Yves Saint Laurent: French Couturier Who Redefined Women's Fashion Dies

Yves Saint Laurent was a French fashion designer. Born on August 1, 1936, in Oran, French Algeria, he became Christian Dior's assistant at 17.

After Dior's death in 1957, Saint Laurent took over the house at age 21. He founded his own label in 1961 with partner Pierre Berge. His designs included the Mondrian dress, the tuxedo suit for women known as Le Smoking, and the safari jacket. He helped bring ready-to-wear into high fashion with the Rive Gauche line.

He retired in 2002. Saint Laurent died of brain cancer at his home in Paris on June 1, 2008, at age 71.

Achievements: Founder of Yves Saint Laurent, created Le Smoking and the Mondrian dress.

Birth: August 1, 1936 - Oran, Algeria.

Profession: Fashion designer.

Interesting Facts: He became head of Dior at 21.