Iconic designer Andr� Kim passes away

Published on 2010/08/13 | Source

Room where late fashion designer André Kim's wake service is being held at Seoul National University Hospital in Seoul, South Korea on August 12, 2010. [Han Youn-jong/Asia Econmic Daily]

Korea's iconic fashion designer André Kim died Thursday after having suffered from colon cancer and pneumonia. He was 74.

Kim had been hospitalized for weeks and although he was receiving treatment for pneumonia at an Intensive Care Unit, officials working with the designer had said he was on his way to recovery.

He had also been battling colon cancer for which he underwent surgery in early 2000. He is said to have received outpatient treatment for the condition on several occasions this year.

Kim, whose real name is Kim Bong-nam, is Korea's first male fashion designer who was famous for his glamorous evening and wedding gowns.

Starting with presenting his first collection in Paris in 1966, he held numerous fashion shows around the world including New York, Beijing, Sydney and Barcelona.

His garments were worn by global stars including the late King of Pop Michael Jackson and Brooke Shields while his local shows featured Korea's top stars such as Lee Young-ae, Choi Ji-woo and Bae Yong-joon.

Kim is succeeded by his 30-year-old son that he adopted in 1982.

Photograph of late fashion designer André Kim laid at the wake service being held at Seoul National University Hospital in Seoul, South Korea on August 12, 2010. [Han Youn-jong/Asia Econmic Daily]