California Apparel News

Norman Blau, founder of Joni Blair of California Inc., passed away on Oct. 8 in Montecito, Calif., after a brief illness. He was 83.

Known as a sharp businessman and philanthropist, Blau was instrumental in pioneering California’s early manufacturing business. His women’s dress and sportswear company, located in South El Monte, Calif., was a key resource for moderate-priced retail chains such as Sears, Roebuck and Co., Kmart Corp., Target Corp. and Wal-Mart Stores Inc. from the 1960s through the 1990s.

Blau was born in New York in 1920. He grew up in the apparel business, his father being a manufacturer. He launched his own line in New York after attending the City University of New York and moved the business to California in the 1950s. Joni Blair was among the few juniors labels that put Los Angeles on the map as a primary manufacturing source, said Howard Walkes, a partner in the company.

“At one time, it was the largest West Coast apparel company,” said Walkes, adding the company was also one of the first to source overseas.

The company also formed several divisions, including Que Pasa, a denim line, and Miss Joni, a misses line.

“Norm was an astute businessman,” Walkes said. “He was also very charitable and a good family man. We worked together for many years and never had a fight.”

“He was an icon in the industry,” added Carol Brown, who worked as a stylist under Blau for 25 years.

Blau was noted for mentoring subordinates who went on to launch their own businesses. In 1979, he received the California Apparel Industries Man of the Year Award for his humanitarian work.

He was often cited for his service in the 40th Mobile Communications Squadron attached to the Army Air Corps during World War II. One of the key campaigns he participated in was the liberation of the Dachau concentration camp, an endeavor he said altered his life.

After leaving the garment business in 1998, Blau retired in Montecito, Calif., near Santa Barbara. He participated in the Jewish Federation, read mystery novels and actively supported the Democratic Party.

Blau is survived by his wife, Rita; his daughters, Ricki Blau, Ellen Villegas and Barbara Blau; his grandchildren, Julia, Oliver and Ian Reeves and Jordan, Nicolas and Marissa Villegas; and his sister, Elaine Jaffe.

A graveside service was held at Santa Barbara Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to MoveOn.org or the Jewish Federation of Greater Santa Barbara. —Robert McAllister