Hanae Mori, renowned Japanese fashion designer, dies at 96

Nicknamed Madame Butterfly', Mori was the first Japanese designer to make it in the world of French haute couture

Hanae Mori, the Japanese fashion designer who broke into the world of French haute couture almost half a century ago, has died aged 96, her office said on Thursday.

Mori, who earned the nickname Madame Butterfly" for her signature motif, was regarded as a symbol of Japan's growing status as a modern, fashionable nation, and as a pioneer for the country's women.