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Saint Laurent

French fashion 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, 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, 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. Under creative director Hedi Slimane, the house’s ready-to-wear collection was rebranded as Saint Laurent in 2012.

Browse an extraordinary collection of vintage Saint Laurent evening dresses, shirts, handbags and other clothing and accessories today on 1stDibs.

Average Sold Price
$1,149
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2010s Italian Saint Laurent

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H 7.09 in W 10.24 in D 1.97 in
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2010s Italian Saint Laurent

Saint Laurent Blue Calfskin Leather & Suede Medium Cassandra
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H 6.5 in W 8.67 in D 2.17 in
Saint Laurent Gold Wrap Dress S/S 2014
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2010s French Saint Laurent

Saint Laurent Grey Leather Studded Lutetia Clutch
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CONDITION is Good. General wear to bag is evident. Moderate signs of wear to the front, back and lining with discoloured marks and scratches. The metal hardware at the front is also ...
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21st Century and Contemporary British Saint Laurent

SAINT LAURENT metallic silver silk blend 2020 MINI Dress 38 S
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100% authentic Saint Laurent sleeveless mini cocktail dress in metallic silver jersey silk (with 22% metallic fiber). Features a plunging V-neck silhouette with a low-cut back and a ...
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21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Saint Laurent

Saint Laurent Paris Men Sweater Size Large, S588
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2010s European Saint Laurent

Saint Laurent Paris Men Jacket Teddy Bomber Size 44IT (Small) S609
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2010s European Saint Laurent

Saint Laurent Black Smooth Calfskin Leather Small Cabas Classic Y Bag
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Saint Laurent fashion for sale on 1stDibs.

