RIP PAUL WATTENBERG: MAESTRO OF MEN’S SUITS
Born on April 29, 1931, in Paris, France, Paul Wattenberg left this world on April 9, 2024. A legend in men’s clothing manufacturing, he will be remembered for his brilliant salesmanship, determination, love for family and friends, and incredible joie de vivre.
Following a childhood in Paris, Paul managed to escape the atrocities of World War II and build a successful clothing business in the States. Decades later, wanting to leave a message for future generations, he wrote an uplifting book about his life experiences entitled Pure Luck: Conceive, Believe, Achieve. As he told the press on publication, “We survived thanks to my mother’s extraordinary tenacity and courage. The other factor was luck, pure and simple. You can be smart, you can be bright, you can be brilliant, but at the end of the day, without mazel (luck), it doesn’t fly. That’s the whole story of life. It is the story of my life.”
In the early stages of Leon of Paris (which evolved into Aldolfo License Group), Paul worked with his father, Leon, his mother, Rachel and his brother, Gary. Later, for more than 40 years, he worked side by side with his son Lee.
Family meant everything to Paul, who leaves behind his fabulous wife Linda (“63 years of love and laughter”), his treasured children Lee, Debbie, and Wendy, their beloved spouses Laura, Brett, and Steven, much adored grandchildren Jamie, David, Rachel, Kyle, Ryan, Jordan, Cory, Andrew, Ethan, Dylan, and great-grandchildren Charlie and Oliver. As noted in Paul’s official obituary, “His heart filled with pride at the sight of each new addition to his growing family.”
Saddened by Paul’s passing, friends and colleagues remain inspired by all they learned from him over the years. Says Ron Wurtzburger of Peerless, “He was one of the best sellers I ever met. ‘No’ to him meant he would try again that same day. Seriously, I worked for him for five years and I loved him. If you were sick or had a problem, he was the first one there to help. He loved fashion and was always the first with new models and fabrics. Paul’s wife Linda and their son Lee were always by his side supporting him. There was only one Paul Wattenberg, and he knew how to get the deal done. I will miss him.”
Recalls Stu Nifoussi, former publisher of MR magazine, “Paul was never afraid to ask for what he wanted. He was relentless in his determination, but always in a kind and respectful manner. Somehow, he always managed to get what he was looking for…”
Stewart Golden worked for Paul for almost 25 years. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without Paul’s guidance. He was so smart, so dynamic, so talented in fabric selection and design. He could be a little rough at times, or so it seemed to me when I started working for him at age 21. But he taught me everything I know about the business, about building relationships and selling. I am forever grateful for so many life-enhancing lessons.”
Patrick Kennedy, founder of A Curious Man, said, “Tenacity lost its poster boy on Tuesday. Paul Wattenberg was one of the most tenacious individuals I have ever met, elevating the phrase ‘No is never no’ to an art form. He was one of the most underappreciated yet most talented men in our industry. In the school of Wattenberg, I learned his ‘CBAs:’ Conceive, Believe, and Achieve. I feel blessed to have had the honor of working for him, and I am very heavy in the heart today.”
Finally, from Philip Elkus, a close friend who worked first with Paul’s parents and knew and loved four generations of the Wattenberg family, “Paul was the Maestro of Men’s Suits. His internal periscope spun 24-7 on every aspect of the business: design, fabric, color, manufacturing, selling and styling. He was an extremely talented guy, his only shortcoming that he seemed to be tone deaf whenever he heard a customer say no. But more importantly, he wore his heart on his sleeve and would do anything for a friend. I’m grateful to have been one of his friends.”
A funeral service will be held today, Thursday, April 11th
12:00 pm – 12:45 pm
RIVERSIDE NASSAU NORTH CHAPELS
55 North Station Plaza
Great Neck, New York 11021
I worked with Paul for over 30 years as a buyer. I had many spirited meetings with him. I also played golf and visited with his family on Long Island. He made business fun and interesting. I will miss him dearly. The world has lost a giant.
Many decades ago when I was either the clothing buyer or the DMM Clothing at Field Brothers we worked with Paul and his team for Leon of Paris and Adolfo. We had a great deal of success. Then like in any business two seasons of Adolfo were dismal. We shooped the line and then past for the next season. Paul as has been said was relentless and determined we stay an Adolfo account. He rang me at least two or three times a week. Finally I went to my boss, Larry Levy and told him my dilemma. He told me to remember that Paul is a great salesman and a great friend but ultimately I had to do what was right for Field Brothers. In the end I relented and carved out a few hundred units. He was very happy. May his name forever be a blessing and his family as I am sure they do, know we all thought he was a great guy
Many decades ago when I was either the clothing buyer or the DMM Clothing at Field Brothers we worked with Paul and his team for Leon of Paris and Adolfo. We had a great deal of success. Then like in any business two seasons of Adolfo were dismal. We shooped the line and then past for the next season. Paul as has been said was relentless and determined we stay an Adolfo account. He rang me at least two or three times a week. Finally I went to my boss, Larry Levy and told him my dilemna. He told me to remember that Paul is a great salesman and a great friend butler ultimately I had to do what was right for Field Brothers. In the end I relented and carved out a few hundred units. He was very happy. May his name forever be a blessing and his family as I am sure they do, know we all thought he was a great guy
Among many other moments, I remember: 1. Meeting Paul in the Leon of Paris showroom in the early seventies, while my father I were looking at “John Hampton” branded suits, or more correctly stated, being sold the suits! Paul’s tenacious, literally in your face selling was unparalled. His smile and personality was infectious and irresistable.
2. Meeting his mother, while she pushed a rolling cart of cutting tickets at 46 W. 23rd St., and saying to her how nice it was that she worked for and helped Paul, to which she responded, “work for Paul?, Paul works for me!” 3. When Paul bet the farm on signing and launching the Adolfo collection, presenting a fashion show, launching his company to great success. 4. Lee’s Bar Mitzvah and the reception at their home in Lake Success. 5. Debbie’s elaborate wedding in the city, with more flowers and greenery than a botanical garden. 6. The day on Paul’s yacht, The Frenchman, when I became horribly seasick. Paul took me by the hand to the lowest point on the boat, and into the bathroom as he held me by the head as I threw up, asking “now how much are you going to pay me for those suits?” 6. Witnessing Paul’s ability to recognize potential young talent, and serve as a master teacher and mentor to so many who became stars in our industry. He will be remembered fondly and missed.
As a youngster coming up in the business Paul Wattenberg was an industry legend. When I would see him he would grab both my lapels and proceed to school me on all the elements of menswear. My Grandfather and him did much business thru the years. To Lee Wattenberg may you and your family have no more grief and be comforted that your dad was such a wonderful man and certainly left his mark.
Sending my deepest condolences to the entire Wattenberg family
As Karen stated in the article,
Paul was such a fantastic merchant in our industry.
He was way ahead of his time.
I will never forget all the great times we had together.
Doing all the shows and traveling to see customers.
I love you very much and will miss you even more
RIP my wonderful friend