Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION.

Trina Turk: PS Style

Spring is in the air which makes us all want to lighten up and brighten up a bit more, especially with our clothing choices.

With clothing in general I tend to lean more towards solids and neutrals. I think it looks chic but ultimately easier to accessorize with jewellery and scarves. Here in Palm Springs where women dress in bold bright prints, neutral is almost considered a dirty word. Sheesh!

But whether it’s solids or prints we prefer, designer and style icon Trina Turk has us covered literally.

I’ve always loved her colourful resort style aesthetic and even own a few pieces which always makes me feel more alive when wearing them. It’s quintessentially California (but really Palm Springs) lifestyle which captures a multicultural sunny mix of fabrics and playful pattern choices from short cocktail dresses to polished suits, bathing suits, caftans and more. Whatever the choice, it’s always eye-catching.

The Trina Turk flagship boutique is located in the uptown design district of Palm Springs. There’s another store at El Paseo in Palm Desert. Other locations include Los Angeles and Dallas.

There’s also a Mr. Turk section of the store for men who aren’t afraid of vibrant color, graphic prints or statement suiting.

I had the pleasure of meeting Trina twice recently. Once at the opening of the eclectic “Market Market” and last Sunday at “Very Vintage” in Palm Desert where friend and vintage curator Kathy Murphy presented Trina with an award for her contribution to Palm Springs style with her eponymous color driven Lifestyle brand. It was a great time seeing all the fashionistas, perusing the vintage vendors, listening to Trina talk about how she started out and finally, the fab fashion show.

**Trina Turk** clothing rack at **Very Vintage** outdoor market experience.

https://www.trinaturk.com/

STYLE

Fashion Week Opening Night

Narces by Vikki Yassemi

It’s always a pleasure to attend the opening night fashion show at Fashion Week El Paseo in Palm Desert. All the nights are great but there’s something special about the first night.

I was thrilled to get 1st row Diva tickets for “NARCES” by Nikki Yassemi from my friend Candy through her friend Bobbi Lampros; a giving sponsor for the five non-profit local charities benefitting each show.

Standing by a large cover of Palm Springs Life Magazine (a sponsor). Wearing vintage satin cocktail dress with lace trim and a mohair ostrich feather wrap (bought in Capetown years ago). Vintage Gucci kitten heels + matching clutch.

The show was excellent. There were even a few pieces that I could actually see myself wearing given the right occasion. And yes; these unique pieces are especially designed for a special occasion.

NARCES is a womenswear line creating luxury eveningwear, cocktail and bridal designs inspired by the romantic glamour and elegance of the mid 20th century with a distinctive modern twist. The silhouettes are strong yet feminine.

Designer, Creative Director and Founder Nikki Yassemi Wirthensohn brings her international background to her feminine aesthetic. She was born in Austria and grew up in Iran and the UK before moving to Toronto, where the brand is designed and made.

She was surrounded by design, art, and fashion all her life. Her mother worked with esteemed British tailor to the Royal Family, Victor Edelstein, who is renowned for having created some of Princess Diana’s most iconic gowns.

From her website: The pieces are meant to be worn and styled in different ways to show individuality. From a voluminous-sleeve organza gown, which could be worn as an overcoat, to a dress that can be disintegrated into four pieces, there are numerous creative combinations. The feel is ethereal-meets-supernatural, and bodies are textural with hand-embellished flowers that are both dainty and bold with metal and spark.

Friend Tammy in middle wearing a killer jumpsuit to go with her killer figure flanked by her friends Geri (L) and Valerie (R)

https://narces.com/

The pre-show at **PS Air Bar** with David + Candy

Yes; lots of fun had by all

the fun continued at the post show party at “Wildest”

Header Image: d. king

Art + Culture

Beverly Johnson “Naked”

What woman worth her weight in fashion magazines from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, (even the 2000’s) doesn’t remember trailblazing supermodel Beverly Johnson gracing the pages and many of the covers of every top magazine?

The answer is none!

As a former fashion magazine junkie I remember her well. She was a super model and I thought she was super stunning – she still is.

Johnson rose to fame when she made world history by becoming the first black model to grace the cover of American Vogue and French Elle in 1974, forever changing the beauty ideal in the fashion world.

During her long career she managed to grace over 500 magazine covers and remains one of the most iconic figures in the world of fashion and modeling.

Now she’s coming to Palm Springs for the World Premiere of her one woman show “Beverly Johnson, NAKED.” Presented by Palm Springs Women in Film and Television and the Palm Springs Cultural Center.

