PARIS, Jan 7: Yves Saint Laurent, the revered French couturier, announced his retirement and the closure of his fashion house on Monday, bringing to an end nearly half a century as the pre-eminent figure in post-war style.

Looking solemn and dressed in black suit and tie, the reclusive designer appeared before the first ever press conference of his career at his plush central Paris headquarters and read from a long, prepared text.

“I summoned you here today to announce important news that concerns my personal life and my profession... I have chosen today to say goodbye to this profession that I love so much,” he said.

The announcement confirmed rumours that have circulated for weeks, fed by reports of ill health and of poor relations with his fashion house’s owner, French tycoon Francois Pinault.

It marked the close of an era during which the 65-year-old fashion guru is widely credited with having redefined women’s clothes, creating such mould-breaking garments as the trouser suit and the female dinner jacket.—AFP