Who Is Pierre Bergé? Age, Biography and Wiki
Pierre Bergé was born on November 14, 1930, in the beautiful city of Paris, France. He was a distinguished French businessman and philanthropist known primarily for his partnership with the legendary fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent. Bergé’s insights into the fashion industry helped elevate the brand to global fame before his passing in 2017.
He was an influential figure not only in fashion but also in the art world, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of creativity, innovation, and artistry. By 2025, if he were still alive, Pierre Bergé would have celebrated 95 years of life.
| Occupation | Activists |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 14, 1930 |
| Age | 86 Years |
| Birth Place | Saint-Pierre-d'Oléron, Charente-Maritime, French Third Republic |
| Horoscope | Scorpio |
| Country | France |
| Date of death | 8 September, 2017 |
| Died Place | Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Bouches-du-Rhône, France |
Popularity
Pierre Bergé's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Details about Pierre Bergé's physical stature were not widely publicized. However, he was often noted for his elegant style that complemented his stature as a leading figure in the fashion world. His choice of attire embodied the essence of haute couture, making him a recognizable figure at various events.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Pierre Bergé had a significant romantic relationship with Yves Saint Laurent, which lasted over 50 years, blending both personal and professional ties. Their partnership was characterized by mutual respect and collaboration, even after their romantic relationship ended. Bergé was openly gay and became a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. He never remarried after Yves's passing in 2008, remaining devoted to his partner’s legacy.
His mother, Christiane, was a progressive teacher, who used the Montessori method. His father worked for the tax office. Bergé attended the Lycée Eugène Fromentin in La Rochelle, and, later, went to Paris.
On the day of his arrival, as he was walking on the Champs-Élysées, French poet Jacques Prévert landed on him following a fall from his apartment window. "At the age of 18 in La Rochelle, I decided to leave my family.
The day I arrived in Paris, I went for a walk on the Champs-Elysées when suddenly I saw a man go through a French window, fall through the air, grab at a store sign and crash at my feet. He was bleeding profusely. An ambulance arrived and took him to Marmottan hospital.
The next day, I discovered in the newspapers that it had been Jacques Prévert. I have always considered it an omen that the same day I got to Paris, a poet fell on my head."
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death in 2017, Pierre Bergé had an estimated net worth of approximately $1 billion, derived primarily from his business endeavors in fashion, art auctions, and philanthropy. Today, in 2025, his wealth continues to influence the fashion and art sectors, demonstrating the lasting impact of his financial acumen in an evolving market.
The art collection of Yves Saint Laurent and Bergé was put up for sale by the latter in February 2009, with two of twelve bronze statue heads looted from the Old Summer Palace in China during the Second Opium War among them.
When China requested the return of these statues, Bergé refused and declared "I am prepared to offer this bronze head to the Chinese straight away.
All they have to do is to declare they are going to apply human rights, give the Tibetans back their freedom and agree to accept the Dalai Lama on their territory." Bergé's self-admitted "political blackmail" was received with criticism in China.
After Chinese art collector, businessman, and advisor to the PRC's National Treasures Fund, Cai Mingchao placed the winning bid and refused to pay on "moral and patriotic grounds," Bergé decided to retain ownership of them.
Later on in a ceremony on 29 June 2013, François Pinault (CEO Kering) returned the artifacts to the Chinese National Museum, Beijing.
Career, Business and Investments
Pierre Bergé's career is best known for his long-standing partnership with Yves Saint Laurent. Together, they founded the iconic YSL brand, pioneering modern fashion and introducing groundbreaking designs. Aside from fashion, Bergé made significant investments in the art world, including his involvement with the famous auction house, Pierre Bergé & Associés. He was also an avid art collector and supported various cultural and philanthropic causes, leaving a profound influence on French culture and society.
Pierre Vital Georges Bergé (14 November 1930 – 8 September 2017) was a French industrialist and patron. He co-founded the fashion label Yves Saint Laurent (YSL), and was a longtime business partner—and onetime significant other—of its namesake designer.
Social Network
Though Pierre Bergé passed away in 2017, his legacy, values, and causes continue to resonate in today's social media platforms. Various fan pages and tributes exist on platforms such as Instagram and Twitter, where fans share memories and celebrate his contributions to the fashion world and LGBTQ+ rights.
A longtime fan and patron of opera, Mitterrand appointed Bergé president of Opéra Bastille on 31 August 1988. He retired from the post in 1994, becoming honorary president of the Paris National Opera.
He served as president of the Médiathèque Musicale Mahler, a non-profit library with extensive collections relating to 19th and 20th century music. He was also president of the Comité Jean Cocteau, and the exclusive owner of all the moral rights of all of Jean Cocteau's works.
Education
Pierre Bergé’s educational background primarily revolved around his early interests in theatre and literature rather than formal business training. His passions and experiences led him organically into the world of fashion, where he cultivated his talents for marketing and branding.
