Eli Hakimi, Founder of Mezmerize, 71
Apparel maker and philanthropist Baruch Eliahou Hakimi, known in the industry as Eli, died following a long illness. He was 71.
Born in Yazd, Iran, Hakimi studied accounting at the University of Tehran, eventually working in real estate development in Bandar Abbas, Iran, where he built shopping malls and residential buildings. When the Iranian revolution broke out, Hakimi and his family moved to Israel in 1979, then to the United States in 1982.
When he first arrived in America, Hakimi continued to work in real estate, but in 1987, he switched to apparel manufacturing under the name Mezmerize.
Known for his kind, generous nature, Hakimi treated his business associates like family.
“He was the most kind, lovable man,” said Susan Liss, owner of the Compliments boutique in Indian Wells, Calif., which carried Hakimi’s line for more than 24 years. “He was always there for me and for everyone,” she said.
Gayle Duclaux, owner of The Lazy Bug boutiques in New Orleans’ French Quarter and the surrounding area, has sold the Mezmerize line for more than 10 years and recalled Hakimi’s thoughtful concern after she had back surgery.
“He sent me his personal prayer book,” she said, recalling that the book was well worn and clearly dear to him. Duclaux said she made sure to take care of the prayer book and return it to him a few months into her recovery. Hakimi continued to check in on Duclaux’s recovery, calling her every day for a year, she said.
“He wasn’t just a gentleman,” she said. “He was a gentle man. The garment district is going to have a big loss, but his family will have a bigger loss.”
Hakimi’s generosity extended beyond the fashion industry and into the international community. He was passionate about helping the Ohr Hashalom yeshiva, a school for disadvantaged youth in Jerusalem.
Despite being a lifelong non-smoker, he was diagnosed last year with lung cancer. After a long battle with the disease, he died on Feb. 23 surrounded by his wife and children.
Hakimi is survived by his wife, Ashraf; sons Kambiz and Kamran, who continue to lead Mezmerize; daughters Katrin and Karolin; sons-in-law Behrooz Yasmeh and Kourosh Zoghi; daughters-in-law Marjan Nehoray and Shahrzad Shabatian; and 15 grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Gorji Dadashi and Gohar Goharzadeh. His brothers, Mashallah and Shalom, preceded him in death.
Donations in Eli Hakimi’s name can be made to Ohr Hashalom. Contact Kambiz Hakimi at kambiz@mesmerize.net for more information.—Alison A. Nieder
