ICONIC LOS ANGELES RETAILER FRED SEGAL HAS DIED
Fred Segal, the Los Angeles icon behind a retail scene that inspired the city’s fashion, has died due to complications from a stroke on Friday. He was 87.
“In 1961, Fred Segal created a retail scene that defined Los Angeles fashion and sparked a revolutionary shift in style that has transcended the last six decades,” according to a statement from the retailer’s representatives. “Fred Segal pioneered the shop-in-shop concept and experiential retail, resulting in a brand built on heritage, inclusivity, and love that changed the face of retail forever.”
The statement added: “He was a true artist who dedicated his life to evolving as a human being in every aspect. He challenged us to expand our minds and our hearts, to go deeper, and to do better. He was an innovator, a forward thinker, a rule-breaker, a mentor to so many, such a lover of life, and a humanitarian. Anyone who knew him felt his powerful energy. He worked his whole life to have self-love and to teach all of us to love one another. To the very end, he inspired us to never give up. He will be forever loved and celebrated.”
Jeff Lotman, owner and CEO of Fred Segal: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of our founder and original curator of cool, Fred Segal, who created a retail scene that continues to be the heart of L.A. pop culture. Fred Segal defined L.A. fashion and sparked a revolutionary shift in style with the first-ever denim bar. Fred pioneered the shop-in-shop concept and experiential retail, which remains the essence of our brand, 60 years later. His forward-thinking concept continues to discover and support up-and-coming designers and create iconic fashion moments: changing that face of retail forever. We’ll continue to honor Fred’s legacy by always offering an unparalleled retail experience, searching out new brands, bringing L.A. style and culture to people around the world, and loving one another.”
Fred Segal is survived by his five children, 10 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, beloved wife, Tina, and her two children and grandson.
To honor Fred Segal’s legacy, consider donating to the Segal Family-United World Foundation at 10960 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 1100 Los Angeles, CA 90024.
What a vision he had in 1961. I remember when we had our Bruno Magli store in Costa Mesa and after that our Bally Store. Each store had a great location, on the cutting edge with new designers, out of the box thinking and a great sensibility in merchandising. He will be missed by all.
Fred inspired me as a young retailer on the opposite coast in New Jersey when I was working for Sid Schlesinger’s iconic store in West New York. So when I ventured west as a sales rep, I couldn’t wait to meet and sell Fred at Fred Segal on Melrose. It began a life long business relationship that I will always cherish. I will miss you Fred, but I will always carry your kind spirit in my heart and my soul forever my friend.
Rest in peace Fred. 🙏 You may be gone, but you’ll never be forgotten. ♥️