Though it now seems impossible that fashion could exist without ready-to-wear, no couturier had ever designed and produced clothes specifically for the average woman until Yves Saint Laurent (1936-2008) opened the first of his Rive Gauche boutiques in 1966. Even before founding his eponymous couture house in 1962, Yves Saint Laurent expressed interest in creating clothing that was accessible and functional for people beyond traditional couture patrons. Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé chose to realize this concept in the Latin Quarter of Paris’s Left Bank, known as “Rive Gauche” in French, for its bohemian, countercultural spirit. The boutique was an immediate success. Its vibrant, somewhat androgynous offerings quickly became a phenomenon among the Parisian youth. Icons of 1960s and 1970s style such as Francoise Hardy, Catherine Deneuve, and Talitha Getty frequently wore Rive Gauche. Major media attention spread this fervor around the globe, and Saint Laurent soon opened Rive Gauche boutiques in New York, Milan, Saint-Tropez, Munich, and many other cities. As his career progressed, Saint Laurent felt increasingly that, because the world of haute couture was so disconnected from the realities of modern life, Rive Gauche was a truer mode of expression than his couture house could ever be. With this, Yves Saint Laurent was among the first couturiers to recognize that fashion trickles up as well as down. This brand set the model for prêt-à-porter, that took the fashion world by storm. 

THE FIRST
Collarless cotton jacket in white with blue color-blocking. Two front patch pockets. Unlined.
Label: Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Size: 34
Country of Origin: France

Approximate Measurements: 
Chest: 38"
Shoulders: 34"
Sleeve Length from Center Back Neckline: 29"
Length from Center Back Neckline: 26.5"

THE SECOND
Sleeveless top in blue jersey with navy trim.
Label: Saint Laurent
Size: 36
Country of Origin: France

Approximate Measurements: 
Chest: 30"
Length from Center Back Neckline: 21.5"

THE THIRD
Mid-length cotton skirt in white with blue color-blocking. Hook-and-bar, button, and zip closures at side. Two front inset pockets. Unlined.
Label: Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Size: 34
Country of Origin: France

Approximate Measurements: 
Waist: 25"
Total Length: 29.5"

THE FOURTH
Flared lavallière blouse in black cotton with gathered pleats. Two inset pockets in side seams at hip.
Label: Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Size: Not Listed
Country of Origin: France

Approximate Measurements: 
Chest: 34"
Shoulders: 29"
Sleeve Length from Center Back Neckline: 33"
Length from Center Back Neckline: 29.5"

THE FIFTH
Mid-length cotton skirt in black with gathered pleats. Attached tie belt at waist.
Label: Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Size: 36
Country of Origin: France

Approximate Measurements: 
Waist: 32" (unbelted)
Total Length: 29"

THE SIXTH
Pleated wool skirt in multicolor tartan with blue knit trim. Hook and bar side closure.
Label: Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Size: 34
Country of Origin: France

Approximate Measurements: 
Waist: 24.5"
Total Length: 31"