Mr. Blackwell, creator of Best, Worst-Dressed List, wakes from coma

Mr. Blackwell, the fashion man-ven whose annual "Best and Worst-Dressed" list  has earned him serious A-list friends and enemies, has been in a coma at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center since Saturday after falling at his home.

But the good news is that we have word that he regained consciousness.

His publicist, Harlan Boll, said that Blackwell regained consciousness Thursday as he battled a serious but unspecified infection that required antibiotics.

Boll adds, "He appears to be cognizant of his surrounding and acknowledged his partner, Robert Spencer."

Blackwell's "Best and Worst Dressed Lists" may have fallen from favor in recent years. But the dude's been doing these scathing style lists for 48 years. He was the unsung godfather of all the Fashion Police, Fug Girls, Who Wore It Best magazine and web features.

You could say he single-handedly helped spawn the pervasive (and yes, often snide and insulting) red carpet commentary element that's become an essential part of awards season coverage today.

Without him, there would have been no Joan Rivers making fun of celebs gowns, hair and accessories at awards shows. And needless to say, no Steven Cojocaru.

Even in his twilight years, Blackwell was still going strong.

Just last year he named Victoria "Posh" Beckham the worst-dressed star: "in one skinny-mini monstrosity after another, pouty 'Posh' Beckham can really wreck-em."

In the coveted No. 2 spot was not-ready-for-rehab singer Amy Winehouse, followed by Mary-Kate Olsen whom he described as "a tattered toothpick trapped in a hurricane."

Get well soon. Prayers and best wishes. What would we do without your keen and critical fashion eye?

Photo: Richard Blackwell was looking pretty spry on a red carpet in April 2008. Now about that plaid windbreaker...
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