One of the most influential fashion designers of our time has passed away. Yves Saint Laurent died today in Paris at the age of 71. No cause of death has yet been released.

Saint Laurent is probably the main force behind women wearing pants on a daily basis. When he suggested pants for women, it was considered highly controversial, but he said that his job was "to make clothes that reflect our times. I'm convinced women want to wear pants." Obviously, he was right.
Other trends for which he is largely responsible are peacoats and safari jackets, leopard prints, trench coats, and peasant-inspired clothing (although in rich fabrics). He took much of his inspiration from the great artists like Picasso, but he was also inspired by what he saw on the streets (hence the peacoat, which he originally saw in New York Army-Navy stores).

He burst onto the fashion scene in 1957 as the successor to Christian Dior. He was only 21 when his first collection debuted -- it was received with enthusiasm, as has every collection since. He started on top and remained there, remaining flexible enough to evolve along with fashion.

Though he became a more conservative designer as he aged, he continued to have great influence over the world of fashion. We'll continue to see his influence in fashion for years to come, but the legend will be missed.