Visionary French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent was the first to launch a ready-to-wear label, YSL Rive Gauche Prêt-à-Porter. The inaugural Rive Gauche boutique — a modern shop in Paris’s bustling, bohemian Left Bank district — offered stylish garments and accessories that were intended to be affordable for a younger generation of fashion enthusiasts. The store featured Mies van der Rohe chairs and played host to actor Catherine Deneuve during its grand opening.
Saint Laurent pioneered “cross-design” in fashion, taking inspiration from street trends to modernize haute couture. He was the first couturier to open boutiques for both men and women. Using traditional menswear fabrics and designs for women, he also literally cross-dressed, giving men and women alike chic pant suits, elegant tuxedo jackets and urban safari gear. By blurring gender-specific design, he 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 — Rive Gauche is French for “left bank” — followed soon thereafter by YSL Rive Gauche for men. Ready-to-wear materialized during a period of dynamic transformation and experimentation and came to dominate the Paris fashion scene. 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.
The vintage YSL Rive Gauche clothing for sale on 1stDibs includes evening dresses and gowns, jackets, shoes, handbags and other items.
Pink wool coat YVES SAINT LAURENT RIVE GAUCHE
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Pink wool coat . Satin and black velvet lining. Elastic cuffs. Raglan sleeve. Pocket on both side. Button and buttonhole closure on the front. SIZE 42/L
1979 YVES SAINT LAURENT satin kimono RUNWAY jacket with Asian jacquard motif
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Extremely rare satin kimono jacket designed by Yves Saint Laurent for his fall 1979 collection, exactly as seen on the runway. The piece has a relaxed, open-front cut with wide sleev...
An Evening black velvet burnous by Yves Saint Laurent - Paris, circa 1975
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1975. France Large “burnous” cape in black velvet, lined with black satin, Moroccan-inspired, and designed by the famous Yves Saint Laurent. The “Rive Gauche” label was one of ...
Black wool cape with taffeta ruffle edge YVES SAINT LAURENT Rive Gauche
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black wool and taffetas double cape . Bow closure on the top middle front. One size
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Black Wool Cape
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
A stunning vintage cape by Yves Saint Laurent possibly from the Russian collection. In a black wool , with beautiful braid detail and all the original buttons. The cape can be worn ...
Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Velvet Chinese Coat
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in New York, NY
Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche corn flower blue cotton velvet long, flared coat. Chinese inspired trapunto stitching with quilted collar and cuffs. Slash pockets and unusual toggle fasteners shaped like small pods...
Saint Laurent Rive Gauche – Velvet Coat dating from the 1970s
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in PARIS, FR
Saint Laurent Rive Gauche – Velvet Coat, 1970s Magnificent velvet coat by Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, dating from the 1970s. This exceptional piece features voluminous shoulders and ...
1980s Yves Saint Laurent Cognac Lambskin Leather Double-Breasted Trench Coat
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Gresham, OR
1980s Yves Saint Laurent Cognac Lambskin Leather Double-Breasted Trench Coat: Supple lambskin leather in a classic style! Oversized with wide notched collar, batwing sleeves, polis...
YVES SAINT LAURENT 1976 Russian Collection Brown Broadtail Mink Fur Trim Coat S
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Montgomery, TX
Yves Saint Laurent was among the first major designers to celebrate traditional Russian dress, and his lavish Autumn–Winter 1976/77 “Opéras – Ballets Russes” (the famed “Russian Coll...
Yves Saint Laurent Fuschia Wool Coat
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Yves Saint Laurent drop shoulder, plush wool coat with pegged hem. It is fully cut with a gathered back yoke and gathered sleeves. Wonderful vibrant ...
Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche 1970s Black Wool Haute Couture Cape
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in PARIS, FR
An icon of 1970s style, this vintage SAINT LAURENT Rive Gauche cape perfectly embodies the elegance and modernity of the Parisian fashion house at the time. First introduced in the e...
Documented Runway Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche brocade coat. F/W 1992-1993
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in NICE, FR
Timeless in new.vintage.darling: An exceptional documented runway coat from Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Fall/Winter 1992–1993 collection, exemplifying the bold opulence and rich t...
Raspberry single breasted wool coat SAINT LAURENT Rive Gauche 1977
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Raspberry single breasted wool coat. Ruby red satin lining. Button and buttonhole closure on the middle front. Gather around the waist, on the shoulder and on the sleeve edge. Pocket...
Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent FW 2001 Black Wool Long Military Style Coat 38 6
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Montgomery, TX
A Fabulous Creation from Tom Ford Era!!! Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent Wool Long Coat Fr. Size - 38 ( US 6 ) F/W 2001 Runway Collection 100% Wool, Military Style, Hook and Eye Clos...
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent ' Rive Gauche ' 1970s Khaki Plaid Cape Trench Jacket
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Diego, CA
Absolutely AMAZING Rare vintage Yves Saint Laurent YSL "Rive Gauche" dark khaki cape! Trench style, with classic YSL style. Plaid interior (fully lined) that peaks through when worn....
Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche 1980s Vintage Red Wool Coat with Belt
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1980s Yves saint laurent red wool coat with belt. - mandarin collar - pockets - belt lined in silk Size 8/ Medium / Marked size 34Fr Bust 40” ** flaws ( see image ) attached lining...
Raspberry wool coat/cape with hood and fringes edge SAINT LAURENT RIVE GAUCHE
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Raspberry wool coat/cape with hood and wool thread fringes edge. Acetate lining. Button and buttonhole closure on the middle front. Shoulder pad. Cape lenght = 70cm Total lenght = 1...
1974 YVES SAINT LAURENT violet purple brushed wool RUNWAY coat with braided trim
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Fransisco, CA
This rare Yves Saint Laurent coat from Fall 1974 is made from a deep violet-purple brushed wool with a soft, textured finish. It has a clean A-line shape that flares slightly from th...
Grey wool double-breasted coat with velvet details SAINT LAURENT RIVE GAUCHE
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Grey wool double-breasted coat with velvet details. Brown satin lining. Button and buttonhole closure on the front. Pocket on both side with flap. Half-belt middle back with button a...
1982 YVES SAINT LAURENT fuchsia marabou feather RUNWAY jacket
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Yves Saint Laurent Marabou Feather Jacket – Fall/Winter 1982 Runway Extremely rare and extraordinary fuchsia marabou feather jacket from Yves Saint Laurent’s Fall/Winter 1982 runway...
NWT Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent F/W 2003 Fur Coat French 38 - US 6
By Tom Ford, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Montgomery, TX
NWT Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Fur Coat F/W Runway 2003 French size 38 - US 6 ( please check measurements ) Beaver and Fox Fur, Genuine Leather. Black Color, Zip Clo...
1970's SAINT LAURENT trench coat with puff sleeves and plaid wool lining
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Rare Saint Laurent trench coat dating to the 1970s. Crafted in deep olive cotton gabardine, it features softly gathered puff sleeves that add volu...
Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Vintage 1976 Deep Olive Green Wool Cape
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in PARIS, FR
A vintage deep olive green wool cape by Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, dating to the mid-1970s (circa 1976). The design features a fluid silhouette cut from a single panel with mini...
Lightly padded kaki cotton jacket with hood SAINT LAURENT RIVE GAUCHE
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Lightly padded kaki cotton jacket with hood. Rayon or polyester lining. Polyester filling. Drawstring around the hood. Zip closure on the middle front. Pocket on both side . SIZE 38/M
"Russian" black coat with Faux fur collar YVES SAINT LAURENT Rive Gauche
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
"Russian" black coat with Faux fur collar and lining. No fabric tag composition. Hook& eye closure on the middle front . Pocket on both side. Gold lurex piping Russian collection FW...
Purple single breasted coat with black button Saint Laurent Rive Gauche 1970's
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Purple single breasted wool coat with black button. Pocket on both side. SIZE 40 (Fr) L
Yves Saint Laurent Early Rive Gauche Cotton Twill Cape
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Chic Yves Saint Laurent Early Rive Gauche Cotton Twill Cape from the 1970's. Black cotton twill with plaid wool/cotton blend lining. Cut as a cape with shorter length across s...
Wool single breasted coat with Tartan pattern Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Wool single breasted coat with Tartan pattern. Shoulder pad. No fabric composition tag but the lining is probably in rayon or acetate. Button and buttonhole closure on the middle fr...
1978 SAINT LAURENT abstract printed silk quilted OPIUM collection RUNWAY jacket
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very rare quilted silk jacket from Yves Saint Laurent’s Spring 1978 “Opium” collection. The jacket features an allover geometric print in ochre, slate blue, and blue-black, construct...
Yves Saint Laurent Tobacco Wool Cape 90s
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in London, GB
YVES SAINT LAURENT Rive Gauche - Tobacco wool cape - Button fastening at the neck - 1990s - 100% wool - Made in Paris, France - Sold by Mae Vintage London
Wool cape with black cotton lining Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Wool cape with black cotton lining . One button and buttonhole closure on the top middle front + one extra button provided. SIZE 34 on tag but fit more likely M/L
1980's YVES SAINT LAURENT black cotton parka with oversized curly lamb hood
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in San Fransisco, CA
This is a black, thickly constructed coat with a clean, utilitarian feel. It has a straight silhouette that cinches at the waist with a drawstring, giving it shape. The front closes ...
1970 YVES SAINT LAURENT gradient color floral coat with puff sleeves
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Yves Saint Laurent, 1970 A very rare 1970 Yves Saint Laurent coat with a gradient floral pattern in shades of pink, green-blue, orange, and deep brown. The color shifts from light t...
Black thin denim single-breasted coat with belt Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black thin denim single-breasted coat with belt and pockets on both side. Main fabric : cotton. Rayon lining inside the back ( on the shoulder) with thread YSL embroidery. 2 front ...
1979 SAINT LAURENT red satin RUNWAY jacket with seashell embroidery
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Stunning, quilted red satin jacket from Yves Saint Laurent’s 1979 runway, cut in a clean, collarless shape with the fabric as the main focus. T...
