Bill Kaiserman

William "Bill" Jay Kaiserman (1942 – 2020)[1] was an American fashion designer, and a four-time Coty Award-winning designer (1974; 1975; 1976; 1978).[2]

Bill Kaiserman
Born
William Jay Kaiserman

(1942-09-08)September 8, 1942
Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
DiedJanuary 20, 2020(2020-01-20) (aged 77)
Manhattan, New York, U.S.
NationalityUnited States
OccupationFashion Designer
Spouse(s)Mildred Jo Lyons (divorce)
Angelina Rosario Rodriguez (until his death)

Kaiserman established a design studio in the Italian design community in Milan, and developed a designer business in Europe and Asia.[3] He was awarded the Cavaliere Del Lavoro (Knight for Labour) award from the Italian government for his role in developing Italy's reputation in design, fabric and production innovation.

Early life

He was born 8 September 1942 in Brooklyn, New York.[1] He studied acting with Uta Hagen, before pursuing fashion design.[4]

Career

He was a self taught designer and founded the Rafael Company in 1970. He entered women's wear in 1976.[4] By 1979, the company had US$30 million in sales for its men's and women's collections business, which included sportswear, clothing, eveningwear and swimwear. The designer also developed an international clothing licensing business (Van Gils, Netherlands) under the Bill Kaiserman Label. During this time Bill Kaiserman also won three Coty awards as well as the first ever Hall of Fame award for Best American Designer.

In 1982, Bill Kaiserman moved to Milan, Italy, to develop an international designer business under Bill Kaiserman Label.[5] During the eighties and through partnerships with international companies like Mitsui, and Kashiyana, the Bill Kaiserman Label grew in popularity in Europe, Asia and America.

In the early 1990s, Bill Kaiserman returned to the U.S. to develop a U.S. licensing business with companies like Hartz & Co.;[6] Format; Mondo, Inc, and American Fashion, Inc..[7] He has helped other labels by designing new collections, such as Avirex's AVX line.

In 1997, Bill Kaiserman created Skin Finish, a revolutionary new coating for fabrics that is patent-pending. In 1998, Bill Kaiserman launched Skins, a street-wear inspired sportswear collection for men and women. Skins being sold to American department and specialty stores. In 2000, he introduced Skins, a streetwear-inspired sportswear collection for men and women.[8]

Family

He married Mildred Jo Lyons in 1971 and that marriage ended in divorce.[4] His second marriage was to Angelina Rosario Rodriguez in 1990.

He died 20 January 2020 in Manhattan, New York, from complications from a stroke and pneumonia.[1]

References
  1. Feitelberg, Rosemary (2020-01-21). "Four-time Coty Award Winner William Kaiserman Dies at 77". WWD. Retrieved 2020-03-28.
  2. "Kaiserman, Bill", Contemporary Fashion, 2002, Almond, Kevin; Groshong, Lisa
  3. Guido Vergani (2009). B. Merlo (ed.). Dizionario della moda 2010. Baldini Castoldi Dalai. ISBN 978-88-6073-608-6.
  4. Wohlfert, Lee (1979-03-05). "His Models Are 'Just Bodies,' Says Bill Kaiserman; He Only Has Designs on Actress Wife Millie". People.com. Retrieved 2010-10-18.
  5. New York Magazine Mar 31, 1980
  6. "Kaiserman licenses Hartz & Co. (clothing designer Bill Kaiserman) Daily News Record". Highbeam.com. 1992-05-25. Archived from the original on 2012-11-05. Retrieved 2010-10-19.
  7. "Clothing firm in talks with Bill Kaiserman". Daily News Record | HighBeam Research. 1991-11-20. Archived from the original on 2012-11-05. Retrieved 2010-10-18.
  8. "KAISERMAN HITS THE STREETS WITH SKINS". Highbeam.com. 2000-03-16. Archived from the original on 2012-11-05. Retrieved 2010-10-19.


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