Article: Saint Laurent exits with style Fashion industry giant announces retirement after four decades as a primary influence on women's clothing

Like Coco Chanel, Christian Dior and Balenciaga, Yves Saint Laurent defined 20th century fashion. His retirement announcement Monday ended 40 years as a style innovator.

With his pantsuit designs, Saint Laurent liberated women. He defined elegance for generations, clothing such famous names as French actress Catherine Deneuve, socialite Nan Kempner and the late Soviet first lady Raisa Gorbachev. And he presented fashion not only as commerce, but as art.

"Saint Laurent is the supreme reference, the greatest, whom I admire and I revere," French designer Jean-Paul Gaultier told the Liberation newspaper Monday. "He knew how to make dreams real and embodied the fantasies of every period."

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