Co-written by Johnson and *Joshua Ravetch, Naked! tells Johnson’s story beginning with her ground breaking photo on the cover of Vogue Magazine. This empowering live performance will take place at the Palm Springs Cultural Center on June 2nd at 6pm.

“Her life took an unexpected turn when she broke her silence, went public, and revealed that she, too, was drugged by Bill Cosby,” said Josh Ravetch, director of the show. That disclosure became part of the key momentum that, in-part, helped to launch the #MeToo movement.

Johnson remains one of the most influential African-Americans in America. Named as one of the “20th Century’s 100 Most Influential People in the Fashion Industry” by The New York Times and listed as Oprah Winfrey’s “25 top legends.”

Her impact is truly worldwide but she’s also an acclaimed author, actress, media icon, businesswoman, loving mother and grandmother.

Her most notable and personal testament is imparted in her 2015 memoir, “The Face That Changed It All,” a New York Times Best Seller. Devoted to sharing her luxury taste with her audience, BEVERLY JOHNSON LUXURY LIFESTYLE BRAND is dedicated to present the finest of beauty, health, fashion, home and lifestyle.

In 2016, Johnson was honored by The Palm Springs Walk of Stars with the 405th Star Dedication award.

I was really looking forward to seeing the show and also meeting her. However, I’ll have left Palm Springs before the time her show arrives here in June. Hopefully I’ll get another chance.

In good company – (taken from Eventbrite, Palm Springs Cultural Center):

*Joshua Ravetch is best known for his collaboration with actress/writer Carrie Fisher, co-creating and directing her in The Geffen Playhouse’s world premiere of Wishful Drinking, Ms. Fisher’s smash-hit one-woman-show. The play enjoyed an extended run on Broadway at Studio 54 and was adapted into a special for HBO. Mr. Ravetch was collaborating with Ms. Fisher to the sequel to Wishful Drinking: Wishful Drinking Strikes Back, a Geffen Playhouse commission, at the time of her passing.

Also at The Geffen playhouse, Ravetch co-wrote and directed Dick Van Dyke in his first-ever one-man show, Step in Time! A Musical Memoir. In the show, Van Dyke took audiences to the rooftops of London for a magical journey from Mary Poppins to Chitty Chitty Bang Bang including hilarious moments from th Dick Van Dyke Show involving a certain ottoman.

Palm Springs Women in Film & Television (PSWIFT ) is a nonprofit organization, founded in 2001, dedicated to empowering, promoting, educating and nurturing its members – both women and men – involved in the entertainment, communication and media industries.

The Palm Springs Cultural Center is a non-profit organization whose mission is to incubate, produce and encourage arts and cultural programs in order to leverage the unique power of creativity to open minds, bridge what divides us, and discover what connects us. As an organization, The Palm Springs Cultural Center is also at the forefront of recognizing the interconnection between the cultural arts and food culture, and their combined importance to the vitality, collective consciousness and sustainability of the community.

For tickets to the show:

STYLE

Fine Feathered Men

Our fashion preferences and differences are what make wearing it well – well; at the very least, an intriguing topic, especially when it comes to finding out how women prefer to see their men (as in husbands or boyfriends) dress on a daily basis.

The modern man who loves designer labels and likes to “excessorize” can be called many things: a fashion-forward fellow, metrosexual man, fellow fashionista, designer dude or luxe lad. All labels point to the same fixation – making a statement with a passion for fashion.

Why this subject? Because recently, a male friend of mine was surprised – more like shocked – to find out that I’m the type of woman who prefers my guy to NOT dress himself in luxury designer clothing. He thought that because I love fashion in general, that I would expect my boyfriend to be a metrosexual shopaholic, focused on façade and making an impression with appearance and the clothing he wears. Not the case.

In fact, I find it a turnoff. Along with any other straight men who sparkle.

The word Metrosexual was coined in 1994 (formed from metropolitan and heterosexual) to describe a guy who is very concerned with his grooming and generally spending a substantial amount of time and money on shopping as part of this.

Overall, I enjoy seeing men who dress well, with a little flair too, as long as it suits their personality. In general, I prefer my guy to not be overly concerned with keeping up with fashion trends and designer wear. Clean, well fitted choices that are not outdated… with a little more ooomph now and again like a fitted suit with high quality shoes for going out to certain events is what I like.

You might wonder why someone who grew up in stylish Montreal, who enjoys dressing up and writing about fashion might feel this way. Hmmm…. interesting. It has nothing to do with being able to afford designer garb. We know it costs more and yes; luxury clothing is well made, but perhaps women like me don’t like that fact that men put energy towards creating an impression with designer wear. Could also be that we don’t want to be reminded of, or exposed for, or ourselves accused of the same shallow vanities and consumerism.

Or, maybe it’s because we prefer to reserve the right for women to be the more stylish and for men to appreciate us for putting it together instead of them putting too much effort into what they think will impress us, expressly with logos and styling. Save the expense for shoes.

That’s not to say I don’t appreciate a nice Gucci loafer, cashmere sweater or designer shirt…just not all the time, and certainly not head to toe.

It’s nice for men to wear and appreciate designer clothing, but I’m talking about when they tend to build their image around it that, which may suggest a narcissistic, attention-grabbing character. In other words, they put all their effort into dressing upmarket and chic. It’s just my personal opinion. I know some women who feel the opposite.

But what’s even more interesting is that I made the same assumption about another woman as my male friend made about me.

I listened to a podcast with Chelsea Handler talking about her recent breakup and dating in general. A friend of hers set her up on a blind date where she met this man in a restaurant. She said he was seated at first so she couldn’t see him from the waist down. When he got up, the first thing she noticed was that he was wearing an Hermès belt. She was so turned off that she said she knew right then and there that there would be no second date.

Wow…so judgy over a belt? A bit extreme maybe, but I get it!

It’s not about the belt. It’s about what the belt represents. It’s about the fact that a straight man went to the extreme of buying the most high-end sought after belt anyone can buy in order to make a statement. A statement that not only says “I can afford this” but also that “I pay attention to designer labels.” And yes; the belt is indeed very well made of the utmost quality. I love the belt….only not on the guy I’m dating.

I know…double standard here right? Or am I just conflicted?

Some women don’t want to be out-dressed by the man. Opposite to the animal kingdom, peacocks especially; where the males are seen in bright, shimmering colours; complex patterns; and elaborate plumage in order to attract the peahens.

So. should men be like peacocks? Yes, or No?…Even though it’s safer for them than for other male animals that are prey for more than females?

STYLE

Elegance at the Oscars

I may not have loved all the movies that were nominated for awards last night, but I sure loved a lot of the winning looks. Here are my picks for best dressed at the Academy Awards 2023. In no particular order:

Loved seeing **Dwayne Johnson** in a pink *Dolce + Gabbana* suit jacket. With **Emily Blunt** wearing a chic white *Valentino* gown.

**Cara Delevigne** put her supermodel skills to good use in a voluminous *Giambattista Valli Haute Couture* gown with an oversized bow at the shoulder and high slit, plus the jewels. Photo: Getty

In a freshly-cut pixie and bold red lip, **Michelle Williams** selected an ethereal caped white *custom Chanel gown* with silvery details and full cape, plus Tiffany & Co. jewels. Photo: Getty

**Michelle Yeoh** is a winner in her *Dior Haute Couture* gown with sheer yoke and rows of delicate feathers, plus tons of sparkling gems including in her hair as a headband. Photo: Getty

*Oh Sandra;* *you chose well*. Sandra Oh in a juicy citrus *Giambattista Valli Haute Couture gown* with gathered cape-like sleeves and showstopping vintage jewels from Briony Raymond, including a Harry Winston pendant with a 77-carat citrine. Photo: Getty

Actress **Danai Gurira** wears a classic black strapless gown with raw edge with a meaningful structured updo encircled with gems. She looks super elegant.

Actor **Ke Huy Quan** in a classic *Giorgio Armani* Made to Measure tux with elegant brooch and David Yurman cufflinks. Very dapper.

Nominated for “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” **Stephanie Hsu** lit up the Oscars carpet in her vibrant watermelon pink strapless *Valentino Haute Couture* gown accessorized with Cartier sapphires and diamonds. Photo: Getty

**Janelle Monae** in a cropped, plunging black bustier overlaid with an orange *Vera Wang* skirt and topped with a wide black bejeweled choker. Photo: Mike Coppola / Gerry. She pulls this bombshell look off well, where many others could not.

