Mr. Blackwell (1922 – 2008) was born in Brooklyn, NY as Richard Selzer. He had an early career as child actor ‘Richard Ellis’. Mr Blackwell was better known for his annual ‘Worst Dressed’ lists than his own clothing line. The lists were started in 1960s, and were accompanied with biting commentary on each listee’s style. He once noted about a famous actress, “ Looks like all the stores in town had a sale – and she bought it all; what’s worse, she wore it.”
His own designs tended toward the theatrical, using lots of beading and such dramatic details as leopard print and large bows. He began producing clothing in 1958, and his business closed in the 1980s. Prior to retirement, he was featured in advertisements and was a frequent guest on TV talk shows.
Written by pastperfectvintage.com
from a 1950s dress
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from a 1960s dress
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from a 1970s dress
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from a 1980s dress
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