Famed hair stylist and fashion icon Vidal Sassoon died after a long illness, and the Los Angeles County coroner's office has plans for an autopsy.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Vidal Sassoon CBE, who died this morning at his home in Los Angeles surrounded by loved ones. The 84 year old hairdresser was born in 1928 and sadly lost his battle with leukaemia today. He became the most celebrated hairdresser in the world having begun his career as an apprentice during the Second World war going on to revolutionise the industry through his iconic haircuts, salons, schools and product lines. He will be greatly missed by his wife of 20 years Ronnie, his children, grandchildren, family and friends. In lieu of flowers the family has requested that memorial donations be sent to American Friends of The Hebrew University in support of The Vidal Sassoon International Center for the Study of Anti-Semitism- 11500 W. Olympic Boulevard, Suite 512 LA CA 90064 or www.afhu.org