Yves Saint Laurent has become one of the most popular fashion brands in the modern world. Taking inspiration from turn-of-the-century attire and constantly modernizing it with a “today” look, YSL is a consistent contender for every major fashion award in the land.

The company's namesake, Yves Saint Laurent, was born in Oran, Algeria in 1936. He intended on becoming a fashion designer from a young age, showing his drawings to the famous director of Vogue, Michel de Brunhoff, at only 17 years of age. Laurent was immediately published and introduced to a hotshot designer named Christian Dior. Laurent and Dior worked closely until Christian's death in 1957.

Laurent turned tragedy into triumph by taking over as lead art director for Dior, and subsequently launching his first collection for the Ligne Trapeze Company that year. Surprisingly, the success of the line rivaled Dior's, and Laurent won a Neiman Marcus Oscar.

In 1960, Laurent designed what has become the brand's signature look: the “Beat Look,” using couture techniques to knock the rough edges off a “street style” look. Although the house of Dior didn't approve of the style, this same technique would become Laurent's calling card; however understated it may have been in the future.

After returning from service in 1962, Laurent decided to take the plunge and set up his own fashion house. With Pierre Berge, the duo astounded the stuck-in-their-ways establishment throughout the 1960s. Laurent introduced his now famous smoking suit in 1966, along with the sheer blouse, the “jumpsuit” in 1968, and a ready-to-wear line that was one of the most popular in the culture.

In the years to follow, Yves Saint Laurent continued to refine his style, though never straying away from his roots. He has always been able to take what's out there and improve on it. Many consider this to be a feat never before accomplished in the fashion world.

1998 was the year that Laurent showed his last ready-to-wear collection. Due to failing health, the designer wasn't even able to walk the runway and take a final bow. At 61 years of age, Laurent would have to find new talent to fill his large and unique shoes. This wasn't be a job he took lightly.

After looking at many talented young designers to take the helm, Laurent settled on a US designer, Alber Elbas, but the job was short lived. Gucci purchased the rights to the Laurent line in 1999, and gave Elbas the proverbial boot. Designer Tom Ford was given control of the Laurent ready-to-wear line, while Yves Saint Laurent kept control of his haute couture business.

Many consider Saint Laurent to be the preeminent designer of his era. He finally decided to retire from fashion completely in 2002, but the mark left on the fashion world will undoubtedly be there for decades to come. During his career, Laurent introduced many modern fashions, including a menswear line, jewelry, perfumes, sunglasses, furs, shoes, and other accessories that are sold worldwide.