Spanish Designer Jesus Del Pozo Dies Aged 65

Fashion designer Jesus del Pozo, one of Spain's most influential style modernizers, has died aged 65.

A statement released late Saturday by Spain's Fashion Creators Association said Del Pozo had succumbed to a lung problem. Association president Modesto Lomba said although Del Pozo had looked weak in recent months he had worked with commitment and energy to the end.

"We have to recognize he was one of the instigators of Spain's current fashion era," said Lomba. "He made possible the reality the rest of us live in today."

Del Pozo opened his first outlet in Madrid in 1974, making him a contemporary of Antonio Miro and Adolfo Dominguez. His first collection was unveiled in 1976.