Co-founder of Yves Saint Laurent Pierre Bergé has died at the age of 86 in his country home in Saint-Remy-de-Provence. Together with Yves Saint Laurent, the designer had founded the Maison back in 1961, after first meeting Yves in 1958 when the latter was still the head designer at Christian Dior.

Bergé has not only helped spread Saint Laurent’s influence onto the fashion industry, but he was also previously elected president of the ChambreSyndicale du Pret-a-Porter des Couturiers et des Createurs de Mode.

 “It is with a deep emotion that I have learned of Pierre Bergé’s passing, he welcomed me with kindness since my first day at Saint Laurent. His advice and his support have always guided me. I am infinitely sad that he will not be able to attend the opening of the two museums in Paris and Marrakech that he cared about so much. A great figure in French culture has left us” said Anthony Vaccarello, Artistic Director of Yves Saint Laurent.

“Mr. Pierre Bergé was always ahead of his time. He believed in the power of creativity. He believed that art, fashion and culture could change lives and the way we live. Mr. Yves Saint Laurent and Mr. Bergé founded the eponymous Maison with creativity at the heart of the house. Creativity is fundamental and believing in it is the key to success. Mr. Pierre Bergé was an inspiration for me. He trusted his instincts. He fought for what he believed in. He stayed true to himself being the founder and supporter of incredible cultural and educational activities. This extraordinary heritage is the DNA of the Maison and we are honored and thankful to have the chance to bring his values and his spirit into the future. My thoughts are with his closest friends and family” said Francesca Bellettini, President and CEO of Yves Saint Laurent.

The devastating news strikes the fashion industry quite harshly as a man with great influence and power departs the Maison Yves Saint Laurent.