Beene, Geoffrey

▪ 2005

      American fashion designer (b. Aug. 30, 1927, Haynesville, La.—d. Sept. 28, 2004, New York, N.Y.), revolutionized the American fashion industry with minimalist designs that incorporated a variety of materials and emphasized comfort over couture. He spent three years studying medicine at Tulane University, New Orleans, but dropped out with the intention of enrolling at the University of Southern California. Instead, he found a job in the display department of upscale retailer I. Magnin. Having decided on a career in fashion, Beene enrolled (1947) in New York's Traphagen School of Fashion and continued his studies in Paris. Beene returned to New York in 1951 and established his portfolio with a number of Seventh Avenue designers. He landed a full-time position with Teal Traina in 1954 and remained at that studio until he launched his own company in 1963. His collections were noted for flattering the human form. He described his approach as having “respect for the body, respect for the fabric, and respect for a woman's desires.” Beene drew widespread praise for his 1967 design of Lynda Bird Johnson's wedding dress, and his spring collection that year was generally regarded as his finest. In 1974 he launched a line of inexpensive sportswear that he dubbed Beene Bag, and two years later he became the first American designer to open a show in Milan. His work earned him induction into the Fashion Hall of Fame, eight Coty Fashion Critics Awards, and a 1998 lifetime achievement award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America.

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