Alfred Fiandaca, veteran designer, dies at 75

Daily News Fashion Editor

Alfred Fiandaca, who worked as a fashion designer in Palm Beach, Boston and New York for more than 50 years, died Saturday at JFK Medical Center after a sudden illness. Mr. Fiandaca, who was 75, is survived by his daughter, Michelle Fiandaca of Boston; his son, Alfred, Jr. of Aspen, Colo.; and his partner Carl Bartels of New York and Palm Beach. Mr. Fiandaca had been on the island scene for 16 years, dressing prominent society figures and celebrities here, Boston and Manhattan.

Among the notables are Audrey Hepburn, Lady Bird Johnson, Julie Andrews, Louise Fletcher, Anita Baker, Nancy Reagan, Jean Kennedy, Pia Lindstrom, Pauline Boardman Pitt, Jane Dudley, Sarah Farrish and Barbara Wainscott Berger. Most recently, he was in the spotlight as Ann Romney’s designer of choice. Mr. Fiandaca met Mrs. Romney when her husband Mitt was governor of Massachusetts.

Mr. Fiandaca produced his first collection in 1959 after studying at Fashion Institute of Technology and the former Traphagen School of Design. He began cutting patterns at age 9. In 1965, he opened his first salon on Newbury Street, Back Bay’s main shopping strip. The designer has remained a fixture on the fashionable avenue since. He eventually opened branches in 1996 in Palm Beach and New York. Mr. Fiandaca was a supporter of many charitable organizations in Palm Beach County.

Plans for funeral arrangements and a memorial service will be announced when determined by the family, said Michelle Fiandaca, who was with her father when he died.

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