Luis Estévez

Cuban-American fashion and costume designer Luis Estévez de Gálvez studied architecture at the University of Havana, and he studied fashion and costume design at the Traphagen School of Fashion in New York City. He went on to be a founding member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America. His signature form-fitting cocktail and evening dresses were worn by First Ladies Betty Ford and Nancy Reagan. Famous actresses including Marlene Dietrich, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Natalie Wood, and Carol Channing also wore his designs.

When Estévez met with First Lady Betty Ford in Palm Springs in 1975, they discussed the creation of a line of clothing for her that could later be released as part of his own label, after she wore it. He created many original pieces for her, which she wore at formal events.