Chelsea Rae

I just found out Liz Claiborne died yesterday morning, June 27, 2007, at 78 years fabulous. I've never met her or even seen her in person, but I felt the air get knocked out of me when I found out. Right now the cause of death is unknown, but the shock hits all the same.

She started her fashion company in 1976 Art Ortenberg (her husband) and two other parties. In 1989, Liz and Art retired as active managers, and in 1989 I was one. That fact may seem pointless, but it means everything to me. When she retired, I was too young to even read, but at one-year-old I probably knew what Liz Claiborne meant. She was the first designer I ever heard of, and when I was younger I'm sure I thought she was the be all, end all. I went shopping and my mother and grandmother would ooh and aah over a Liz Claiborne this or that. I'm not sure I've ever personally purchased anything Liz Claiborne, but the respect in her style and influence as a designer is there nonetheless. She will be missed by so many people, but the mark she has made on me and the world will always be there. I will miss you dearly Liz Claiborne, and our hearts go out to your friends and family!