Richard Blackwell dies

Posted Oct 20th 2008 at 10:48AM by Boydie Beener (Subscribe to Boydie Beener's posts)

Filed under: CELEBRITY STYLE, Celebrity, Hot or Not

(Click the photo to see Mr Blackwell's most memorable worst dressed celebs)

Legendary fashion critic, Mr. Richard Blackwell, died on Sunday. At 86 years young, Mr. Blackwell had been ill for some time, but in the end it was an intestinal infection got the best of him.

Mr. Blackwell was best known for his annual worst-dressed lists -- which were loved and loathed for his scathing comments, and caused quite a stir before the Fashion Police and Joan Rivers, and countless other snarky celebrity fashion commentators came along

However, before he became a fashion icon, in the late 50's, Blackwell was just another actor trying to make it in Hollywood. When his career failed him, he became a dress maker, but it was his outspoken manner that brought him fame. By the 60's his infamous list included the likes of two time worst dressed winner Zsa zsa Gabor, actress Mia Farrow and even Queen Elizabeth. In recent years, names like Paris Hilton and Britney Spears were chart toppers.

Mr Blackwell's most quotable celeb slams

(click thumbnails to view gallery)

The annual issuance of the list was an even more of dramatic affair than the actual names. On the second Tuesday of every January, the media would gather at Blackwell's mansion for a glitzy breakfast. Afterwards, the man of the hour would make an extravagant entrance where he would reveal the 10 worst dressed celebrities of the year.

However, by the late 90's, Blackwell's list wasn't the spectacle it used to be. Rather than a generous meal, he simply sent his list via email. It was around this time too that Blackwell began feeling a little guilty about having been so rude to so many stating, "It's not my intention to hurt the feelings of these people. It's to put down the clothing they're wearing."

But with famous quotes like, "[Barbra Streisand] looks like a masculine Bride of Frankenstein," and "[Lindsay Lohan went] from adorable to deplorable," following him to his grave, Mr. Blackwell is still the biggest bitch of them all -- and we love him for it.

RIP Richard.

Tags: expire-images2009-10-20, fashion police, FashionPolice, joan rivers, joan rivers melissa rivers lisa rinna, JoanRivers, JoanRiversMelissaRiversLisaRinna, mr blackwell, MrBlackwell, richard blackwell, RichardBlackwell, worst dressed, WorstDressed

Scott 10-20-2008 @ 2:17PM

Thank God we won't have to live through another one of this old bitch's lists. He's not important or relevant, and his "list" serves only to shock, not inform or enlighten. He was a rude, bitter queen, and may he rest in the peace he tried so venomously and vehemently to deny other people.

me 10-20-2008 @ 2:32PM

He was right most of the time. He was a class act. Anyone who was hurt by his comments obviously didn't have the thick skin, nor the brain to know that he offered an opinion and was good enought to get paid for it. The same for you who are hurting for those whom you surmise were hurt.
Jealous.

All the neo fahsionistas are nothing compared to him and, he paved the way for their careers. Homage is due.

SUSAN 10-20-2008 @ 2:53PM

There are some good designers and some beautiful gowns. But today's so-called "celebrities" are so lacking in grace and poise that they appear ready to trip over their own feet.
No designer's works can look good on these skeletal klutzes.

Moi 10-20-2008 @ 2:58PM

Funny how old queens grow on you. Who knows, maybe he influenced fashion for the better, one thing for sure, he was another who made it easier for power queens in scarves to be out there in public and in the media, so I give him high snaps, may his angels always be well dressed.