**Austin Butler** says he picked his *Saint Laurent tux* (worn with Cartier jewelry) because it was beautiful. Yes it is; and so is he! Photo: Getty

**Kerry Condon** wears a sweetheart neckline gown by *Atelier Versace* in a sunshine yellow shade with a bold red lip. Photo: Mike Coppola Getty

**Sofia Carson** dons a drop-waist custom gown by *Giambattista Valli Haute Couture* with a knockout emerald-and-diamond necklace she said required its own security detail. Photo: Getty

**Eva Longoria** stepped out in a sheer white lace dress with a low plunge neckline and lots of crystals by *Zuhair Murad.* Photo: Keven Mazur/Getty Images. This dress is a little busier than i usually like but I think she pulls it off beautifully and she looks great.

Who do you think wore it best?

STYLE

and then there’s Iris

Iris Apfel – The Accidental Icon
If this centenarian supermodel and muse isn’t an inspiration to women everywhere, I don’t know who is.

She was told “you’re not pretty and you’ll never be pretty, but it doesn’t matter. You have something much better – you have style!”

After watching a documentary about her life 8 years ago at Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) I became obsessed with her. She’s someone to admire, simply fascinating and lives her life with a joie de vivre like no other. At 102 years young, she’s still going strong. We should all be so lucky.

Her claim to fame as an American businesswoman was having an interior design business with her husband, Carl, from 1950 to 1992. She founded Old World Weavers in 1950, a small interior design textile company to recreate original fabrics from the beginning of the 19th Century and reproduce fabrics they found while traveling the world. Their career in textiles got them a contract with the White House that spanned nine presidencies. She helped nine first ladies decorate the White House according to their taste, combined with a “touch of Apfel”.

She obviously has a flair for fashion and great personal style. Some credit her for creating personal style. A trendsetter who follows no trends – a trend starter!

Apfel is the first living person who was not a designer to have her clothing and accessories exhibited at the Costume Institute Exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum in 2005. She is also the first woman over 100 to make a collaboration with H&M. Previous designers for the multinational fast-fashion clothing company (based in Sweden but pretty much all over now) have included Stella McCartney, Karl Lagerfeld + Comme des Garçons .

She’s also the only person over 100 to have more than 2 Million followers on Instagram.

Married for 67 years, her husband Carl passed away on August 1^st, 2015 at age 100. Apfel will celebrate her 103^rd birthday on August 29, 2023.

Iris Apfel resides in Palm Beach. One day when I go back there, I’m going to find her.

It’s well worth watching this 2015 documentary trailer:

Photo: Couture Consultancy. She even has a doll in her likeness!

The woman who said “A woman is as old as she looks, but a man is never old until he stops looking” still offers hope to women everywhere – even if they’re not pretty and never will be. It’s all about how you present yourself.

Art + Culture

Art + Fashion with the Barone’s

Never has art and fashion co-existed so fervently as with the Coachella Valley’s celebrated husband and wife Pop Art team – Karen and Tony Barone. Their works have been collected and exhibited around the world.

Karen + Tony standing next to Tony’s rabbit paintings. Photo: d. king

I jumped at the chance to visit their hosted open house last week at Goldfield Home and Art on El Paseo in Palm Desert – during the monthly art walk along El Paseo. While sipping champagne, my friend Candy introduced me to her friend, Mary Orlin; who’s husband Jon is filming a documentary about this dynamic art team duo. Something I don’t want to miss as soon as it comes out.

Must say *the studio knows how to greet guests in proper fashion.* Photo: d. king

I’ve never put myself in so many photos but it was so much fun with plenty of distractions. Photo: Ramona Huth

Almost every fashion show I’ve gone to, the Barone’s have been there too, as well as every Modernism opening night party at the convention centre and other happening social events around town. They’re the topic of many conversations and for good reason. Wherever they show up your eyes immediately travel to Karen; a tiny, colorful chameleon-like butterfly. If anyone is her own muse, it’s Karen. Fun and fabulous with her fantasy fashion choices that compliment her personality. Karen has been designing clothes for most of her life; out of necessity, she says, due to her “tinier” figure that makes it difficult to find things that fit. Oh; I hear you Karen. Ha!

L-R : Candy, Mary, Karen, Tony. Photo: d. king

My friend Ramona *just lounging* around. Photo: d. king

Karen herself is a work of art. A kind of mythological being as Tony has exhibited with his goddess-like visual paintings of her. Some of their sculptures and paintings appear childlike but many come with a message.

Remember the 9 giant wild rabbit installation you couldn’t miss when travelling from Rancho Mirage to Palm Desert? Well, you had to be here.

Photo: Desert Sun (a few of the bunnies)

The aluminum sculptures were created by the Barone’s. I don’t know this to be fact, but I’m wondering if it was to do with calling attention to the wild rabbit population across Europe being wiped out due to a deadly disease in the last few years. I’ll have to find out.

