Peaky Blinders icon dies aged 61 as co-star Cillian Murphy pays tribute

Peaky Blinders costumer designer Stephanie Collie has died aged 61 as stars of the hit BBC series including Cillian Murphy have paid tribute

Peaky Blinders costumer designer Stephanie Collie has died at the age of 61.

Stars of the hit BBC series including Cillian Murphy have paid tribute to Stephanie, who helped create the show's iconic looks. She died after being diagnosed with terminal cancer six months ago. Stephanie died peacefully on October 26, a year on from the passing of her husband, Hubert Taczanowski.

Hubert had worked as director of photography. In tribute to Stephanie, the show's star Cillian said in a statement: "Stephanie was a ferocious talent. She invented the Peaky Blinders look and silhouette that has become iconic across the world. We will all miss her. RIP."

Peaky Blinders' official Instagram account also paid tribute to Stephanie's "incredible work". They wrote: "We were so saddened to learn of the passing of costume designer Stephanie Collie. Stephanie's incredible work in our first series was key to creating the iconic look of the Peaky Blinders, and has gone on to inspire so many people around the world. Our love and thoughts are with her family.'"

Stars across Hollywood also shared their own messages as Pulp Fiction's Samuel L. Jackson said: "Stephanie was fuel for my characters. A wonderfully joyous & collaborative part of my process. I'll miss her, is an understatement." Deadpool star Ryan Reynolds added: "Deeply saddened to hear of Stephanie Collie's passing.

"She was an accomplished and talented designer — but the world has also lost two precious natural resources: her wry wit and acerbic observational humour. My condolences to her family, colleagues and all who knew her. Rest well, Stephanie."

Stephanie worked on award-winning show Peaky Blinders' costumes during its first series. Her ideas went on to influence the entire production of the hit series. She was born in Cheshire and moved to Cheltenham to study at Cheltenham Arts College. Stephanie went on to complete a fashion degree at the London College of Fashion.

She started her illustrious career by working in the BBC's sewing room alongside costume designer Susan Coates. Stephanie went on to work with actor and filmmaker Kenneth Branagh as part of the Renaissance Theatre Company. The creative moved from the stage to the screen when working on Guy Ritchie's Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.

Her work influenced men's fashion thanks to her innovative costume designs. Stephanie used the real Peaky Blinders gang as her inspiration when working on the BBC series and based Cillian's costumes on mug shots taken in that period. Her use of tweed waistcoats, white club collar shirts and flat caps transcended off-screen and onto the high street, as men adopted the styles in recent years.

Stephanie won a Royal Television Society Award for Best Costume Designer thanks to her work. She has three surviving siblings and was also stepmother to husband Hubert Taczanowski's daughter by his first marriage. Peaky Blinders is currently filming its next season.

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