Gap celebrated its 40th anniversary earlier this year by ringing the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange.

But now a chapter has closed on the iconic American retailer: Donald Fisher, co-founder of Gap, died on Sunday in San Francisco at the age of 81.

After launching the company in 1969 with his wife Doris, Don pioneered a new way of shopping -- specialty stores weren't as mainstream back then -- and proceeded to grow Gap into the mega company we know it as today. Gap Inc. owns several other huge brands including Old Navy and Banana Republic.

Some of us are old enough to remember when the retailer was called The Gap (referring to the generation gap between baby boomers and their parents) and sold Levi's.

"My father was an inspiration to many people both in his dedication to his business and through his enthusiasm and commitment to philanthropic efforts," said Don's son, Bob Fisher.

Adding, "On behalf of our family, we want to thank everyone who has offered their love and support. We are comforted in the knowledge that my father's legacy will live on in the spirit and passion of the millions of people who have worked over the past 40 years for the company he founded."

StyleList pays tribute to another legendary tastemaker who helped make fashion what it is today.