Yves Saint Laurent, often called YSL, is one of the most famous fashion names in the world. The brand was started in 1961 by Yves Saint Laurent and his business partner Pierre Bergé. Since then, YSL has become a global leader in both luxury fashion and beauty products.
Today, the brand is split into two parts:
-
Fashion House (owned by Kering, a luxury group).
-
Beauty Division (owned by L’Oréal, a cosmetics company).
This article explains the history, the important designs, the beauty products, the cultural impact, and why YSL is still powerful today.
The Founder: Yves Saint Laurent
-
Born: August 1, 1936, in Oran, Algeria.
-
First Job: Worked at Christian Dior. Became Dior’s creative director at 21.
-
Own Brand: Started YSL in 1961.
-
Died: June 1, 2008.
Main Fashion Ideas by Yves Saint Laurent:
-
1966: Le Smoking tuxedo for women (a suit that made women look powerful).
-
1965: Mondrian dress (inspired by modern art).
-
1968: Safari jacket and see-through blouse.
-
1971: Scandal Collection (provocative retro style).
-
1976: Russian Collection (rich, folk-inspired designs).
Yves Saint Laurent’s designs gave women more freedom and changed how people thought about style.
Read also: Christian Dior
The Fashion House
Over time, the fashion side of YSL grew into one of the biggest luxury brands in the world.
Creative Directors Over the Years
| Years | Creative Director | What They Added |
|---|---|---|
| 1961–2002 | Yves Saint Laurent | Created the brand and its famous looks. |
| 2000–2004 | Tom Ford | Made YSL sexier and more glamorous. |
| 2004–2012 | Stefano Pilati | Focused on soft, feminine designs. |
| 2012–2016 | Hedi Slimane | Changed the name to “Saint Laurent,” added a rock style. |
| 2016–Now | Anthony Vaccarello | Known for bold, sharp, and sleek looks. |
Fashion Products Today
-
Clothes (ready-to-wear collections).
-
Leather bags and wallets.
-
Shoes.
-
Sunglasses and jewelry.
YSL fashion shows are a highlight at Paris Fashion Week, where people around the world watch the newest collections.
YSL Beauty
The beauty side of YSL is owned by L’Oréal Luxe and is sold worldwide. It includes makeup, perfumes, and skincare.
Famous YSL Beauty Products
-
Black Opium Perfume – one of the best-selling fragrances in the world.
-
Libre Perfume – a mix of floral and masculine notes.
-
Rouge Pur Couture Lipstick – bold and classic lipstick colors.
-
Touche Éclat Concealer – a makeup artist favorite for brightening the skin.
Extra Services and Tools
-
Virtual try-on for lipsticks and eyeshadow (online tool).
-
Personal engraving for perfumes and lipsticks.
-
Luxurious packaging, often in gold and black.
Fashion vs. Beauty: A Quick Look
| Feature | Fashion (Kering) | Beauty (L’Oréal Luxe) |
|---|---|---|
| Products | Clothes, shoes, bags, accessories | Perfume, makeup, skincare |
| Creative Head | Anthony Vaccarello | Managed by L’Oréal Luxe |
| Where to Buy | Flagship stores, luxury retailers | Sephora, beauty stores, online |
| Audience | Exclusive luxury shoppers | Wider audience worldwide |
| Famous Codes | Le Smoking, black tailoring | Black Opium, Rouge Lipsticks |
Runway and Media
YSL has always been a big part of fashion media.
-
Runway Shows: Every year at Paris Fashion Week.
-
Magazines: Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Business of Fashion often write about YSL.
-
Celebrities: Catherine Deneuve, Zoë Kravitz, Hailey Bieber, and Kate Moss often wear YSL.
This keeps YSL in the spotlight as both a fashion leader and a cultural icon.
Cultural and Industry Impact
YSL’s importance goes beyond clothing.
Cultural Changes Yves Saint Laurent Brought
-
Women’s Power Dressing: Gave women suits and trousers, helping them feel equal to men.
-
Mix of Art and Fashion: Inspired by painters like Mondrian, Picasso, and Van Gogh.
-
Fashion Freedom: Believed clothing should express personal identity, not rules.
Industry Innovations
-
First designer to launch a ready-to-wear line under his own name.
-
Mixed luxury branding with everyday products.
-
Inspired modern designers with bold, timeless ideas.
Retail and Stores
YSL has stores all over the world.
Flagship Locations:
-
Paris (Avenue Montaigne, Rive Droite concept store).
-
New York.
-
Tokyo.
-
Shanghai.
Ecommerce:
-
Fashion sold on ysl.com and luxury websites like Net-a-Porter.
-
YSL Beauty sold widely at Sephora and department stores.
This mix of exclusive boutiques and wide beauty sales keeps YSL both elite and accessible.
Heritage and Museums
The brand also protects its history.
-
Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris – has thousands of clothes, sketches, and photos.
-
Musée Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech – celebrates YSL’s love for Morocco.
-
Update: The Paris museum is closed for renovation until autumn 2027.
These museums make sure the YSL story is remembered not just as fashion, but as art and culture.
Corporate Structure
-
Fashion House: Owned by Kering (same group as Gucci, Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta).
-
Beauty: Managed by L’Oréal Luxe (part of the world’s biggest cosmetics group).
-
Result: YSL dominates luxury fashion and prestige beauty, reaching many types of customers.
FAQS
Who is Yves Saint Laurent?
A French fashion designer (1936–2008), Dior’s former creative director and the founder of the YSL house; famed for innovations like Le Smoking tuxedo and for shaping modern women’s fashion.
How to pronounce “Yves Saint Laurent”?
“eev san loh-RAHN” (French: /iv sɛ̃ lɔʁɑ̃/; final t sounds are silent).
Who owns Yves Saint Laurent?
The fashion house (Saint Laurent) is owned by Kering. YSL Beauty (makeup/fragrance) is owned by L’Oréal.
Is Yves Saint Laurent cruelty-free?
YSL Beauty is not certified cruelty-free (tests may occur where required by law).
Is Yves Saint Laurent (the person) still alive?
No. He died on June 1, 2008.
How did Yves Saint Laurent die?
From brain cancer in Paris.
How much is Yves Saint Laurent perfume?
Prices vary by size/edition. On the official site, popular scents are roughly about US$100–$205 for standard bottles, with smaller travel sizes also offered. Check the exact product page for current pricing.
How to spot a fake Yves Saint Laurent bag (quick checks):
-
-
Logo & font: crisp “SAINT LAURENT PARIS,” even spacing; no fuzzy edges.
-
Hardware: solid weight; clean engravings; color matches across pieces.
-
Stitching & leather: tight, even stitches; high-quality leather (no glue residue).
-
Serial/label: heat-stamped “MADE IN ITALY” and serial inside; font consistent.
-
Packaging & docs: dust bag, care cards, and receipt should match store standards. (When unsure, use an authenticated reseller or professional authentication service.)
-
Conclusion
Yves Saint Laurent is more than just a brand. It is a story of freedom, art, and modern style. From the tuxedo suit for women to perfumes like Black Opium, YSL has always created products that are both powerful and elegant.
The fashion house continues to grow under Anthony Vaccarello, focusing on bold, sharp styles. YSL Beauty makes the brand part of everyday life with perfumes, makeup, and skincare. The museums keep the founder’s history alive, while Kering and L’Oréal give the brand the strength to compete globally.
More than 60 years after it was founded, YSL is still a symbol of timeless fashion and modern luxury.
