Mr. Blackwell Dies, Mr. Blackwell, Richard Selzer Bio

Born impoverished and illegitimate in a rough Brooklyn neighborhood in 1922, and only completing school up to the fifth grade, it's safe to say that when faced with adversity, the fashion icon beat the odds.

Mr. Blackwell, born Richard Selzer, died at the age of 86 of an intestinal infection. Mr. Blackwell was a fierce fashion critique before "fierce" became an overused catch phrase and no one was off limits.

He slammed Madonna, Britney Spears, Queen Elizabeth and even Marilyn Monroe. His annual "worst dresed" list was feared by movie stars, musicians, actors and European royalty. It is his truthful, witty and funny "Worst Dressed" rankings, which began in the 1960s, that helped him become a household name.

As you know, everyone has copped his style, most without nearly as much flare. The onetime actor and model turned to fashion design with limited success, but his commentary was nothing less than noteworthy and catchy.

Mr. Blackwell was very passionate about his work and just so clever. No one can dish it out like he could. For everything he stood for and his gift of good taste and hilarity, he will truly be missed.

Some "Worst Dressed" comments:

Sharon Stone: "An over-the-hill Cruella DeVille."

Barbra Streisand: "She looks like a masculine Bride of Frankenstein."

Britney Spears: "Her bra-topped collection of Madonna rejects are pure fashion overkill."

Queen Elizabeth: "From her majesty to her travesty."

Bjork: "She dances in the dark — and dresses there, too."

Madonna: “The Bare-Bottomed Bore of Babylon.”

Christina Aguilera: “A dazzling singer who puts good taste through the wardrobe wringer.”

Meryl Streep: “She looks like a gypsy abandoned by a caravan.”

Lindsay Lohan: “From adorable to deplorable.”

Camilla Parker-Bowles: “The Duchess of Dowdy.”

LA Times, people

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