ARCHIVAL Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Early 1980s Cord & Filigree Belt

A distinctive archival Saint Laurent Rive Gauche belt from the early 1980s, created during Yves Saint Laurent’s personal creative direction and defined by its richly textured cord construction and ornate gold-tone medallion closure. The piece captures the designer’s celebrated ability to combine Parisian refinement with folkloric, bohemian and decorative influences, transforming an accessory into a focal point of the complete silhouette.

Constructed from multiple strands of dark brown cord, the belt wraps softly around the waist and is punctuated by fine gold-tone bands that create subtle structure throughout the textile construction. At the centre, two sculptural gold-tone filigree medallions form the statement fastening, each intricately worked with granulated and embossed decoration and finished with a contrasting dark cabochon-like centre.

This combination of corded passementerie, ornate metalwork and jewel-like detailing was particularly characteristic of Saint Laurent’s late-1970s and early-1980s accessories. Comparable Rive Gauche cord belts from F/W 1981 are documented by specialist archival dealers and were styled prominently within the House’s period imagery.

During this period, Saint Laurent frequently used elaborate belts to define the waist of flowing dresses, folkloric ensembles and dramatically layered silhouettes. The accessory became an important part of his styling vocabulary, adding texture, historical reference and artisanal richness to otherwise fluid garments. Museums including the Palais Galliera preserve Saint Laurent Rive Gauche belts from approximately 1980–1985, underlining the significance of accessories within the designer’s ready-to-wear universe.

The combination of early-1980s Rive Gauche provenance, intricate gold-tone metalwork and unusual multi-strand cord construction gives this belt strong collector appeal. It represents the more decorative, romantic side of Yves Saint Laurent’s design language and remains exceptionally effective for styling over dresses, tailoring, knitwear or evening pieces.

Yves Saint Laurent’s aesthetic was closely shaped by influential muses including Catherine Deneuve, Betty Catroux and Loulou de la Falaise, with the latter especially associated with the House’s richly accessorised, bohemian sensibility.

Brand: Saint Laurent Rive Gauche 
Designer: Yves Saint Laurent 
Material: Corded Rope & Gold-Tone Metal 
Colour: Dark Brown & Gold
Era: 1970-1980's - Archival 

Condition

Pre-owned item with minor signs of wear consistent with age and careful use.

Some images may include AI-assisted visualisation.

Late returns incur a daily fee of 5% of the retail value or €40–€60 per day, whichever is higher.