I remember growing up and seeing tv ads for Breeze detergent and country artist Porter Waggner endorsed the product in the wildest looking rhinestone suit! Where did these clothes come from? This morning as I was scanning the list of celebrities celebrating their birthday, today someone would have been 111 today had they been alive.
Nuta Kotlyarenko born in 1902 was a Ukraine-born American tailor who became famous when he designed elaborate rhinestone suits for such performers as Hank Williams, Porter Waggner, Elton John, Roy Rodgers and others. During the Depression, Nuta and his wife, Helen, moved to New York City and opened up his first store specializing in undergarments for showgirls; “Nudies for the Ladies”.
After creating a rhinestone suit for country artist, Tex Williams, notoriety grew and soon the line of flamboyant western wear became known as “Nudie Suits”. Later on Nuta changed his name to Nudie Cohn. Musicians and movie celebrities had suits made by this Hollywood’s Tailor. Among celebrity status from his creations are Hank Williams, Elvis Presley, Robert Redford, Elton John and Gram Parsons.
Cohn died in 1984 at the age of 81, his store remained open until 1994 under the ownership of his widow, Bobbie and granddaughter Jamie.
