On March 20, 2024, Martin Greenfield, the legendary tailor known for dressing Sinatra, peacefully departed this world. The Jewish master tailor is survived by his wife, Arlene Bergen, and his sons Jay, David, and Todd.
Born Maximilian Grünfeld in 1928 in present-day Ukraine, Martin tragically lost his family to the Holocaust before immigrating to America. Despite enduring hardships, he forged a successful career in tailoring, eventually establishing his own company.
From Auschwitz survivor to esteemed tailor to presidents and Hollywood luminaries, Martin adorned numerous influential figures with his craftsmanship. Among his notable clients were Dwight D. Eisenhower and entertainers like Frank Sinatra.
Key Facts About Martin Greenfield
- Full Name:Â Martin Greenfield
- Born:Â August 9, 1928
- Died:Â March 20, 2024
- Age at Death:Â 95
- Profession:Â Master Tailor
- Location:Â Brooklyn, New York
- Specialization:Â Men’s Suits
- Clients:Â Six U.S. Presidents, notable politicians, and celebrities
- Company:Â Martin Greenfield Clothiers
- White-Label Business:Â Fashioning men’s suits for clothing lines DKNY and Rag & Bone, and the television show Boardwalk Empire
- Holocaust Survivor:Â Imprisoned as a teenager at Auschwitz, where the rest of his immediate family were murdered
- Legacy:Â Passed down tailoring skills to his sons and grandchildren, ensuring the Greenfield name’s legacy in excellence
- Sustainable Approach:Â Advocate for sustainable and ethical fashion practices, focusing on creating high-quality garments that stand the test of time
- Customization:Â Dedicated to customization, tailoring suits to clients’ precise measurements for a perfect fit and personal style
- Achievements: Known as the best men’s tailor in the United States, with a career spanning over seven decades.
Martin Greenfield Illness And Health Condition: Was He Sick?
Martin Greenfield, a celebrated master tailor based in Brooklyn, New York, specializing in men’s suits, passed away on March 20, 2024, at the age of 95. His death occurred at a hospital in Manhasset, New York. Greenfield was renowned as the top men’s tailor in the United States, catering to a distinguished clientele that included six U.S. Presidents, prominent politicians, and celebrities. Additionally, his company, Martin Greenfield Clothiers, operated a white-label business, producing men’s suits for fashion lines such as DKNY and Rag & Bone, as well as for the television series Boardwalk Empire.
A survivor of the Holocaust, Greenfield endured imprisonment as a teenager at Auschwitz, where he tragically lost his immediate family. After the war, he spent two years searching for surviving relatives in Europe, only to learn of their devastating fate. In 1947, at the age of 19, he immigrated to the United States, initially residing with affluent relatives in Baltimore before eventually settling in New York City.
Guided by a Czech immigrant, Greenfield secured employment at GGG Clothing, a clothing manufacturer in the East Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn, where he started as a “floor boy.” Over the ensuing decade, his tailoring expertise and reputation flourished. His breakthrough moment came in the early 1950s when he became the personal tailor for General Dwight D. Eisenhower, who was gearing up for a presidential campaign. In 1977, Greenfield acquired GGG Clothing, renaming it Martin Greenfield Clothiers. Under his leadership, the company expanded from a staff of six to 117 employees by 2010.
Throughout his career, Greenfield outfitted six U.S. Presidents, including Barack Obama, Donald Trump, and Joe Biden. He also collaborated with HBO to create period-appropriate attire for the crime drama “Boardwalk Empire,” leading to additional contracts in television and film. One of his most iconic creations was the striking red suit and contrasting orange vest worn by Joaquin Phoenix’s character in the film “Joker.” In his later years, Greenfield transitioned control of his business to his sons, Tod and Jay, retiring to the North Shore of Long Island.
Greenfield married his wife, Arlene, in 1956, and they had two sons, Jay and Tod, both of whom are involved in Martin Greenfield Clothiers, with Jay serving as executive vice president. His memoir, “Measure of a Man: From Auschwitz Survivor to Presidents’ Tailor,” was published in 2014.
Martin Greenfield Family Revealed
Martin Greenfield, a renowned master tailor based in Brooklyn, New York, enjoyed a fulfilling personal life deeply intertwined with his illustrious professional career. He wed his wife, Arlene, in 1956, and together they raised two sons, Jay and Tod. Both sons actively participate in the family business, Martin Greenfield Clothiers, with Jay holding the position of executive vice president. This familial engagement ensures the enduring legacy of the Greenfield name in the tailoring industry.
In his memoir, “Measure of a Man: From Auschwitz Survivor to Presidents’ Tailor,” published in 2014, Greenfield offers readers a glimpse into his remarkable life journey. From surviving the Holocaust to achieving mastery in the art of tailoring, the book underscores his resilience, unwavering dedication to his craft, and the profound impact he had on the lives of his esteemed clientele, which included six U.S. Presidents, notable politicians, and celebrities.
The Greenfield family’s involvement has been pivotal to the success of Martin Greenfield Clothiers. With Jay and Tod at the helm, the business continues to thrive, delivering top-notch tailored suits to a diverse array of clients, spanning from fashion labels like DKNY and Rag & Bone to television productions such as “Boardwalk Empire.” Their steadfast commitment to excellence and the enduring legacy of their father’s craftsmanship have solidified the company’s standing as a paragon of quality in the industry.
