Fashion Designer Charles Nolan Dies at 53

American fashion designer Charles Nolan has died in New York after fighting cancer. The 53-year-old Nolan was known to be a fan of classic styles, but he skewed them with a modern edge and personal touch.

Women's Wear Daily first reported his death on its website Sunday. Charles Nolan store vintage buyer Maggie Savage confirmed the report.

Nolan launched his own label in 2004. He previously was the head designer for Anne Klein and Ellen Tracy. But he was almost as well known for his political interest as his work in fashion.

He took a publicized hiatus from fashion in 2003 to work on former Democratic Vermont Gov. Howard Dean's presidential campaign. Dean tells Women's Wear Daily that Nolan was a "wonderful" person.