Japanese fashion designer Hanae Mori dies aged 96
The designer was nicknamed ‘Madame Butterfly’
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Japanese fashion designer Hanae Mori has died aged 96.
Her death was confirmed by her team on Thursday (18 August) where they revealed that she had died at home in Tokyo on 11 August. No cause of death has been revealed.
The designer, who was often referred to as “Madame Butterfly” for her signature motif, had designed gowns for Nancy Reagan, Grace Kelly, and the wedding dress of Japan’s current empress, Masako.
Mori was the first Japanese and Asian designer to break into French haute couture nearly half a century ago, when her label joined the ranks in 1977.
She was born in 1926 in a rural area of Western Japan before moving to Tokyo to study literature at Tokyo Women’s Christian University.
Mori began her career in Tokyo, making costumes for films and opening an atelier above a noodle shop, before visiting New York and then Paris to try and expand her brand.
It was in Paris that she met Coco Chanel, where Chanel told Mori that she should wear something orange to contrast with her black hair.
Mori later told the Washington Post of the meeting: “The whole Japanese concept of beauty is based on concealment. I suddenly realised that I should change my approach and make my dresses help a woman stand out.”
Mori’s first collection was shown in 1965 in New York, and she continued to show collections for nearly four decades until she retired in 2004.
Mori’s death comes just a week after fellow Japanese designer Issey Miyake died from liver cancer aged 84.
Miyake was a pioneer of the creaseless pleat, and the designer behind Steve Jobs’ iconic turtlenecks.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments