Louise Wilson dies aged 52

Louise Wilson, the revered fashion professor credited with launching the careers of some of the world's best designers, has passed away. She was 52.

British Vogue reports that she died in her sleep last night while visiting her sister in Scotland.

She had been director of the prestigious MA Fashion course at London's Central Saint Martins since 1992, where she became infamous for her straight-talking, forthright manner towards her students.

"People think I'm rude," she told The Telegraph in 2012. "I'm not rude, I'm just not networking, it's just honesty. In Who's Who my hobbies are listed as eating, sleeping and voicing one's opinion. Not necessarily the right opinion but it's mine."

READ: The world of Louise Wilson, fashion professor

Speaking in a statement released following news of her passing, Jeremy Till, head of Central Saint Martins, described Wilson as "an inspirational person both within the college and the wider world of fashion."

"Her commitment to her students and passion for creative excellence are legendary. Her deep understanding of fashion and her drive for funding for bursaries, facilities and opportunities are part of what made her such an extraordinary educator," he continued. "Louise's legacy will live on at CSM through her former students and current teaching colleagues who were so close to her. Central Saint Martins is grateful to have been able to enjoy the fruits of Louise's great talent for educating for the last twenty years and will support her staff and students as they go forward from here."

READ: Professor Louise Wilson: 'I'm not rude, I'm just honest'

Wilson, who received an OBE for services to fashion and education in 2008, had tutored some of the world's finest design talents, including Phoebe Philo, Jonathan Saunders, Chrsitopher Kane and Alexander McQueen.

In 1997 she left Saint Martins - where she herself had studied in the Eighties - to become design director of Donna Karan in New York, before returning to the London college to resume her position as course director of MA Fashion in 1999.

She is survived by her partner, Timmi, and their son, Tim.

Via: Louise Wilson dies aged 52