Photos: courtesy of Fred Segal
Fred seGal Defining Los Angeles fashion for 60 years
W
ith parents who worked multiple jobs, Frederick Segal grew up poor in Chicago. Working as a traveling shoe salesman and shining shoes in Venice Beach, Segal would observe people. He started developing a sense for what buyers wanted. In 1960, he was able to open Pants America, his first store located on Santa Monica Boulevard, which specialized in denim jeans and chambray shirts. Segal then opened his famous boutique on Melrose Avenue. Defining West Coast fashion with his relaxed yet sexy tops and jeans, and well known for his honesty with customers, Fred Segal made a name for himself as a designer and retailer. His store became the ultimate hangout for fashionistas and celebrities, including the Beatles, Elvis Presley, Diana Ross and members of The Jackson Five. Working closely with designers and selling their clothes in his stores, Segal was recognized as a pioneer in experiential retail with his shop-inshop concept.
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