. They come as a pair. Circa: 1990s Made in France ...
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Double Triangle Textured Brooch
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Double Triangle Textured Brooch Features: - 100% Authentic YVES SAINT LAURENT. - Textured double triangle brooch. - Gold tone hardware. - Signed YSL M...
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl French Bow Brooch
By Robert Goossens for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl French Bow Brooch Measurements: Height: 1.46 inches (3.7 cm) Width: 2.99 inches (7.6 cm) Features: - 100% Authentic YVES SAINT LAURENT. - Chunky Fren...
YSL NIB Lè Carre Leather Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Saint Laurent Le Carre Leather Bracelet Is in black with embossed croc leather and gold hardware. Comes with the original box and dust bag.
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Butterfly Enamel Brooch
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Butterfly Enamel Brooch Measurements: Height: 2 inches (5.08 cm) Width: 1.75 inches (4.44 cm) Features: - 100% Authentic YVES SAINT LAURENT. - Butter...
Yves Saint Laurent Cassandre YSL Silver Rectangular Cuff Links
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Paris, FR
Yves Saint Laurent Cassandre Silver rectangular YSL cuff-links featuring a rectangular shape, gold-tone around,2 gold-tone stripes in the center and a side black YSL Cassandre logo. ...
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Rhinestone Oval Brooch
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Rhinestone Oval Brooch Measurements: Height: 2.52 inches (6.4 cm) Width: 0.94 inch (2.4 cm) Features: - 100% Authentic YVES SAINT LAURENT. - Brooch w...
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Sapphire Bar Brooch
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Sapphire Bar Brooch Measurements: Height: 2.44 inches (6.2 cm) Width: 0.78 inch (2 cm) Features: - 100% Authentic YVES SAINT LAURENT. - Square sapphi...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Silver Tone Cassandre Tie Clip
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Paris, FR
Yves Saint Laurent Silver-tone “YSL” Cassandre" tie clip featuring a black “YSL” Cassandre pitted in stripy square, a gold-tone base and pitted at back. Circa 1990s In good vintage...
Vintage YSL Gold Tone Pink Crystal Earrings
Located in Flushing, NY
Vintage YSL Gold Tone Pink Crystal Earrings Approximate Dimensions: 2.0 cm (Length) 1.3 cm (Width) 8.0 grams in weight. ** All dimensions listed above are approximations based on...
Gold
Vintage YSL Black Tone Pink Resin Earrings
Located in Flushing, NY
Vintage YSL Black Tone Pink Resin Earrings Approximate Dimensions: 2.3 cm (Length) 2.3 cm (Width) 17.4 grams in weight. ** All dimensions listed above are approximations based on...
Yves Saint Laurent Gold-tone large YSL Cassandre Brooch
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Paris, FR
Yves Saint Laurent Gold-tone large YSL Cassandre brooch featuring a large center YSL Cassandre logo, a back safety pin pitted at back. Circa 2000s In good vintage condition Made in...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Blue Octagonal Cufflinks Set
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Paris, FR
Yves Saint Laurent Blue octagonal cufflinks featuring an octagonal shape, large center “Y”. They come as a pair. Delivered in original box. Circa: 1990s Made in France In good vintag...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Massive Diamante Brooch
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage massive gold tone diamante brooch. Marked YSL Made in France. JEWELRY CONDITION CHART - New or never worn : item is in pristine condition with no noticea...
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Vintage Jewelled Brooch Pendant
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage gold tone brooch/pendant embellished with multicolored resin cabochons and faux pearls. Embossed YSL Made in France. Indicative measurements : approx max...
Gilt Metal
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Cubism Face Brooch
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Cubism Face Brooch Measurements: Height: 2.52 inches (6.4 cm) Width: 2.36 inches (6 cm) Features: - 100% Authentic YVES SAINT LAURENT. - Huge cubism ...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Jewelled Bow Brooch
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage bow brooch embellished with black and clear crystals. Silver tone metal hardware. Embossed YSL. Indicative measurements : max. height approx. 3.6 cm (1....
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Jewelled Heart Brooch
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage gold toned heart brooch embellished with multicolored crystals. Embossed YSL. Indicative measurements : max. height approx. 4.5 cm (1.77 inches) / max. w...
Gilt Metal
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Jewelled Butterfly Brooch
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage textured gold toned openwork butterfly brooch embellished with ruby red glass cabochon/crystal and faux pearls. Embossed YSL Made in France. Indicative m...
Gilt Metal
$869Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage YSL heart-shaped necklace by Goossens by
By Maison Goossens for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
Vintage YSL heart-shaped necklace designed by Robert Goossens in 1980s. Iconic YSL heart shape, gold-plated, classic, but not boring. 46 cm. Adjustable length. Rare and collectable...
Gold Plate
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Jeweled Bow Brooch
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage gold toned bow brooch embellished with pink crystals. Embossed YSL Made in France. Indicative measurements : max. height approx. 4.6 cm (1.81 inches) / m...
MINT. Vintage Yves Saint Laurent statement necklace with enamel cross charms.
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kashiwa, Chiba
Those who are looking for vintage rare YSL jewelry, this will be a perfect piece for your collection.
Gold Plate
Unavailable
YSL BROOCH
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Paris, IDF
YSL gold plated brooch with blue molten glass
YSL Paisley Pin
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Toronto, ON
YSL paisley shaped pin with red poured glass stones.
