He was known for creating ethnic-inspired looks early in his career, for which he won the prestigious American Coty Fashion Critic's award in 1968 and in 1970.

Using fabrics like tie-dyed chiffon, leather and cotton, he created romantic clothing that reflected the hippie culture of the era.

He also studied with Picasso for six months, as the result of winning an international ceramics competition, sponsored by the French government.

Picasso encouraged his student to "trust his own restless creativity and to keep on trying new artistic ventures," and Sant'Angelo created an animated film cartoon and submitted it to Walt Disney.

Catherine Murray di Montezemolo first noticed the jewelry, then later Diana Vreeland, who started featuring it in Vogue magazine.

Shots like the model Verushka wrapped in fur in the desert, or psychedelic flower makeup around one of Twiggy's eyes.

The versatile, wrap stretch pieces of clothing, in unique materials, colors and patterns, proved an antidote to the overly tailored styles of the time.

But his legend continues in the minds of modern-day fashionistas, with designers like John Galliano and Marc Jacobs citing him as an influence.