F/W 2002 Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford Black Shaved Mink Bell Cuff Coat 40FR
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an incredible black Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche fur jacket, designed by Tom Ford. From the Fall/Winter 2002 collection, the full-length version of this coat debuted on the season's runway in navy as part of look 29, modeled by Erin Wasson. Constructed primarily of shaved mink...
1970's YVES SAINT LAURENT khaki green cotton poplin cape with plaid lining
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very rare 1970's Yves Saint Laurent cape in khaki green cotton poplin. It has a loose, draped shape with wide, cape-style 'sleeves' and a structured pointed collar with decorative to...
Yves Saint Laurent Coat Black Wool 1970s Russian Collection YSL Rive Gauche Rare
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
Authentic, preowned vintage Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche long black wool coat, likely dating to the 1970s and widely attributed to the era of Saint Laurent’s iconic Ballet Russes /...
NWT Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent FW 2004 Chinoiserie Fur Trim Coat French 44
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Montgomery, TX
NWT Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Black Wool Coat Fall/Winter 2004 "China Through the Looking Glass" Collection French size 44 100% Wool, Fur Trim, Leather Buttons, Sat...
F/W 2003 Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford White Fox / Faux Fur Runway Coat 38FR
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in West Hollywood, CA
An incredible off-white fur coat from Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, designed by Tom Ford and featured in the Fall/Winter 2003 collection. This coat made its debut on the runway as ...
1970s Saint Laurent Brown, Teal and Grey Paisley Print vintage Trench Coat
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage trench coat by Yves Saint Laurent has the classic good looks we expect from the cut of a trench coat, but the paisley print made of t...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Grey Faux Astrakhan Fur and Black Velvet Jacket, c. 1992
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Munich, DE
Unusual and rare vintage Yves Saint Laurent charcoal grey faux fur Persian lamb or Astrakhan coat with black velvet collar, cuffs and edging probably from the Fall 1992 ready-to-wear...
Early 2000s Yves Saint Laurent Beige Suede Fur Monochrome Moto Jacket FR38
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous beige goat fur suede Yves Saint Laurent moto coat. From the early 2000s, this incredible coat is constructed entirely of monotone fur and supple suede with a zi...
Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent F/W 2002 Cream Jasquard Embellished Silk Coat S
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Tom Ford
Located in Montgomery, TX
Iconic & Collectible TOM FORD for YVES SAINT LAURENT Coat F/W 2002 Collection French Size 36 - US 4 Color – Cream Created from Silk Blend Jacquard Fabric, Two Front Side Pockets,...
Vintage F/W 1981 Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Maribou Feather Jacket
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in London, GB
We are excited to introduce this F/W 1981 Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Maribou Feather Jacket. The piece features a blend of black and burnt orange maribou feathers slightly croppe...
New Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Leather Safari Camel Coat It.40
By Tom Ford, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Montgomery, TX
Super Rare Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Leather Coat Designer size 36 - ( Italian 40, - US 4 ) F/W 2000 Collection Safari Style, Cam...
F/W 2003 Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford Runway Ruffle Overcoat Black FR44
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an elevated black Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche ruffle jacket designed by Tom Ford. From the Fall/Winter 2003 collection, this jacket debuted on the season's runway as Lo...
Black and blue wool cape with check pattern SAINT LAURENT RIVE GAUCHE
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black and blue wool cape with check pattern. Passementerie embellishment on the front and silk tassel on the back. Arms Opening on both side. One Size but fit M/L
Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Navy Jacket Circa 1990
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1990. France Jacket in navy-blue woolen cloth by Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche from the 1990s. Obvious inspiration from the male wardrobe, whose fitted cut evokes the androgyn...
Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche 1970s Vintage Wool Coat Dress
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Miami, FL
1970s YSL long collarless coat, or could also be a dress. It has a slim fit (quite straight up and down) like it could be a dress but worn modern it looks incredible as a jacket. ...
1990s Yves Saint Laurent YSL Lipstick Red Linen Vintage 90s Blazer Jacket
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic early 90s YVES SAINT LAURENT Rive Gauche lipstick red linen smoking blazer jacket ! Features a vibrant red color that is perfect anytime of year. Gunmetal metal button at center...
Printed coated double-breasted trench-coat SAINT LAURENT RIVE GAUCHE
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Printed coated double-breasted trench-coat. Main fabric composition: coated cotton. Lining probably in acetate or rayon. Button and buttonhole closure on the middle front and on the ...
S/S 2003 Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford Surrealist Stitch Silk Trench Coat Dalí
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This surrealist nude detail trench coat was designed by Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche. This coat is a rare prototype of look four on the Spri...
Vintage Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Beige Belted Trench Coat
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Woodland Hills, CA
This elegant vintage Saint Laurent Rive Gauche trench coat captures the understated sophistication that defined Yves Saint Laurent’s ...
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent F/W 2004 Black Wool & Silk Longline Coat
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in London, GB
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Fall/Winter 2004 collection, Features a structured longline fit, sculptural black jacquard with a subtle quilted texture. Tailored with a self-tie belt to ...