Yves Saint Laurent, considered by many as the greatest fashion designer of the 20th Century, has died in Paris at the age of 71.

Saint Laurent changed the face of the fashion industry when he became chief designer of the House of Dior at 21.

He changed forever what women wear, introducing trouser suits, safari jackets and sweaters, BBC arts correspondent Razia Iqbal notes.

Famous French embroiderer Francois Lesage, who worked 40 years with the designer, said he was "devastated" by news of his death.

Born in the Algerian city of Oran at a time when the North African country was still considered a part of France, he had a precocious talent.