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Francois Nieuwendam Obituary
Francois "Frans" Nieuwendam. Menswear Consultant and NYC Nightlife Veteran.
Frans was the first-born son of Norma Joyce Swaby (Deceased) and Freddy Hedwig Nieuwendam on February 3, 1960 in New York City. His early years were spent in Suriname, Holland, Portugal and the UK before returning to NY in 1978. In New York, he went to Seward Park High School, and studied at Stony Brook University before graduating from Fordham University.
A longtime Lower East Side resident, dandy, and bon vivant who was regularly featured in Menswear style blogs, Frans died on May 3, 2020 from complications related to COVID19. Frans worked in all facets of the fashion industry, from styling to merchandising and runway show production.
As a young man in London, Frans spent his meager allowance on King's Road emulating the looks of style icons the likes of David Bowie and Brian Ferry. He worked as a bespoke, made to measure consultant for Alfred Dunhill, Jil Sander, Barney's, and Hickey Freeman, He often advised that "The suit is always the best garment to flatter a man."
Frans also made a name for himself working in nightlife. He found salvation through the music and community of his younger days frequenting iconic nightlife venues The Loft, Paradise Garage, & Studio 54. In the ‘90s he went on to work at much-lauded nightclubs Float, Wax, CentroFly and Limelight. In 2009 he was the subject of an article in the New York Post titled "Barbarians at the Gate," about doormen at New York's most high-profile nightclubs, he was described as an "unseen force." A colleague said, “Doing the door for a NY club is not for the faint of heart. Frans achieved this through grace and style,” as he did in all areas of his life.
Frans was a consummate raconteur who was well-versed in a wide range of disparate topics ranging from the culinary arts and pop culture to esoteric spirituality and ancient civilizations. His stimulating conversation, illumination, guidance, and erudition are legendary amongst his acquaintances and friends.
He is survived by his father and stepmother Lurdes, his brothers Andre, Alexandre, Philipp, and stepbrother Ricardo. Frans' style, friendship, and humility will be missed by all. Friends are encouraged to share their memories via Instagram with the hashtag #fransnieuwendam. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the ACLU.
Memories and Condolences
for Francois Nieuwendam
19 Entries
Rebecca L Pietri
October 1, 2025
It has been 5 years and to long . I miss you more every evening when I no longer can call and chat. Will we meet again , who knows but it was an amazing ride having you in my life. Anyone who wants to reach out ot share stories can reach me [email protected]
Mark Alhadeff
February 13, 2022
From the parties you cohosted at Stony Brook, to our more recent regular chats in the East Village, there is no doubt that you made the world a more interesting place. Your memory will be a blessing.
Richard
February 17, 2021
A man who lived his life on his terms. A man I loved. A man I respected. I miss you Bro.
Tanya Vermeulen Beede
February 15, 2021
So sorry to hear about the death of my cousin, Francois. My mom and his dad were first cousins. Francois and Andre lived nearby in New York and used to come over and play when we were children. My little brother Jan couldn’t quite pronounce his name so he called him “Swaswa”. Our deepest condolences to the entire Nieuwendam family from the Vermeulen and Gerdeman families.
Italo Sanchez
May 28, 2020
Such am amazing person . Who will be miss dearly by many . My condolences goes out to everyone who know this great men. May he Rest In Peace. Definitely one of New Yorks finest.
joan reinmuth
May 26, 2020
a man of substance and courage, and
it didnt hurt that he was gorgeous.
i mean gorgeous style, all the time.
we loved him, he was our next door neighbor and will miss him as a good friend
Cyrus
May 26, 2020
Always had a great story and a good laugh, a true gentleman. He will be missed.
Richy Vega
May 26, 2020
Franco, it is always hard to express how much I will miss you in this life. I will see you again my brother. Peace and Love Always.
Tracey Hastings Ward
May 26, 2020
Rest in Power Sir you made your mark & now you rest.
Carlos Gonzalez
May 25, 2020
He made New York , New York- always a Star
Soli Davis
May 25, 2020
Always dapper, so widely well informed and kind! Your biting wit and intellect was so beautifully balanced with honor and honesty!! I miss my wonderful LES neighbor and friend as well as the incredible conversations we had RIP
Vivian Campbell
May 25, 2020
Always dapper and on point! Neighbor, you will be missed. Until we meet again. Much love. Vivian and Erma. VET
Shaun Rose
May 25, 2020
Francois,
You were the personification of a gentleman. A kind and caring soul. A friend.
Rest In Peace
Sergei Mihailov
May 25, 2020
Rest in peace, dear sir.
I will always remember you as very polite and impeccably dressed shopper I had the privilege to help at Barneys.
George Steen
May 25, 2020
Rest easy my friend you were always a perfect gentleman and a class act
Allison
May 25, 2020
A wonderful man with a pure heart - A tragic loss for those who knew him, and the world alike. One in a million.
Ruben Sanchez
May 25, 2020
Francois will be missed. While I myself have not seen you for sometime, your interest, conversations, and points of views were always compelling. If there is an after life, may we meet again.
Andre Michel
May 24, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Victor and Diana Morales
May 22, 2020
Our love and deepest Condolences to the Nieuwendam family. May our Lord keep you and comfort you as you grieve and celebrate your beloveds life.
Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results
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