Breaking News from Vogue.co.uk:

Chanel's artistic director for over 40 years - died on Friday, aged 69, after a long illness. Helleu was the driving force behind the house's iconic ad campaigns, which have featured the likes of Catherine Deneuve, Nicole Kidman, Kate Moss and Keira Knightley and established Chanel as a key brand name in the modern consumer market. "His larger-than-life personality, immense talents and unique vision have defined Chanel as the ultimate house of luxury, with an unparalleled global presence," said Maureen Chiquet, Chanel's global chief executive officer, in a statement following Helleu's death. "He succeeded in bringing Chanel into the 21st century as a leader in the world of exclusivity. 'Taste is a gift,' he often confessed. He guided us in his artistic choices, which have given Chanel its worldwide aura." Photographer Patrick Demarchelier, who worked with Helleu on the label's Allure campaign, is among the industry's leading lights who have paid tribute to Chanel's visionary. "Jacques Helleu was a great personality, a great talent," he told WWD. "He was very kind and had humour." A private funeral will be held in Paris tomorrow. (October 1 2007, AM)

Blogdorf's Note: The Chanel bloggers had the incredible honor of meeting Mr Helleu while in Paris. He was a very dashing and elegant gentleman with the most infectious laugh.

During the bloggers meeting, Mr Helleu casually inquired about the group's dinner plans when Seth from Cool Hunting extended an invitation for him to join us.

You could almost feel the entire wall of Chanel staffers stiffen until you saw Mr Helleu throw his head back and laugh. I think he was delighted with Seth's moxie.