MILLER, NICOLE

(1952- )

Born in Lenox, Massachusetts, Miller attended the Rhode Island School of Design and theChambre Syndicale de la haute couturein Paris. She began designing under her own label in 1982 creating her "hip smock dress," which was an instant sellout. She and her partner Bud Konheim opened the first Nicole Miller store on Madison Avenue in New York City in 1986. Miller is best known for her evening dresses and dramatic graphics and prints. While her theater ticket print was a bomb as asilkdress, it was an instant hit as a tie and was the accidental start of her very popular neckwear collection.She pioneered the use of actresses as runwaymodelsand has a diversified range of products that bear her name:womenswear,menswear, golfwear,outerwear,accessories, cosmetics,fragrances, and a Bed, Bath, and Beyond home line. In 2003, during L.A. Fashion Week, she launched "millergirl," a contemporary line. In 2004, Miller partnered with Donkenny Apparel, Inc., to produce three new lines: women's suits, sweaters/knits, and bettersportswear. In 2005, she launched Signature, a red-carpet collection, and Nicole by Nicole Miller, a line of affordable clothes sold exclusively atJ. C. Penney's. She also launched a lingerie line where she chose strippers as models and staged the show at a Manhattan Strip Club. Together with partner Konheim, they own and operate thirty freestanding Nicole Millerboutiquesand sell to upscaleretailerssuch asSaks Fifth AvenueandNeiman Marcus. Miller is an active fundraiser for multiple charities and was named a celebrity cabinet member of the American Red Cross.