Yves Saint Laurent

Sadly, one of the most renowned French fashion designers of the 20th century, Yves Saint Laurent, passed away in Paris last night at the age of 71.

Saint Laurent was originally hired by leading couturier, Christian Dior, who had seen something special in his designs. When Christian Dior died suddenly three years later (1957), Saint Laurent took his place of head couturier at the house of Dior.

In 1960 he left Dior to found his own company – Yves Saint Laurent – and went on to become one of the few leading designers of the 20th Century. Yves Saint Laurent retired from haute couture design in 2002. He was at the top of the fashion world and recognised as one of fashion’s greats, next to the likes of Coco Chanel and Christian Dior.

Saint Laurent’s empire expanded to include the ready-to-wear Rive Gauche label, accessories, perfumes and beauty products.

Of Saint Laurent, fellow designer Christian Lacroix once said: “Yves Saint Laurent is much more versatile...I sometimes think he’s got the form of Chanel with the opulence of Dior and the wit of Schiaparelli.”

He will be remembered for his versatility and evolving style and his ability to effortlessly fuse body and garment as one.

“Fashion fades, style is eternal.”
Yves Saint Laurent