Bessie Nelson

In a career spanning over 70 years, BESSIE NELSON is regarded as one of the premier beading designers in the country. A perfectionist whose keen sense of her customer's needs, her dedication, enthusiasm and wealth of experience are all ingredients to her success. Born in1931 and raised in an Italian neighborhood in New Jersey, Bessie was 9 years old when her interest in beadwork design began. Her Aunt Jenny, a sample hand on Seventh Avenue in New York's Garment District, was instrumental in teaching her the art. Bessie's burning desire to learn was tireless. By age 14, she perfected her skill and became known as the best little beader in the city. By 1951, she opened her own studio in New Jersey. It was throughout these years that beadwork design became her lifelong passion. In 1972, Bessie moved to California. It was there that she worked in Hollywood with Nolan Miller on costumes for television's "Dynasty". Her work for television also included shows such as "The Carol Burnett Show" and "The Sonny and Cher Show" in collaboration with Bob Mackie and she was involved in many other celebrity specials. Bessie's remarkable career continued to take flight as a bead designer and in 1976, she and co-worker, Stella Ruata, joined forces and established Artistic Hand Beading on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood. From its inception, the business was highly successful. Word spread among famous costume designers such as the great Galanos, Bob Mackie, the late Bill Whitten and Jean Louis. Each collaborated with Bessie and her partner who together created designs for Neil Diamond, Liberace, Lionel Richie and Diana Ross. Bessie was so well regarded in Hollywood that they received first option to bid on many productions. One of the most famous was The Jackson Five Victory Tour featuring Michael Jackson. They also 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. In 1988, after the death of her husband, Bessie moved back to the East Coast where she intended to retire. It didn't take long before she was contacted by designer Ray Ahgian, who asked Bessie if she would do the beadwork for Bob Mackie's Cruise Wear line. Her passion still intact, Bessie could not refuse. It was at this time that word began to spread throughout the industry that Bessie was back! By 1990, Bessie Nelson Beading was up and running and business continues to flourish. 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. This work was executed by the studios of Euroco, Barbara Matera Ltd., Tricone, Eric Winterling, Parsons-Meares and Carelli Costumes. Bessie's beading appeared in motion pictures including "101 Dalmatians" for Glen Close as Cruella De Vil, "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. Her quality beadwork was worn by many of the entertainment industry's top performers including Liza Minnelli, Shirley MacLaine, Rita Moreno, Sally Field, Joan Rivers, Rod Stewart and Prince. Bessie's artistry took her beyond the stage and into the world of politics when Galanos asked her to bead First Lady Nancy Reagan's Inaugural Ball gown. She was proud to be selected to bead First Lady Hillary Clinton's Inaugural Ball gown as well. Both gowns are on display at the Smithsonian Institute. In 2008, Bessie received the Irene Sharaff Artisan Award from the Theater Development Fund. Her bio caught the attention of The New York Times who wrote a feature article about her career in their Sunday edition. Shortly after, CBS contacted her to appear on CBS Evening News and CBS Morning Show Live. In 2017, she was featured in a documentary produced by the American Theatre Wing. Bessie works from her studio in her home in Cranford, New Jersey, where she resides with her sister part of the year and from her studio in San Diego, California where she resides with her daughter and son-in-law. Her family is her pride and joy. When not behind her beading frame, Bessie's talent extends to cooking and baking in the kitchen. She is an avid reader and among her favorite topics are English and American history. 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! For Questions & Media Inquiries, Contact Bess Eberhardt-Cox