Fashion Critic. Popularly known as Mr. Blackwell, he was born Richard Sylvan Selzer. He was first an actor and at the insistence of Howard Hughes changed his name to Richard Blackwell in the 1940s when he signed with RKO Studios. He left acting to become a Hollywood agent and then discovered a talent for clothing design while making his client's stage costumes. Eventually became well-known as "Mr. Blackwell" in the late-1950s when he established his clothing line. His wide-spread recognition came after releasing his first tongue-in-cheek criticism of Hollywood fashion disasters for 1960 as his House of Blackwell took off. Best remembered for his annual "Ten Worst Dressed Women" list and critique. Authored two books, "Mr. Blackwell: 30 Years of Fashion Fiascos" and an autobiography, "From Rags to Bitches."
Fashion Critic. Popularly known as Mr. Blackwell, he was born Richard Sylvan Selzer. He was first an actor and at the insistence of Howard Hughes changed his name to Richard Blackwell in the 1940s when he signed with RKO Studios. He left acting to become a Hollywood agent and then discovered a talent for clothing design while making his client's stage costumes. Eventually became well-known as "Mr. Blackwell" in the late-1950s when he established his clothing line. His wide-spread recognition came after releasing his first tongue-in-cheek criticism of Hollywood fashion disasters for 1960 as his House of Blackwell took off. Best remembered for his annual "Ten Worst Dressed Women" list and critique. Authored two books, "Mr. Blackwell: 30 Years of Fashion Fiascos" and an autobiography, "From Rags to Bitches."
Bio by: Fred Beisser
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