Yves Saint Laurent poses with the palms [Photo/Pierre Bergé]

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 Bergé

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 Bergé

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

1964: First perfume: Y