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 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...
Yves Saint Laurent velvet jacket by Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture circa 1988
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT - A Haute Couture Collection circa 1988 under the artistic direction of Yves Saint Laurent. Royal-blue silk velvet bolero jacket. Silk lining. Composition and size...
S/S 1990 Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Red Leather Cropped Bolero Jacket
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a bright red cropped leather Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche jacket designed by Yves Saint Laurent. From the Spring/Summer 1990 collection, this fabulous bolero is construc...
1980s Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Dark Grey Blazer
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Early 1980s Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche blazer. Grey wool with interesting seaming to create a beautiful slightly fitted shape. Statement large striped wood buttons. Single button...
$1,596Sale Price|20% Off
S/S 1985 Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Black White Leaf Print Cap Sleeve Duster FR36
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a black and white leaf print Saint Laurent Rive Gauche duster, designed by Yves Saint Laurent. From the Spring/Summer 1985 collection, this fabulous bold print debuted on ...
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent A/W 2004 Mink Trim Belted Jacket
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Autumn Winter 2004 black mink fur trim belted jacket. Crafted in black jacquard pattern, the silhouette is accentuated by plush mink trim along the lapels,...
Tom Ford x Yves Saint Laurent Early 2000s Calf Hair Leather Belted Jacket Fr. 44
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Montgomery, TX
Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent Leather Jacket. Early 2000s, French size 44 ( measurements provided ) 100% Calf Hair, Color - Green...
Saint Laurent YSL Women Vintage Blazer Red Wool Size 38 Boxy Cropped Rive Gauche
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Miami, FL
- This is a Vintage YSL Blazer - Absolutely AMAZING shape. Y - Red exterior - Tagged size 38 in the brand - Made of 100% wool Condition: ...
Yves Saint Laurent Black & Red Checkered Jacket
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Yves Saint Laurent wonderfully tailored black & red jacket gives the option of wearing with or without a belt. (Belt shown in photo is not included). Fully lined with black s...
Early 2000s Yves Saint Laurent Beige Suede Fur Monochrome Moto Jacket FR38
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
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...
Yves Saint Laurent Couture Evening Jacket
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Yves Saint Laurent Couture, floral pattern in a copper tone, with gold detail, collarless belted , semi fitted evening jacket. Black facet...
Vintage Early 1980s Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Brown Leather Longline Jacket
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in London, GB
Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Brown Leather Longline Tailored Jacket, Vintage Early 1980s OVERVIEW This vintage Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche leather jacket...
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Rive Gauche Dark Teal Openwork Cropped Jacket
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Ysl Rive Gauche Dark Teal Openwork Cropped Jacket Measurements taken laid flat, please double bust and wast: Shoulder: 15.35 inches (39 cm) Sleeves: 21.25...
Rare Yves Saint Laurent Chinese Jacket
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Bressanone, Trentino-Alto Adige
Rare Yves Saint Laurent from 70s Chinese Collection black and purple bold satin jacket. From the iconic Chinese collection, Items from the same collection ar...
Yves Saint Laurent Camel-Hair Fully-Lined Camel Three-Button Jacket
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Yves Saint Laurent wonderfully timeless and simply elegant camel hair camel three-button front jacket with patch pockets measures 30 1/2" in length. the collar measures 3 1/2" i...
1980s Yves Saint Laurent Purple Wool Boyfriend Jacket
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
This late 1980s to early 1990s Yves Saint Laurent jacket is a great example of the relaxed 'boyfriend' cut that presided over fashion during this adjoining era. The fabric’s striking...
Yves saint Laurent Runway Velvet Red & Green Embroidered Jacket, 1989
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Boca Raton, FL
The 1980s and Yves Saint Laurent are an iconic pair. Capturing the 80s culture, YSL had a talent for designing for the everyday woman but also making sure that she stood out whether it be by a carefully crafted accessory or a simple pop of color. Worn by Angie Everhart...
Yves Saint Laurent Jacket Black Wool Double Breasted Pea Coat Style Vintage 90s
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
Authentic, preowned vintage jacket by Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, likely dating to the 1990s. Crafted from what we believe to be wool (no content label), this beautifully tailore...
SS2002 Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent Safari Suede Jacket
By Yves Saint Laurent, Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
SS2002 Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent Safari Suede Jacket Collection: Spring / summer 2002 Ready-to-Wear; Country of production: Italy Marked Size: 42 It Main composition: 100% sued...
YSL New Fuchsia Wool Jacket Size FR 42
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Yves Saint Laurent jacket with two chest pockets, long sleeves, front closure, collar with reverse hem button. Brand new in unworn condition. Comes with original garment bag. Size fr...
1976 Documented Yves Saint Laurent Ballet Russes Quilted Red Gilet
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
This vibrant red gilet jacket was created by Yves Saint Laurent for the brand’s beloved Fall 1976 collection and for his Rive Gauche label, a reference to Paris’s younger and trendie...
Yves Saint Laurent Black and Clear PVC Cape. Fall 2010 Runway Look #14
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Boca Raton, FL
A black and clear pvc Yves Saint Laurent capelet. Fall 2010 collection Gold metal snaps on the front. Size estimate: S/M Size 40 New with tags.
