A Tribute To A Legend….Yves Saint Laurent

 By Amy W

Paris, The Fashion Capital of the World, home to many legends in the fashion industry but this month only one in particular is truly legendary. From the words of the great Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent helped make Paris what it is today, he reworked the rules of fashion, serving women with iconic collections such as the ‘trapeze’ dress and the tailored suit.

 At the age of 21, Y.S.L was named the Chief Designer of the House of Dior, and in 1962 he founded his own label, which has graced the world of celebrities from Princess Grace of Monaco to Catherine Deneuve.

 "Gabrielle Chanel gave women freedom. Yves Saint Laurent gave them power," states Pierre Berge, Saint Laurent’s long-term business partner and former flame. He revolutionised fashion, introducing clothing we take for granted today. His trademark collections can be seen all over the high street and I guarantee everyone has an Yves Saint Laurent inspired item of clothing somewhere in their wardrobe.

For all those who wondered who thought of animal print as a fashion trend, it was the late man himself. Yves Saint Laurent used his animal print on various accessories, creating exotic handbags for women, unlike the cheap versions for the ‘Bet Lynch’ of today, which can be found in many multiples and market stalls.

 Yves Saint Laurent was a controversial genius in fashion, he certainly gave women power when he created the trouser suit, making it a daytime staple and an elegant evening option. Even the trends of today reflect his past creations from thigh high boots, to transparent blouses, animal prints and safari jackets (a must have trend for 2008).

 His collections were works of art, with each item being an individual masterpiece. A well respected man in fashion, Yves Saint Laurent was considered to be the last of a generation including Chanel and Dior that made Paris the fashion capital of today.

Saint Laurent inspired so many designers, from Jean Paul Gaultier to Giorgio Armani, even Dolce and Gabbana confessed to being inspired by him many times.

 In 2002 when Y.S.L announced his retirement, it was mourned in the fashion world as an end of an era. Six years later and we are now truly mourning the loss of one of the greatest fashion designers of our time.

The funeral for Yves Saint Laurent took place on Thursday 5th June at the Saint Roch Church, over 800 people attended forming an A List guestlist, a dream come true for any fashion follower. Surrounded by the likes of Vivienne Westwood, Jean Paul Gaultier, John Galliano, President Sarkozy, Carla Brunei - Sarkozy, Catherine Deneuve, Claudia Schiffer and Valentino, Y.S.L’s coffin draped in the French flag passed through the crowds and into the church where people paid their last respects to the most influential and enduring fashion designer of the twentieth century.

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