Pierre Bergé Has Died

Pierre Berge has died aged 86. The co-founder of Yves Saint Laurent died in his sleep this morning at his home in Saint-Remy-de-Provence.

"It is with immense sadness that the Fondation Pierre Bergé - Yves Saint Laurent, Paris and the Fondation Jardin Majorelle, Marrakech announce the death of their founding president Pierre Bergé, which occurred on September 8, 2017, at 5.39 am, at home in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. He died in his sleep at the age of 86 following a long illness," read a statement today.

Bergé has remained an influential figure at the fashion house he founded in 1961 with its eponymous designer and his partner, Yves, who died of a brain tumour in 2008. He was also closely linked with countless other arts and cultural initiatives in his native France; in 1973, he was elected president of the Chambre Syndicale du Prêt-à-Porter Des Couturiers et des Créateurs de Mode and he founded the Institut Français de la Mode in 1986. He was also a vocal campaigner for gay rights and AIDS research, donating millions of pounds to the fight against the illness through the Fondation Pierre Bergé - Yves Saint Laurent. He was also an active supporter of Act Up-Paris and SOS Racisme.

In 2015, the French president, François Hollande, awarded him the Grand Officier of the Ordre national de la Légion d’Honneur and last year he was awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of Ouissam Alaouite for eminent service to the Kingdom of Morocco by the King of Morocco. Bergé and Saint Laurent made Morocco their adoptive home, acquiring the Jardin Majorelle in Marrakech in 1966 - it remains one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city.

"He was a magician who made his life and those who he loved a symphony of happiness," former French culture minister Jack Lang said today. "Pierre Bergé was above all a marvellous and loyal friend, who was there to take on all the good fights, the noble causes, in particular to provide the means for research to defeat AIDS."

Tributes have been made from throughout the industries in which he worked, including one from current Saint Laurent creative director, Anthony Vaccarello. “It is with a deep emotion that I have learned of Pierre Bergé’s passing, he welcomed me with kindness since my first day at Saint Laurent. His advice and his support have always guided me. I am infinitely sad that he will not be able to attend the opening of the two museums in Paris and Marrakech that he cared about so much. A great figure in french culture has left us.”

His words were echoed by Francesca Bellettini, Yves Saint Laurent's president and CEO, who praised Bergé with being "always ahead of his time".

"He believed in the power of creativity. He believed that art, fashion and culture could change lives and the way we live," she said. "Mr Yves Saint Laurent and Mr Bergé founded the eponymous maison with creativity at the heart of the house. Creativity is fundamental and believing in it is the key to success. Mr Pierre Bergé was an inspiration for me. He trusted his instincts. He fought for what he believed in. He stayed true to himself being the founder and supporter of incredible cultural and educational activities. This extraordinary heritage is the DNA of the maison and we are honoured and thankful to have the chance to bring his values and his spirit into the future. My thoughts are with his closest friends and family."