Oleg Cassini (1913 –2006) was a renowned fashion designer known for his iconic sense of style. Born in Paris as Oleg Cassini Loiewski, he hailed from a Russian background and was raised in Florence, Italy. In 1936, Cassini ventured to the United States in pursuit of a career in design, marking the beginning of his journey in the industry.

Initially, Cassini made his mark as a costume designer for major Hollywood studios, with his first notable work being showcased in the movie “I Wanted Wings” in 1941. Following World War II, he returned to New York as First Lieutenant Cassini and established his own fashion house. Alongside designing elegant ready-to-wear dresses, he continued to lend his talents to television and Broadway musicals.

Cassini’s career reached new heights when he became the Secretary of Style for the White House, where he had the honor of dressing one of the most memorable First Ladies, Jackie Kennedy. His collaboration with her was prolific, resulting in approximately 300 outfits designed specifically for her. The “Camelot” look that Cassini created for Kennedy gained widespread popularity and admiration.

Throughout his life, Cassini found himself entangled in romantic affairs, including marriages to Mary Fahrney and actress Gene Tierney. He was also romantically involved with Grace Kelly and contributed to her iconic look. His timeless and elegant style garnered appreciation from famous beauties of the 20th and 21st centuries.

Cassini not only made a name for himself as the first celebrity designer but also revolutionized men’s fashion by introducing colorful shirts, deviating from the traditional white-only options. In the 1990s, he formed a successful partnership with David’s Bridal, designing beautiful wedding dresses until his passing.

In addition to his fashion endeavors, Cassini ventured into the world of fragrance, launching his first women’s fragrance, called Cassini, in 1990. He went on to create a total of four perfumes, with the newest edition debuting in 1998, leaving a lasting olfactory legacy alongside his iconic designs.