Morton Solomon Myles

Morton Myles, renowned fashion designer, passed away on

June 23, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. He was 92.

Morton Solomon Myles was born in Manhattan, New York,

the son of Jack Myles and Fannie-Deborah Chaikin Myles.

He was educated at New York University, Fashion Institute of

Technology and in Paris, France, at Chambre Syndicale and

Ecole Guerre-Lavigne.

Myles was a fashion icon, part of the golden age of American

fashion design, recognized internationally for his fashions and became popular for his

“Cost-Conscious Couture”. He was known for his elegant evening and special occasion

dresses and was the first designer to embrace the Op art movement in his designs. He

was a respected fashion innovator admired for his trendsetting creations.

Myles is often remembered for the Richard Avedon photo of Mrs. John F. Kennedy’s

“Good Friday” dress on the cover of Look Magazine in 1961. The Red Book Magazine

featured Morton Myles timeless designs in 2019, the cover of The Arts Issue featured

one of his Op art designs.

A member of CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America), he received many

awards and was recognized for his talent and philanthropy. A true Renaissance man, he

played piano, was fluent in French, designed his homes, enjoyed collecting art and

antiques, painting and was part of the cultural scene wherever he spent time. He was a

man who accomplished many things and enjoyed acquiring knowledge. Myles had a

timeless quality demonstrated by his work and his lifestyle.

He is survived by his life partner, John Lawrence Otto, of Scottsdale, Arizona. The

couple shared a life of extensive travel, friends, creative and cultural endeavors,

literature and particularly enjoyed opera and ballet.

Gifts may be made in Morton’s memory to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 East Flower

Street, Phoenix, AZ 85014. 602.530.6992,