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Geoffrey Beene 2 Piece Silk Iconic Chic Coat &Dress for Elizabeth Arden Size 6
About the Item
It is very hard to find a ensemble by legendary American designer Geoffrey Beene in this condition and of this high end quality. It has everything that Mr. Beene was known for. The print and mix with black silk, the European metallic trim, the fabric piecing! And the best part of the ensemble, The quilted gold and black animal silk print bolero. It is a work of art. Made for Elizabeth Arden, The Salon. From a Palm Spring’s Fashionista’s collection, it looks like it was never worn or used. US size: 6. A great collector’s piece from one of the greatest American fashion designers that ever lived, respected and admired in Paris and worldwide.
Geoffrey Beene (1924–2004) was a pioneering American fashion designer, renowned for his artistic skill, technical innovation, and the creation of simple, comfortable yet elegant womenswear. Often called the "godfather of minimalism," he emphasized fit, movement, and a revolutionary approach to design that prioritized the body's natural form.
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Early Life and Education
Born in Haynesville, Louisiana, Beene was part of a family of doctors and initially pursued a medical degree at Tulane University. Finding himself sketching gowns during lectures, he soon realized medicine was not his calling and left after three years in 1946. He moved to Los Angeles to study fashion at the University of Southern California and worked at I. Magnin before relocating to New York City to attend the Traphagen School of Fashion. He further honed his skills in Paris at the Ecole de la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne and apprenticed at the couture house of Molyneux.
Career and Design Philosophy
Beene returned to New York and worked for several Seventh Avenue houses before establishing his own company, Geoffrey Beene, Inc., in 1963. His first collection was an immediate success, featured on the cover of Vogue magazine. He became famous for:
Anatomical Cut: His medical training gave him a unique understanding of the body, leading him to develop innovative curved and spiral seams that enhanced movement and fit, rather than using traditional darts and side seams.
Mixing Fabrics: He was a rebel who enjoyed combining unexpected, sometimes contrasting, materials like sequins with jersey, or denim and sweatshirt fabric for evening wear.
Minimalism with Whimsy: While a champion of minimalist design, his creations often included witty details, such as his famous sequined football jersey gown or dresses with humorous motifs.
Comfort and Wearability: He focused on creating clothes that were not just beautiful but also comfortable and practical for a modern lifestyle, a radical idea at the time.
Notable Achievements and Legacy
Throughout his 40-year career, Beene was widely celebrated:
Awards: He was an eight-time winner of the Coty Fashion Critics' Awards—more than any other designer—and received the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Lifetime Achievement Award in 1998.
Firsts: He was the first American designer to show his collection in Milan, Italy, in 1976, which helped elevate American fashion abroad.
High-Profile Clients: His clients included First Ladies like Lady Bird Johnson and Nancy Reagan, and actresses such as Faye Dunaway and Glenn Close. He designed the wedding dress for President Johnson's daughter, Lynda Bird Johnson, in 1967.
Mentorship and Philanthropy: Beene was known as an excellent teacher and mentor to many young designers, including Alber Elbaz. The Geoffrey Beene Foundation, established after his death in 2004, directs all brand proceeds to charitable causes, including cancer research and educational scholarships. His most famous commercial product was the classic men's cologne Grey Flannel, launched in 1975.
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- Brand:
- Dimensions:Length: 39.5 in (100.33 cm)Marked Size: 6 (US)Bust: 32 in (81.28 cm)Waist: 30 in (76.2 cm)Hip: 34 in (86.36 cm)
- Style:American Modern (In the Style Of)
- Place of Origin:
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- Material Notes:Truly made like the quality of a Couture piece. The workmanship is amazing.
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Palm Desert, CA
- Reference Number:Seller: 11142581stDibs: LU2817215917082
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