Arnold Scaasi, the Canadian Fashion Designer, died following cardiac arrest in New York. He was 85. Scaasi was known for his exuberant creations that were worn by socialites and Hollywood stars.
Scaasi was known for bringing the techniques of the French couture to prominent American women. Among them were Barbra Streisand, who wore a sheer, sequined, broadly bell-bottomed pantsuit designed by Scaasi to the 1969 Academy Awards and Barbara Bush, wife of George Bush.
Fashion Designer of the First Ladies
Scaasi also designed formal wear for first ladies Mamie Eisenhower, Hillary Clinton and Laura Bush. Scaasi’s most devoted clients were Joan Crawford, Joan Rivers, Elizabeth Taylor, Diahann Carroll and Mary Tyler Moore.
Scaasi was presented with the Council of Fashion Designers of America Lifetime Achievement Award in 1996 for his creations.
