Yves Saint-Laurent

Full Bio One of the most revered fashion designers of the late 20th century, Yves Saint Laurent initially established himself as the protégé of haute couture giant Christian Dior in the late '50s (just prior to Dior's premature death), and spent the ensuing decades permanently altering the way in which the Western world perceived modern apparel for women. Such period fashion staples as the tuxedo jacket (designed for men but retooled for women), trench coats, peacoats, safari jackets, and even women's workday pants (a suggestion considered scandalous when first made) owed much, if not everything, to Saint Laurent.