Australian fashion stalwart Peter Weiss has passed away, following a long battle with obstructive lung disease and lung cancer.
Described as one of the "godfathers" of Australian fashion, Weiss died in his home on the northern beaches aged 84.
Weiss and his first wife Adele started the namesake label, Weiss, in 1975 and went on to design uniforms for high-profile clients such as now defunct Australian airline Ansett and Westpac.
Weiss also became the largest importer outside of Scotland, of knitwear label Pringle, which the business renamed to Weiss Pringle in Australia - without the owner's permission.
Through Weiss' entrepreneurial drive, the label grew to have over 40 stores and concessions in David Jones across Australia.
Weiss was also renowned for his philanthropic ventures, donating to various causes throughout his lifetime, including the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the Sydney Opera House and the University of Sydney.
AWPR founder Adam Worling told The Sydney Morning Herald that Weiss' philanthropy extended to individuals too.
"He was my employer, my mentor, my friend and then my puzzle buddy.
"I'm sure I'm not the only one he did this for, but he helped me start my own business by becoming my first client.
"And he didn't need to do it, but he did," he said.
Designer Collette Dinnigan also told reporters that she was heartbroken to hear of his death.
"Peter was the godfather of my son, Hunter, and he was also the godfather to many in the Australian fashion industry.
"He taught me patience and how to be a better person.
"He was a pioneer in the Australian fashion industry and the first designer to really commercialise Australian design on an international scale.
"His business was really much larger, and more varied, than many of us remember today.
"His contribution to arts philanthropy was significant and an inspiring example to others who could do the same.
"I will miss him terribly," she said.
In a Good Weekend profile in October 2019, Weiss said that he wanted to be remembered through the donations he made to the arts, including Michael Parekowhai’s sculpture of Captain Cook to the Art Gallery of NSW and the Opera House's refurbished rehearsal rooms.
"I don't think I'm one of those people who needs to have a plaque.
"That's not where I'm at.
"But I'd like to think that my grandchildren onwards will be able to walk into [the AGNSW] and see Captain Cook or see the [Opera House] rehearsal rooms.
"It's just my way of marking that I haven't just fluffed around," he said.
Weiss is survived by his wife Doris and children Ariane and Antony.