GEORGE WAYNE Q&A

Dennis Basso, warm and fuzzy

He has draped Elizabeth Taylor, Barbara Walters, and Diana Ross in fur, and along the way has become the most famous pelt man in America. On the eve of his fashion show in New York, Dennis Basso talks with our correspondent about $150,000 sables, PETA'S right to free expression, and Liza's next move.

George Wayne:Rumor has it that you are going to be Liza's next husband—which would be absolutely queenious!

Dennis Basso: I don't know if I'm going to be Liza's next husband. I think she already has something lined up. But her separation will bring us a little closer together. She is a wonderful girl, very intelligent, and a fabulous entertainer. And I am very happy that she is a part of my life.

G.W.I don't know whether you or Harvey Fierstein has more of that "gravel" to your voice. Is it naturally unnatural? Or is it a result of the constant stretching of your vocal cords?

D.B. I've always had this voice. It is just as much a part of me as the way I walk, my mannerisms, my style. This really is my voice. Maybe it's because I talk a lot, and I like to give a lot of opinions, but I've always had this deep voice.

G.W.Where in the Jersey boondocks were you bom, Dennis Basso?

D.B. I grew up in Morris County, somewhat of a privileged child. I was an only child, a little spoiled, but well mannered. I had the most wonderful, incredible mother, and to this day I think of my parents every single day. They were just great to me, and I think part of who I am today, and the success that I have been lucky enough to achieve, really has to do with what they taught me. They really gave me an unbelievable value system.

G.W.And you've always loved glamour.

D.B. I love glamour. I was always interested in being in the theater or being a designer. I remember my parents going out and the parties at my house. Watching my mother and her friends all dressed up, the smell of perfume, the sound of their high heels on the wood floor—that was unbelievable. I was very mature as a young child.

G.W.Did you study fashion in college?

D.B. Yes, I studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology. But becoming a fur designer was purely by accident. I had worked for several houses on Seventh Avenue as a design assistant and was looking for a new job. I found one with this furrier. And I fell in love, it was so glamorous being around such a high-priced product. So I went in there, and I designed this collection which was a big success. And several years into it, I went off on my own, in 1983. I took a little showroom and did a big fashion show at the Regency hotel—the very next day Ivana Trump came in and bought seven coats. I've swathed them all—from Barbara Walters to Diana Ross.

G.W.But does one really need a degree in fashion to be a fur designer? When all it really requires is draping some dead muskrat over some hag calling herself a socialite.

D.B. I feel that I design a collection. Many of the old-time fur designers or fur companies would think a mink coat should only look a certain way, but we're incorporating ready-to-wear. Ultimately, I will probably have a complete eveningwear collection because, you know, I love the night. I love evening.

G.W.And your charm, personality, and wit all add to the equation.

D.B. Thank you. I am trying to have a good time. I'm from the school of the glass is half full.

G.W.And the hair?

D.B. The hair is natural. I call it couture silver. G.W.And what is considered the most luxurious animal one could possibly wear?

D.B. To wrap yourself in the finest Russian sable is so gorgeous and so luxe—$150,000 and you are ready to go.

G.W.And your statement to PETA would be?

D.B. We live in America, and that's why we are here, because it is the greatest country in the world. They have their feelings and mission, and we have ours. We are not hurting anyone—we're working in one of the finest professions in the world. Our industry has been very supportive of numerous charities, and we should be commended for it.

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