Mr. Blackwell Passed Away at 86

He was the sharp-tongued designer whose annual Worst-Dressed list had been haunted so much celebrities for so many years, but yet lovable because of his boldness for criticizing. And now, Mr. Blackwell had left us with his fashion critic legacy.

Mr. Blackwell has died Sunday of complications from an intestinal infection, publicist Harlan Boll said. He was 86. Richard Blackwell got his well known image for creating annual Worst-Dressed list that names the biggest fashion disasters of the year, unveiled in January of each year.

He was born by the name of Richard Sylvan Selzer, Blackwell was renamed by American aviator and one of the wealthiest people in the world, Howard Hughes. He was once an actor, an important designer and during the 1960s he became the first in history to present his line on a television broadcast. He was also the first to make his line available for plus-size women.

Each year, Blackwell would take Hollywood’s reigning stars and other celebrities to task for failing to dress in what he thought was the way they should. The more outrageous clothing a woman wore, the more biting his criticism. Few of his ‘ouch’ statements were; for Christina Aguilera, “A dazzling singer who puts good taste through the wardrobe wringer.” for Lindsay Lohan, “From adorable to deplorable.” for Camilla Parker-Bowles, “The Duchess of Dowdy.” for Bjork, “She dances in the dark — and dresses there, too.” and for Britney Spears: “Her bra-topped collection of Madonna rejects are pure fashion overkill.”

Blackwell had wrote two books, Mr. Blackwell: 30 Years of Fashion Fiascos and an autobiography, From Rags to Bitches. He leaves behind his partner of almost 60 years and also his manager, a former Beverly Hills hairdresser, Robert Spencer. Bye bye Mr. Blackwell, we will definitely miss your bitterness and your Worst-Dressed List…

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