Liz Claiborne dies at 78

by Grant Osborne, 05 July 2007

Liz Claiborne, US Fashion designer and co-founder of Liz Claiborne Inc died last Tuesday (26 June 2007) of cancer at New York Presbyterian Hospital. She was 78.

Anne Elisabeth Jane Claiborne was born in Brussels to American parents on March 31st, 1929. In anticipation of German invasion, the family fled to New Orleans in 1939. Claiborne returned to Europe after the war to go to art school.

Despite her parents objections Claiborne settled in Manhattan and made her living in garment trade houses on Seventh Avenue. In 1954 she met Arthur Ortenberg, a textile executive. Both Claiborne and Ortenberg were married, so both divorced their partners and wed in 1957.

Claiborne and Ortenburg founded Liz Claiborne Inc in 1976 with Leonard Boxer and Jerome Chazen. The company designed for the working woman and the first collection was described as "businesslike, but not too pinstripe, more casual, more imaginative, less uptight".

Claiborne's first foray into fragrance came in 1985 with the creation of Claiborne Cosmetics. The Cosmetics division was a joint venture between Liz Claiborne Inc and Avon. The partnership was not to last and split in late 1987 after Avon acquired Parfums Stern. A clause in the contract with Claiborne stipulated that Avon could not work with any other designers. As the Stern acquisition included licenses for Valentino, Perry Ellis and Oscar de la Renta the partnership was dissolved and Claiborne acquired Avon's 50% of Claiborne Cosmetics.

In 1989, after 13 years, Liz Claiborne and Art Ortenberg announced their retirement from the company.

The company has grown by acquisition in the last few years and it's fashion brands include Ellen Tracy, Kate Spade, Juicy Couture, Mexx, Donna Karan and Lucky Brand.

In a statement on their website, Liz Claiborne Inc paid tribute to their founder: In losing Liz Claiborne, we have not only lost the founder of our company, but an inspirational woman who revolutionized the fashion industry 30 years ago. Her commitment to style and design is ever present in our thinking and the way we work. We will remember Liz for her vision, her entrepreneurial spirit and her enduring compassion and generosity.

Categories: People, Claiborne Cosmetics, Liz Claiborne

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Liz Claiborne dies at 78

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