And this one:

DETAIL: Karen Barone enters the photo … not to take sides but “for scale”…

There are many issues dividing our country and ripping this nation apart… the one being addressed in this work of art is “The right to bare arms vs gun control”… Each side of this debate are deeply entrenched … this painting enters the conversation in terms of highlighting the division.

The “ENDANGERED SPECIES” is America … America is represented by the United States one dollar bill … also symbolic of the USA is the American Bald Eagle … in this painting the eagle is presented as a mythological female… part human … part bird: head of an eagle … wings for arms…

Check out this unique video art: “Spicy Playtime – Don’t Card Me” with Karen Barone

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjjEbIF9V40

Thank you for a wonderful evening.

PAINTINGS

The adventure continues: Check out this 2020 article in local paper “Desert Sun” re Karen and Tony Barone’s self-guided art tour through Coachella Valley.

https://www.desertsun.com/story/life/2020/09/15/karen-and-tony-barone-launch-self-guided-art-tour-palm-springs-area/5710803002/

STYLE

Fearless Fashion

Advanced Style with Tziporah Salamon

Photo taken from her website. Check out *Look Book* below.

With Tziporah wearing my Emilio Pucci blouse from Mitchells Palm Springs.

What a pleasure to meet and chat with celebrated fashion icon Tziporah Salamon at the Curated Vintage Event in Palm Springs this past weekend. The event is a yearly gathering of prime vintage vendors of fashion and jewellery under one roof from all over the United States. Tziporah was also a guest speaker of Mitchell Karp’s (of Mitchells Palm Springs – premium vintage clothing and accessories) annual Modernism fashion show at Temple Isaiah, a midcentury modern structure . This time celebrating 1969 Academy Award style. Always a fun event.

Whether hailing a cab or riding a bike, always the style maven.

Photo taken from her website

It was very easy to spot Tziporah at the event (photos don’t lie although for myself, sometimes I wish they did). I bought her book “Advanced Style” which she warmly signed for me. The beautiful hard covered book celebrates individual, ageless, timeless style for women of every age but focuses mostly on ageing women. Her personal style might be a tad eccentric for most people, although she demonstrates how to put together beautiful outfits to help women find their own personal style. She tailors it to the individual. She also takes women out of their comfort zone as she herself is a chameleon and an artist. Her originality elevates the act of dressing to an art form whether she’s styling herself or others.

Through dressing and your mood, you can re-invent yourself every single day. Let’s face it, we have to get dressed every day anyway. Fashion may not be your whole world, but it sure makes your world more fun.

Tziporah was a favourite muse of the late New York Times photographer Bill Cunningham. She is regularly photographed in the New York press and teaches style seminars titled “The Art of Dressing.” She appears in the book and documentary “Advanced Style” and in Lanvin’s advertising campaigns. Salamon appears regularly in her one-woman show, “The Fabric of My Life,” a sartorial visual autobiography. She is absolutely delightful and an inspiration.

“Tziporah is a combination of entertainer, genius, artist, archetypal Magician, a flash of Pierrot, 1920’s glamour, with Asian flair, timeless beauty and the energy and fun of a Hummingbird…”

It’s fun to be fearless at times and discover a different side of yourself. Tsiporah brings out the muse in all of us.

I am my own muse, the subject I know best – Frida Kahlo

Tziporah’s Lookbook:

https://www.tziporahsalamon.com/lookbook/

Check out her Advanced Style on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ey58QCTqf_s

STYLE

Nancy Sinatra – The “original” Influencer

March is Fashion Month in Palm Springs. Well; actually, every month is fashion month here.

Since I haven’t written much about personal style lately, I thought it would be fun to post a few things to do on that topic. Starting with Nancy Sinatra’s impact as a trailblazer in not only music, but fashion.

As part of Modernism Week, I attended a special presentation of Nancy Sinatra’s music, videos, and photos from her personal archives at the Annenberg Theatre, followed by a discussion of her influence in music and fashion. With Nancy herself, her daughter Amanda, and a few others.

A few days later, the people of Palm Springs gave Nancy the boot(s) – literally. We honored her with a dance performance in the street to the re-boot (ha; pun intended) of the iconic song “These Boots are Made For Walking.” A double decker bus rode by Arenas street, dancers wearing go-go boots got off and choreographically danced to the tune as Nancy stood by and watched from one of the local hotspots. DJ Mod girl spun disco tunes while we grooved to the aspiring and inspiring copycats. But we all know there’s really only “one Nancy!”

