Pierre Berge bids a tearful adieu to designer Yves Saint Laurent

The following is a live report from Dana Thomas, the Paris-based culture journalist and author of "Deluxe, How Luxury Lost Its Luster."

Yves Saint Laurent's funeral (see the Los Angeles Times obituary here) was held at Eglise Saint-Roche in the 1st arrondisement with more than 600 guests in attendance. Sitting in the front rows: his longtime partner and former lover, Pierre Berge; Saint Laurent's mother; French President Nicolas Sarkozy and his wife, Carla Bruni Sarkozy; Paris Mayor Bertrand Delanoe; and Madame Chirac.

Also there: Catherine Deneuve; Sonia Rykiel; Jean Paul Gaultier; Christian Lacroix; John Galliano; Bernard Arnault; Valentino's partner, Giancarlo Giammetti; philosopher/author Bernard Henri-Levy; and model/actress Laetitia Casta.

Notably missing: Karl Lagerfeld, who started his career at exactly the same time as YSL, when they shared the International Wool Secretariat award in 1954.

An orchestra played Brahms, music selected by Berge. Deneuve read a poem selected by Berge. Sarko and Bruni were welcomed by Berge out front. Bruni wore a black pantsuit with a black T-shirt.

A dark wood coffin was draped in yellow with green embroidery, reportedly the colors of the Saint Laurent family. The streets were blocked off, and the sidewalk barricades were lined with the designer's fans and mourners.

Here is a translation of Berge's tearful farewell speech.

"It’s the last time I speak to you, Yves.

"I remember the first time we met and those days that followed. The day we decided to be together.

"I remember telling you in your bed at Val de Grace hospital that you were no longer the head of the couture house where you worked, and I remember your reaction. ...

"I remember your first collection under your name and the tears at the end. Then the years passed. Oh, how they passed quickly. The divorce was inevitable but the love never stopped."

What stuck Berge the most, he said, was Saint Laurent’s “rigor and exigence.”

"We find the style you created everywhere today.

"Chanel and you were the great couturiers of the 20th century. She of the first half, you the second.

“You constructed an oeuvre,” he said and compared its beauty and mastery to “a garden of Le Notre or a beautiful Matisse.”

"I don’t know how to say good-bye because I can never leave you. We will never watch a sunset together again. We will never share the emotions together before a painting again. Someday I will join you under the palm trees of Morocco.

I want to tell you my admiration, my profound respect and my love."

He was in tears and barely got through the speech as his voice turned hoarse.

The service concluded with the very beautiful ballad by Jacques Brel, "Le Chanson des Vieux Amants" ("The Song of Old Lovers").

The church was filled with massive bouquets of white roses and lilies. The coffin had a mustard yellow draping with little bouquets of real wheat on it.

Related:
Legendary designer Yves Saint Laurent dies at 71
Yves Saint Laurent Life In Pictures

Photos: Carla Bruni Sarkozy greets Pierre Berge at Yves Saint-Laurent's funeral today.
(WireImage)

Comments

[Anne-Marie]

It was a very surreal experience being an admirer of YSL, standing outside l'Eglise Saint-Roch and watching the service on the screen. Bergé's speech was very moving. I felt very privileged to be there, even though I never met my idol. Just to be there was a very special moment that I will remember for the rest of my life. Adieu, Yves.

[tominnewyork]

So, who said the Roman Catholic Church is against gay marriage and divorce? What an incredible speech by Berge at l'Eglise Sant Roche!

[Firouzeh]

..What can I say, I am completely speechless. As a young girl, I used dream of becoming a fashion designer. And so, I did..I recently graduated in May 2008 with my degree in Fashion Design. I dedicate my degree to the man who inspired me when I was a little girl and who continues to inspire me as I pursue my dream of designing. Merci Monsieur Saint Laurent. Pouvez vous vous reposer pour toujours dans la paix..

[Firouzeh]

Chere Monsieur Saint Laurent:
Fashion will NEVER be the same with out you...Pouvez vous vous reposer pour toujours dans la paix.