Meanwhile, we’ve also learned of the death of Billy Frank Whitten, costumer to the stars. Whitten, the grand-uncle of Maiya Sykes (VH1’s “Bands on the Run”), succumbed to lymphoma on Saturday, April 8, 2006 at the age of 62.
Most noted for the creation of Michael Jackson’s famed glove, Whitten provided custom costumes for some of the most notable names in the music industry. He started his own design and production company, Workroom 27, where he was able to manufacture his own designs from start to finish. He quickly expanded his portfolio and introduced as his trademark the dazzling hand-beaded clothing that brought him and his clients much acclaim.
Bill Whitten was most proud of his work as Neil Diamond’s stylist over the past 30 years. Mr. Diamond, who gave the costumer the opportunity to freely design some of the most beautiful shirts and costumes the world has ever seen, recently featured some of his designs on the Oprah Winfrey Show.