Auction Boosts Yves Saint Laurent To Top-Earning Dead Celeb

Well, isn't this just the most flattering thing – late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent is at the peak of this year's Forbes Top-Earning Dead Celebrities list with $350 million in earnings. The earnings number far surpasses the $90 million Michael Jackson has acquired since his death in June, which isn't too shabby in itself.

Much of the money compiled for the house of YSL is thanks in part to a record-breaking auction in February that saw the clearance of a massive 733-piece collection of art, antiques and furniture owned by Saint Laurent and his business partner/boyfriend, Pierre Bergé. Pierre felt compelled to sell the collection because it had lost all meaning after the death of the designer.

Proceeds from the sales may be used to create a new AIDS research foundation. According to Christie's, which teamed with Pierre Bergé & Associés for the sale, the auction brought in $443.1 million over three days and six auctions at its conclusion. A 1911 work by Matisse sold for more than twice its estimated price at $40.9 million.

These numbers are mere proof that, despite a recession, luxury will prevail. Even today, hundreds waited in the pouring rain to scour through YSL items at up to 80% off retail price. Everyone seems to be looking for a bargain, and their purchases will only add to the dead designer's growing fortune.