French Designer Sonia Rykiel Passes Away at 86

published 25 August 2016

Sad news from Paris this morning: Legendary French fashion designer Sonia Rykiel has died at age 86, WWD reports. She had battled with Parkinson's disease. Affectionately known as the "Queen of Knitwear," Rykiel was particularly known for her brand's signature striped sweaters, and counted none other than Audrey Hepburn and Lauren Bacall as early fans.

Designer Jean Paul Gaultier wrote a touching note dedicated to Rykiel on Instagram, saying, "All my admiration for the revolutionary work that you gave to women. Thank you for the inspiration and style that you gave to all of us." Another French designer, Christian Lacroix, was similarly enchanted by Rykiel. “She was the link in between Vionnet, Schiaparelli, Chanel and her generation of women designers, with a modern, feminist, optimistic and free approach to fashion, the world and the times,” Lacroix told WWD.

Scroll down to see how the fashion industry is paying tribute to Sonia Rykiel.

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How will you be paying tribute to the French icon? Tell us in the comments below, and then shop her namesake brand in her memory.

Opening image: Getty Images

Erin got her start as a Who What Wear intern over 13 years ago—back when the site only published a single story per day. (Who What Wear has since increased that number twentyfold.) She graduated magna cum laude from USC, which is how she ended up moving to Los Angeles from her hometown of San Diego. In college, she also interned at Refinery29, where she was promoted to editorial assistant and then assistant editor. After nearly three years at R29, she came back to WWW in 2016, where she currently holds the title of Associate Director of Fashion News (as well as the unofficial title of resident royal expert—in case you haven't noticed her numerous Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton stories). She spends her days trying to incorporate her idols, Anna Wintour and Roger Federer, into as many stories as possible. Outside of work, she loves tennis, classic rock, traveling, and smothering her dog with affection.