Saint Laurent, Yves

Saint Laurent was born in Oran, Algeria. He left home at the age of 17 to work for designer, Christian Dior. He was put in charge of the effort of saving the Dior house from financial ruin after Christian Dior's death in 1957. He then served in the French army. After being hazed by fellow soldiers, he left after 20 days. He then suffered a nervous breakdown and was institutionalized. In 1962, he was released, and he and his partner, Pierre Berge started their own fashion house. He retired in 2002 and became reclusive. He died on June 1, 2008 from the effects of brain cancer.