Richard Blackwell
American journalist and fashion critic
Cite this page
“Richard Blackwell.” thisDay, thisday.info/people/richard-blackwell/. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.
Richard Blackwell. (n.d.). thisDay. Retrieved October 27, 2026, from https://thisday.info/people/richard-blackwell/
“Richard Blackwell.” thisDay. Accessed October 27, 2026. https://thisday.info/people/richard-blackwell/.
Who was Richard Blackwell?
Richard Blackwell (August 29, 1922 – October 19, 2008), also known as Mr. Blackwell, was an American fashion critic, journalist, television and radio personality, artist, child actor and fashion designer. Blackwell was born Richard Sylvan Selzer in the Bensonhurst section of Brooklyn to Henry Selzer, a working-class printer, and Eva Selzer, who were the American-born children of Jewish immigrants from the Russian Empire. He was the creator of the "Ten Worst Dressed Women List", an annual awards presentation he unveiled in January of each year. Blackwell published the "Fabulous Fashion Independents" list and an annual Academy Awards fashion review, both of which receive somewhat less media attention. His partner of 60 years, Beverly Hills hairdresser Robert L. Spencer, was also his manager. He wrote two books, Mr. Blackwell: 30 Years of Fashion Fiascos and an autobiography, From Rags to Bitches.
Historical significance
He claimed he was severely beaten by a stepfather, often sleeping in the alley beneath a fire escape with a broken bottle for protection rather than face further abuse. Richard Blackwell, also known as Mr. Blackwell, was an American fashion critic, journalist, television and radio personality, artist, child actor and fashion designer.
Cite this page
“Richard Blackwell.” thisDay, thisday.info/people/richard-blackwell/. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.
Richard Blackwell. (n.d.). thisDay. Retrieved October 27, 2026, from https://thisday.info/people/richard-blackwell/
“Richard Blackwell.” thisDay. Accessed October 27, 2026. https://thisday.info/people/richard-blackwell/.