One of the best Fashion Designer / Couturier : Yves Saint Laurent left us yesterday June 1st at the age of 71 (11pm Paris time). WWD reports the designer died of brain cancer. The legendary couturier passed away in the presence of [business partner Pierre] Berge and longtime friend and muse Betty Catroux. Catherine Deneuve arrived shortly after he died…

In 1957, the Algerian-born Saint Laurent became the head designer of Christian Dior…, making the line famous for his trapeze silhouette. In 1960, he was drafted into the military, setting off a lifelong battle with nerves and depression. In 1962, the pair launched the Rive Gauche collection, which was famous for its pantsuits and tuxedo and smoking jackets. Saint Laurent sold the rights to his company to Gucci Group in 1999 and retired in 2002.

It’s said that friction between , Gucci’s then creative director, and Saint Laurent was one of the main reasons for his retirement…

Saint Laurent’s funeral is scheduled for Thursday at 3:30 p.m. in Paris at the Eglise Saint-Roch at 296 Rue Saint Honoré. French president Nicolas Sarkozy is expected to attend. After the funeral, Saint Laurent’s ashes will be sent to his famous Majorelle Garden in Marrakech.