Bill Frank Whitten (October 4, 1944 – April 8, 2006) was a Hollywood fashion designer who designed stage clothing and high-end fashion for musicians and celebrities.
In 1974, Whitten's custom shirt business in West Hollywood, Workroom 27, was discovered by Neil Diamond who became an advocate for Whitten's custom-designed clothing.[1] At the height of his business, Whitten had a factory with 50 employees making stage clothing for 20 groups including the Commodores, The Jacksons, and Edgar Winter.[1] He also designed Michael Jackson's famous rhinestone glove[1] and crystal-encrusted socks.[2] In 1990, he opened a store, Bill Whitten, on Melrose Avenue.[3]
Whitten died of cancer on April 8, 2006, and is buried in Los Angeles, California.[4] He is the brother of artist Jack Whitten.[5]