(BEIRUT, LEBANON) — Lebanese fashion designer Basil Soda, 47, died at a Beirut hospital on Monday after a two-year battle with a medical illness, according to media reports.
Soda was known for quickly spreading into international fashion markets after launching his high-profile fashion line in 2001. Years later, several American celebrities wore his signature line at red carpet events, attracting global attention and soaring his brand.
Soda studied architecture at Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, and opened his first atelier in Sin El Fil in 2009, where he employed over 150 tailors and garment workers to cater to private clientele.
“We are sorry to announce the loss of Basil Soda, the great international designer, he who built his company single-handedly from the ground up,” the company said in a statement. “A great man who will always be remembered for his craft and beautiful soul.”
Soda has dressed Katy Perry, Guliana Rancic, Marion Cotillard, and Emily Blunt, among others. His brand has locations in major cities around the world, including New York, Vienna, Dubai, Hong Kong, and Toronto.
His ready-to-wear collection launched in 2010 in major international markets with high price tags starting at over $2,000.
The average price for a ready-to-wear evening dress costs around $3,000, according to fashion experts.
The nature of his illness was not revealed, however some media reports said he died from cancer.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at Our Lady of Annunciation in Beirut.