Gregory Wein, Out's former fashion editor, dies at 54

Gregory Wein, a former fashion and style director for Out magazine, has passed.

Wein died suddenly Friday at age 54 and his cause of death is not yet known, reports Women's Wear Daily.

Born in Thailand and raised in Ohio, the University of Cincinnati graduate became a major force in the fashion industry, beginning in 1998 when he moved to New York City and began working at Out. After over a decade at the LGBTQ+ magazine, he became Abercrombie & Fitch's global style director at the height of the retailer's cultural influence.

Afterward, Wein worked prolifically as a stylist and creative director. His many collaborations included covers and campaigns with brands like Louis Vuitton, Tom Ford, Vogue, Vanity Fair, GQ, Estée Lauder, Nike, and Saks Fifth Avenue.

In Out's 30th anniversary issue, Out's former editorial director, Judy Weider, credited Wein with helping to establish the magazine as a major fashion brand — and kindling her own love of style. "I hired Gregory Wein back to Out as fashion editor, and things took off. Fashion had not been an area of great interest to me before Out, but I immediately fell madly in love with the art and theater behind every stitch," she stated in the 2022 article.

Wendy Leitzer, Wein's stepsister, praised his ability to create found family and inspire action in an obituary for Brooklyn's Cobble Hill Chapel, which is holding a celebration of life Thursday at 4 p.m.

"Gregory's greatest accomplishment was the people he brought together," Leitzer wrote. "Friends became family and introductions became lifelong friendships. He was the thread that connected so many lives, creating a family of choice that extended far beyond blood. His warmth made everyone feel welcomed, valued and seen. He believed deeply in authenticity and creativity, and living with intention. He encouraged those around him to embrace beauty and simply…'Do Something.' Those two words became more than a favorite phrase — they became the way Gregory lived."

Loved ones also attested to Wein's brilliance in remembrances posted below his obituary. Said publicist Samantha Platner: "I met Gregory when I was in my early 20s starting my fashion career in public relations in NYC. Gregory was at Out magazine at the time circa 1999 and years beyond that. We had so much fun during our memorable and creative showroom appointments and our conversations and laughs continued during outrageously fun nights out on the city scene! He made me feel like a fashion insider at the start of my career — truly embracing and welcoming me. Gregory was such a talent but beyond that boisterous, so sweet and sincere."

Those attending Wein's celebration of life "are invited to wear navy blue, Gregory’s favorite color, in honor of his life and the timeless style he brought to the world," Leitzer wrote. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to an AIDS organization or the animal-rescue group Ocean Hill Cats, "causes that reflected Gregory’s compassion and generous spirit."

Wein's survivors include his "father Jerry Wein and mother Alunya 'Nok' Lewis; stepfather Donald Lewis; his sister, Sandra Diep, and her husband, John Diep; his nieces, Lauren, Allison, Madeline and Megan Diep; his stepbrother, Ryan Lewis; Leitzer and her husband, Chuck Leitzer, and their children, Jess, Addison, Dayton, Benjamin, Maedeline and Emma," reports WWD.