Cassini
Oleg Loiewski (1913). American designer of Russian origin born in Paris. He worked as a costume designer in Hollywood, and also in musicals and TV. He was the tailor for famous women such as Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Kennedy Onassis, for whom he became the official designer in 1961. He designed the First Lady’s entire wardrobe for her visit to India in 1962, which caused her to be known as “Ameriki Rani,” or the Queen of America. He was very successful due to the simplicity of his cocktail dresses and knitted suits. His provocative sheath dresses were also famous. When very young, he studied in Florence, graduating from the Academy of Fine Arts in 1934. After helping his mother in her boutique there, in 1936 he decided to go to New York. Once here, he worked for the big manufacturing firms of Seventh Avenue (now known as Fashion Avenue), until, in 1940, he accepted a position as costume designer at 20th Century Fox. In 1941 he married the very beautiful actress Gene Tierney, for whom he designed the costumes for the film The Razor’s Edge, based on the book by Somerset Maugham. The marriage lasted until 1952. Later, Cassini went to the Eagle Lions Studios as head costume designer, although without neglecting the world of Seventh Avenue, with which he maintained a close relationship. He retired a few years ago and lives in Connecticut.