Mr. Blackwell, known for his witty and rhyming annual worst-dressed list, is seriously ill.

The self-annointed fashion critic has been in a Los Angeles hospital and unconscious since Tuesday, Aug. 5, report news sources.

His business partner Robert Spencer would not disclose the nature of the illness.

Blackwell, born Richard Selzer, has issued an annual Ten Worst Dressed Women list for the past four decades. Victoria "Posh Spice" Beckham topped his list for 2007.

"Forget the fashion spice -- wearing a skirt would suffice!" he wrote. "In one skinny-mini monstrosity after another, pouty posh can really wreck-em."

And although Britney Spears tied with gal pal Paris Hilton to top the list in 2006, Blackwell showed a gentler side by omitting her on last year's list, stating, "I felt that it was inappropriate at this time to make comment when her personal life is in such upheaval. I hope 2008 is a better year for her."