The event brings to an end a bitter dispute between Saint Laurent and the Gucci Group, new owners of the YSL Rive Gauche label, as well the cosmetics and perfume divisions.

Although Monsieur Saint Laurent announced his retirement last January, the Haute Couture division, of which he was still in direct control, remained open actively filling final orders until yesterdays closure.

Most of the 158 employees will now either retire, or relocate to other fashion houses who have offered them employment, though some will simply become unemployed.

Official layoff notices will be mailed next week.

On Wednesday evening, a ceremony was organized in the second floor state rooms for staff and friends.

As Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé expressed their gratitude to the numerous colleagues with whom they have worked, the atmosphere grew highly emotional.

Throughout his exceptional career, Yves Saint Laurent dressed women to make them beautiful, and in the process, carved out a hollowed reputation for himself in the annals of Parisian fashion.

Speaking to France-2 television on Thursday, Saint Laurent reminisced, "Each collection was a real struggle, and each one made me suffer enormously, despite the immense joy they brought."

Though an administrative staff will stay in place until the end of the year, the silence of empty offices will permeate most of the Atelier.

The artifacts that now belong to history, including evening gowns, photos, portfolios of collections, and sketches have already been transferred to the Foundation Yves Saint Laurent.