Here we have the man himself, Ben Zuckerman, in an interview with the 10 June 1961 New York Times.  The interview was held in Zuckerman's 40th floor office at 512 Seventh Avenue in New York.

Zuckerman was addressing recent rumors of his retirement to a villa in Italy. He had been inundated with phone calls pleading for him to reconsider. He mentioned one in particular from Jo Hughes of DePinna who tearfully told him that if he retired she would lose one third of her business. 

Zuckerman had just show his fall show, consisting of 150 garments which was produced in 4 weeks. The collection was designed by Harry Shacter, a talented designer. While Zuckerman himself cannot sew he is a master cutter and draper.  His clothes are extolled as being the only American made clothes that compare to Dior or Balenciaga.

Zuckerman touched on his past, starting with his arrival from Romania. He got a job sweeping the floors in a Canal Street factory for $3 a week. He learned the trade of the cutter and formed a partnership with Joseph Hoffman. Zuckerman and Hoffman was replaced in the late 1920's  by Zuckerman and (Morris) Kraus, which lasted until 1949.

All Zuckerman garments are still fitted on his showroom assistant of 28 years, Peggy Weiss, and must pass the 'Peggy' test before being manufactured.

Zuckerman was a demanding man, he expected total loyalty from his employees and buyers.  Any buyer who he thought was disloyal was barred from futher purchases. He also demanded punctuality, all his shows started on time. He was devoted to his business, rising at 5 am 6 days a week to work 12 hour days.