Bob Johnson 10-20-2008 @ 3:05PM

Blackwell was in fact a mean-spirited "bitch" - to those of us who knew him well, he was a very unhappy person. His homosexual lovers came and went - and in the end they all left him. His nasty personality and nice guy public "front" was something to avoid. He was never happy with his life, from failing at acting as a younger felow, he seemed to take pleasure in making his insulting lists aimed at those who were sucessful at acting. His failed clothing design business, only let ihm review other moe talented designers. If a star did not buy her gown from him, he would blast them in his list. He extorted a lot. He now can deal with the devil for all his unkind remarks about nice people who never offended him. Good riddens Blackwell you were a "Stinkwell" on earth. Bob Johnson

Joanne 10-20-2008 @ 3:29PM

Obviously, you didn't know him. . . . . I did

RANDY STJULIEN 10-20-2008 @ 6:17PM

YOU WERE ON THE MONEY ABOUT THAT WORTHLESS SELF CENTERED BITCH! I WONDER IF HE MADE THE DEVILS TOP TEN LIST?

Ken 10-20-2008 @ 3:10PM

Blackwell- Fasion Guru? NOT. Pain in the ass Queen- YES !!
Was he in step? Call the club and ask the girls, I mean boyz!!
He made statements, he shunned people, he insulted others.
He seemed like he lived a good life and the one he wanted. Does he now matter - NOT !!! RIP

Jersey

Sheri 10-20-2008 @ 4:29PM

Mr. Blackwell started trying to be nicer as he got older because he was trying to secure a place in heaven. Hope he made it!

Sandra Johnson 10-20-2008 @ 4:39PM

Mr. Blackwell was a class act. You hate mongers need to get a life. I doubt that those who say they knew him well, knew him at all. He paved the way for future style commentators and was an asset to the industry. God Bless You Mr. Blackwell

Chris 10-20-2008 @ 9:11PM

EVERYONE CRITICIZES. RIP. CRIME IS UP, PROTECT YOUR FAMILY, PEPPER SPRAY, WIRELESS HOME SECURITY, HOME MONITORING, PROTECTION DVDS, WWW.YOUBSAFE.COM

Ms. Luna 10-20-2008 @ 11:15PM

Both myself and my boyfriend found him to be charming and polite. I will always remember our interactions with fondness. He laid the ground work for many other FASIONISTAS. So may he rest in peace.

--=(XAITIAX)=-- 10-20-2008 @ 5:53PM

What fashionistas often find acceptable in clothing is not what everyone (including myself) finds acceptable.

They're just facists whith poor taste according to many people.

Lola 10-20-2008 @ 5:57PM

Someone remarked that this guy was a "class act." Are you kidding me??!! This guy was such a sleeze bag, with his hateful, disturbing, vitriolic tirades about people he didn't even know.

This world is a much, much nicer place without that evil queen in it!

Lyndsey23 10-20-2008 @ 6:06PM

I wonder which designer's gown he'll be burried in. He was a nasty, nasty person & will not be missed.

Steve 10-20-2008 @ 6:44PM

Dahlin's dressing age apropriatley takes years off ones looks. Nothing worse than mature adults attempting to look like teens. For far too many years the grundge look ruled, well sweets, if one want to look at Joe the janitor or Mindy the maid or Wonduh the waitress fine and dandy but hey, it takes only a slight flare to look spectac. Lady's if your are above a certain age swet suits don't suit, shorts on fat legs minus stocking too often are disgustin, and if you've a rounded figure for gosh sake, cover your fat bum. Men, tight jeans or bagger might be OK for kids but never for mature males. Khakis and a nice dress shirt or even work shirt are always classic.
If not knowing how to dress up, dress down, subdud colors, small patterns can make anyone look good.
Blackwell hell is where you never want to be. His bitchy remarks all too often were based on his personal likes or dislikes of those whom he singled out as targets. i. e. Totie Fields when she wore Pucci, she looked great, and never was there a sweeter lady, but Mr. B. dissed her terribly and for this respondent unfairly.
Well Mr. B. if you arrive at your final destination let's hope those you are with all dress to your liking, IF NOT you went to fashion Hell=and there you may dwell. RIP

Patty 10-20-2008 @ 6:50PM

I never knew him personally but I thought he was hilarious and could never wait to hear his latest list. I'll miss that.