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Geoffrey Beene Obituary
Beene died of complications of pneumonia, according to Russell Nardozza, vice president of Geoffrey Beene Inc.
He launched his own company on a shoestring budget in 1963 and turned it into a fashion empire. Along with Bill Blass, he was regarded as one of the godfathers of American sportswear.
Beene was born in Haynesville, La., and initially planned to become a doctor, enrolling in the pre-med program at Tulane University. It was during lectures, when Beene became bored, that he began sketching gowns – a sign that medicine would not be his future.
His first job in the industry came when he signed on as an assistant in the display department of the downtown Los Angeles branch of I. Magnin, the clothing store chain. A company executive recognized his talent, and encouraged Beene to get a job in fashion.
A move to New York City in 1947 was followed by enrollment at the Traphagen School of Fashion, followed by time in Paris to learn the business. He returned to New York and got his first big break in 1954, a job designing for Teal Traina and his fledgling firm.
In 1963, Beene opened his own company in a champagne-colored showroom on Seventh Avenue, and the business was an instant success. In its first year, Geoffrey Beene Inc. sold $500,000 worth of clothes, a figure that would quadruple in just two years.
In 1964, Beene won the first of eight Coty Fashion Critics Awards. His work is exhibited in museums around the world.
No services for Beene were planned, according to Narozza. He was survived by a sister, Barbara Ann Wellman of Conroe, Texas.
20 Entries
KENNER
August 29, 2011
HI
michelle k
August 29, 2011
ur clothes are awesome and they are so cute
S. Krof
October 31, 2009
He was a stunner! His style, art and vision remain. Thank you Mr G. Beene.
EDGAR BEENE
November 28, 2008
DEAR GEOFFERY,BEENE.
I AM A BEENE AND COME FROM
A LINE OF BEENE FAMILY HERE IN
SANDIEGO,CALIFORNIA.
I JUST WANTED TO FIND OUT IF THERE IS ANY BOOKS THAT WOULD BE BASS ON THE BEENE FAMILY.
AND HERE I CAME ACROSS YOUR WEB PAGE WEB SITE.
How you can show support
James T Robinson
August 20, 2007
One day I was at Rizzoli's bookstore in The World Financial Ctr in lower Manhattan.
I was looking at a book about simplicity in which there were quotes from Mr. Beene.
As I turned to leave, there he was. I told him I was just reading his quotes and with a twinkle in his eye and a smirk he said "Don't believe any of it."
It made my day!
Barry Wistreich
December 5, 2005
Hello. In 1977, a fellow by the name of Charlie Pipia introduced me to Geoffrey Beene Inc. I was given a job in the Piece Goods Dept, and was to learn from Arnold, and David Luttinger, the in's and out's of the "Rag Trade". I was only 19, and had no idea this industry even existed. I worked for Mr. Beene for 6 months. He once told me that if I worked for him for 10 years, that I would want for nothing financially. I handled garments that were appraised for many thousands of dollars, and also went to the bank and cashed petty cash checks for him. I was a silly kid, and did not know better. My grandmother, Marge was a faithful employee of Mr. Beenes for many years as a housekeeper for his many homes. Charlie Pipia was Mr.Beene's Dressmaker, and a great friend of my family to this day
Be well Geoffrey Beene,may your stay in Heaven be well and fruitful. I hope to see you there one day.
Vanessa Grayson
November 4, 2005
I GOT MY FIRST REAL JOB WORKING IN TEXTILE. PHILLIPS VAN HUESEN IN HARTFORD ALABAMA. WE MADE GEOFFREY BEENE SHIRTS. I WAS A SINGLE PARENT AND THOSE SHIRTS BOUGHT MY FIRST CAR, HOUSE, AND FEED MY 2 CHILDRED. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE. VANESSA GRAYSON (HOWELL) HARTFORD ALABAMA
Lillian Goossens
September 3, 2005
Our sympathies go out to the loved ones of Geoffrey Beene. While not knowng him personally, I have bought many of his shirts for my sons and they have been the best.
Douglas Preston
October 21, 2004
I recall in the eighties wearing mr. beenes "beenejean" pants and shirts. his grey flannel cologne is still a favorite of mine. it reminds me of walking through a winter forest after a fresh snow. mr. beene was definitely a man of class and distinction. I admired him very much and the good taste he brough to fashion.
Marcus Hender
October 15, 2004
Hi,
Just a guy from England who spends two weeks a year visiting the States to 'stock up' on workwear.
Ralph Lauren is good but a bit predictable (at least in the UK) where as Geoffrey Beene is fresh, funky in a kind of understated kind of way, and superb tailoring - I would much rather travel the 3K miles than the 50 for 'Saville Row' tailoring - I for one will sorely miss you, but thank you for all your designs, I hope yout house keep them up.
Best Regards,
Marcus Hender.
Penny Ladnier
October 3, 2004
I recall in the 1970s when I sold menswear. I always enjoyed seeing the new lines come in from Geoffrey Beene collection. The colors were always fashionable and the style of the tailored shirts were so classic. I never met a man that didn't look good in Geoffrey Beene shirts. We lost a great designer in fashion. Mr. Beene and his wonderful collections are history.
Poppy Caile
October 1, 2004
Rest in peace
Eric Butler
October 1, 2004
You've made a mark on so many and will be remembered. I am sorry there are no services to commemorate your life and work.
Geri Simmons
September 30, 2004
Your loved contributed so much to the world of high fashion. Thanks for a life well lived.
Pamela Whittle
September 30, 2004
Your loved one has contributed much to the fashion world and will be truly missed by all. Like so many who have lost loved ones in death , we long to see them again. The scriptures give us the assurance that this thought will indeed become a reality. I encourage your family to read John 5: 28,29.
Carol Logan
September 29, 2004
I didn’t know you personally, but I do buy all of my cloths from your store.
I like your policies you have in your stores. I only hope that they stay the same. I never shop anywhere else.
My condolence to the Beene family.
A Customer
Carol Logan
Lisa
September 29, 2004
You will be sadly missed by many.
Marlena Sams
September 29, 2004
Your loss touches so many. Sympathy and prayers for your family.
Luke 23:42,43
Pam
September 28, 2004
You will be missed all over the world and in the small town of Haynesville you will be missed most of all.
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