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 Two Tiered Ethnic Aztec Disc Medallion Charm Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage antiqued gold tone two tiered charm necklace featuring ethnic Aztec pattern discs engraved YVES SAINT LAURENT. Lobster spring closure. Embossed YSL. YSL ...
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 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 YSL Vintage Green Resin Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage gold tone necklace featuring green resin cabochons. Spring clasp closure. Adjustable length. Embossed YSL Made in France. Indicative measurements : adju...
Gilt Metal
Early Yves Saint Laurent Passementerie Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Rare Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Necklace Spring Summer 1966. Of nautical inspiration composed of white cotton rope with blue silk and rayon passementerie detail. Focal long tas...
Gold Plate, Brass, Gilt Metal
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
SAINT LAURENT Antiqued Silver-Tone Crystal Curb Chain Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
SAINT LAURENT antiqued silver-tone curb chain necklace featuring crystal links on one half. This SAINT LAURENT Paris curb chain necklace embodies the House’s signature blend of mode...
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 bib necklace by Stefano Pilati Spring-Summer 2008
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT - Spring/Summer 2008 Ready-to-Wear Collection under the artistic direction of Stefano Pilati. Cup necklace in copper-tone metal set with stars and geometric shape...
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...
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 Vintage Gripoix Blue Cabochon Beads Coins Bib Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Robert Goossens Arty Gripoix Blue Navy Cabochon Crystals Beads Ball Circle Round Flowers Leaf Maltese Cross Coins 5 Layers Strands Bib Collar Choker Ch...
Gold Plate
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Vintage Jewelled Bird Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage gold tone necklace featuring bird links embellished with clear crystals. S hook clasp closure. Embossed YSL. Indicative measurements : length approx. 50...
Gilt Metal
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Vintage Opium Pendant Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage OPIUM medallion pendant necklace. Purple passementerie rope and tassel. Marked YSL Made in France. Indicative measurements : length worn (including the t...
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
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Vintage Two Tone Cabochon Link Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage antiqued silver tone oval and round links embellished with irregular shaped gilt metal cabochon. Adjustable S hook closure. Embossed YSL Made in France. ...
Yves Saint Laurent Bakelite Necklace Earrings Set Limited Edition YSL, 1970s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Boca Raton, FL
While original Yves Saint Laurent accessories are always fun, vibrant, and excellent wardrobe additions, this YSL necklace and earring set is a rare collector’s item from the designer’s peak era in the 1970s. Made from carnelian orange and navy Bakelite materials, several jigsaw shaped plaques with brushed, matte silver diamond shaped centers are strung together to form and adjustable necklace. The rope allows the necklace to be worn as a choker or loosened to hang lower if desired. The earrings are made in the likeness of the navy necklace pieces. This is a very rare, limited edition YSL set...
Mixed Metal
Yves Saint Laurent, YSL 1980s Bright Gold Round Curb Link Chain Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Make a bold statement with this striking vintage Yves Saint Laurent choker necklace, a classic piece of statement jewelry showcasing the house's signature Parisian glamour. Crafted i...
Gold Plate
Vintage YSL Yves Saint Laurent Emerald Sapphire Stone Pearl Victorian Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage YSL Yves Saint Laurent Emerald Sapphire Stone Pearl Victorian Necklace Measurements: Pendant Hei...
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 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 Lavish Haute Couture Passementerie Necklace, F/W 1977
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Yves Saint Laurent Passementerie Necklace, Haute Couture Fall/Winter 1977 Chinese Opium Collection. Composed of silk cord with tassel ends. Gilt chinese passementerie knots, silk sat...
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 by Roger Scemama Documented Vintage Massive Flower Pendant
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT by ROGER SCEMAMA vintage massive flower pendant featuring marbled faux stones (deep red/plum/amber - difficult to say) resin cabochons. Similar pendant worn by Fr...
