After French designer Yves Saint Laurent’s first independent collection was shown in France on January 30, 1958, the press declared that “Saint Laurent has saved French fashion” and “the great Dior tradition will continue.” The shy young man in glasses and a clean-cut looking suit was only 22. He had worked as Christian Dior’s assistant for the previous three years. Photo: A model at the presentation of Yves Saint Laurent’s women’s collection in 1958.