Quogue Fashion Designer Arnold Scaasi Dies At Age 85

Fashion designer Arnold Scaasi and his longtime boyfriend, Parker Ladd, dated for 53 years before finally tying the knot in September 2011, two months after New York State legalized same-sex marriage.Dressed in eloquent suits, they exchanged vows during a small ceremony held at their weekend and summer home in Quogue, surrounded by those closest to them. Their marriage was officiated by Southampton Town Clerk Sundy Schermeyer.

The location at which they would exchange their nuptials was never in question, explained best man and longtime friend Michael Selleck, noting that Mr. Scaasi loved his home in Quogue.

The world-renowned designer, known in fashion circles for his one-of-a-kind dresses that he designed for both celebrities and first ladies, died on Tuesday, August 4, at New York-Presbyterian Hospital in Manhattan after suffering cardiac arrest. He was 85.

Mr. Selleck noted that the longtime fashion designer was surrounded by family and friends when he died.

Born in Montreal, Canada, Mr. Scaasi was known in the fashion world for his unique creations, including those that adorned actresses like Elizabeth Taylor and Mary Tyler Moore, first ladies Mamie Eisenhower and Barbara and Laura Bush, and comedienne Joan Rivers. His dresses were always elaborate, and it was not unusual for them to feature feathers, sequins and vibrant colors.

From October 15, 2002, through January 4, 2003, more than 80 of his dresses were put on display in an exhibit at The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. The exhibit included a number of famous outfits, including the nearly see-through black evening jumpsuit with sequins that Barbra Streisand wore when she accepted the 1969 Oscar for “Funny Girl.”

“He had a wonderful quote that he would say: ‘I’m definitely not a minimalist designer!’” Valerie Steele, director and chief curator of The Museum at FIT, recalled during an interview this week. “Clothes with some adornment are more interesting to look at and more fun to wear.”

Although designing dresses for celebrities earned him a place in New York City’s social scene, Mr. Scaasi loved getting the chance to escape the chaos of Manhattan and spend time at his weekend home in Quogue.

“He loved his house,” Mr. Selleck said. “He loved the view. He loved the fresh salt air. He just loved being there. It was a great escape from the city.”

Mr. Scaasi bought his first house in Quogue, on Quogue Street, around 1960, according to Mr. Selleck. He later sold that house and bought his last home—Mr. Selleck would not disclose the street name—in 1972.

“When I met them they were very interesting people,” Ms. Schermeyer said of Mr. Scaasi and his husband, Mr. Ladd. “They lived very full and interesting lives.”

Ms. Schermeyer said she met the couple for the first time when they were seeking help from the town with acquiring their marriage license. After helping them through that process, the couple asked the longtime town clerk if she would officiate their wedding.

“They had been together the longest amount of time of anyone I have married,” said Ms. Schermeyer, noting that she has officiated more than 1,000 weddings during her tenure.

Mr. Scaasi is survived by his husband, Mr. Ladd, who shared homes with him in Quogue, Long Beach, Manhattan and Florida.

Mr. Scaasi was buried last Thursday, August 6, at the Oakwood Cemetery in East Quogue in a private ceremony.