PARIS - French fashion great Yves Saint Laurent, whose name has been synonymous with the heights of haute couture for decades, is expected to announce his retirement Monday, newspaper reports said. <br>
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Saint Laurent, 65, has called a news conference for Monday. The daily newspaper Le Monde and the weekly newspaper Le Journal du Dimanche reported Sunday that he will announce the end of his 44-year career as a fashion designer. Some reports say it will be the first news conference of his career. <br>
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The Associated Press called his Paris office seeking confirmation of the report. A man answering the telephone declined comment and said all questions would have to wait until the following day. <br>
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Le Journal du Dimanche said that Saint Laurent has been at odds with French businessman Francois Pinault, who controls the rights to Saint Laurent's brand name.
