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 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 by Robert Goossens Red Geometric Tiered Drop Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl by Robert Goossens Red Geometric Tiered Drop Earrings Features: - 100% Authentic YVES SAINT LAURENT by Robert Goossens. - Tiered geometric shape earri...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Massive Gold Crystals Logo Chunky Drop Exquisite Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Arty Vintage Large Huge Massive Crystals Letter Logo Drop Dangle Elegant Modernist Chunky Statement Exquisite Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent conditio...
Gold Plate
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl by Robert Goossens Ornate Pearl Drop Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl by Robert Goossens Ornate Pearl Drop Earrings Features: - 100% Authentic YVES SAINT LAURENT by Robert Goossens. - Pearl drop/ dangling earrings encage...
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
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 YSL Vintage Rare Gold Large Bamboo Hoop Knocker Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Arty Unisex Textured Hammered Large Bamboo Circle Round Hoop Door Knocker Oval Drop Dangle Elegant Modernist Chunky Statement Clip Earrings, Silver Ton...
Silver Plate
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
Maison Denez for Yves Saint Laurent Chinese Collection Tassel Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Amazing, Massive Maison Denez for Yves Saint Laurent Chinese Collection Tassel Earrings. Shoulder duster length pave clip earrings suspend silk wrapped ri...
Silver Plate
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT by Robert Goossens Chunky Chain Drop Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT by Robert Goossens Chunky Chain Drop Earrings Features: - 100% Authentic YVES SAINT LAURENT by Robert Goossens. - Chunky chain links drop earrings. - Clip...
Yves Saint Laurent clip-on earring with green und blue rhinestones, France 1980s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Stuttgart, DE
Yves Saint Laurent clip- on earring (Made in France) in form of an attached hearts with green andblue rhinsteones. The YSL heart pendant has a blue stone and a green stoneon the back...
Crystal, Gilt Metal
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Rare Gold Holiday Green Red Hoop Drop Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage 1980s Arty Double Circle Round Spiral Green Red Enamel Ribbon Holiday Hoop Dangle Elegant Modernist Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent condition....
Gold Plate
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage 1960s Rare Gripoix Ruby Emerald Red Drop Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Haute Couture 1960s Arty Gripoix Ruby Emerald Red Green Circle Glass Cabochon Crystals Exquisite Long Drop Dangle Clip Earrings, Silver Tone Very exce...
Gold Plate
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl by Goossens Clear Crystal Cross Dangling Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl by Robert Goossens Clear Crystal Cross Dangling Earrings Features: - 100% Authentic YVES SAINT LAURENT by Robert Goossens. - Cross dangling earrings w...
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 YSL Gripoix Emerald Sapphire Heart Logo Double Drop Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Large Heart Love Logo Gripoix Emerald Sapphire Green Navy Blue Cabochon Crystals Double Side Chunky Statement Exquisite Drop Dangle Clip Earrings, Gold...
Gold Plate
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Faceted Orange Stones Dangling Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Faceted Orange Stones Dangling Earrings Features: - 100% Authentic YVES SAINT LAURENT. - Faceted orange stones dangling earrings. - Gold tone hardware...
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 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
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 by Robert Goossens Double Pyramid Dangling Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage Massive YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl by Robert Goossens Double Pyramid Dangling Earrings Features: - 100% Authentic YVES SAINT LAURENT. - Massive textured double pyramid dangling ...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Gold Orange Heart Love Floral Pearl Drop Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Arty 1980s Textured Orange Heart Love Floral Flower White Pearl Elegant Drop Dangle Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Good condition. One clip is very small sp...
Gold Plate
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
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 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 Ysl Openwork Filigree Rhinestone Medallion Dangling Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Openwork Filigree Rhinestone Medallion Dangling Earrings Features: - 100% Authentic YVES SAINT LAURENT. - Openwork filigree medallion dangling earring...
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 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 Arty Cluster Floral Leaf Glow Clover Drop Clip Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Arty Vintage Large Glow Double Layer Cluster Leaf Floral Clover Bouquet Drop Dangle Chunky Statement Exquisite Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very good condition. M...
Gold Plate
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Gold Arty Long Glow Logo Heart Love Drop Elegant Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Arty Long Glow Logo Letter Heart Love Drop Dangle Elegant Modernist Exquisite Clip Earrings, Gold Tone Very excellent condition. Maybe light scratches, barely...
Gold Plate
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Harlequin Enamel Twisted Hoop Dangling Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Harlequin Enamel Twisted Hoop Dangling Earrings Features: - 100% Authentic YVES SAINT LAURENT. - Green and orange enamel ...
YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl by Robert Goossens Moon Spiral Etched Dangling Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage Massive YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl by Robert Goossens Moon Spiral Etched Dangling Earrings Features: - 100% Authentic YVES SAINT LAURENT. - Moon with textured swirl pattern. - S...
Vintage Massive YVES SAINT LAURENT Iridescent Rhinestones Jewelled Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage Massive YVES SAINT LAURENT Iridescent Rhinestones Jewelled Earrings Measurements: Height: 3 1/8 inches (7.93 cm) Width: 2 3/8 inches (6.03 cm...
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent YSL 2 in 1 Byzantine Dangling Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent YSL 2 in 1 Byzantine Dangling Earrings Measurements: Height: 3 inches Width: 1 1/8 inches Features: - 100% Authentic YVES SAINT LAURENT. - Olive lucite r...
