Liz Claiborne, founder of the fashion house that bears her name, died today at the age of 78. Her company says the cause of death was not immediately known.

Claiborne, who retired from the day-to-day operations in 1989, founded the fashion house in 1976. The goal was to create a collection of fashions aimed at the growing number of women entering the workforce. Claiborne's styles eventually became an important influence for career women in the 1970s and 1980s.

Liz Claiborne CEO Bill McComb called her "an inspirational woman who revolutionized the fashion industry 30 years ago," and says she will be remembered for "her vision, her entrepreneurial spirit and her enduring compassion and generosity."

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