Ted Lapidus Dies at Age 79

30 December, 2008

by Nicole.C

(Above-left top: Ted Lapidus mens perfume; bottom: a model and Ted Lapidus in the 60s; right: Ted Lapidus couture)

The 1960s fashion couture revolutionary Ted Lapidus passed away from pulmonary problems in Cannes, on the French Riviera on Monday afternoon.

The Paris-born designer was the son of a tailor, and launched his own label in 1951, yet made his mark in the fashion world by 1963, entering into the prestigious Paris fashion club that ran La Chambre Syndical de la Haute Couture.

Current President of France, Nicolas Sarkozy issued a homage to the designer, saying Lapidus “democratized French elegance and classicism” and “made fashion accessible to men and women in the street.”

Lapidus was known for a minimalist style, as well as pioneering the unisex look. In men’s fashion, he epitomized the sandy colored safari suit, and in his later years the label focused more on accessorizing, with many perfumes and accessories.

The Ted Lapidus label is now owned by his son, Olivier Lapidus.

“Ted was the first designer of the nouvelle vague [new wave],” said Lapidus’s sister, Rose Torrente-Mett.

The funeral service is scheduled for Friday, where Ted Lapidus will be buried in the Père Lachaise cemetery; a cemetery where other greats such as Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison and Chopin are also buried.