TIMELINE OF A LIFETIME

1936: Born in Oran, Algeria

1954: Hired by Christian Dior as his studio assistant

1957: Dior dies; replaces him and becomes, at age 21, the youngest couturier in the world

1958: Meets longtime romantic partner Pierre Berge

1960: Presents first haute couture leather jacket on the catwalk; drafted for military service and replaced at Dior by Marc Bohan

1961: Sets up own couture house with Berge

1962: First Yves Saint Laurent fashion show at 30 Bis Rue Spontini; first pea jacket

1964: First perfume: Y

1965: Tribute to Mondrian collection

1966: Pop Art collection; first tuxedo; first see-through garments (the"nude look"); discovers Marrakech, Morocco with Berge and buys Dar el Hanch (House of the Serpent) in the Medina; opens first Rive Gauche boutique at 21 Rue de Tournon

1967: African collection; publishes La Vilaine Lulu("Naughty Lulu"); dresses Catherine Deneuve for Luis Bunuel's film Belle de Jour

1968: First safari suit; first jumpsuit

1971: Launches Rive Gauche perfume for women; poses nude for photographer Jeanloup Sieff to promote Pour Homme, his first eau de toilette for men