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French Fashion Couturier Emanuel Ungaro Has Died

The fashion world is in mourning

The fashion world is in mourning amid news that French designer Emanuel Ungaro has died aged 86 in Paris.

Although his cause of death is not yet known, Ungaro – who retired from the industry in 2004 – was reportedly in a “weakened” state of health when he passed away on Saturday (December 21).

WATCH BELOW: Emma Watson And Kirsten Stewart In Juliet-Inspired Pirelli Calendar 

Born in southern France in 1933, the designer mastered the fine art of tailoring courtesy of his father and moved to the capital in his early 20s to forge his own career path.

It was here that he was trained by none other than Cristóbal Balenciaga who taught him “rigor and perfectionism”.

emanuel ungaro
The French couturier photographed during a fitting back in 1974

In 1965, Ungaro founded his eponymous label in Paris’ famous couture fashion district of Avenue Montaigne.

It wasn’t long before he became a household name with his playful designs, flamboyant prints and daring silhouettes drawing praise.  

emanuel ungaro
The designer photographed back in 1971

Described by the brand’s website as a man who “dared to be different”, he wasn’t afraid to push the boundaries and his couture label eventually grew to include ready-to-wear, fragrance and footwear.

Further demonstrating his astronomic rise to success, Ungaro was behind some of the world’s most famous wardrobes with clients including the likes of Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Sarah Jessica Parker and Angelina Jolie.

angelina jolie oceans thirteen premiere
Angelina Jolie in Emanuel Ungaro at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival of

In 2005, the designer reportedly sold his label to Asim Abdullah for $84m USD.

Several designers took to the helm in the years that followed including Esteban Cortezar, Fausto Puglisi and Giles Deacon.

Most famously, Lindsay Lohan was controversially hired as creative director but departed after just a short stint in the post.

lindsay lohan
Lindsay Lohan takes a bow following the spring/summer 2010 show

Following his retirement, Ungaro stayed out of the spotlight to focus upon family life with wife Laura Bernabei and daughter Cosima Ungaro.

In 2017, former Giorgio Armani womenswear designer, Marco Colagrossi, took over the fashion house as creative director.

The fashion world is in mourning amid news that French designer Emanuel Ungaro has died aged 86 in Paris.

Although his cause of death is not yet known, Ungaro – who retired from the industry in 2004 – was reportedly in a “weakened” state of health when he passed away on Saturday (December 21).

WATCH BELOW: Emma Watson And Kirsten Stewart In Juliet-Inspired Pirelli Calendar 

The fashion world is in mourning amid news that French designer Emanuel Ungaro has died aged 86 in Paris.

Although his cause of death is not yet known, Ungaro – who retired from the industry in 2004 – was reportedly in a “weakened” state of health when he passed away on Saturday (December 21).

WATCH BELOW: Emma Watson And Kirsten Stewart In Juliet-Inspired Pirelli Calendar 

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