Yves Saint Laurent -- A Remarkable Legacy

I was incredibly saddened by the news of the death of legendary and iconic fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, who died Sunday evening at his home in Paris.

His work, which was worn by some of the most influential and beautiful (I don't suggest those two descriptors are exclusive from one another) people, and some of his creations were so innovative and creative, they have shaped the very form of fashion for decades.

Yet, behind such glamour and obvious talent, Monsieur Laurent was, himself, a very quiet and troubled man. Often incredibly insecure about himself, after many years of being bullied for being both gay and eccentric, he frequently fell ill and became immensely depressed.

When I met him, two years ago at his beautiful house in Paris, he was so very kind to me and was such a marvelously funny entertainer that I couldn't believe that such amazing and provocative designs could come from a man so un-arty, not down to earth, but certainly somewhere near. And even after a forced retirement in 2002, his work still stood out as defining of the 20th century and way ahead of any of his successors.

I, alongside millions of others all across the world, shall miss him so very much.

PS. If you are on Facebook, there is a group set up where people are exchanging memories and messages regarding YSL's death. Here is the link.

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