James Kidder; Co-Founded Priscilla’s Bridal Gown Firm

James Kidder, 86, co-founder of Priscilla’s of Boston, the firm that provided bridal gowns for some of the premier social events of the postwar era.

Born in Arlington, Mass., Kidder earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Harvard and was goaltender on the school’s first undefeated hockey team. After he served in the Army Air Corps in Europe during World War II, Kidder and his wife, Priscilla, co-founded Priscilla’s of Boston.

The firm became internationally known for its custom-fitted gowns, hand-beaded veils and customer service. It provided gowns for the wedding of Grace Kelly to Prince Rainier of Monaco in 1956. It also fitted the bridal gowns of three presidents’ daughters: Julie and Tricia Nixon and Luci Baines Johnson.

Kidder was the chief financial officer for the company, which eventually expanded to wholesale operations in 29 states. He retired after he and his wife sold the business in 1993.