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.
1970s Yves Saint Laurent Vintage Black Linen Safari Button Up Blouse/ Top/ Shirt
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Sparks, NV
Iconic vintage 1970s Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche black linen button up blouse from the safari collection! Unlined with front button closure and button closure at the wrists. Front...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Rive Gauche New Blue Plunging Silk Halter Top
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Diego, CA
New with tags YVES SAINT LAURENT 'Rive Gauche" Spring / Summer 2012 blue silk halter top! Sexy plunge with a perfectly tailored bodice. Hidden zip...
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent " Rive Gauche " Polka Dot Red & White Corset Bustier
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy vintage YSL Rive Gauche red & white polka dot bustier/corset top.built in waistband support. Fully lined, and easily transitions from day to night. In great condition. Never wo...
Yves Saint Laurent "rive gauche" F/W 1978 Creme Gold Dots Silk Blouse
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Antwerpen, Vlaams Gewest
Yves Saint Laurent "rive gauche" silk blouse from Fall Winter 1978 collection. Made of a fine creme silk crêpe with interwoven gold tone metal dots. The cut is just lovely with a ruf...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Green Check silk Lavalliere Blouse
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Paris, FR
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Green checked lavalliere blouse featuring a flouncy collar with free lavalliere, and flouncy buttoned cuffs. Circa 1970s Composition: 100% silk Made in France...
1970s Yves Saint Laurent YSL Cotton Abstract Floral Print Size 34 Blouse 70s Top
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic vintage late 1970s YVES SAINT LAURENT Rive Gauche abstract floral print short puff sleeve blouse / shirt ! Lightweight cotton, features vibrant colors of burnt orange, marigold,...
Yves Saint Laurent "rive gauche" 1970s Red Silk Blouse & Signed Tassel Cord Belt
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Antwerpen, Vlaams Gewest
This vintage Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche blouse from the late 1970s to early 1980s is made from soft red silk. It features a ruffled neckline with a bow tie, long sleeves with but...
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Silk Blouse
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
A pretty vintage silk blouse by Yves Saint Laurent , tricot line. The blouse is in a lovely silk, and has elasticated wrists with frill detail ,a ruffle collar and frills on the fron...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Blue silk Lavalliere Blouse
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Paris, FR
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Blue silk lavalliere blouse featuring an all-over flower print, a front button fastening with attached lavalliere, bishop sleeves and buttoned cuffs. Circa 19...
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche 1990s White Belgium Lace Sheer Blouse Top
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Rive Gauche YSL white Belgium lace sleeveless blouse! Features hand embroidered silk lace. Semi sheer white chiffon l...
Yves Saint Laurent F/W 2004 by Tom Ford Dragon Print Silk Blouse
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Paris, FR
Silk blouse Yves Saint Laurent featuring an elaborate chinoiserie dragon print in muted tones of sage green, dusty pink, navy and cream against a dark brown ground. The design incorp...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL White Linen Poet Blouse with Open Front and Lace Trim
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Studio City, CA
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent white poet blouse with exaggerated undulating ruffles at sides of center front opening which fastens via two extra long ti...
Yves Saint Laurent Vintage Beige 3/4 Sleeve Blouse Sz.S
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Krakow, PL
Saint Laurent Vintage Beige 3/4 Sleeve Blouse Sz. S Condition: Very good, minimal signs of wear with minor material imperfections Style: Fitted blouse Material: Unknown (composition tag missing) Closure: Ties and hooks at front Sleeve: 3/4 length Color: Beige Back Length: 47 cm / 18.5 in Shoulder Width: 40 cm / 15.7 in Bust (Half Circumference): 39 cm / 15.4 in Waist (Half Circumference): 28 cm / 11 in Hips (Half Circumference): 42 cm / 16.5 in Sleeve Length: 35 cm / 13.8 in Classic vintage Saint Laurent blouse...
Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford White Cotton Tie Front Blouse
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Yves Saint Laurent white creme cotton button tie front blouse designed by Tom Ford era. Size: Medium Bust: 36 inches/ Waist: 32 inches/ blouse lengt...
Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent S/S 2002 Safari Collection Leopard Silk Top F 38
By Yves Saint Laurent, Tom Ford
Located in Montgomery, TX
Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent Leopard Silk Top Blouse Fr. size - 38 S/S 2002 Collection 100% Sheer Silk, Leopard Print, Front Zip Clo...
Rare Early Yves Saint Laurent Black Rhinestone Top
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy vintage YSL knit top, with gorgeous rhinestones on each strap. Flattering fit, with incredible construction. In great condition. Approximately Size Small...
Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford 2004 Tangerine Chiffon Satin Silk Wrap Top 40
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Switzerland, CH
Stunning Silk Top By Tom Ford For His Final Summer Collection 2004 For Yves Saint Laurent This top was featured in the AD campaign, editorials and seen on the runway and is a key pi...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Blue Silk Check Lavalliere Blouse
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Paris, FR
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Blue silk check lavalliere blouse featuring an all-over check print, a front button fastening with attached lavalliere, and buttoned cuffs. Circa 1980s Compos...
Yves Saint Laurent Black Guipure Haute Couture Lace Blouse, 1990s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Incredible Yves Saint Laurent 1990s Black Guipure Lace Blouse. Features inner lining at bust ending at hip. Side zipper. Top back button and hook. Zipper at either wrist. Excellent c...
Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche 1970s Russian Gypsy Style Wool Tunic and Scarf
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Antwerpen, Vlaams Gewest
Peasant gypsy style wool tunic with matching scarf. Features an all-over daisy-inspired print in rich tones on a dark background. Long sleeves with buttoned cuffs and a tie-neck deta...
An Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Top Embroidered with Sequins Circa 1980
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1980/1990 France Top entirely embroidered with black and silver sequins by Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche dating from the 1980s. Round low-cut neckline, long sleeves and closur...
Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Top FR38 Mint Silk Classic Top Blouse UK10 US8
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in PARIS, FR
Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche top, mint green silk crepe blouse, straight cut, round neck with hook closure, long sleeves with zippered cuffs. The composition and size labels are no...
Yves Saint Laurent "rive gauche" vintage 70s silk gold silver lurex dots blouse
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Antwerpen, Vlaams Gewest
Yves Saint Laurent "rive gauche" vintage silk gold silver lurex dots blouse This sheer blue crepe chiffon blouse has shiny metallic gold & silver dots, a soft ruffled neckline, a...
1970s Yves Saint Laurent Russian Collection Lipstick Red Boho Peasant Blouse Top
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare and collectible vintage 70s YSL Rive Gauche cotton peasant shirt from the infamous 1976 RUSSIAN COLLECTION! Features a lightweight textured cotton that lo...
Iconic Yves Saint Laurent "Kiss" Peasant Blouse
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in New York, NY
Iconic and Rare Collector Quality Yves Saint Laurent "Kiss" Peasant Blouse in rayon georgette circa 1971 from the "Liberation" Collection. Vibrant red lip print with drawstring neckl...
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche YSL Tropical Print Bishop Sleeve Blouse
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Rive Gauche cotton blouse or jacket! Has a tropical vibe, with bright colors of red, purple, pink, blue and white throughout. Signature YSL lapels can be ...
Yves Saint Laurent "Russian Collection" Ruffled Silk Crepe Blouse
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Yves Saint Laurent Tri Color Silk Crepe Ruffled Blouse, Russian Collection. Mother of pearl buttons down front closure. Rendered in kelly green, purple and teal (cuffs) in silk crepe...
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Multicolor Plaid Silk Blouse 1980s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Resurrection Vintage is excited to offer a vintage Yves Saint Laurent red, yellow and blue plaid silk button-front blouse. Yves Saint Laurent Size 38 Measurements: Shoulders 16”, B...
