 |
Arnold ScaasiFashion designer
Date of Birth: 08.05.1930
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Arnold Scaasi: The Glamorous Couturier
- Rise to Fame
- Signature Style
- Hollywood Glamour
- Accolades and Legacy
Arnold Scaasi: The Glamorous Couturier
Early Life and CareerArnold Isaacs, later known as Arnold Scaasi, was born into a furrier's family in Montreal, Canada. His passion for fashion ignited at the age of 14 after a visit to Australia, where he was influenced by his aunt's impeccable style. Upon returning to Montreal, he enrolled in design school and furthered his studies at the esteemed Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture Parisienne in Paris. Scaasi apprenticed at the House of Paquin before relocating to New York City, where he became a protégé of the iconic designer Charles James.
Rise to Fame
In the early 1950s, Scaasi's creations began appearing in advertising campaigns, including one for General Motors shot by Edgar de Evia. It was on this shoot that he met Robert Denning, who suggested he invert his surname, "Isaacs," to give it an Italian flair. Adopting the name Scaasi, he steadily gained recognition. In December 1955, he graced the cover of Vogue, leading to the launch of his own ready-to-wear line in 1956. Scaasi's popularity was further cemented by his prestigious Coty Fashion Critics Award in 1958.
Signature Style
Unveiling a glamorous aesthetic, Scaasi designed elaborate evening gowns and chic suits, often adorned with feathers, fur, and sequins. His clientele comprised socialites and celebrities, and he eschewed the popular trend of affordable clothing. Scaasi's reputation for elegance and timeless style soared with iconic creations like Barbra Streisand's 1968 Oscar gown for "Funny Girl."
Hollywood Glamour
Scaasi's designs extended beyond the red carpet. He created costumes for Barbra Streisand in "On a Clear Day You Can See Forever," Shirley Maclaine and Susan Sarandon in "Loving Couples," and Sally Field in "Kiss Me Goodbye." His impact on Hollywood fashion solidified his status as a visionary couturier.
Accolades and Legacy
In 1996, Scaasi received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America. Major exhibitions of his work have been held at renowned institutions, including Kent State University, Ohio State University, the Fashion Institute of Technology, and the New-York Historical Society. After a brief hiatus from the public eye, Scaasi returned in 2007 with a series of exciting new projects, continuing his legacy as a true master of glamorous couture.
