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 Silver Tone Cassandre YSL Tie Clip and Cuff Links Set
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Paris, FR
Yves Saint Laurent Silver-tone “YSL” Cassandre cuff-links and tie logo link set featuring a diamond shape a black outline, a black YSL Cassandre logo and gold-tone diagonal lines. Th...
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Vintage Gold Tone Heart Disc Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage gold tone necklace featuring textured creased discs, each with heart at the center. Adjustable T-bar and toggle...
Gilt Metal
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Robert Goossens Gold Fuchsia Red Purple Heart Brooch
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Robert Goossens Vintage Unisex Fuchsia Red Purple Cabochon Heart Love Crystal Elegant Modernist Brooch, Gold Plated Very excellent condition, maybe light scra...
Gold Plate
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Green Flower Dome Rhinestones Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Green Flower Dome Rhinestones Earrings Features: - 100% Authentic YVES SAINT LAURENT. - Green faceted rhinesto...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Limited Edition Textured Disc Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage rare limited edition necklace featuring gold toned textured articulated discs in a gun patina setting. Lobster clasp closure. Signed YVES SAINT LAURENT 2...
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 Gold Heart Star Classic Logo Charms Long Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage 1980s Unisex Long Classic Glow Logo Heart Star Charm Elegant Modernist Necklace, Gold Plated Very excellent condition. Maybe light scratches or colour...
Gold Plate
Yves Saint Laurent 'heart' brooch by Yves Saint Laurent circa 1987
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT - A ready-to-wear Collection circa 1987 under the artistic direction of Yves Saint Laurent. Work from the Goossens Atelier. Beaten golden metal heart brooch / pen...
Gilt Metal
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Pair of Gun Brooches
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage pair of silver toned gun brooches with clear crystal embellishement. Marked YSL Made in France. Indicative measurements : le...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Signature Logo Cuff Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage gold toned bracelet featuring YSL logos and YVES SAINT LAURENT signature throughout. Embossed YSL Made in France. Indicative measurements : inner measure...
YVES SAINT LAURENT Vintage Gold Tone Mythological Creature Medallion Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage chunky gold tone chain necklace featuring a raised and textured mythological creature medallion. Toggle and hearts closure with YVES SAINT LAURENT signatu...
Gilt Metal
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 ...
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 Heart Love Crystals Clear Openwork Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Arty Heart Love Shining Clear Crystals Cube Square Marquise Water Tear Drop Openwork Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent conditi...
Gold Plate
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 Mousson Resin Heart Clip-On Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage MOUSSON gold‑tone heart clip‑on earrings featuring a faceted plum‑colored resin cabochon. Embossed YSL Made in France. Indicative measurements : height a...
Gilt Metal
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Heart Tiered Gilt Bead Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Heart Tiered Gilt Bead Necklace Measurements: Height: 4.92 inches (12.5 cm) Wearable Length: 17.51 inches (44.5 cm) until 19....
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 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 Heart Pendant Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT pendant necklace featuring a large wood and faux horn heart with black rope. Marked YVES SAINT LAURENT Rive Gauche. Indicative measurements : length worn approx....
Yves Saint Laurent 1980s Gem Encrusted Heart Shaped Compact Mirror
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Indulge in vintage elegance with the Yves Saint Laurent 1980s Gem Encrusted Heart Shaped Compact Mirror. This yellow gold plated vanity mirror is designed i...
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
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
Vintage YSL Yves Saint Laurent by Robert Goossens Wood Metal Chain Link Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage YSL Yves Saint Laurent by Robert Goossens Wood Metal Chain Link Necklace Measurements: Height Large Link: 1.26 inches (3.2 cm) Height Small Link: 0.75 inch (1.9 cm) Length: ...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Arty Heart Love Shining Clear Crystals Brooch
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Arty Heart Love Shining Clear Crystals Cube Square Marquise Water Tear Drop Openwork Elegant Modernist Brooch, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. 100...
Gold Plate
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Gripoix Ruby Flower Thistle Jelly Belly Brooch Pendant
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Arty 1980s Gripoix Ruby Red Thistle Flower Pineapple Jelly Belly Pendant Elegant Brooch, Gold Plated Very excellent condition. Not any scratches or co...
Gold Plate
1983 YVES SAINT LAURENT dramatic brass & copper numbered couture RUNWAY necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Fransisco, CA
This oversized 1983 numbered couture runway necklace by Yves Saint Laurent is made from a series of identical curved metal plates in alternating brass and copper tones. Each plate is...
Brass, Copper
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Logo Ribbed Gold Tone Openwork Brooch
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Logo Ribbed Gold Tone Openwork Brooch Features: - 100% Authentic YVES SAINT LAURENT. - YSL logo embossed on textured and ribbed brooch. - Gold tone ha...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Gold Massive Large Crystals Heart Love Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Massive Large Whole Shining Sparkling Crystals Heart Love Chunky Statement Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good condition. 100% Genuin...
Gold Plate
Yves Saint Laurent bracelet by Yves Saint Laurent Spring 1993
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT - 1993 Spring-Summer ready-to-wear Collection under the artistic direction of Yves Saint Laurent. Golden metal articulated bracelet ornamented with diferent-size m...
Gilt Metal
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Logo Blue Ceramic Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Logo Blue Ceramic Earrings Features: - 100% Authentic YVES SAINT LAURENT. - YSL initials in gold print on blue square ceramic earrings. - Clip back ea...
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 Thick Gold Vermeil Necklace with Matching Earrings Set
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Yves Saint Laurent wonderfully detailed gilded gold vermeil finish thick necklace with matching earrings are accented with multi-size rhinestones. Both ...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Gripoix Amber Gold Perfume Bottle Brooch Pendant
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Arty Unisex Gripoix Clear Yellow Amber Cabochon Perfume Bottle Brooch Pin, Gold Plated In excellent condition. Signed at the rear. 100% Genuine. Sign...