Find an extraordinary range of authentic Saint Laurent fashion available on 1stDibs. If you’re browsing our collection of unique vintage and designer fashion to elevate your daily look or to introduce new colors to the dazzling formal wear in your wardrobe, this designer’s body of work includes elements of red, blue, orange and other tones. Customers who are interested in this designer might also find the work of Bottega Veneta, Celine, and Burberry appealing. On 1stDibs, find haute couture, vintage and designer Saint Laurent fashion from top boutiques around the world. Saint Laurent fashion prices can differ depending upon time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $93 and tops out at $20,500, while the average work can sell for $810.
Questions About Saint Laurent
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yves Saint Laurent boots are given European sizes, more commonly seen as EUR or EURO on shoe size charts. A EUR size 37 is equivalent to a US or Canadian size 7 or a UK size 4. You'll find a large collection of Yves Saint Laurent boots from top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Saint Laurent Wyatt boots typically run large, so go down one size for the best fit. The brand’s famous Wyatt boots offer legendary style and are the role model for all other Chelsea boots. On 1stDibs, find a collection of genuine Saint Laurent footwear from some of the world’s top sellers.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, both new and vintage Saint Laurent bags have a serial number inside. Older bags have 12-digit serial numbers separated by a dot, and newer models have serial numbers that start with three letters followed by 10 digits separated by dots. Find authentic new and vintage Saint Laurent bags on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Saint Laurent boots are known for being true to size, but the shape of the toes may make a half-size up more comfortable for some people — but keep in mind that they’re made of leather, which stretches over time. Shop a large collection of Saint Laurent shoes from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yves Saint Laurent was a well-known fashion designer with a brand that was recognized for a dedication to quality and elegance. He is probably best known for popularizing the idea of women wearing trousers for all occasions, bringing androgenous dressing to the forefront. He was also well-known for his flowy fashions that were less structured than his contemporaries. You’ll find a variety of Saint Laurent products from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A new Saint Laurent fringe bag is available from Saint Laurent directly as well as through multiple retailers. For physical store locations, consult the brand’s website. Vintage or antique editions of Saint Laurent bags are available for purchase through multiple platforms, including 1stDibs. It’s important to purchase from a vetted seller or vendor to ensure authenticity. While Saint Laurent has at times inspired knockoffs, 1stDibs partners with only top-vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The stamp that contains a Saint Laurent bag’s serial number is located on a tag on the inside of the bag. It’s sewn into the lining, and is usually near the zipper at the top. Saint Laurent serial numbers have 12 digits separated by a dot. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of expertly-vetted Saint Laurent bags from some of the world’s top sellers.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    In Yves Saint Laurent’s childhood, he had a fascination with making intricate paper dolls, which later turned into making dress designs for his mother and sisters. As a teenager, his mother took him to meet with the editor of French Vogue, who was impressed by the young Saint Laurent’s designs. Shop a collection of vintage and new Yves Saint Laurent designs from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
    1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    In his earliest years, Yves Saint Laurent was inspired by illustrations from fashion magazines and Christian Bérard. As he officially began to pursue a career in fashion, he was introduced to Christian Dior and definitely gained inspiration from this fashion giant. Throughout his career he was inspired by art and famed artists, the street styles he saw around him, Russian culture and design and the way his mother dressed when he was a child. You’ll find a variety of Saint Laurent products from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    To care for Saint Laurent boots, make sure you protect them from excessive exposure to water, rain and snow. Invest in products to moisturize the material, and use a boot tree to maintain the shape of taller boots. Most importantly, never forget to wipe down your boots after each wear. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a wide array of Saint Laurent boots from some of the world’s top boutiques.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    To find out how to clean your Saint Laurent jeans, check the care instructions tag sewn on the inside of the jeans. Different materials require different care, so be sure to follow the instructions provided with your unique pair. Find vintage and contemporary Saint Laurent bags, clothing and accessories from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Saint Laurent uses smooth or grained leather in addition to exotic materials like crocodile skin. For more information on exact materials, consult the brain’s website. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a wide range of Saint Laurent leather goods from some of the world’s top boutiques.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yves Saint Laurent is known for his approach to elegance and comfort in women’s wear. He is also widely credited for creating the “Le Smoking” tuxedo suit. The Le Smoking tuxedo suit was the first of its kind, a tuxedo suit designed for women. Find a large collection of authentic Yves Saint Laurent from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yves Saint Laurent’s style has been described as ‘gender-blurring’, with inspiration taken from the streets to help modernize haute-couture. You can find vintage and contemporary Yves Saint Laurent bags, clothing and accessories from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
    1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Since its inception in the early 1960s, the Yves Saint Laurent style has changed and grown with the times. The overarching mood of Saint Laurent styles is gender-blurring and openly embraces the idea of women wearing trousers and other garments that were more associated with past menswear. No matter the garment, the look is always high-end and luxe. You’ll find a large collection of Saint Laurent from many of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    To authenticate Saint Laurent boots, check the fonts and engravings for consistency against reference pictures of genuine boots. Fakes will often have writing that’s too thick, or even crooked, and these are tell-tale signs that you’re looking at a replica. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of expertly-vetted Saint Laurent boots from some of the world’s top sellers.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    To help a Saint Laurent satchel keep its shape, make sure to never overfill it. If it’s difficult to close, that's a sign there are too many items inside which can lead to the satchel losing its beautiful shape. If you’re storing the satchel for a long period of time, empty it out first so there’s no unnecessary stress weighing on the satchel while it’s in storage. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Saint Laurent bags from some of the world’s top boutiques.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    To authenticate Saint Laurent jeans, ensure that the textured matte black hangtag is attached to a jean loop and not the brand tag itself. The brand tag should have the ‘N’ and ‘T’ touching within the Saint Laurent logo. A small silver chain will be featured with the brand tag. Shop a collection of expertly vetted Saint Laurent jeans from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The difference between Yves Saint Laurent and Saint Laurent has to do with its branding. While the house of Yves Saint Laurent is still called by that name, Hedi Slimane’s ready-to-wear collection goes by Saint Laurent — but the logo for this collection specifies Saint Laurent Paris. On 1stDibs, you'll find authentic Saint Laurent pieces from trusted sellers.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yves Saint Laurent bags are manufactured in Florence, Italy with high-quality materials. Therefore, although the brand itself is headquartered in Paris, France, its bags have a Made in Italy tag — any bag that claims to be made elsewhere is a fake. On 1stDibs, you'll find authentic Yves Saint Laurent bags from top sellers around the world.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Saint Laurent sunglasses are manufactured by the Kering company in Padova, Italy. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a wide collection of vintage and modern Saint Laurent sunglasses catering to a number of different styles from some of the world’s top boutiques.

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