Robin Piccone
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Robin Piccone | |
|---|---|
| Alma mater | Los Angeles Trade and Technical College |
| Occupation | Fashion Designer |
| Organization | Piccone Apparel |
| Known for | Swimwear Design |
| Notable work | Neoprene Swimwear |
Robin Piccone is an American swimwear designer and entrepreneur known for her pioneering work in neoprene swimsuit design. She is the founder of Piccone Apparel and has been affectionately referred to as the "Queen of Neoprene."
Early life
Piccone raised in Los Angeles, California.[1] She developed a passion for design at a young age, greatly influenced by her paternal grandmother, who created clothing for her and her sister.[1]
Piccone completed her education at Beverly Hills High School before pursuing further studies at Los Angeles Trade and Technical College, where she graduated with honors.[1]
Career
Piccone started her first job at Cole of California, starting as pattern cutter and later as an assistant designer. She later relocated to New York, working as a designer with Bobbie Brooks.[1]
In 1985, Piccone made a significant breakthrough when she licensed her innovative neoprene swimwear designs to Body Glove, a company primarily known for wetsuits worn by surfers and divers.[2][3] She developed a lightweight version of neoprene, and designed bikinis, corsets and shorts in vibrant colors and black-trim.[3][4] Piccone's designs quickly gained popularity and a devoted following.[3]
In 1986, She established her own swim and sportswear company, Piccone Apparel, in 1986, partnering with her husband and mother.[1][2] Due to her instrumental role in popularizing neoprene swimwear, Piccone earned the moniker "Queen of Neoprene," with her designs being widely imitated throughout the swimwear industry.[2][5]
In 1994, she entered into a licensing agreement to design a swimwear collection for Guess.[1]
In addition to running her own company, Piccone served as a mentor to students at Otis College of Art and Design until 2010.[5][6]
Recognitions and community involvement
Piccone is an active member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America.[5]
She actively engages in community involvement and contributes to fundraising projects for pediatric AIDS research at the City of Hope National Medical Center.[5] Her dedication and philanthropic efforts have been recognized through notable achievements, including receiving the City of Hope Spirit of Life Award and being named Woman of the Year by City of Hope in 1990.[5][7] In 1989, she was selected as California Designer of the Year.[7]
Piccone's contributions to the field of swimwear design have received acclaim and recognition from the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Her innovative use of neoprene fabric resulted in the exhibition of two of her original neoprene suits and a mini skirt.[1]
References
- ^ a b c d e f g Turk, Rose-Marie (1994-09-22). "Robin Piccone Rides the Next Wave : The Queen of Neoprene just can't stop creating. She's designing a Guess? line--and running her own successfulo firm". Los Angeles Times.
- ^ a b c Farr, Louise (1996-07-11). "ROBIN PICONE SETS NEW DESIGNS". WWD.
- ^ a b c Ryder, Caroline (2009-05-24). "When the beach arrived". Los Angeles Times.
- ^ "Body Glove International LLC | Encyclopedia.com". www.encyclopedia.com.
- ^ a b c d e "Robert Piccone". cfda.com.
- ^ "Past Mentors". Otis College of Art and Design.
- ^ a b Miller, Linda (1990-05-20). "Woman of the Year". The Oklahoman.
Category:American fashion designers Category:American women fashion designers Category:Living people Category:Businesspeople from Los Angeles