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Legendary French fashion designer Sonia Rykiel passed away on Thursday (August 25) at the age of 86.
The death was announced by the Élysée Palace, the office of the President of the French Republic and her daughter Nathalie Rykiel, who is also the managing and artistic director of the Sonia Rykiel fashion label. The cause of her death was due to complications related to Parkinson’s disease.
Sonia was one of the pioneers in the fashion industry and was affectionately known as the Queen of Knitwear. Her relaxed striped knitwear were well-loved by the A-listers during the golden age of cinema, with fans the likes of Audrey Hepburn, Lauren Bacall. Brigitte Bardot and Catherine Deneuve.
In 2009, she was also awarded The Order of Légion d’Honneur, one of the the nation’s highest awards, in recognition of her 40 years of service in the French fashion industry.
In the fashion world of glitz and glamour, she has always stayed true to her passion – making comfortable and durable clothes for everyday life.
Find out how some of the biggest names in fashion are paying their tribute to Sonia Rykiel.
1. Jean Paul Gaultier
2. Alber Elbaz
3. Karlie Kloss
4. Cindy Crawford
5. Jeremy Scott
6. Lisa Eldridge
7. Carine Roitfeld