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 started designing at an early age.
He created his own fashion house in 1951. In 1963, he joined the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture Parisienne (Paris Haute Couture Trade Association). His totally innovative and trendy fashion combined perfectly-cut clothing with inventive and fanciful detail. He was one of the most successful designers, best loved by the stars at the time, including Brigitte BARDOT, Marlène JOBERT, Alain DELON and John LENNON, who commissioned the famous white suit he wears on the cover of the BEATLES’ iconic
“Abbey Road” album.
The the unisex look – and specifically the “safari” jacket – became his signature style.
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.
“ Couture is for the rich. I want young people to have… beauty. ”
Ted Lapidus
Ted Lapidus was buried at the Père Lachaise cemetery in Paris.