AUSTRALIAN costumer and designer Christopher Essex has died in a Sydney hospital after a second and short battle with cancer.
Mr Essex, 61, one of the leading lights of fashion and theatrical design, dressed some of the biggest names in show business, including Tina Turner, Dionne Warwick, Phyllis Diller and Rhonda Burchmore.
Born in England in April 1945, Mr Essex grew up in Australia and began his professional designing career in the display department of Sydney's then leading department store Mark Foys.
He was lured into the world of fashion when he began coordinating fashion shows and creating costumes at Sammy Lee's establishments, the Latin Quarter Nightclub and the original Les Girls.
Mr Essex opened his first salon and work rooms, called Camille, in Hong Kong in the 60s, attracting famous clients such as Nancy Kwan and Bruce Lee.
He returned to Australia when he was diagnosed with cancer but recovered and re-established his career.
He designed costumes for stage productions, including Get Happy, Private Lives, Hot Shoe Shuffle and Little Shop of Horrors. He also worked on the film Strictly Ballroom.
His philosophy was that fashion should not be taken seriously and that clothes must be stylish, glamorous and fun.
Mr Essex died on Wednesday in Sydney's Westmead Private Hospital.
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