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl by Goossens Stone Flower Gunmetal Drop Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl by Robert Goossens Cabochon Flower Gunmetal Dangling Earrings Features: - 100% Authentic YVES SAINT LARENT by Robert Goossens. - Caged flower dangling...
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Rhinestone Geometric Textured Drop Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Rhinestone Geometric Textured Drop Earrings Measurements: Height: 2.36 inches (6 cm) Width: 1 inch (2.5 cm) Weight per Earring: 17 grams Features: - ...
Yves Saint Laurent Jet Cameo Earclips, S/S 1977
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Rare Yves Saint Laurent Cameo Ear clips Haute Couture Spring/Summer 1977. Of black jet glass facing portrait cameos set in gilded metal with faceted crystal ...
Gold Plate, Brass, Gilt Metal
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Heart Lace Amber Dangling Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Heart Lace Amber Dangling Earrings Measurements: Height: 2.44 inches (6.2 cm) Width: 1.57 inches (4 cm) Weight: 14 grams Fea...
Yves Saint Laurent Multicolor Dangle Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Striking Swarovski crystal earrings from YSL in various shades of ruby, emerald, citrine and crystal. The stones settings are staggered to give the earring dimension and interest. Th...
Gilt Metal
Maison Gripoix for Yves Saint Laurent Poured Glass and Amber Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Imposing Yves Saint Laurent long drop earrings with emerald poured glass by Maison Gripoix and crystals set in baroque gilt filigree with a large reconstituted amber drop. Clip back ...
Amber, 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
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 1980s Art Glass Vintage Statement Drop Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wilmslow, England
Fashion forward and striking, these earrings are a stylish 1980s Yves Saint Laurent design. They are clip on. Condition Report: Very Good - A tiny bit of scratching to the surface o...
Yves Saint Laurent Earrings in Gold Plated Rhinestone and Resin
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Yves Saint Laurent - Gold plated rhinestone and resin earrings. Additional information: Dimensions: 9.5 L cm Condition: Very good condition Sel...
Gilt Metal
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl by Robert Goossens Double Disc Textured Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl by Robert Goossens Double Disc Textured Dangling Earrings Features: - 100% Authentic YVES SAINT LAURENT by Robert Goossens. - Double textured discs da...
Vintage YSL Yves Saint Laurent Hammered Stylized Drop Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage YSL Yves Saint Laurent Hammered Stylized Drop Earrings Measurements: Height: 3 1/8 inches (7.93 cms) Width: 1 4/8 inches (3.81 cms) Features: - 100% Authentic YVES SAINT LA...
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Logo Rhinestone Cascading Chain Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Logo Rhinestone Cascading Chain Earrings Measurements: Height: 3.62 inches (9.2 cm) Width: 0.67 inch (1.7 cm) Weight per Earring: 9 grams Features: -...
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Initials Heart Rhinestone Dangling Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Initials Heart Rhinestone Dangling Earrings Measurements: Height: 3.54 inches (9 cm) Width: 0.82 inch (2.1 cm) Weight per Earring: 16 grams Features:...
Vintage YSL Yves Saint Laurent Ruby Jade Poured Glass Drop Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage YSL Yves Saint Laurent Ruby Jade Poured Glass Drop Earrings Measurements: Height: 3 inches (7.62 cm) Width: 1 2/8 inches (3.17 cm) Features: - 100% Authentic YVES SAINT LAU...
Vintage Ultra Long YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Enamel Leaf Beaded Shoulder Duster Ear
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage Ultra Long YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Enamel Leaf Beaded Shoulder Duster Earrings Measurements: Height: 6.49 inches (16.5 cm) Width: 1.06 inches (2.7 c...
Vintage YSL Yves Saint Laurent Stylized Lucite Dangling Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage YSL Yves Saint Laurent Stylized Lucite Dangling Earrings Measurements: Height: 3 1/8 inches (7.93 cms) Width: 1 inch (2.54 cms) Thickne...
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Geometric Ruby Rhinestone Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Geometric Ruby Rhinestone Earrings Measurements: Height: 1.29 inches (3.3 cm) Width: 0.39 inch (1 cm) Weight: 7 grams Features: - 100% Authentic YVES...
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Honeycomb Drop Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Honeycomb Drop Earrings Measurements: Height: 3.26 inches (8.3 cm) Width: 1.18 inches (3 cm) Weight per Earring: 19 grams Features: - 100% Authentic ...
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Mother of Pearl Blue Dangling Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Mother of Pearl Blue Dangling Earrings Measurements: Height: 2.95 inches (7.5 cm) Width: 0.75 inch (1.9 cm) Weight per Earring: 9 grams Features: - 1...
Vintage Ultra Long Yves Saint Laurent Bow Leaf Rhinestone Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage Ultra Long Yves Saint Laurent Bow Leaf Rhinestone Earrings Measurements: Height: 3 1/8 inches Width: 1 3/8 inches Features: - 100% Aut...
Massive YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Openwork Rhinestone Flower Dangling Earrings
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage Massive YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Openwork Rhinestone Flower Dangling Earrings Measurements: Height: 3.23 inches (8.2 cm) Width: 2.16 inches (5.5 cm) Weight per Earring: 28 gra...