Unavailable
YSL Cuff
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Paris, IDF
YSL gold plated "crocodile" cuff (signed)
Gilt Metal
Unavailable
W 1.97 in L 4.73 in
YSL Heart Brooch Gold Tassel with Original YSL Packaging, Vintage 1980s
By Robert Goossens for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in CHAMPEAUX-SUR-SARTHE, FR
YSL Heart Brooch by Robert Goossens, adorned with a Cream White Faux Pearl and a Gold Tone Metal Tassel, Vintage from the 80s, Delivered in its Original YSL Packaging, ready to gift !
Enamel
YSL vintage earrings
By Goossens
Located in BÈGLES, FR
They are absolutely superb, it is the haute couture of YSL costume jewelry. Silver plated, Swarovski and baguette beads.
Gold Plate
Unavailable
YSL EARRINGS
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Paris, IDF
Pair of gold plated clip-on earrings signed by YSL
1980’s YSL Gold Plated Four Leaf Clover Clip- On Earrings Costume Jewellery
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
The back of each earring and the clips are signed YSL. The condition is excellent, there are very minor signs of wear acceptable for jewellery of this age.
YSL Charm Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Toronto, ON
Signed YSL multi-strand necklace in gold toned metal with diamante charm accents. Circa 1970. Measures 18".
Unavailable
YSL EARRINGS
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Paris, IDF
Gold plated and orange and pink resin
Unavailable
YSL Lattice Collar
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
A highly sought after collar necklace by Yves Saint Laurent in the famous lattice high carat gold plated metal. Sits beautifully on the collar bone with hinged access. Made in the 19...
Gold Plate
YSL Stretch Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Toronto, ON
Heavy stretch Catalin/plastic ivory and gold matte finish link bracelet
YSL Drop Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Toronto, ON
Yves Saint Laurent drop earrings in gold-tone metal with amber crystal tops.
YSL Nugget Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Litchfield County, CT
1980s large golden YSL nugget clip on earrings, signed. Darkened gunmetal detailing. Very good condition with one area worn a bit, but still blackened on the edge of an earring. 1.5"...
Unavailable
Vintage YSL pierced earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Francisco, CA
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent hammered metal earrings with pierced posts. Signed YSL
YSL Heart Shaped Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Toronto, ON
YSL dangly earrings with green Lucite top and gold toned heart.
Unavailable
YSL Golden Logo Cuff
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
A highly sought after cuff by Yves Saint Laurent with 'hidden' YSL logo, in high carat gold plated metal. Made in the 1980's. Fully signed. In a great pre-loved condition. Don't he...
Gold Plate
Unavailable
YSL Original Arty Ring
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
An original vintage YSL Arty ring with inset green crystal stone. Made in France in the 1990's. Approx UK Size: J, USA Size: 5 Fully signed. A rare hard to find piece! In an overall ...
Gold Plate
Oversized YSL Abstract Heart Brooch
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Litchfield County, CT
1980s signed Yves Saint Laurent abstract golden heart pin. 2.5" long x about 2.5" wide.
YSL Heart Charm Chain Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
A fashionable Yves Saint Laurent bracelet with YSL logo heart charm and blue glass cabuchon detail. Adjustable size made from high carat gold plated metal. In an excellent condition.
Gold Plate
YSL Blue Chandelier Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
A pair of elegant YSL clip on earrings from the 1990's. Made in France in gold plated metal. In an excellent condition. Don't hesitate to contact us with queries and image requests.
Gold Plate
YSL Openwork Metal Brooch, Vintage from the 1980s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in CHAMPEAUX-SUR-SARTHE, FR
This is a YSL Openwork Brooch in gold tone metal, Vintage from the 1980s.
Unavailable
YSL crystal moon necklace 80s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Verviers, BE
Unusual and beautiful Yves Saint Laurent amber crystal stones on black metal. Size: lenght: 50 cm - 19.7 in, max width: 4.5 cm - 1.9 in. Marked: Yves saint Laurent Excellent vintag...
YSL Silver Geometric Rope Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Litchfield County, CT
Signed Yves Saint Laurent silver snake chain link necklace with geometric details. Finish is intact, some mild wear. 38" around and about .75" wide. Circa 1970s.
YSL Statement Bracelet Tom Ford Era
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
YSL Statement Bracelet Tom Ford Era YSL Yves Saint Laurent Tom Ford Era Statement Cuff Bracelet Perfect for sizes from 7.5 inches /19cm to 8.5 inches /22cm Excellent condition
YSL 1980s Goosens Vintage Cuff Bracelet
By Robert Goossens for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
YSL 1980s Goosens Vintage Cuff Bracelet 7.5 inches Great condition, some wear to the metal and marks which doesn't distract from appeal and can be seen in photos. Please feel free...
80s YSL Red Glass Rope Collar
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Litchfield County, CT
Circa 1980s soft thick black cord signed YSL necklace with red glass inserts and two toned metal design. The central design is about 4" long x 1.5" wide.
Yves Saint Laurent Small Heart Brooch YSL
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
A small heart brooch by Yves Saint Laurent.
Base Metal, Gold Plate
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.
Counterfeiters know that savvy fashionistas cherish YSL bags. Learn how to tell if yours is the real deal. Of course, you don't have to worry about that on 1stDibs, where every seller is highly vetted.
Because truly timeless design requires personal vision, transcendent taste, real fortitude and top-notch objects, even if the wider world hasn’t caught on yet.
When it comes to the legendary French design house, there is no substitute for true craftsmanship. Xupes shows us how to spot it.
From Chanel to YSL, the logos of some legacy fashion houses spark instant brand recognition and have come to symbolize a kind of luxury that feels at once aspirational and attainable.
When the name of a bag is as well-known as its brand, you know it's a classic.
Art director Morgan Cole was working at a major fashion house when she got engaged, but she found her dream dress on 1stdibs.