Yves Saint Laurent Yves Saint Laurent Legendary fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent has died at the age of 71.

Yves, who retired from fashion in 2002, passed away at his home in Paris.

He had been ill for some time prior to his death.

Yves was widely regarded as one of the greatest fashion designers of the 20th century, credited with pioneering ready-to-wear designs.

He was known as an iconic fashion creator, ranked alongside the likes of Christian Dior and Coco Chanel.

French president Nicolas Sarkozy paid tribute to the designer, saying: "One of the greatest names of fashion has disappeared, the first to elevate haute couture to the rank of art."