French fashion designer Hervé L. Leroux has died the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode confirmed to Vogue Friday. He was 60.
Leroux, who is best known by the name of his first fashion label, Hervé Léger, is recognized in the fashion community for his bandage dresses introduced in the 1990s.
Born Hervé Peugnet in a small town in northern France on May 30, 1957, Leroux began his career working with Karl Lagerfeld in 198 at Fendi and Chanel. In 1984, he opened his own boutique under the moniker Hervé Léger, which featured hand-painted dresses and hats, becoming “one of Paris’ chic shopping destinations,” as reported in Vogue.
Leroux launched his own brand the following year, though continued to freelance for other designers. His first show was in 1991 in Paris, and caught the eye of the press with his 54 outfits.
Hervé Léger was acquired by BCBG Max Azria in 1998. Leroux parted with the Los Angeles-based company in 1999, losing the commercial use of the name Hervé Léger. He continued to design custom orders under Hervé L. Leroux at a new boutique for celebrities like Cate Blanchett, Jessica Chastain, Dita Von Teese and Taylor Swift. He returned to the catwalk in 2013 at the invitation of the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode.
Dita Von Teese remembered the designer on Instagram, saying he was the “only dressmaker that could accomplish a truly modern Madame Grès goddess gown.”
“He made the most exquisite dresses that showcased a woman’s beauty, rather than distracting from it,” she said.
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