Winston, Samuel (circa 1900 - 1970)
Dates
- Existence: circa 1900 - 1970
Biography
Born in New York City, Samuel Winston got his first job as a piece goods buyer, and added experience as a dress salesman. After a brief whirl in a retail shop, he switched back to wholesale manufacturing when he organized Milmont Gowns and became its vice president. His career was then spent between retail and wholesale manufacturing in the fashion industry on 7th Ave. In 1950, he founded Samuel Winston, Inc. and engaged Roxane Kamenstein and internationally known Charles James as his designers. The arrangement with James ended acrimoniously when James pulled out of the relationship, accusing Winston's company of stealing designs and not crediting him. James successfully sued, but became broke in the process, while Samuel Winston went on to continue his successful career. His primary designer, Roxane Kamenstein, won the 1960 Coty Award for her beaded evening wear. Winston was in business with Geoffrey Beene at some point in the late 1940s.