Bessie Nelson

In a career spanning over 70 years, Bessie Nelson is regarded as one of the premier beading designers in the country. Born in1931, Bessie was 9 years old when her Aunt Jenny, a sample hand on Seventh Avenue in New York's garment district, became instrumental in peaking her interest in beadwork and teaching her the art. In 1972, Bessie moved to California. It was there that she worked in Hollywood on costumes for television's "Dynasty," "The Carol Burnett Show" and "The Sonny and Cher Show" in collaboration with Bob Mackie. She has created designs for Neil Diamond, Liberace, Lionel Richie and Diana Ross. Her former business partner, Stella Ruata, and she became well known for their work on Michael Jackson's famous white crystal glove, his socks and his beaded jackets. They were recognized as "the women behind the glove" and were featured in the media. Her artistry took her beyond the stage when Galanos asked her to bead First Lady Nancy Reagan's Inaugural Ball Gown and later was selected to bead Hillary Clinton's Inaugural Ball Gown. Bessie has collaborated with New York costume designers including William Ivey Long, Suzy Benzinger, Anthony Powell, Martin Pakledinaz, Greg Barnes, Ann Roth and Catherine Zuber. She worked closely with these famous designers and did the beadwork for shows on Broadway such as 'The Producers", "Sunset Boulevard", "Dreamgirls", "The Drowsy Chaperone", "Spamelot", "Miss Saigon", "Wicked", "The Boy From Oz", "Guys and Dolls", "Crazy For You", " A Chorus Line", "Beauty and the Beast", "Mama Mia", "The Lion King", "Macbeth", "Chicago", "The Color Purple", "Aladdin", "Frozen", "The King and I", "Hello Dolly", "The Donna Summer Musical" and many more. Bessie's beading appeared in motion pictures including "101 Dalmatians"for Glen Close, "My Best Friend's Wedding" for Julia Roberts, the remakes of "The Pink Panther" for Beyoncé, 'The Stepford Wives" for Bette Midler, Nicole Kidman and Glen Close, and "Sabrina" for Julia Ormon.. Don't mention retirement to Bessie Nelson, for this dynamo is still going strong today and possesses the same inner sparkle as the colorful beads she sews!