The Italian fashion designer Gianfranco Ferre has died aged 62.
Ferre was taken to the San Raffaele hospital in Milan on Friday after suffering a massive brain haemorrhage.
In a statement authorised by his family the hospital said he died there at 9 7pm (GMT) last night.
He was known as 'the architect of fashion' for his ground-breaking work creating sculptured shapes and innovative designs for Christian Dior.
Most well-known for his white blouse and structured trouser suit buisness looks, Ferre was popular with celebrities such as Elizabeth Taylor and Julia Roberts.
Ferré started his career as an accessories and jewelry designer but later moved on to clothes. He opened his own label, Baila, in 1974 and then another signature label, Gianfranco Ferre, in 1978.
Messages of condolence have already been sent to the family from other designers including fellow Italian Giorgio Armani and close friend Donatella Versace.
Ferre's new spring/summer 2008 menswear collection was due to be shown in Milan next Sunday but it is now uncertain if the show will go ahead.
Caz Moss