She is nicknamed “Madame Butterfly” for her designs with butterflies. She later transforms traditional Japanese kimonos into modern dresses and even designs Empress Masako’s wedding dress. Hanae Mori has now died at the age of 96.
Japanese designer Hanae Mori died on August 11 at her home in Tokyo, aged 96. This is reported by the Kyodo news agency, among others. The cause of death is her “old age”. Mori has been dubbed “Madame Butterfly” for her butterfly designs.
After her studies she opened her first fashion shop in Tokyo in 1951 and worked as a costume designer for various films. In 1965 she exhibited her fashion for the first time in New York and designed under the motto “East Meets West”. Among other things, she transformed traditional Japanese kimonos into dresses and used butterflies and other Japanese motifs. Her brand morphed into a $500 million company in the ’90s.
With her motto – “You feel decent no matter where in the world you wear them” – Mori wanted to bring dignity and confidence to the wearer of her designs. Especially their umbrellas and scarves with colorful butterflies were a status symbol for working women. Former US First Lady Nancy Reagen and the late actress Grace Kelly were also among Mori’s clients.
In 1977 Mori was accepted into the select circle of the “Society for Haute-Couture” in Paris. She also designed costumes for airlines, operas and plays, or dressed the Japanese team at the Barcelona Olympics. In 1993 she received another special honor: she was allowed to design the wedding dress of the Japanese Empress Masako. In 2004 Mori exhibited in Paris for the last time.
Mori leaves behind two sons and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her husband, entrepreneur Ken Mori, died of a heart attack in 1996. Many of their descendants are also active in the fashion world. Her grandchildren Izumi and Hikari Mori are popular models in Japan.
