Fernando Sanchez dies age 70

Fashion designer Fernando Sanchez died last week at age 70. The Spanish-born Sanchez apparently died of complications following a sand-fly bite suffered two years ago in Morocco. He died in his home in Manhattan. Sanchez moved to Paris from Spain at age 17, where he studied couture with Yves Saint Laurent after having worked for Nina Ricci and Christian Dior. In 1960 he moved to New York, where he designed ready-to-wear and fur before establishing himself as a designer of sleepwear and homewear. He also made a name for himself as an extravagant host. The last two decades of his life he enjoyed a loyal fan base for his brightly coloured, double-faced, brushed-back satin robes and caftans. His designs were available at Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and in specialty stores throughout the US.