Betty White’s Enduring Style: A Look at Her Iconic SAG Award Gown by Pol’ Atteu and Patrik Simpson

The entertainment world continues to fondly remember and deeply miss the legendary Betty White, whose remarkable career and effervescent spirit touched countless lives. Among those who held her dear were her esteemed dress designers, Pol’ Atteu and his husband, Patrik Simpson, the creative forces behind Pol’ Atteu Haute Couture in Beverly Hills. Their professional collaboration blossomed into a cherished personal friendship, leaving them with a wealth of precious memories and a profound sense of loss following her passing.

Pol’ Atteu, reflecting on their bond, shared exclusively with HollywoodLife, “Betty was the sweetest person. I am so very sad about this news.” He recounted a friendship filled with warmth and genuine connection, far beyond the typical client-designer relationship. “I have celebrated many, many birthdays with Betty and even made her cakes a couple of times. For a long time, Betty and I had a phone conversation every single Wednesday and we talked for so long…She always asked how I was doing and how my husband was doing.” These intimate details paint a vivid picture of a caring individual who invested in her relationships, making her absence all the more keenly felt by those who knew her best.

The news of Betty White’s declining health came as a heartbreaking prelude to her passing. Atteu revealed that he and Patrik had been informed that Betty’s health “was not great” in the months leading up to what would have been her monumental 100th birthday on January 17, 2022. Her agent later confirmed the sad news that she passed away at the age of 99 on December 31. “I’ve known that her health was not great for some time, but it wasn’t until October that I knew how bad it was,” he explained. This revelation underscores the emotional weight carried by those close to her. “In October, we had contacted her management about doing a gown for her 100th birthday. We were told her health was failing and that a gown would not be needed.” The anticipation of dressing her for such a momentous occasion, only to learn it would not come to pass, was undoubtedly a poignant moment for the designers.

Throughout her illustrious career, Betty White frequently entrusted Pol’ Atteu and Patrik Simpson with the creation of her custom gowns for various prestigious events. One of their most memorable collaborations culminated in 2010 when Betty was presented with the highly coveted Lifetime Achievement Award by the Screen Actors Guild. For this milestone moment, the beloved Golden Girlsalum captivated audiences in a breathtaking turquoise gown. Atteu recalled, “We made a gown for Betty White for her Lifetime Achievement Award; it was one of her most iconic gowns.” The dress, a true testament to haute couture, was intricately adorned with shimmering blue crystals and delicate lace sleeve details, perfectly complementing Betty’s radiant presence on stage. This ensemble not only celebrated her incredible career but also solidified its place in the annals of Hollywood fashion as a symbol of her elegance and timeless appeal.

Beyond their work with Betty White and other A-list celebrities, Pol’ Atteu and Patrik Simpson have garnered a significant following for their engaging Amazon Prime reality series,Gown and Out in Beverly Hills. The show offers viewers an exclusive peek into the demanding yet glamorous world of bespoke fashion, highlighting their unique creative process, the challenges of working with discerning clients, and the personal dynamics of their partnership. Their reputation for crafting exquisite, custom-made gowns that capture the essence of each individual has cemented their status as leading figures in the high-fashion landscape of Beverly Hills.

Patrik Simpson also shared a heartfelt statement with HollywoodLife, expressing his profound sorrow and admiration for the Hot In Cleveland legend. “When I learned of Betty’s passing this morning, I was incredibly sad. But we were not surprised, as we knew her health had been failing for quite some time,” he conveyed. This acknowledgment of her declining health provided some measure of preparation, yet the finality of her loss remained deeply impactful. “She really wanted to make it to 100. She was a beautiful friend and we will always remember her with love. She was a bright light in this dark world and that light will always shine from above, forever.” Patrik’s words beautifully encapsulate Betty White’s enduring legacy as a beacon of joy, kindness, and unwavering optimism.

Betty White’s career spanned over eight decades, making her a true pioneer and an unparalleled figure in television history. From her groundbreaking work in early television to her iconic roles on The Mary Tyler Moore Show and The Golden Girls, and later enjoying a resurgence of popularity with Hot in Cleveland, she continually reinvented herself while maintaining her beloved, witty persona. Her ability to connect with audiences across generations, her genuine love for animals, and her infectious humor made her a national treasure. The SAG Lifetime Achievement Award was a fitting tribute to a performer who not only entertained but also inspired and uplifted millions.

The significance of the SAG Lifetime Achievement Award cannot be overstated. It represents the pinnacle of recognition from one’s peers, celebrating a career marked by exceptional talent, dedication, and contribution to the acting profession. For Betty White, it was a moment that underscored her immense impact on the industry, acknowledging not just her longevity but the quality and depth of her performances. Dressed in a custom gown by Pol’ Atteu and Patrik Simpson, she embodied grace and triumph, further cementing the visual memory of her receiving this profound honor.

The fashion choices of celebrities, particularly for such monumental events, are often meticulously planned and hold a special place in cultural memory. Betty White’s turquoise gown from the 2010 SAG Awards is a perfect example of how fashion intertwines with historical moments, enhancing the narrative of an event and the icon at its center. The collaboration between Betty White and her designers highlights the personal touch and artistic vision that goes into creating such memorable looks, illustrating how a dress can be more than just fabric; it can be a part of a legacy.

In conclusion, Betty White’s passing left a void that will be challenging to fill, but her incredible spirit, her groundbreaking career, and her heartwarming friendships will continue to inspire. The iconic turquoise gown, a creation of Pol’ Atteu and Patrik Simpson for her SAG Lifetime Achievement Award, stands as a beautiful symbol of her elegance and the cherished relationships she forged throughout her extraordinary life. She was indeed a bright light, and as Patrik Simpson so eloquently stated, that light will continue to shine forever, a testament to her indelible mark on the world and the hearts of those who loved her.