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| Laurent is widely regarded as the godfather of the ready-to-wear collection and in 1966 introduced le smoking, his legendary smoking suit, which became a symbol of the growing empowerment of women |
Fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is convalescing at the American Hospital in Paris after suffering acute health problems.
Pierre Bergé, the couturier's partner, said Laurent was "not doing well" and that he was beset with respiratory trouble. Saint Laurent also is having difficulty walking.
Laurent, who began his career at Christian Dior is widely regarded as the godfather of the ready-to-wear collection and in 1966 introduced le smoking, his legendary smoking suit, which became a symbol for the growing empowerment of women.
The designer bowed out from the world of fashion in 2002 because he was disillusioned with the state of the industry which had become ruled more by commercial gain than art.
He said: "I have nothing in common with this new world of fashion, which has been reduced to mere window-dressing. Elegance and beauty have been banished."
