Brisbane designer Daniel Lightfoot dies unexpectedly on Christmas Day

The ex-wife of Brisbane designer Daniel Lightfoot, who died unexpectedly on Christmas Day aged just 58, has released a moving tribute to the ‘magical’ man.

Fashion designer Daniel Lightfoot in his Brisbane store in 2014

The ex-wife of Brisbane design icon Daniel Lightfoot, who died unexpectedly on Christmas Day aged just 58, has released a moving tribute to the man who could turn “a simple piece of fabric into something truly magical”.

Suzie and Daniel Lightfoot in Paris the night they were engaged.

Suzie Lightfoot, affectionately known as the Kim Kardashian of Brisbane, penned an emotional tribute to her former partner on social media.

The other half of the Brisbane golden couple said he touched the lives of many through an “incredible talent, craftsmanship and vision of beauty”.

Mrs Lightfoot said he was a man who appreciated the fine things in life, someone who could and would dance like the whole room was watching.

“He turned a simple piece of fabric into something truly magical and made the women he dressed shine like diamonds,” she posted.

“I know how much he will be missed by all his friends, colleagues and clients from his glorious fashion years.

“He will always be lovingly remembered for his wicked sense of humour and sharp wit, appreciation for French Champagne, diamonds and bling, yellow roses, love of a good party, expensive cars, and dancing like everyone was watching (because they were).

“Rest in peace, beautiful Daniel. You are safe now and can be the man you want to be again in heaven dressing all those beautiful angels in your creations.”

Daniel and Suzie Lightfoot.

She said his daughter Paris was the “light of his life” and that the family had requested privacy for the mourning period.

His daughter Paris Lightfoot earlier posted a tribute to him, saying that late on Sunday night “heaven gained the most fashionable & hilarious angel”.

“I will love you forever Dadda and I will always be your princess P,” her post said.

In 1985 Australia’s Miss World entrant Angelina Nasso wore one of his designs, making Lightfoot a household name.

He was crowned Queensland's best designer the next year.

Fashion designer Daniel Lightfoot in his Brisbane store in 2014

Mr Lightfoot went on to dress Liza Minnelli and former Governor-General Quentin Bryce and was inducted into the Retail Association of Queensland’s Hall of Fame in 1992 after winning three RAQ supreme awards.

His designs were adorned by Brisbane’s social scene including his ex-wife, champion athlete and model Susan Bendeich, who he met at school and told of his childhood crush.

The pair married in 1990 and, despite separating eight years later, they remained friends until his passing, often seen at social events together.

Her website described their time together as the “Daniel and Suzie Lightfoot Show” and affectionately called them the “Kim and Kanye of ’90s Brisbane”.

Mr Lightfoot’s contribution to Brisbane’s fashion industry continued in his mentorship of young designers through Queensland University of Technology’s fashion school.