: His first collection for Dior, the "Trapeze" line, was an instant success, saving the house from financial ruin and establishing him as a fashion prodigy.
: In 1960, his tenure at Dior ended abruptly when he was drafted into the French Army during the Algerian War of Independence. Yves Saint Laurent
Born in Oran, Algeria, Saint Laurent moved to Paris at 17 to pursue fashion. His talent was quickly recognized by Vogue editor Michel de Brunhoff, who introduced him to . : His first collection for Dior, the "Trapeze"