Hanae Mori was a fashion designer who combined Western fashion with elements from her native Japan as she dressed international superstars.
- Died: August 11, 2022 (Who else died on August 11?)
- Details of death: Died at her home in Tokyo after a short illness at the age of 96.
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“East Meets West”
Mori first made a splash on the international fashion scene with her 1965 collection, “East Meets West.” Her designs often featured her signature butterflies as they blended Western silhouettes and Eastern touches such as obi sashes and patterns of Japanese blossoms and calligraphy. In the early 1970s, Mori opened her haute couture showroom in Paris, the first Asian woman to do so. She designed uniforms for Japan Air Lines’ flight attendants and for the Japanese Olympic teams of 1992 and 1994. Mori’s clothes became sought after among notable women worldwide, with her clientele including Nancy Reagan (1921–2016), Grace Kelly (1929–1982), and Hillary Clinton. She designed the wedding gown of Masako, Crown Princess of Japan. Mori was also known for her fragrance line.
Notable quote
“Fashion is an easy way to communicate. People everywhere understand it.” —from a 1988 interview for the Los Angeles Times
Tributes to Hanae Mori
Full obituary: The New York Times