1970s Yves Saint Laurent YSL Rive Gauche Purple + Blue Vintage Silk 70s Blouse
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful vintage late 70s YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Rive Guache 3/4 sleeves button up silk shirt ! Buttons up the front. Elastic sleeve cuffs. Can easily be dressed up or down. Pair wi...
Rare Yves Saint Laurent Multi-Colored Floral Silk Crepe di Chine blouse
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Yves Saint Laurent multi-colored floral print of violets, greens, plums, and black is made of silk crepe de chine. The neck neck has a single button clousure. The front measures ...
Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Blouse in gold lamé Circa 1990
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1990 France Kimono blouse in very fine gold lamé by Yves Saint laurent Rive Gauche dating from the 1990s. Wide, flowing cut, slit on the sides and crossed at the front by a thi...
Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche 1990s Black Rayon Draped Vintage 90s Top Blouse
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic early 90s YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Rive Gauche black rayon draped sleeveless top ! The perfect black shirt to dress up or down. Great with jeans, shorts, or a skirt. Simply slips ...
Yves Saint Laurent Ivory and Black Thin Striped Cotton Shirt - 36 - 1960's
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Yves Saint Laurent Vintage Ivory and Black Thin Striped Cotton Button Up Shirt - 36 - 1960's. This vintage long sleeve, cotton, button up is ivory and black with thin vertical stripe...
Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche YSL 1985s Top FR38 Pink Lace Blouse UK10 US8
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in PARIS, FR
Top Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche circa 1980/85 blouse in slightly parma pink lurex lace, round neck closed by a dress button in the neck, long sleeves...
$350Sale Price|30% Off
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Black White Silk Print Blouse Top, 1970s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This 1970s Yves Saint Laurent blouse done in silk and covered in black and white spotted print. Padded shoulders. Unlined this blouse slips over the head and closes closes at the neck with a round black plastic button. Professionally cleaned and pressed, this YSL top...
Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Jewellery style printed damask tunic Circa 1980
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1980-1985 France A Russian-style tunic blouse in jewel-print silk damask by Yves Saint laurent Rive Gauche dating from the 1980s. Wide, flowing, shouldered cut with long sleeve...
1980s Saint Laurent Multi Color Floral Silk Blouse
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent rive gauche blue, purple and green floral print long sleeve blouse. Label marked size 40
Yves Saint Laurent Blouse Peasant Puffed Sleeve Black Velvet Formal Vintage 38
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
Authentic, preowned vintage Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche puff-sleeve peasant blouse, likely dating to the late 1970s to early 1980s. Crafted in luxurious black velvet, this iconic ...
1980's YVES SAINT LAURENT black cotton blouse with poppy print
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Black, lightweight cotton blouse with poppy print and 3/4th puff sleeves from Yves Saint Laurent dating to the 1980's. French size 36. Approximate measurements: shoulder 14", bust 36...
Yves Saint Laurent Multi-Color "Poet's" Crepe di Chine Blouse
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Yves Saint Laurent wonderfully tailored multi-color silk crepe di chine "Poet's" blouse is detailed with soft gathering on both front and back (Belt in photo is not included). ...
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Silk Blouse with Frill Detail
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
A stunning vintage silk blouse by Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche. The blouse is made of a super soft silk , and has a frill detail on the cuffs and front. It has the original should...
1991 Yves Saint Laurent Tudor Rose Print Blouse with Gold Buttons
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
Made in France, this shirt was designed by Yves Saint Laurent in 1991 for his department store diffusion line Variation. Tailored from a vibrant high quality manmade crepe in French ...
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Purple Silk Top
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in London, GB
A stylish vintage silk top by Yves saint Laurent Rive Gauche. In a purple textured silk, the top has a round neckline and six button fastening at the back. Measurements: bust up to 3...
Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Black Long Sleeve Silk with Velvet Detail Top
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Black Long Sleeve Silk w/ Velvet Detail Top - 40 This unique top is in excellent condition. There are two stripes of velvet coming down the middle of ...
