Bernard Lansky, Memphis retailer who clothed Elvis Presley at start of career, dies at age 85

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – A relative says Bernard Lansky, the retailer who helped a young Elvis Presley establish his signature clothing style, has died.

Julie Lansky, the clothier’s granddaughter, said the 85-year-old died Thursday at his Memphis home.

Lansky started his retail business in Memphis in 1946 with a $125 loan from his father, Samuel.

After World War II, the store started selling Army surplus goods. When the supply dried up, he opened a high-fashion men’s store.

Lansky supplied Presley with the pink and black shirts, pegged pants, two-toned shoes and other flashy duds in the 1950s.

Even though his style of dress changed over the years — including sparkling jumpsuits — Presley shopped at Lansky Bros. clothing store the rest of his life.