Fashion Icon Mr. Blackwell Passes Away (1922-2008)

Fashion Icon Richard Blackwell Passes Away (1922-2008)
Copyright 2007 Chad Buchanan/Stringer/ Getty Images

Hollywood designer and creator of the Worst Dressed List, Mr. Blackwell, passed away today after complications from an intestinal infection. He was 86.

Blackwell is best known for his annual Worst Dressed list that names the biggest fashion disasters of the year.

Born by the name of Richard Sylvan Selzer, Blackwell was renamed by Howard Hughes.

In the early 1960's, Blackwell became one of the top designers with his line that created fashions for many celebrities and political wives such as Nancy Reagan and Corretta Scott King.

As a young man Blackwell played small acting roles alongside greats like Humphrey Bogart and Gene Kelly while going to school with Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney.

Blackwell leaves behind his partner of almost 60 years, R.L. Spencer.
Published 10/19/08 by the Insider

Comments (3)

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  • Hey Spence, my heart is with you.....I'm so very sorry. Valerie (Dee's daughter)
    Anonymous 10/21/08 Reply
  • I always enjoyed his choices for worst dressed. He has had some many to choose from in the last few years. His list will be missed. Maybe Cojo can carry on?
    Anonymous 10/20/08 Reply
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    Anonymous 10/20/08 Reply