While Mr. Helpern was the chief executive and managed the business, Ms. Helpern was the creative director. Joan Helpern, a child psychologist who had developed programs for the New York City Board of Education, had no formal design training. David Helpern, from whom Joan was legally separated in 1998, died in 2012. Early on, Ms. Helpern recalled, Italian factory managers were reluctant to do business with a woman. In addition to their daughter, Ms. Helpern is survived by her stepson, David Jr., and three grandchildren.

Source: New York Times May 10, 2016 20:33 UTC