Obituary: Beverly Hills Menswear Designer Bijan
Designer Bijan Pakzad died on April 16 after suffering a stroke two days before. He was 67, according to some reports. Others say he was 71.
Known by many by simply his first name, the Iranian- American designer ran his custom-menswear business in Beverly Hills for more than 35 years from a “by appointment only” showroom on Rodeo Drive.
In addition to menswear, the House of Bijan carried jewelry, accessories and fragrances—as well as car and airplane interiors— for a clientele that included world leaders, A-list actors, business tycoons and other designers.
Last year, Otis College of Art + Design honored Pakzad with its Otis Design Legend Award at the design school’s annual gala. Beverly Hills then-Mayor Jimmy Delshad presented Pakzad with the award, crediting Pakzad for helping to make “Rodeo Drive into a pinnacle of fashion.” Gala attendees also got to go behind the scenes into the designer’s work and home life, thanks to an eight-minute video tour of Pakzad’s store and lavish home. The video included a message from former President George H.W. Bush, who congratulated the designer, saying, “You make me feel more like George Clooney than George Bush. You the man!”
Pakzad promoted his brand and his fragrances on billboards throughout Los Angeles, which featured his 1,000-watt smile and his “Bijan” signature logo. —Alison A. Nieder
