Bill Frank Whitten

Bill Frank Whitten (October 4, 1944 – April 8, 2006) was a Hollywood fashion designer who designed stage clothing and high-end fashion for musicians and celebrities.

In 1974, Whitten's custom shirt business in West Hollywood, Workroom 27, was discovered by Neil Diamond who became an advocate for Whitten's custom-designed clothing.[1] At the height of his business, Whitten had a factory with 50 employees making stage clothing for 20 groups including the Commodores, The Jacksons, and Edgar Winter.[1] He also designed Michael Jackson's famous rhinestone glove[1] and crystal-encrusted socks.[2] In 1990, he opened a store, Bill Whitten, on Melrose Avenue.[3]

Whitten died of cancer on April 8, 2006 and is buried in Los Angeles, California.[4] He is the brother of artist Jack Whitten.[5]

References
  1. Robinson, Gaile. "Whitten Time : Fashion: For a long time Bill Whitten designed in obscurity while his rock music creations stole the spotlight, but no more". The Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 31 January 2018.
  2. Chochrek, Ella (6 November 2019). "Michael Jackson's Moonwalking Socks Are Expected To Sell for More Than $1 Million". Footwear News. Retrieved 24 November 2019.
  3. Louie, Elaine. "Style Makers; Bill Whitten; Designer and Retailer". The New York Times. Retrieved 31 January 2018.
  4. "Billy Frank Whitten". Find a Grave. Retrieved 31 January 2018.
  5. "'I Am Black, Angry, Tired of Teaching, Tired of Being Poor': Jack Whitten's Newly Published Journals Reveal a Long, Painful Road to Recognition". artnet News. 2018-08-06. Retrieved 2018-08-10.


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