19 Brands Like Yves Saint Laurent for Luxury Fashion

Discover luxury fashion brands like Yves Saint Laurent - offering iconic style, edgy elegance, and rebellious glamour for the sophisticated trendsetter.
Written by: 
Ash Read
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If you're drawn to the iconic, sophisticated, and slightly rebellious glamour of Yves Saint Laurent, you already have incredible taste. The brand mastered the art of blending classic Parisian chic with a modern, edgy attitude, creating everything from sharp tuxedo blouses to legendary It-bags that scream confidence.

For those looking to expand their wardrobe with brands that capture a similar high-fashion spirit, there are plenty of amazing designers to explore. Here are 19 luxury brands that offer that same sense of effortless cool and standout design.

1. Balmain

Balmain is all about glamour turned up to eleven. Famous for its sharp, structured silhouettes, intricate embellishments, and a strong rock-chic vibe, this brand is pure unapologetic confidence. Think power shoulders, ornate gold hardware, and military-precision tailoring.

Compared to YSL's sophisticated edge, Balmain is more overtly extravagant and rebellious. If you love the dramatic side of YSL and want to make an even bigger entrance, Balmain's statement pieces are for you. Their structured blazers are legendary for a reason.

Shop now at www.balmain.com

2. Givenchy

Givenchy blends Parisian elegance with a dark, romantic twist and clean, modern lines. Offering everything from tailored suits to luxurious leather goods, Givenchy shares YSL's sophisticated yet daring aesthetic but often expresses it through a more minimalist lens.

You'll find a similar commitment to sharp cuts and high-quality materials, but Givenchy focuses more on understated luxury and architectural silhouettes. It's the perfect brand for anyone who appreciates impeccable tailoring that feels both timeless and forward-thinking.

Shop now at www.givenchy.com

3. Alexander McQueen

Alexander McQueen brings theatricality and artistry to high fashion. Known for its avant-garde designs and darkly romantic sensibility, the brand is perfect for those who see fashion as a form of expression. From their iconic skull motifs to sculpted gowns, every piece tells a story.

While YSL's rebellion feels sleek and wearable, McQueen's is more experimental and dramatic. Both brands appeal to luxury shoppers who want unique, boundary-pushing pieces, but McQueen delivers fashion with an unmistakable couture-level drama.

Shop now at www.alexandermcqueen.com

4. Saint Laurent

This may seem obvious, but the current ready-to-wear face of the brand, Saint Laurent, is the most direct comparison you can find. It perfectly embodies the modern, rock'n'roll spirit that has defined the house in recent decades, focusing on sleek leather jackets, skinny jeans, sharp boots, and must-have bags.

If your love for YSL is rooted in its contemporary chic and edgy L.A.-meets-Paris vibe, then diving deeper into the Saint Laurent collections is your best bet. It offers a more accessible way to bring the brand's core aesthetic into your everyday wardrobe.

Shop now at www.ysl.com

5. Chanel

Chanel is the epitome of timeless, classic Parisian luxury. It’s famous for its quilted handbags, signature tweed suits, and elegant fine jewelry that have defined sophistication for generations. It’s where heritage and quintessential French style meet.

While YSL channels a more rock-and-roll modernity, Chanel offers a more refined and ladylike take on luxury. Both brands serve a clientele that values impeccable craftsmanship and iconic status, making Chanel a perfect choice for those who want to invest in pure, enduring elegance.

Shop now at www.chanel.com

6. Dior

Feminine, graceful, and always romantic, Dior is another legendary Parisian house that defines luxury. Known for its elegant silhouettes and innovative couture craftsmanship, Dior offers everything from dreamy dresses and tulle skirts to the iconic Lady Dior and Saddle bags.

Dior often leans into a softer, more whimsical glamour compared to YSL's sharp edginess. However, both brands attract sophisticated shoppers with a love for high-quality, trend-defining pieces that feel incredibly special.

Shop now at www.dior.com

7. Valentino

Valentino is celebrated for its breathtaking romance, glorious evening gowns, and famous signature red hue. The brand masters the art of exquisite, feminine fashion, incorporating intricate embroidery, flowing fabrics, and a modern edge with its iconic Rockstud details.

Where YSL is sleek and powerful, Valentino is all about enchanting glamour. Both brands deliver statement-making pieces with authority, but Valentino's language is one of modern romance and high fantasy fashion.

Shop now at www.valentino.com

8. Balenciaga

Balenciaga is at the cutting edge of fashion, known for pushing boundaries with innovative, oversized silhouettes and a strong streetwear influence. It has redefined modern luxury with its experimental shapes, hugely popular sneakers, and ironic accessories.

While both brands cater to a high-end crowd seeking to make a statement, Balenciaga's vibe is intentionally disruptive and more connected to street culture than YSL's traditionally refined elegance. If you like your luxury with a dose of avant-garde hype, this is for you.

Shop now at www.balenciaga.com

9. Celine

Celine champions a minimalist, sophisticated, and effortlessly chic aesthetic. The brand delivers clean lines, timeless designs, and the kind of high-quality essentials that form the foundation of a luxurious wardrobe. Celine's leather goods, in particular, are highly sought-after staples.

Like YSL, Celine offers modern, understated luxury. Pieces under Hedi Slimane’s direction have drawn parallels to his era at Saint Laurent, appealing to those who live in chic T-shirts, perfect-fit jeans, tailored blazers, and timeless boots.

