NEW YORK — Robert L. Wells, former president and owner of textile sales agency European Textile Trading Corp., died Jan. 18 in Palm Beach, Fla., according to his son, George. He was 90.
George Wells said his father helped Ralph Lauren source hand-printed wool challis fabrics from Switzerland in the early years before the Polo Ralph Lauren brand began. He also was instrumental in supplying Halston with matte jersey for some of the designer’s iconic styles.
In addition, Wells, who went by Bob, was among the first to bring Loden cloth from Austria into the U.S. market. Loden would go on to be featured by many classic men’s wear labels.
Wells recalled how his father’s easygoing manner and positive attitude within a hectic industry made him stand out among his peers.
“He was a trailblazer in the textile field and evolved the business with extensive travels to various mills in the years well in advance of Interstoff Germany and Première Vision in Paris,” said Wells, who succeeded his father as owner of the company in the mid-Eighties.
The company has been in operation for more than 50 years and was founded by Robert Wells’ uncle, Alfred, in 1936.
Born in 1936 in Waterbury, Conn., Wells enlisted in
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