1980's YSL/Yves Saint Laurent Black Wool Blazer
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Toronto, Ontario
1980's Yves Saint Laurent black cashmere and wool blazer with large flat black buttons and chic oversized pockets fitted through the waist. Classic blazer that can be worn casually, ...
Tom Ford For Yves Saint Laurent 2000s Army Green Tailored Vest
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
A Yves Saint Laurent tailored vest from the Tom Ford era in an army green dating back to the mid-2000s. This vest is fitted to the body by pulling the corded drawstring at the waist for a sculpted silhouette. The satin panel at the hem in the same colour, flares in a similar fashion to a peplum when fitted. The chest features two welt pockets fastened with engraved YSL gunmetal...
Yves Saint Laurent Vintage Pink Silk and Linen Faille Jacket
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent pink jacket in excellent condition. Pink woven silk and linen faille with 5 front black buttons. Two hand pockets. Unlined. Shoulder pads add structure and shape but can easily be removed. A line bottom hem. Original tag attached reads size 38. This piece is in excellent condition. No stains, smells or fabric pulls. From a smoke & pet free home. This is a beautiful vintage high...
Yves Saint Laurent Short Purple Wool Jacket Haute Couture
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Yves Saint Laurent - (Made in France) Short purple wool jacket with flower embroidery. No size indicated, it fits a 34FR/36FR. A Haute Couture Collection. Additional information: Co...
Yves Saint Laurent Gold Foil Jacket with Enamel Daisy Buttons Size 40
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Yves Saint Laurent jacket is composed of a gold and white fabric with a floral motif. The sleeves feature a puff style with cuff. There are gold with white enamel daisy style buttons at the center front. In excellent vintage condition. Made in France. This YSL evening...
Yves Saint Laurent jacket with vintage harlequin pattern late 1980s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Genova, IT
YSL jacket with vintage harlequin pattern late 1980s ABOUT Women's cotton blazer with multicolored geometric print in Harlequin style, is signed Yves Saint Laurent variation and is...
Saint Laurent Men's Black Sequins Jacket with a Leather Collar
By Yves Saint Laurent, Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Yves Saint Laurent - Jacket entirely embroidered with black sequins and with a leather collar. No size indicated, it fits a 46FR. Additional information: Condition: Very good condit...
S/S 1986 Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Cropped White Linen Flax Open Blazer FR38
By Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a gorgeous cropped Saint Laurent Rive Gauche blazer designed by Yves Saint Laurent. From the Spring/Summer 1986 collection, this lightweight flax linen blazer is the perfect jacket for warmer spring and summer months. The jacket features a cropped seat, oversized lapel, and folded cuffs. The same coat in black and white was featured in the March 1986 issue of Vogue, photographed by Gian Paolo Barbieri...
Yves Saint Laurent Short Black Cotton Jacket
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Yves Saint Laurent - (Made in France) Short black cotton jacket with a pink silk interior. Size 40FR indicated. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Sh...
Saint Laurent Vintage Multicolor Tweed Jacket - 42/ XL
By Yves Saint Laurent, Saint Laurent
Located in Krakow, PL
Absolutely stunning vintage Saint Laurent tweed jacket! This piece is a timeless classic that will elevate any outfit. Features: - Brand:...
Vintage F/W 1981 Yves Saint Laurent Orange Burnt Marabou Feather Jacket
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
Vintage F/W 1981 Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Maribou Feather Jacket. The piece features a blend of black and burnt orange maribou feathers slightly cropped sleeves and cuts off ju...
Yves Saint Laurent Tom Ford F/W 2004 Fitted Satin Red Jacket
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
Yves Saint Laurent Tom Ford F/W 2004 Fitted Satin Red Jacket. This jacket is from the 2004 F/W Collection. Seen similarly throughout different variants from this collection, such as...
$339Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Size 46 Regular Dark Gray Textured Wool Sport Coat
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Francisco, CA
Vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT sport coat comes in a dark gray textured wool with a full monogram liner featuring a peak lapel, slit pockets, and a double breasted closure. Made in Canad...
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture Kelly Green Silk Jacket and Shell Set
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Diego, CA
Stunning vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT Haute Couture numbered Kelly green silk jacket and top! Striking vibrant shade of green. Phenomenal diamanté rhin...
Yves Saint Laurent F/W 2004 Runway Fur Brown Jacket
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
Yves Saint Laurent By Tom Ford F/W 2004 Fur Brown Jacket. Look 20 on the runway. Chinoiserie collection. Features a reptile inspired print embedded in the fur, and a waist tie, and f...
Yves Saint Laurent jacket 1993
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT - (Made in France) Blue lamb leather jacket decorated with pearls and multicolored glass paste cabochons. Size 38FR indicated. 1993 Fall-Winter Collection under th...
Yves Saint Laurent Brass YSL Buttons Dark Blue Wool Men's Unisex Vest c 1970s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in University City, MO
Yves Saint Laurent Dark blue wool men's - unisex vest adorned with YSL brass metal buttons c 1970s The classic dark blue wool vest is designed with a pair of slit pockets on the low...
