August 1, 1936 - June 1, 2008
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Vyes Henri Dave Mathieu-Saint-Laurent was one of the greatest fashion designers of our time. Joining Christian Dior at the age of 17, Yves was quickly boosted into the limelight when Dior died, leaving Saint-Laurent at the head of the fashion house at the tender age of 22.

He was drafted into the army shortly after that and suffered a nervous breakdown (not really the place for fashion designers). He returned and headed up the new design house, YSL, which brought us some of the world most famous designs, including the classic suit/tuxedo for women. The most iconic of all images being this one by Helmut Lang of "Le Smoking" suit.

"Le Smoking" by Helmut Lang

Saint-Laurent became increasingly reclusive during the last decade and was ill for some time before his death. His final public speech was given in Paris in 2002:

"I tell myself that I created the wardrobe of the contemporary woman, that I participated in the transformation of my times," he said. "For a long time now, I have believed that fashion was not only supposed to make women beautiful, but to reassure them, to give them confidence, to allow them to come to terms with themselves."

YSL underwear still remains a favourite among the well heeled Cape Town privately schooled African men.

Click here to check out Saint-Laurent's New York apartment.
 

Seth Rotherham
Editor
2oceansvibe.com
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