If you are or know any Persian-American's, or know a little bit about the history of Iranians who have immigrated to US since Iran’s revolution of 1978..... you probably know that it took a long time for people around the world to rid their minds of their preconceived notions about the country and truly understand the beauty of the place.
The first group of Iranians who immigrated to U.S, especially to Southern and Northern California, called themselves Persians in hopes to distinguish themselves from “Arabs”. They were looking to avoid the massive anti-Iranian sentiment and overall unfriendly environment as they began their lives here. Many people changed their names and were uncomfortable declaring their heritage, as they felt they had to convince Americans they are not the scary people depicted in the media.
There are many talented and gifted Persian-Americans in the business world, academics, medicine, law, politics, art and music. Today, society has reached the point of honoring and appreciating Persian-Americans more by discovering their talents and characters
When I was in elementary school, the dark days of war between Iran and Iraq and right after the Islamic revolution, a man from Persia changed the perspective of Persians in American society through his prestigious, entrepreneurial vision. This man who never changed his name was Bijan Pakzad, a man who remained a proud Persian/Iranian.
Bijan Pakzad was born in Tehran/Iran to an entrepreneurial wealthy family. While living there, Bijan owned elegant boutique in Tehran called “Pink Panther”, which was hugely successful. But as the Shah's regime began to fall, Bijan relocated to the U.S. He instantly loved Beverly Hills, but quickly noticed that men in the U.S. didn't dress in suits like they did in Tehran. In fact, he said that Americans "dressed worse than gypsies" and went to work on changing that immediately. He opened his “by appointment only” elegant boutique (in order to make it seem exclusive and thus tempt people into coming in) on Rodeo Drive in 1976. His strategy worked and soon after his store became “the most expensive store in the world”. He dressed some of the most powerful men in the world including: President Ronald Reagan, Tony Blair, Vladimir Putin, Bill Gates, Tom Cruise, Arnold Schwarzenegger, President Obama and many more.
His creative fragrances came in beautiful and distinctive circular glass bottles that, when half full, would fill two separate chambers, seemingly defying the law of gravity that liquid seeks its own level. This won him an Ig Nobel Prize in 1995 for chemistry of his “DNA” perfume which was inspired by his three children’s initials, Daniela, Nicolas and Alexandra. “DNA” contained no deoxyribonucleic acid in a beautiful triple- helix shaped perfume bottle.
His perfume was referenced in “You Gave Your Love to me Softly”, a song by the American band, Weezer.
Bijan’s fascinating design was not limited to fashion and fragrance. He teamed up with Rolls-Royce to deliver a limited number of Rolls-Royce Phantoms to be delivered in spring of 2011.
Bijan was a humble, kind and generous man with a friendly smile who passionately helped a lot of organizations with his generosity and donations to promote Persian Culture in America for future generations and the people in need.
His unique business vision did not focus on mass production, but on quality of luxury products. He adored his employees and created long term working relationships with them. One example is Manijeh Messa, who worked with him for 44 years.
Bijan influenced the fashion industry and the sousl of Persian-Americans. His favorite “Yellow Color”, which is also my very favorite color, shone with optimism and enlightenment in people’s life.
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His favorite quote on his website was certainly true:
"The world said to conform. The world said to settle for less. The world said compromise and no one will know ... so I made my own world!"
Bijan was a true inspiration to the Persian community and a one of a kind person and business man.
R.I.P. Bijan…You will be greatly missed
By: Nazar Kamangar
