FRENCH designer Sonia Rykiel has died, her daughter Nathalie confirmed today. The enigmatic designer, famous for her colourful knitwear designs, was 86. In 2012, she revealed that she has been suffering from Parkinson's disease for 15 years.

"It is with deep emotion that the house of Sonia Rykiel announces the death of its founder, Mrs Sonia Rykiel," said Jean-Marc Loubier – chairman and CEO of First Heritage Brands, Sonia Rykiel's parent company. "With her passing away, the fashion world has lost an icon, a pioneer, and a chocolate lover. More than a designer she was an extraordinary woman and an artist who devoted her life to women and their freedom."

Born in Paris on May 25, 1930, Rykiel became an established name on the Paris fashion scene when her eponymous first store opened in 1968 on Paris's Left Bank. Her early clients included Brigitte Bardot, Catherine Deneuve and Audrey Hepburn. In 2009, she was awarded The Order of Légion d'Honneur in recognition of her 40 years of service in the French fashion industry.

Although she no longer designed collections for the house, Rykiel - who had two children with her ex-husband (Sam Rykiel) Jean-Phillipe and Nathalie - still remained closely tied to her eponymous label serving as honorary president. Julie de Libran currently heads up the ready-to-wear label which shows on the Paris Fashion Week schedule, and paid her own tribute to Rykiel shortly after her death.

"My first moment meeting Sonia Rykiel at her home will stay in my heart as a very beautiful memory," said de Libran. "I was very touched by the charm and grace of this unique woman who truly defined what it means to be iconic. She will be greatly missed, but her style, legacy and spirit will never be forgotten and will live on to continue inspiring women around the world."

Read more: Sonia Rykiel Awarded Two French Honours