Iconic French designer Yves Saint Laurent died today at the age of 71.  Laurent began his fashion career as assistant to Christian Dior and became head designer at 22 after Dior’s death in 1957.   In 1962 Yves Saint Laurent founded his eponymous label.  Saint Laurent is one of the most celebrated fashion designers of the 20th century and he is credited with making the women’s trouser a staple.  He is also famous for, among other things, his Mondrian collection, dressing Catherine Deneuve in Belle du Jour and Le Smoking (famously worn by Bianca Jagger on her wedding day).  He was the first living designer honored by the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.  The fashion and art world suffered a great loss today.  Yves Saint Laurent’s contributions will be felt for decades to come.  

Le Smoking, Helmut Newton, 1975
More photos after the jump . . .


Bianca Jagger wedding suit

YSL with Catherine Deneuve

YSL, Mondrian dress 

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Tags: belle du jour, bianca jagger, catherine deneuve, mondrian, rip, yves saint laurent