NEW YORK, June 2, 2008 (AFP) - News of the death of French fashion designer Yves St Laurent dominated the front pages of the US media Monday June 2nd as they paid tribute to the "emperor of world fashion."

"A giant of couture for 45 years," declared the New York Times, saying "he was credited by many with rejuvenating French fashion and securing his country's pre-eminent position in the world of haute couture."

The Washington Post was equally effusive saying Saint Laurent, whose slinky tuxedo suits and safari jackets became a symbol of women's liberation in the 1960s, was an "emperor of world fashion."

"A hero in his country, a celebrity among the fashionable of the world, the bespectacled Saint Laurent made contributions to both couture and ready-to-wear that gave him the status of legend," it added.

The designer, who died of a brain tumor aged 71 on Sunday, was "throughout the latter part of the 20th century a reigning eminence in his field -- trailbalzer and trendsetter, iconoclast and icon," the Post said.

Tributes from New York designers such as Marc Jacobs and Ralph Lauren were expected later in the day.