Gilt Metal
$1,960Sale Price|30% Off
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Purple, Black Glass 6 Strand Necklace Rare
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in North Miami, FL
This rare, ultra chic and vintage hallmarked Yves Saint Laurent 6 strand necklace is purple and black glass. This is a very special necklace of the fr...
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 1980s Gold with Rhinestone Large Link Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Classic 1980s design is this gold plate Yves Saint Laurent link necklace. The links are inches high and set with rhinestones. From the center rhinestone link, each link is 1.5" lo...
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
Early Yves Saint Laurent Maltese Cross Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Large and early Yves Saint Laurent silver gilt metal Maltese Cross pendant necklace with faux round pearl cabochons further set with faceted cut square crystal pastes in faux ruby, a...
Gilt Metal
1980s Vintage Yves Saint Laurent YSL Gold Tone Red Orange Resin Link Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a gold tone link necklace designed by YSL in 1980’s. The piece is gold plated and features red-orange faceted resin. There is a fitting bracelet from the same collection in...
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Vintage Amber Resin Nugget Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage necklace featuring irregular shaped amber color resin cabochons and textured oval nuggets in a gold tone setting. Toggle clasp. Adjustable length. Emboss...
Gilt Metal
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Chunky Curb Chain Choker Necklace, Fall 2011
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT chunky curb chain choker necklace made of gun‑patina links and bi‑colored resin links. As seen on the YVES SAINT LAURENT Fall 2011 runway. Gorgeous massive box‑c...
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Vintage Gold Tone Multi-Strand Chain Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT by ROBERT GOOSSENS vintage gold tone multi-strand chain necklace featuring a rock-crystal shape design clasp. Hook clasp closure. Embossed YSL Made in France. I...
Gilt Metal
Yves Saint Laurent pendant necklace by Yves Saint Laurent, 1983
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT - Ready-to-Wear Collection 1983 under the artistic direction of Yves Saint Laurent. Maison Caillol workshop. "Butterfly" pendant in antiqued silver-plated metal w...
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...
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Runway Statement Drop Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in North Palm Beach, FL
Make a breathtaking statement with this authentic vintage Yves Saint Laurent runway drop necklace. Made in France, this piece embodies the bold, dramatic glamour and artistic color c...
Crystal, Pearl, Base Metal
Yves Saint Laurent 1980's Round Quilt Link Chain Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
A wonderful 1980's example of Yves Saint Laurent bijoux. The necklace is comprised of 9 round and 10 oval connector links in the front and all done with a cast quilt design. These fr...
Gold Plate
Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Passementerie Necklace SS 1977
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Yves Saint Laurent Passementerie Necklace , Haute Couture Spring Summer 1977 Spanish Collection. Composed of large and small silk sateen white and black beads and bright shocking pi...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage Coral Red Gold Orange Cabochon Beads Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage 1980s Round Circles Large Beads Marble Coral Red Orange Cabochon Flower Drop Pendant Elegant Modernist Necklace, Gold Plated Very excellent condition....
Gold Plate
Yves Saint Laurent YSL by Robert Goossens Vintage Perfume Bottle Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage rare necklace created for the launch of the perfume CHAMPAGNE by ROBERT GOOSSENS. This textured links chain necklace is embellished with rock crystal beads and a miniature CHAMPAGNE glass bottle pendant...
Gilt Metal
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Gold Sun Choker Necklace, Circa 1980s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Vintage YSL Dangling Gold Sun on Choker. Opening is 2" Sun is 2" x 2". This is a truly special piece, perfectly capturing the essence of YSL. ...
Mixed Metal
Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture necklace. The collar is composed of four strands of deep gold flashed victorian marquise jets. The focal asymetrical pendant of faceted vari cut faux garnet, warm topaz and citrines set in gilt metal. Back hook closure of double large oval faceted faux topaz. Made in France, Maison Martine Boutron by Lou Lou de la Falaise...
Gold Plate, Bronze, Gilt Metal
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...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Robert Goossens Shell Coral Branch White Crystals Brooch
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Robert Goossens Iconic Classic White Coquillage Shell Coral Crystals Branch Elegant Modernist Brooch, Gold Plated Very good condition. Not sure if it is a sma...
