Famous French cosmetics manufacturer Yves Rocher. Photo: AFP/Getty Images
The beauty world is mourning one of its own.
Yves Rocher, who 50 years ago founded the eponymous beauty brand that blazed the trail for eco beauty, passed away on Dec. 26 at the age of 79 following a stroke, WWD reports.
The French-born Rocher is credited with turning his plant-based skincare and cosmetics company into a global natural beauty powerhouse thanks to catalogue and door-to-door sales, according to the paper, which says Groupe Yves Rocher currently boasts 40 million clients and annual revenues of approximately $2.88 billion.
His death has sparked tributes from notables such as French president Nicolas Sarkozy, who reportedly called Rocher a "great French industrialist, inventor of plant-based cosmetics and pioneer of catalogue sales."
Rocher's grandson, Bris Rocher, will reportedly take on the role of president of Groupe Yves Rocher, which also holds Daniel Jouvance, Petit Bateau, Stanhome and Dr. Pierre Ricaud, according to the source.
In the meanwhile, we'll remember Rocher's amazing influence and contributions to eco-minded beauty. Rest in peace, Yves.
This year also saw the passing of famed fashion photographer Sam Haskins. See our tribute to his iconic images.