The Saint Laurent story
Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé founded their fashion house in Paris in 1961. Saint Laurent had succeeded Christian Dior at the age of 21. He introduced Le Smoking, the tuxedo for women, in 1966, and was among the first couturiers to launch a ready-to-wear line, Rive Gauche, the same year.
What makes Saint Laurent powerful
Saint Laurent's power comes from that legacy of modern, liberated style for women. The YSL monogram, designed by Cassandre, and the sharp silhouettes of its collections make it one of Paris's most desired houses. Its leather goods, such as the Loulou and Le 5 à 7 bags, are major sellers.
Saint Laurent today
Saint Laurent is owned by Kering, the Paris luxury group. YSL Beauty is licensed to L'Oréal. Anthony Vaccarello has been creative director since 2016 and also leads Saint Laurent Productions, the house's film production company.
What comes next for Saint Laurent
Saint Laurent's next phase is about keeping its momentum within Kering and extending into new categories while protecting its exclusivity.
Why Saint Laurent ranks #40
Brand Positioning & Recall (78.0) and Consumer Trust & Sentiment (70.0) carry Saint Laurent's Power Score of 71.20.
Digital Presence & Financial Soundness at 66.0. What would move it: Stronger digital engagement and clearer published financial reporting at brand level.
Pillar profile
Versus its nearest rivals
17 Luxury & Fashion brands are in the Europe 100. Saint Laurent is #12 in its sector.
Questions people ask
What rank is Saint Laurent in WCRC's Europe's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026?
Saint Laurent ranks #40 of 100 in Europe's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026, with a WCRC Power Score of 71.20 out of 100.
When was Saint Laurent founded and who founded it?
Saint Laurent was founded in 1961. Founder(s): Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé.
What is Saint Laurent's weakest area?
In the 2026 assessment, Saint Laurent's lowest pillar is Sustainability, Governance & ESG at 66.0 out of 100.
Who leads Saint Laurent today?
Kering CEO Luca de Meo. The brand is owned by Kering SA.
Where is Saint Laurent headquartered?
Saint Laurent is based in Paris, France. Its country of origin is France.
What is Saint Laurent's revenue?
€2.64bn revenue (FY2025, -8%); Kering €14.68bn, according to the company's published results.
What is a signature fact about Saint Laurent?
Yves Saint Laurent introduced Le Smoking, the tuxedo for women, in 1966.
Key facts
| Brand | Saint Laurent |
|---|---|
| Company / owner | Kering SA |
| Headquarters | Paris, France |
| Founded | 1961 |
| Founder(s) | Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé |
| Leadership | Kering CEO Luca de Meo |
| Latest revenue | €2.64bn revenue (FY2025, -8%); Kering €14.68bn Source |
| Sector | Luxury & Fashion |
| Country of origin | France |
| Signature fact | Yves Saint Laurent introduced Le Smoking, the tuxedo for women, in 1966. |
| Official website | ysl.com |
Saint Laurent is ranked #40 in WCRC's Europe's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026 (Power Score 71.20).