Werner G. Scharff (July 7, 1916 - August 17, 2006) was an American arts patron and fashion designer. He was the co-founder and chairman of Lanz Incorporated, a leading designer and manufacturer of dresses and nightgowns. As a major Venice landowner, Scharff is widely recognized as a pioneer of Venice Beach in the City of Angeles and for devoting his life to the founding and supporting of some of the area's largest murals and contributed to the development and expansion of the city. Some of his major investments include the Cadillac Hotel, Beach House on Ocean Front Walk, L.A. Louver, and James Beach Cafe. He gained fame and wealth for designing the Lanz flannel granny nightgown, which became a staple of women"?s college dormitories in the late 1950"?s.