Geoffrey Beene was born in Haynesville, Louisiana, in 1927. Giving up a potential career in medicine at age 19, Beene believed that he could best express himself through design. He studied at Traphagen School of Fashion in New York and  L'Academie Julian in Paris. His design career began in 1949, and he quickly became noted for his unconventional designs. Beene formed his own company in 1962, and unveiled his first women's collection that same year. He started his own label one year later. A menswear line emerged in 1969.
     Beene is a fashion pioneer who excels at elevating the everyday. For example, in 1970 he created eveningwear out of materials such as sweatshirt fabric and denim. Beene's garments are well refined. Much of his success as a designer is based on the support of Beene's intensely devoted clients who care little about looking like someone else.
     In 1964 and 1965 Beene won the Neiman Marcus Award. Beene also has received eight Coty Awards for his high quality ready-to-wear clothing. During the past three decades, he has been presented with four Council of Fashion Designers of America awards. His work has been exhibited in museums around the world. April 27^th is "Geoffrey Beene Day" in the designer's home state of Louisiana.

(Seeling, C.  2000.  Fashion:  The century of the designer 1900-1999.  Könemann.)