Yves Saint Laurent dies

Tributes are pouring in this morning from designers and fashion fans around the globe, as the fashion industry mourns the loss of one of it's leading lights.

Saint Laurent, who burst onto the fashion scene in 1958 with his first collection for Dior (taking the helm from Mr Dior himself), made headlines revolutionising women's fashion, most famously for designing trouser suits for women, including his iconic 'le smoking' tuxedo and putting the safari jacket on the catwalk for the first time - now a fashion staple. He was also hugely influenced by his home Morocco, where he spent much of his time since retiring in 2002.

Saint Laurent was respected by both his peers, including Karl Largerfeld and Oscar De La Renta, who said yesterday, "At one point, for a very long time, he was the king of fashion. Everyone wanted to be Yves Saint Laurent", as well as an army of young fashion designers all of whom were influenced by the man considered one of the greatest fashion designers in history.

“He’s my big fashion hero and always has been and it’s really sad that he’s gone,” said Marc Jacobs last night. “I just think to me and to so many others he has been such a great inspiration in terms of everything, first and foremost in terms design. Saint Laurent was the first to look at youth and street culture and take elements and make them chic."

While Vera Wang told WWD last night, “I think I’m in shock. I’m in fashion today because of him."

His business partner Pierre Berger announced today that Saint Laurent died of brain cancer. A funeral will be held on Thursday in Paris, with French President Nicholas Sarkosy expected to attend. Saint Laurent's ashes will be scattered in Marrakech.

By Laurelle Gilbert

Posted: 2 June 2008