French fashion designer Emanuel Ungaro passes away at 86

Buzz of the Day: French fashion designer Emanuel Ungaro passes away at 86

Prominent French designer Emanuel Ungaro died in Paris on Saturday at age 86.

A master of sensuality and fervor, he was known for making ready-to-wear a stylish alternative to haute couture. His colorful creations which were characterized by flamboyant colors and sharp silhouettes made him a big favorite with celebrities such as Jackie Kennedy, Bianca Jagger and Catherine Deneuve.

Ungaro was born in the Aix-en-Provence in southern France in 1933 to Italian parents and moved to Paris in 1956 at the age of 23 to start his career. He was trained by Spanish designer Cristobal Balenciaga and founded his own eponymous fashion house in the French capital nine years later in 1965.


In 1996 Ungaro's house had expanded into beauty and lifestyle was purchased by the Italian brand Ferragamo. In 2004 Ungaro announced his retirement from the fashion industry as he felt that haute couture no longer met "the expectations of women today". Although he left the label years ago, he was still very present in the inspiration. He was also a recipient of the prestigious Legion of Honor award for his contribution to the fashion industry.

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