Shop now at www.celine.com

10. Fendi

Fendi perfectly blends Italian craftsmanship with a playful, often humorous, take on luxury. Famous for its expert use of fur, its iconic FF logo pattern, and crave-worthy handbags like the Peekaboo and Baguette, Fendi stands for irreverent fun.

While YSL typically favors a more streamlined and rock-chic cool, Fendi isn’t afraid to use bold prints and quirky accessories. It’s an ideal choice for shoppers who want their luxury pieces to have a strong sense of personality and wit.

Shop now at www.fendi.com

11. Bottega Veneta

Bottega Veneta is the definition of "quiet luxury." Renowned for its exceptional Italian leather craftsmanship, particularly its signature intrecciato weave, this brand focuses on premium materials and impeccable construction over flashy logos.

Similar to YSL, Bottega Veneta prioritizes quality, but it does so with a much calmer, more minimalist spirit. For those who gravitate towards YSL's handbags and accessories for their elegance and want that same quality in a more pared-back form, Bottega is a must-see.

Shop now at www.bottegaveneta.com

12. Prada

Prada has built its identity on cerebral, innovative design that blends classic Italian luxury with a forward-thinking, often unconventional, approach. From its signature nylon bags to its sharp tailoring and daring footwear, Prada pieces feel intellectual and cool.

Prada’s experimental and sometimes utilitarian style contrasts with YSL’s more sensual Parisian chic. It’s the go-to brand for fashion lovers who appreciate an avant-garde edge and aren't afraid to take sartorial risks.

Shop now at www.prada.com

13. Loewe

Hailing from Spain, Loewe is loved for its incredible leather goods, brilliant use of color, and high-fashion designs infused with a sense of surrealism and art. The brand feels both handcrafted and exceptionally modern, with unique hits like the Puzzle Bag and Basket tote.

Like YSL, Loewe has a strong artistic appeal, but where YSL often finds its art in sleek, sharp lines, Loewe explores softer, more sculptural and craft-oriented shapes. It's for the shopper who sees accessories not just as status symbols but as wearable art.

Shop now at www.loewe.com

14. Tom Ford

If you're seeking unabashed glamour and bold, confident sex appeal, look no further than Tom Ford. His brand epitomizes sultry modern luxury with flawless tailoring, provocative cuts, and accessories that are pure decadence.

Both YSL and Tom Ford create fashion for a powerful, self-assured person, but Tom Ford's aesthetic turns the dial up on overtly sexy design. For red-carpet moments or any time you want to command the room, Tom Ford delivers high-impact glamour.

Shop now at www.tomford.com

15. Mugler

Once an icon of '80s power dressing, Mugler has been reborn as the master of futuristic, architectural, and powerfully sensual designs. Known for its signature spiral illusion bodysuits, sharp jackets, and sculpted silhouettes, Mugler is for those who dare to be different.

While YSL’s elegance is more refined, Mugler pushes aesthetic boundaries to celebrate the body in an almost sci-fi way. It’s the perfect brand for anyone feeling the more avant-garde, corset-inspired side of today's trends.

Shop now at www.mugler.com

16. Roberto Cavalli

Roberto Cavalli is synonymous with Italian extravagance, rock-and-roll glamour, and iconic animal prints. The brand offers a brand of high-end fashion that is bold, flamboyant, and sensual, leaning heavily on flowing silk, exotic patterns, and decadent embellishments.

Compared to YSL’s sleeker mood, Cavalli represents a kind of wild, bohemian-luxe vibe. If you love the glamorous spirit of luxury fashion but want to trade neutral color palettes for vibrant, maximalist prints, Cavalli is your stop.

Shop now at www.robertocavalli.com

17. Aquazzura

Aquazzura specializes in crafting show-stopping luxury footwear. Creative director Edgardo Osorio merges Italian craftsmanship with playful, vibrant, and incredibly comfortable designs characterized by his signature details, such as pineapples on the soles.

While YSL is a giant in footwear with iconic heels like the Opyum and Tribute sandals, Aquazzura is for the enthusiast who wants to focus specifically on statement shoes that are both flirty and sophisticated.

Shop now at www.aquazzura.com

18. Jimmy Choo

A legend in luxury footwear, Jimmy Choo is renowned for its glamorous and expertly crafted shoes that are a red carpet and aisle-walking staple. Beyond beautiful heels, the brand has expanded to sneakers, boots, and a full line of elegant accessories to match.

YSL offers edgier, more fashion-forward shoe silhouettes, while Jimmy Choo leans more into timeless glamour and classic elegance. If you need a trusted pair of killer heels or luxury shoes for a special occasion, you can’t go wrong here.

Shop now at www.jimmychoo.com

19. Acne Studios

Acne Studios brings a unique Scandinavian minimalism to the luxury market. The Stockholm-based brand is known for its contemporary, cool, and slightly quirky essentials, from impeccable denim and leather jackets to chunky mohair knits and their signature straight-faced emoticon logo patches.

If YSL represents high-wattage Parisian glamour, Acne Studios is its cool, laid-back counterpart. It's the perfect choice for investing in high-end, everyday ready-to-wear pieces with an understated, art-school edge.

Shop now at www.acnestudios.com

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