Yves Saint Laurent has never been a brand associated with playing it safe. From dramatic oversized frames and gold aviators to sharp cat-eyes and futuristic visor sunglasses, vintage YSL eyewear reflects many of the same ideas that made the fashion house famous: strong silhouettes, confident design and an ability to make a statement without following everyone else.
Today, original vintage YSL sunglasses from the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s are increasingly sought after by collectors and by those simply looking for something different from modern designer eyewear.
For us, that's also what makes vintage Yves Saint Laurent particularly interesting. The designs vary enormously from one decade to another, and many of the original model and colour references can still be identified.
A Brief History of Yves Saint Laurent
The Yves Saint Laurent fashion house was founded in Paris in 1961 by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre BergĆ©. In 1966, Saint Laurent launched the influential Rive Gauche ready-to-wear line, bringing his designs to a much wider audience and helping change the relationship between haute couture and ready-to-wear fashion. That willingness to challenge convention can also be seen across decades of YSL eyewear. Rather than relying on one recognisable frame shape, vintage Yves Saint Laurent sunglasses range from fine metal aviators to dramatic acetate cat-eyes, oversized square frames, futuristic visor designs and understated 1990s rectangular frames.Ā
1970s YSL Sunglasses
Vintage YSL designs with a 1970s influence often feature large proportions, warm lens colours and gold metalwork. Aviator sunglasses are particularly representative of the period, with oversized lenses, double bridges and brown or amber graduated tints creating the unmistakable look associated with 1970s eyewear. Original models such as the YSL 30-3101 and 30-3121 demonstrate how Yves Saint Laurent interpreted the aviator with decorative metalwork and distinctly luxurious detailing.
1980s YSL Sunglasses
By the 1980s, many YSL designs became considerably bolder. Oversized acetate, dramatic brows, pronounced cat-eye shapes and strong colour combinations feature throughout surviving frames from the decade. Some were handmade in France, while others were manufactured in Italy, so country of manufacture can vary between vintage YSL models. Our collection includes everything from dramatic French-made cat-eyes such as the YSL 8702 to oversized square and visor-style sunglasses that look remarkably contemporary today.Ā
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There is no single YSL sunglasses shape. Our vintage collection includes:
- Cat-eye sunglasses, ranging from subtle upswept shapes to dramatic statement designs
- Oversized square frames
- Gold and metal aviators
- Slim 1990s rectangular sunglasses
- Oval and round designs
- Unusual visor and shield-style frames
- Petite sunglasses for smaller faces
- Men's and unisex vintage YSL styles
The variety is one of the biggest reasons we find the brand so interesting to work with.
How Do I Choose the Right Vintage YSL Sunglasses?
Start with the measurements rather than relying only on whether a frame is labelled men's or women's. Vintage sunglasses can fit very differently from modern designs, so we provide lens width, bridge width and temple measurements. Shape is then largely a matter of personal preference. Oversized and dramatic cat-eye YSL sunglasses make a strong statement, while slim rectangular and oval designs tend to feel more understated. Aviators and many of the metal frames also work particularly well as unisex styles. If you're unsure, compare the measurements with a pair of sunglasses you already own and find comfortable.
Can Vintage YSL Sunglasses Have Prescription Lenses?
Yes, most can. As qualified opticians, we can fit suitable vintage YSL frames with prescription sunglasses lenses, clear prescription lenses and bespoke fashion tints. Some unusual constructions, particularly certain visor-style frames, cannot be reglazed, so any restrictions are stated on the individual product page.Ā
Why Buy Vintage YSL Sunglasses?
For us, the appeal isn't simply having the YSL name on the side. It's the variety. A French-made oversized frame from the 1980s can look completely different from a slim Italian YSL design from the 1990s, while a gold aviator from an earlier period offers something different again. Original model numbers, unusual colourways, period manufacturing details and designs that are no longer produced give vintage Yves Saint Laurent eyewear an individuality that can be difficult to find in a modern collection. Explore our collection of authentic vintage YSL sunglasses, including rare new old stock, 1980s and 1990s designs, vintage aviators, cat-eyes, oversized frames and original YSL Heart sunglasses.