Remembering Ray from Panache Bridals
Khosrow “Ray” Alimohammadi
The bridal industry mourns the passing of Ray from Panache Bridals. He was one of the most liked people in the industry…always willing to hear about new brands and give them a chance as part of the amazing network of salons he created in California. His friends and colleagues will miss him greatly.
From Elise Rosenblum:
I am so saddened by the passing of Ray, a true icon in the retail bridal industry. Throughout his distinguished career, Ray earned the respect and admiration of colleagues, customers, and friends through his professionalism, vision, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Ray's influence on the bridal business extended far beyond the stores he built and the customers he served. He was a mentor, a leader, and a trusted friend to many.
Ray will be remembered not only for his remarkable achievements, but also for his integrity, kindness, and the genuine relationships he cultivated throughout his life. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Safe travels dear friend
From Eve Muscio:
Ray and I shared a long time personal friendship. Every time he came to NYC for market, he always visited my house. We almost never talked about the bridal business. He stayed for hours just enjoying the moments. He loved my cooking but most of all my piano playing.
While driving, he would listen to recordings of my musical creations and he made me feel so good that he liked it so much. I am having a very hard time realizing that I will never see my dear friend again
He will live forever in my heart.
From Sareh Nouri:
Thirteen years ago, I walked into Ray's salon on Wilshire Boulevard as a young designer just starting out. He welcomed me with kindness, Ray had a way of making people feel seen, valued, and capable of more than they imagined.
Ray was one of those rare people who opened doors for others without hesitation. The bridal world lost someone truly special. He will be missed dearly.
From Matthew Christopher:
I met Ray in 2002 while showing my 2003 collection, only my second year in business. He was sitting in the back of the showroom, legs crossed, sneezing into a tissue, quietly watching everything. I remember thinking, “Who is this guy?” That man became one of the most important people in my life.
Ray believed in me from the very beginning. He brought me to California and took me to his store, Marylinns at the time which later became Panache in Pasadena. That first Saturday, we sold twelve dresses. It was unforgettable. He would tell people, “Let that boy go sell. He’s going to rock it for you.” And we did.
Of course, there were the famous car rides. Ray drove like Mario Andretti. The 405 was his racetrack, and as my friend Elise would say, I was in “full crash position” most of the time. I’d tell him, “Ray, you’re going to kill us,” and he’d just smile and somehow get us there exactly on time.
But what made Ray truly special was the way he cared for people. If you were stressed or overwhelmed, he always seemed to know exactly what you needed. “Matthew, Matthew, you’re here,” he’d say, handing me a cup of tea and a cookie. It was such a simple gesture, but it meant everything. Ray had a remarkable kindness about him. No matter what was going on, he could be the calm in the storm.
He always wanted to know how everyone was doing — your parents, your family, your kids, your life. He genuinely cared. He remembered people, checked on people, celebrated them, and made them feel supported.
Ray was always thinking, always innovating, always dreaming up the next idea. But his greatest gift was the way he believed in people. He believed in their dreams as much as he believed in his own.
For 25 years, Ray was part of my life — half of my life. He was there for the gowns, the brides, the victories, the challenges, and the heart-to-heart conversations. Ray had a special gift for bringing beautiful people together and creating lifelong friendships. He was a connector of so many talented and remarkable individuals, building a community that enriched all of our lives. He shared his family, his culture, his stories, and his friendship. To me, he was a big brother.
I am especially grateful I got to spend time with him shortly before he passed. We talked about life, business, family, and everything in between. I will always treasure that time.
Ray believed in people. He believed in me. And for 25 years, he gave so many of us one of life’s greatest gifts: the feeling that someone was always in our corner.
I will miss him deeply and carry his friendship with me always.