PARIS (voa) – The legendary French designer Yves Saint Laurent has announced his retirement, closing a major chapter in fashion history. At a news conference in Paris Monday, the 65-year-old Mr. Saint Laurent confirmed press reports he is stepping down.
A pivotal figure in fashion for more than 40 years, Mr. Saint Laurent is widely credited with having redefined women’s clothes. He is recognized for introducing pantsuits for women and the daring see-through blouse.
Reading from a prepared statement, the reclusive designer said he created the wardrobe of the contemporary woman and participated in the transformation of his times.
He said he believed fashion was not only supposed to make women beautiful but to give them confidence and allow them to come to terms with themselves.
The Algerian-born designer rose to prominence in the fashion world in the late-1950’s with a line for Christian Dior that drew immediate acclaim. He set up his own fashion house in 1961, along with Pierre Berge.
In 1999, Mr. Saint Laurent and Mr. Berge gave up the rights to the Yves Saint Laurent line when they sold the company to Gucci.
Some reports cited tensions between Mr. Saint Laurent and Gucci’s creative director, Texan fashion designer Tom Ford, as a potential factor in Mr. Saint Laurent’s decision to retire.
But Mr. Berge says Mr. Saint Laurent’s decision to step down was his alone.
