Albert Nipon, an American designer and women’s clothing company owner, was born and raised in Philadelphia. In his childhood, he had no intention of pursuing a career in this industry, but everything changed when he met his future wife. Together they founded a successful business. Their women’s clothing brand grew in popularity and reputation, but it was eventually lost owing to the financial scandal associated with Albert. We will tell you more about the designer’s life path and career. Learn more at philadelphianka.
Early years and education
Albert was born in Philadelphia on September 11, 1927. His parents were Sara and Louis Nipon. The young man attended a local high school, where he was well known for his athletic achievements. Young Albert was active in football and athletics and achieved quite good results.
After school, he joined the Army, where he continued to practice sports. During this period, he competed in soccer against Ollie Kline and George Taliaferro. After completing his service as a sergeant, Albert enrolled at Temple University. He graduated from the higher education institution in 1951 with a degree in accounting. During his student years, he continued playing football, as well as attended athletics and wrestling classes. Albert was a multiple university competition champion and a member of Pi Lam Fraternity.
Nipon began his professional career as an accountant for DuPont. However, life had other plans for him.
Marriage and fashion design
Albert and his future wife Pearl first met in 1952. They met at a party, where the man threw the girl dressed into a pool. Of course, he apologized later. Thus, the man began dating Pearl, with whom he eventually became engaged. Pearl and Albert had three sons: Laurence, Leon and Andrew, as well as a daughter named Barbara Joy. The family resided in downtown Philadelphia.
The Nipons entered the fashion industry in 1954, developing apparel for pregnant women. Albert took on the position of company manager, and Pearl started designing clothes. They sold it from their own small store, which eventually grew into a well-known chain called Ma Mere.
In 1972, the maternity clothing company shifted its focus to women’s clothing. The truth is that around this time, the birth rate in the United States began to fall, yet dresses were in high demand. Albert and Pearl sold the Ma Mere brand to the Dekon Corporation.
According to Albert, his wife was the driving force behind the creation of a new brand and the design of women’s clothing. She had an understanding of certain styles that young American women were interested in as they developed their careers. The clothes had to be stylish and comfy, with a perfect fit and intricate detailing. As a result, each dress looked as if it was custom-made.
Thus, the star of a women’s clothing brand called Albert Nipon unexpectedly shone on the fashion industry horizon. In 1984, the company’s sales reached 60 million dollars, and celebrities including Nancy Reagan, Rosalynn Carter, Mary Tyler Moore and Barbara Walters purchased dresses from the brand.
However, in the same year, Albert Nipon faced a swift downturn:
- he was charged with bribery and large tax evasion by the Philadelphia Internal Revenue Service office
- Albert was sentenced to prison and sent to Florida
- he spent 20 months in prison, and the company lost $15 million during this time.
Later, the man said that his imprisonment had deprived him of all that was known to him, either physical, material or emotional. While serving his sentence, he performed mundane jobs like mowing the lawn and sorting clothes. He made an effort to stay occupied during this time in order to cope with the situation he was in.
At the same time, he was able to attend seminars at a rabbinical college, where he studied Judaism, history and the Bible. This was a new experience for him, and it shaped his future life while also helping him maintain faith in a better life and the possibility of continuing it after his release.
It is worth noting that Albert Nipon’s conviction and imprisonment did not mark the end of his design career. Following the man’s release, sales resumed, and the business continued to operate for several years.
In 1988, the designer declared bankruptcy. He sold his business to Leslie Fay but continued to produce clothes and perfume. Consequently, the Albert Nipon brand is still active and has not disappeared from the market.
Personal life
Sports had always been a part of Albert Nipon’s life. He was a huge supporter of the Philadelphia Eagles football team. Even when his health began to decline, friends and family would gather on Sundays to watch the next match. Albert waited for his favorite team to win the Super Bowl his entire life. This finally occurred in 2018, and the man celebrated this great victory with his wife.
Unfortunately, in the same year, Pearl, who was 90 years old at the time, passed away. Albert stayed surrounded by a large family since, at this point, all of his children had married and had children of their own. In their loving company, Albert Nipon passed away on November 20, 2022, at the age of 95.