Fashion Designer Emanuel Ungaro Has Passed Away

French fashion designer Emanuel Ungaro has died. The fashion house that bears his name confirmed the news on Sunday in an Instagram post, saying that Ungaro "will remain in our memories as the Master of sensuality, of color and flamboyance." According to reports coming out of France, he passed on Saturday in Paris at age 86.

Ungaro was born in Aix-en-Provence, France, in 1933. His father, an Italian tailor, taught him how to sew, and Ungaro moved to Paris at age 23. He worked under Cristobal Balenciaga and at French brand Courreges before establishing his own company. His brand thrived when shoppers flocked to his label for colorful, audacious designs that blended sex appeal with French flair. First lady Jacqueline Kennedy and actor Catherine Deneuve were ardent fans, wearing Ungaro's animal-print coats and floral dresses to events.

"Season after season, Emanuel Ungaro dared to be different, combining unexpected yet sensual clashes of bright colours and prints with beautiful draping," the House of Emanuel Ungaro website reads.

He sold his house to the Italian fashion group Ferragamo in 1996 and continued to design through 2004, when he retired. Today, the Ungaro brand continues to produce perfumes and luxury furniture as well as women's collections.