Italian designer Fausto Sarli dies

ROME – Fausto Sarli, one of Italy's leading high fashion designers, known for his artisan touch and elegant gowns, has died at 83.

Alberto Terranova of Sarli's fashion house said the designer died Thursday of cardiac arrest in a Rome hospital a week after being admitted with a lung ailment.

The Naples-born designer was considered a master of style. He burst on the scene in the late 1950s, in the heyday of Italian high fashion. He dressed leading women in the Italian TV and film world in slinky, beautifully tailored gowns. He was also famous for his wedding dresses.

Italian President Giorgio Napolitano praised Sarli's originality, sobriety and quality in a message of condolences.

Sarli, who was divorced, is survived by five sons. The funeral is Friday.