President Francois Hollande’s office announced the passing of Sonia Rykiel, praising her as ”a pioneer” who ”offered women freedom of movement.”
The Sonia Rykiel fashion house in Paris has not commented.
She got her start by designing knit maternity dresses for herself.
After opening her first shop on the Left Bank in the late 60s, Rykiel, with her hallmark bright orange hair, saw her empire grow to include menswear and children’s lines as well as accessories, perfumes and home goods.
It was among France’s last major family owned labels until it was sold to a Hong Kong investment fund four years ago.