A Japanese fashion designer known for his flamboyant costumes for singer David Bowie has died at the age of 76.
Kansai Yamamoto, who created the iconic Ziggy Stardust wardrobe, died of leukaemia on July 21, his company confirmed on Monday.
Born in 1944 in Yokohama, Yamamoto first studied engineering before turning to fashion design.
In 1971 he became the first Japanese designer to hold a show in London, blending traditional Japanese motifs - including designs from kabuki theatre - with fantasy in bright, bold designs.
A meeting with Bowie after a concert in New York City led to Yamamoto creating the wardrobe for Bowie's Ziggy Stardust alter ego.
His company said he also knew musicians Elton John and Stevie Wonder.
In one of his final Tokyo shows before turning primarily to becoming an event planner in 1993, Yamamoto paired chiffon minis with silvery lizard jackets in typical eclectic style.
"'Humans are possessed of limitless energy' was his motto," his company said in a statement announcing his death.
"He never let this go, pursuing challenge after challenge no matter how hard things got."
