Notable deaths of 2008
Yves Saint Laurent was considered one of the greatest figures for French fashion in the 20th century. In 1950, he was hired by well-known designer Christian Dior and by age 21, Laurent was the head designer for the House of Dior. He is known for spurring fashion's rise in the 1960s and making "ready-to-wear" more reputable. He was also the first designer to use black models in his runway shows. He died on June 1 of brain cancer. Associated Press
