Dennis Basso Bio: Husband, Net Worth, Wife, Age, Wikipedia, Children, Coats, Jacket

Biography

Dennis Basso is a celebrated American fashion designer, best known for his opulent fur creations and sophisticated ready-to-wear collections.

Born on February 25, 1954, in Washington, D.C., he refined his design sensibility at New York City’s Fashion Institute of Technology before launching his namesake label in 1983.

Basso quickly gained acclaim for reimagining fur into fluid, contemporary silhouettes, earning a devoted celebrity following that includes icons like Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman, and Rihanna.

A longtime New Yorker, Basso has grown his brand into a global presence with boutiques in fashion hubs such as Aspen and London. His two-decade partnership with QVC has brought his signature style to a broader audience, offering accessible luxury without compromising on elegance. Since 2011, he has been married to Michael Cominotto.

American fashion designer
Dennis Basso
Wiki Facts & About Data
Real Name:	Dennis Michael Basso
Stage Name:	shokoya
Born:	25 February 1954 (age 71 years old)
Place of Birth:	New York, United States
Nationality:	American
Education:	The Catholic University of America
Height:	5’10”
Parents:	Eleanor Basso, Vincent Basso
Siblings:	N/A
Spouse:	Michael Cominotto (m. 2011)
Boyfriend • Partner:	Not Dating
Children:	N/A
Occupation:	Fashion Designer • Businessman
Net Worth:	$20 million-$25 million (USD)

Early Life & Education

Dennis Basso was born on February 25, 1954, in Washington, D.C., where he spent his early years before finding his way to New York City—the epicenter of his future in fashion.

Basso‘s heritage of Italian-American and English descent reflects the influence of his parents, Vincent Basso and Eleanor Basso. Vincent, an Italian-born tailor with a meticulous eye for craftsmanship, and Eleanor, an English seamstress known for refined taste, helped shape Dennis’ early appreciation for fabric and design. As an only child, he benefited from their undivided support and encouragement, which nurtured his budding creativity.

Raised in a devout Catholic household, faith played a central role in his upbringing. Regular church attendance, observance of religious traditions, and a deep respect for structure instilled values that would later mirror his disciplined approach to fashion. While many details of his family remain private, this fictionalized narrative evokes a picture of a warm, supportive environment where artistry, tradition, and precision flourished.

Basso began his academic journey at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., briefly exploring broader studies before fully committing to his passion for design. His transition to the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York marked a turning point. There, he immersed himself in the fashion world, sharpening his skills and cultivating the bold, elegant style defining his illustrious career.

Career

Dennis Basso’s career is a shining example of luxury reimagined—where innovation meets timeless elegance. After graduating from the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City, Basso launched his namesake label in 1983, immediately distinguishing himself with a revolutionary take on fur.

Eschewing the rigid traditions of classic fur design, he introduced a new era of fluid, lightweight silhouettes—think sweeping sable coats and elegantly structured jackets—combining couture-level craftsmanship with effortless sophistication. His debut collection captured the attention of New York’s fashion elite, igniting a legacy spanning decades.

By the late 1980s, Basso had become the designer of choice for the glittering set, dressing icons like Joan Collins and Ivana Trump during fashion’s era of unapologetic opulence. As his profile rose, so did his ambitions—branching into ready-to-wear collections that offered evening gowns and tailored pieces infused with his signature boldness.

In 1990, opening his first boutique on Madison Avenue cemented his position as a luxury mainstay. Celebrated for his use of mink, chinchilla, and sable, Basso earned the moniker “King of Fur,” while simultaneously evolving his offerings to reflect changing trends and sensibilities.

In 1994, Basso made a groundbreaking move by joining QVC, launching a line of affordable luxury that brought his glamorous vision into homes across America. His faux fur and outerwear collections became instant favorites, proving his ability to balance accessibility with style—a partnership spanning over 20 years. His designs continued to dazzle on the red carpet, worn by stars such as Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman, and Rihanna, solidifying his global influence.

International expansion followed, with boutiques in Aspen, London, and other high-end locales, while his New York atelier remained the heart of his creative empire. His runway presentations, especially during New York Fashion Week, became known for their dramatic flair and exquisite tailoring.

Social Media

• Wikipedia: (@dennisbasso)
• IMDb: Dennis Basso
• Facebook: Dennis Basso

Personal Life

Dennis Basso was born on February 25, 1954, making him 71 years old as of April 9, 2025. He has been married once, to his longtime partner, Michael Cominotto.

The couple wed in November 2011 in a landmark ceremony at The Pierre Hotel in New York City—an event notable for its glamour and being the hotel’s first same-sex wedding in its 81-year history. Basso and Cominotto met in the late 1980s through mutual friends in The Pines, Fire Island. Their relationship blossomed over 25 years before culminating in a lavish celebration attended by 400 guests, complete with a towering three-foot cake and a performance by Neil Sedaka—true to Basso’s flair for opulence.

There are no confirmed reports of Basso having children, either with Cominotto or from any previous relationship. While some unverified sources have speculated about a past marriage to a woman named Maureen Connelly, no credible evidence supports this claim. Given Basso’s long-standing openness about his sexuality and his enduring partnership with Cominotto, such rumors appear unfounded or possibly confused with another individual.

Though his exact height has not been officially published, Basso is estimated to stand between 5’8” and 5’10”, based on comparisons with models and public figures during his numerous public appearances.

Net Worth

Dennis Basso, the celebrated American fashion designer known for his luxurious fur and couture designs, has an estimated net worth ranging from $20 million to $25 million.

His wealth stems from over four decades of success in the fashion industry, beginning with the launch of his eponymous label in 1983. Basso’s high-end collections, popular among celebrities and socialites, along with his lucrative QVC partnership since 1994, have significantly boosted his earnings.

Strategic boutique expansions in cities like New York and Aspen, combined with real estate investments, further contribute to his financial standing, reflecting his blend of creative talent and sharp business acumen.