Gold Plate
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Rope Tassel Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT black rope tassel necklace featuring five chunky black marbled resin pebbles. Embossed YVES SAINT LAURENT Rive Gauche. Made in France. Indicative measurements : ...
Yves Saint Laurent Lavish Haute Couture Passementerie Necklace FW 1977
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Yves Saint Laurent lavish Haute Couture Passementerie Necklace, Fall Winter 1977, Chinese Opium Collection. Composed of silk cord with tassel ends. Gilt chinese passementrie knots, silk sateen large and small beads...
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Tortoiseshell Resin Accents Lariat Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Tortoiseshell Resin Accents Lariat Necklace Features: - 100% Authentic YVES SAINT LAURENT. - Snake chain lariat necklace with 3 deep burgundy and blac...
YSL Mixed Pearl and Pave Sautoir
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Yves Saint Laurent mixed pearl sautoir with grey and white pearls separated with paste rondels. Can be worn long or doubled. 36" long. 20mm pearl largest pe...
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Rive Gauche Resin Black Ball & Leather Choker Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT black braided leather and resin balls choker necklace. Hook clasp. Adjustable length. Embossed YVES SAINT LAURENT Rive Gauche. Made in France. Indicative measur...
Yves Saint Laurent necklace by Robert Goossens, 1980s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT - Circa 1980 Collection, crafted by the Robert Goossens workshop. Short gold-tone metal necklace featuring seashells. Made in France. Condition: Very good Dime...
Gilt Metal
Yves Saint Laurent Glass Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Geneva, CH
Unusual and rare 80's signed YSL hammered gilt metal and green glass necklace. This fantastic piece will make a cool yet chic addition to day and even...
Gilt Metal
Vintage Gold-Plated Signed YSL Heart Necklace with Faux Pearl Accents
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Ardmore, PA
Vintage Signed Yves Saint Laurent Heart Necklace with Gold-Plated Multi-Strands and Faux Pearl Accents Excellent Condition
Pearl, Gold Plate
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage 1970s Ball Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT early necklace featuring faux amber and faux horn graduated resin ball beads. Created by the French parurier ROGER SCEMEMA in the 1970s. S hook closure. Embosse...
1980's YVES SAINT LAURENT brass textured link necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Vintage, chunky oversized gilt brass link necklace from Yves Saint Laurent dating to the 1990's. Necklace measures approximately 17.5" to 18" long. Each link measures about 1.5" acro...
1990's YVES SAINT LAURENT gilt rose necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Vintage Saint Laurent gold-tone necklace featuring a series of sculpted rose motifs linked together on a textured chain. The design has a bold yet romantic feel, with the signature S...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Arty Vintage Rare Gold Aurora Meteor Pendant Brooch
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Vintage 1980s Arty Unisex Aurora Star Pentagram Lucky Meteor 4 Four Balls Circle Round Grape Crystals Elegant Modernist Brooch Pendant, Gold Plated Very excel...
Gold Plate
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Two Tone Hexagon Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Two Tone Hexagon Necklace Measurements: Height: 1.69 inches (4.3 cm) Wearable Length: 15.75 inches to 16.73 inches (40 cm to 42.5 cm) Features: - 100...
YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Vintage Multicolored Resin Cabochons Necklace
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Nice, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT vintage gold tone necklace featuring round and oval multicolored (blue, purple, green) resin cabochons. T bar and heart toggle closure. Adjustable length. Embossed YSL Made in France. Cursive signature YVES SAINT LAURENT embossed...
Gilt Metal
Yves Saint Laurent Russian Collection Torque, Fall/Winter HC 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, de...
Yves Saint Laurent necklace 'Maltese cross' by Yves Saint Laurent circa 1980-199
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT - A Collection circa 1980-1990, under the artistic direction of Yves Saint Laurent. Golden metal necklace with a golden metal brooch pendant enameled with red. M...
Gilt Metal