* Yves Saint Laurent, one the top fashion designers of the 20th century, died on Sunday evening in Paris, France.
* The reclusive French maestro had been ill for some time.
* He retired from haute couture in 2002 after four decades at the top of his trade.
* During his farewell appearance, Saint Laurent told reporters he had "always given the highest importance of all to respect for this craft, which is not exactly an art, but which needs an artist to exist."