Spring 1994 Yves Saint Laurent YSL African Linen Jacket
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Paris, FR
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Spring 1994 African linen jacket featuring geometric pattern, linen/flax composition, fancy ffront button closure. Composition: 100% Linen Circa Spring 1994 ( ...
Chic 1960s Yves Saint Laurent Navy Blue Lightweight Wool Vintage Swing Jacket
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic and classic vintage late 60s YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Rive Gauche lightweight wool swing jacket! The perfect alternative to a black jacket, this gem matches anything, and is perfe...
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...
Yves Saint Laurent 80s Jacket
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Basaluzzo, IT
Yves Saint Laurent gray 1980s blazer with single button closure Padded shoulders, front pockets Good condition tg42fr, 100%cotton Measurements : Shoulders 46cm Manica 57cm Petto 50cm...
$713Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Red Wool Jacket
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
A chic, vintage red wool jacket by Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche. The jacket has a breast pocket and 2 hip pockets It has a cut away collar , the original shoulder pads, and all th...
Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Black/White Pin Striped Jacket
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Sharon, CT
A YSL Rive Gauche black and white horizontal pinstriped acetate/cotton jacket. EU size 44, padded shoulders
Yves Saint Laurent vintage light blue silk cropped jacket from the 1980s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Genova, IT
YSL Short Light Blue Silk Jacket ABOUT Yves Saint Laurent designed this short silk jacket in cyan blue. A bolero jacket perfect for a formal occasion, featuring a collar, a single ...
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent overshirt/shacket
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
Possibly one of the first shackets.A great vintage cotton over shirt/shacket by Yves Saint Laurent. In a wonderful white cotton with brown stitch detail and button cuffs, the shirt ...
Black denim single breasted jacket with red buttons Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black denim single breasted jacket with red buttons. Main fabric: 100% cotton. Lining: rayon or acetate. Red top-stitching. SIZE 40 (Fr) 10 (US)
Orange and fushia jacket with ceramic buttons Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Orange and fushia jacket with ceramic buttons. Main fabric composition: 100% cotton, lining: acetate & rayon. Shoulder pads. Half-belt with 2 buttons on the middle back. SIZE 36 on...
Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche linen Skirt Suit, circa 2000
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in Toulon, FR
France circa 2000 A nice skirt suit by Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche. 100% Linen 3 pearly buttons on each sleeve and two at the waist to bend the jacket two pockets at the waist an...
Yves Saint Laurent Gold Sun Buttons Black Jacket
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Vintage YSL black jacket with 3 gold color sun buttons at front and sleeves. no pockets, 100% wool. Size Appears to be France 42 and US 10, please ref...
Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture skirt-suit numbered 14539 Circa 1967/1970
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1967/1970 France Iconic three-piece skirt suit with fine stripes as a counterpart to the famous trouser suit that Yves Saint Laurent created in 1967. Chocolate wool cloth wove...
Yves Saint Laurent Men's Black Zipper Jacket
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in New York, NY
Yves Saint Laurent men's zipper jacket is fully lined accented with two (2) interior breast pockets. The exterior has two pockets accented with ...
A vintage 1980s Evening Jacket by Yves Saint Laurent Variation Line
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
A great black evening jacket from Yves Saint Laurent , Variation line. This jacket has soft shoulders, is collarless with a v neckline and has a central button and ribbon fastening.
Yves saint Laurent Runway Purple Velvet Embroidered Jacket YSL 1989
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Boca Raton, FL
The 1980s and Yves Saint Laurent are an iconic pair. Capturing the 80s culture, YSL had a talent for designing for the everyday woman but also making sure that she stood out whethe...
1980's Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Jacket With Ruched Collar
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Toronto, Ontario
1980's Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche textured black jacquard fitted jacket with exaggerated ruched/gathered plunge collar. Three button front closure, two decorative front pockets, ...
Yves Saint Laurent peacoat in red and white, vintage from the 2000s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Genova, IT
Red and white pea coat by Yves Saint Laurent from the Variation line, Fall/Winter 2000 ABOUT Yves Saint Laurent red and white melange coat with a double-breasted closure. A straigh...
1980s Yves Saint Laurent Gunmetal Quilted Snakeskin Pattern Jacket
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Yves Saint Laurent metallic gunmetal and black allover snakeskin print quilted jacket from the 1980s. The jacket features an oversized notched collar, small shoulder pads, folded cuf...
Yves Saint Laurent Long Black Wool Jacket Size 38FR, 1980s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Yves Saint Laurent -(Made in France) Long black wool jacket with turquoise tassels. Size 38FR. Additional information: Dimensions: Shoulder wid...
$384Sale Price|20% Off
YVES SAINT LAURENT 2010 black wool blend deconstructed blazer FR36 S
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Hong Kong, NT
YVES SAINT LAURENT 2010 black wool blend deconstructed blazer FR36 S Reference: GEGG/A00067 Brand: Yves Saint Laurent Designer: Stefano Pilati ...