YSL 1960's Vintage Fuchsia & White Striped Long Sleeve Blouse - 38
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
YSL 1960's Vintage Fuchsia & White Striped Long Sleeve Blouse - 38. This blouse is in very good vintage condition and has a removable neck tie that can also ...
Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Saharienne Blouse Circa 1995/2000
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1995/2000. France Iconic Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche blouse in chocolate brown cotton gabardine from the late 1990s. Different version of the Saharan from 1969 with this asy...
Yves Saint Laurent Bugle Beaded and Sequined Top
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Yves Saint Laurent, iridescent, bugle beaded and sequined on silk top. Black body with gold cuffs, neckline and waistline. Sleeves are dolman shape. C. 1980's.
1970s Yves Saint Laurent Multicolor Sea-Shell One Shoulder Blouse YSL
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Among various influences and inspirations, pop-art stylings frequent many YSL designs. His affinity for eccentric prints and quirky color combinations ensured a jovial mood to his ga...
Yves Saint Laurent by Alber Elbaz black ostrich feather top, fw 1999
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
▪ Yves Saint Laurent black ostrich feather top ▪ Designed by Alber Elbaz ▪ Wide neckline ▪ Short sleeves ▪ Silk organza lining ▪ Hidden snap butt...
1980s Yves Saint Laurent Orange High Necked Silk Blouse
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
This timeless silk shirt was designed by French fashion house Yves Saint Laurent during the 1980s but could conceivably be a bit later, say early 1990s. Made in France, it is crafted...
Yves Saint Laurent Silk Blouse Shirt Collection 1976 YSL Vintage
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wallkill, NY
Has a bit of a southwestern vibe! YSL silk 1970s Blouse- Measuring Up to 40 Bust -- Up to 40 waist-- 25 long -- 23.5 sleeve, buttoned cuff. This is out of a massive collection of Con...
Yves Saint Laurent Vintage S/S 1983 Silk Abstract Printed Blouse
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Yves Saint Laurent vintage blouse from Spring/Summer 1983 features luxurious silk fabric adorned with an abstract print, offering a timeless yet playful aesthetic. Its ruffled c...
Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Watermelon Pink Linen Blouse Size 36
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a wonderful Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Blouse. It is a watermelon/coral hue of pink. Features long sleeves and a perfectly finished boat neck line.
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Black & Red Silk Ruffle Blousew
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent black silk blouse with red trim, button front, and ruffle collar. Excellent Condition. Size: 42
YVES SAINT LAURENT Gold Metallic Quilted Leather Top Size 38
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Yves Saint Laurent top is composed of a gold metallic leather in a quilted pattern. The pull on style features a center back neck button. In excellent vintage condition. This YSL gold leather...
Yves Saint Laurent Bold Multi-Abstract & Detailed Micro Beaded Blouse
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Yves Saint Laurent bold multi-color Abstract silk blouse embellished with micro beaded as well as turquoise shades and shells along the collar and cuffs as well as the front emb...
Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche red polka dot damask blouse Circa 1976
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1976. France Iconic Russian blouse in damask silk pongee printed with red polka dots by Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, dating from the key years of the Opéra Ballets Russes co...
1980s Saint Laurent Hot Pink Silk Ruffled and Ribbon Tie Camisole
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Gresham, OR
1980s Yves Saint Laurent for ruffled and ribbon tie front camisole in hot pink silk with black pin dots. Bias ruffles at neck and shoulders. French size 38.
Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Pink Linen Top
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
A pretty pink linen top by Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche.The top has a deep round neckline, and cap sleeves.
Yves Saint Laurent Multicolor Top/ Blouse
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Yves Saint Laurent (Made in France) Multicolor top. Indicated size 36FR. No composition tag. Additional information: Dimensions: Shoulders: 42 cm (16.53") Bust: 52 cm (20.47") Sl...