Ted Lapidus dies in Cannes

Ted Lapidus, whose name became synonymous with sixties chic, died on Monday December 30 2008 at a hospital in Cannes. He had been suffering from leukaemia, and died of pulmonary problems. The son of a tailor, Lapidus shot to fame in the sixties with the unisex look and specifically the “safari” jacket. He became a member of the elite Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture in 1963 and dressed celebrities such as Brigitte Bardot and Alain Delon. In a homage to the designer, France’s President Nicolas Sarkozy said Lapidus “democratised French elegance and classicism”. The company, which is perhaps now better known for its perfumes and watches, is currently run by his son Olivier.