Fashion Icon Dedicates New Line to Late Husband Lost to Dementia

Legendary fashion figure Montgomery Frazier - known as "The Image Guru" who helped define fashion in the MTV generation - officially launched his new fashion line, Ben-Mo-2-0.com, in honor of his late husband, Ben Mindich, during a tribute fashion show held at The Bristal Assisted Living at York Avenue . Mindich passed away earlier this year from Lewy Body Dementia, and the launch event served as a heartfelt intersection of memory, style, and advocacy.

Set against the nostalgic backdrop of The Bristal’s Studio 54: The Matinee Experience program, the event celebrated the disco-era energy that Frazier and Mindich loved, while unveiling Frazier’s new fashion line in partnership with CaringKind, New York’s leading dementia care organization.

“In my grief and sorrow over Ben’s passing, I’ve embarked on a crusade to raise awareness about the escalating crisis of dementia-related illnesses,” said Frazier. “The Bristal and CaringKind helped blend nostalgia, artistry, and advocacy into an elegant affair. Studio 54 was always about freedom and expression - and today, we honored that legacy with style and heart.”

“Ben-Mo-2-0 means Ben and Montgomery Reboot,” Frazier explained. “When you’re caring for someone with dementia, you live in a kind of surreal reality every day. I created these clothes because I didn’t want our story - or anyone’s story with dementia - to feel tragic. This is about staying vibrant, colorful, and alive.”

Other stars were on hand, including model and artist “Rebel Heiress” Consuelo Vanderbilt Costin who brought the vibrant collection to life at The Bristal, honoring a cause deeply personal to Frazier.

"Montgomery has spent his life dressing icons and defining style, but this collection is deeply personal - it's vibrant, fearless, and full of love,” said Costin. “It's a beautiful way to keep Ben’s spirit alive and show that no matter your age, living colorfully keeps you vibrant and connected.”

This Bristal fashion show marked Frazier’s first fashion venture in his own name after decades styling the likes of Cher, Duran Duran, and Madonna for iconic moments including MTV and Live Aid. The launch underscores a new chapter for the style pioneer, bringing his signature vision - and personal mission - to center stage.

“The Bristal at York Avenue continually strives to create enriching experiences for our residents,” said Evan Rossi, Regional Director of Resident Experience at The Bristal. “We were proud to continue our programming at The Bristal in a way that honored our community’s vibrant spirit.”

“Studio 54 brought the magic back! Hearing ‘Stayin’ Alive’ and ‘Night Fever’ again - it stirred up memories I hadn’t felt in years,” said Kenneth Kahn, 82, a resident at The Bristal. “It was like reliving the best nights of my youth.”

“Events like this underscore how powerful the arts can be in connecting people, especially those affected by dementia,” said Eleonora Tornatore-Mikesh, President and CEO of CaringKind.

The Studio 54-inspired event also featured a guest appearance from Anthony Haden-Guest, author of The Last Party: Studio 54, Disco, and the Culture of the Night, and concluded with themed cocktails, a live disco performance, and a candlelit supper club that immersed attendees in 70s glam.

“That era was all about joy, freedom, and connection and it's wonderful to see The Bristal recreating that spirit for residents today,” said Haden-Guest. “Celebrations like this keep memories alive and spirits young."

About The Bristal Assisted Living

For over 20 years, The Bristal Assisted Living communities have proudly served families across the tri-state area. With 24 locations spanning Nassau County, Suffolk County, Westchester County, New Jersey, and Manhattan, The Bristal offers exceptional independent living, assisted living, and memory care services. To learn more about their offerings and locations, visit thebristal.com