Gold Plate
Yves Saint Laurent earrings 'Card game' circa 1990 by Yves Saint Laurent
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT - A ready-to-wear Collection circa 1990 under the artistic direction of Yves Saint Laurent. Golden metal clip-on earrings topped with a green resin cabochon shape...
Gilt Metal
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Vintage Iconic Silver Tone Curb Chain Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage iconic silver tone curb chain necklace. Hook clasp. Embossed YSL Made in France. Indicative measurements : length approx. 41 cm (16.14 inches) / width a...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Gold Long Oval Onyx Interlocked Necklace Belt
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Unisex Long Cabochon Oval Onyx Black Stones Charm Pendant Interlocked Openwork Linked Chunky Necklace Belt, Gold Plated Very good condition. Some ligh...
Gold Plate
Massive YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Blue Rhinestone Green Lucite Hexagon Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage Massive YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Blue Rhinestone Green Lucite Hexagon Earrings Features: - 100% Authentic YVES SAINT LAURENT. - Massive hexagon green lucite earrings with blue...
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Gold Tone Heavy Link Bracelet, 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
Massive YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Star Plexiglas Plastron Breastplate Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage Massive YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Star Plexiglas Plastron Breastplate Necklace Measurements: Height: 5.51 inches (14 cm) Wearable Length: 17.12 inches (...
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 Sun Face Disc Clip On Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage gold toned textured sun face disc clip-on earrings. Marked YSL Made in France. Indicative measurements : diameter approx. 3.7 cm (1.46 inches). JEWELRY ...
Vintage YSL Gold Tone Pink and Amber Clip-On Dangle Earrings, Circa 1990s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Vintage YSL Pink and Amber Color Dangling Earrings. They are two round discs on top of each other to form these earrings. You don't really see the amber color, but it's an offset th...
Mixed Metal
Yves Sain Laurent 1990s Gold & Rhinestone Large Square Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Add a touch of timeless elegance with these exquisite 1990s Yves Saint Laurent clip-on earrings. Featuring a bold cross design in gold-plated metal, each earring is adorned with emer...
Crystal, Gold Plate
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl by Robert Goossens Ruby Flower Dangling Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl by Robert Goossens Ruby Flower Dangling Earrings Features: - 100% Authentic YVES SAINT LARENT by Robert Goossens. - Wire flower drop earrings with irr...
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 YSL Vintage Large Lion Polygon Animal Brown Black Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Unisex Large Lion Head Animal Polygon Brown Black Clip Chunky Statement Modernist Earrings, Gold Tone Excellent condition. 100% Genuine. Signed at th...
Gold Plate
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Robert Goossens Multicolour Heart Pendant Brooch
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl by Robert Goossens Multicolour Resin Heart Pendant Brooch Features: - 100% Authentic YVES SAINT LAURENT by Robert Goossens. - Multicolour cabochon hea...
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Vintage Resin Cabochon Maltese Cross Brooch Pendant
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage gold tone textured Maltese cross brooch/pendant featuring a light yellowish topaz color poured resin cabochon in the center. Can be worn as a pendant. Em...
Gilt Metal
Yves Saint Laurent cuff bracelet by Yves Saint Laurent circa 1985
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT - A ready-to-wear Collection circa 1985 under the artistic direction of Yves Saint Laurent. Golden metal cuff bracelet with crystal rhinestones and red rhinestones...
Gilt Metal
Vintage YSL Yves Saint Laurent Coil Wrap Textured Cuff Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage YSL Yves Saint Laurent Coil Wrap Textured Cuff Bracelet Measurements: Centre Height: 1 3/8 inches (3.49 cm) Inside Circumference: 7 inches (17.78 cm) Features: - 100% Authe...
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Vintage Stone Nugget Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT by ROBERT GOOSSENS vintage bracelet featuring gold tone textured oval nuggets embellished with irregular shaped orange resin cabochons. Embossed YVES SAINT LAURENT Made in...
Gilt Metal
vintage 1970's YVES SAINT LAURENT Gilt Necklace With faux Ivory Resin
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Fransisco, CA
This vintage Saint Laurent necklace is a bold statement piece with a sculptural, art-deco inspired design. It features a large, gold-tone bib front with raised detailing and smooth, ...
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
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Zigzag Blue Rhinestone 3 Tiered Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Zigzag Blue Rhinestone 3 Tiered Bracelet Features: - 100% Authentic YVES SAINT LAURENT. - 3 Tiered zigzag bracelet with blue rhinestones embellishment...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Gold Toned Floral Arabesques Cuff Bracelet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT Vintage gold toned cuff bracelet embossed with floral arabesques on a guilloche background. Embossed YSL Made in France. Indicative measurements : inner max. mea...
Gilt Metal
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Rive Gauche Vintage Gold Tone Braided Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT Rive Gauche vintage gold tone braided necklace. T-bar and toggle closure. Embossed YVES SAINT LAURENT Rive Gauche Made in France. Indicative measurements : min....
Gilt Metal
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
1980's YVES SAINT LAURENT 'woven' silver toned collar necklace with hinge
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Fransisco, CA
This vintage Saint Laurent necklace features a sculptural, woven metal design in a silvery, matte finish. The piece is structured as a rigid collar or choker, composed of interlaced ...
Yves Saint Laurent Agate Disc Pendant Necklace 2010
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Boca Raton, FL
The perfect look is not complete without the perfect accessory. Throughout the history of the house, YSL has consistently crafted elegant accessories to ensure that every woman’s loo...
Agate