So let’s delve a little further on why Nancy Sinatra had such an impact on us – on her own merit; aside from the fact that Frank Sinatra was her dad.

Photo: d. king That’s Nancy on a slightly chilly day wearing scarves. Her daughter Amanda is wearing “Nancy Sinatra Fan Club” yellow sweatshirt.

In the early 60’s her following was mostly in Europe and Japan but with her release of “These Boots Are Made For Walkin” In 1966, she gained popularity in the US. The song instantly went to #1 on the charts.

She brought back to America, British designer Mary Quant’s go-go boot trend. Nancy Sinatra may have popularized the look a while ago, but the footwear craze seems to be very much in style today and hopefully here to stay.

Beyonce as Foxxy Cleopartra in Austin Powers “Goldmember” channelled a Sinatraesque vibe with her big hair and sexy clothing.

Obsessed Magazine pointed out that Quentin Tarantino sampled her 1966 song “Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)” in the opening of his film “Kill Bill: Vol. One.” As a result, the song was introduced to younger audience and gained popularity.

Her influence was also felt in Austin Powers “The Last of the Secret Agents.” Check out this YouTube video:

The following was taken from an excellent indepth article written by Kate Hutchinson for the “The Independent” (full article fellow).

Nancy Sinatra who cut countless peerless tracks with producer Lee Hazlewood – swirls of peachy psychedelia, outlaw country, and strings that appeared to sweep across ocean roads – that have been used in Tarantino films or covered by Beyoncé. She made films with Elvis. She sang one of the great Bond songs. She is a stone-cold showbiz legend.

Her influence criss-crosses the decades, too. In the Nineties, Sinatra found fans among indie-rockers like Kim Gordon, Kim Deal and Beck. Then in the mid-2000s, a revival spearheaded by her daughters, Angela and Amanda, out came a compilation of Sinatra duets with the likes of Jarvis Cocker, Bono and Morrissey. Others will remember the omnipresence of that Audio Bullys remix of her Cher cover, “Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)”. Or her cameo in The Sopranos. Her Factory Girl of the Canyons look – PVC knee-high, white boots, relaxed beehive – was mimicked by the “fembots” in Austin Powers. A decade later, you have Lana Del Rey saying she styled herself as a “gangsta Nancy Sinatra”, country princess Kacey Musgraves covering her songs, and Angel Olsen referencing her dramatic orchestral arrangements.

Full Article:

https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/nancy-sinatra-interview-marriage-frank-sinatra-b1794647.html

You GO-GO GIRL!

Original Boots Video:

STYLE

An Evening of Wit, Wisdom and a Whisper of Gossip

Susan Claassen is remarkable as “Edith Head” in her one woman theatrical production “A Conversation with Edith Head” presented by Modernism Week, Palm Springs. The show was SOLD OUT and received a well deserved standing ovation.

**Susan Claassen**‘s uncanny resemblance to Edith Head, with friend Bob Mackie.

EDITH HEAD – Trailblazer

Edith Head was a legend. Pardon the pun, but she was a Head of her time. One of the most prolific costume designers of the twentieth century, she received an unprecedented 35 Academy Award nominations and won a record-breaking eight Oscars at a time when the industry and world in general was dominated by men. Her career spanned 58 years of movie making. She liked to call herself a “Magician.” The word is suitable considering the magic she created with her design skills. She raised rear ends, made waists look smaller, legs longer and hid imperfections like no other.

“There’s nothing like a row of Oscars for putting the fear of God into an actress who thinks she knows everything about dress designing.” – Edith Head

Edith Head became as famous as the stars she dressed. With her signature glasses, straight bangs and tailored suits, her distinctive style made her a recognizable personality in her own right.

Looking exactly like Edith Head with trademark glasses and all, Susan Claassen brings us back to the time when Head dressed glamorous movie stars such as Grace Kelly, Cary Grant, Lana Turner, Paul Newman, John Wayne, Bette Davis, Steve McQueen, Elizabeth Taylor, Marlene Dietrich and many more. Some of the original costumes and photographs were on stage. However, preferring never to upstage whoever she was dressing, Head only liked to wear four colors herself: black, white, beige and brown.

Design for **Grace Kelly** in Alfred Hitchcock’s Rear Window (1954).

With wit and intellect, Claassen relives and re tells stories when Head worked with actors like Mae West, Debbie Reynolds, Barbara Stanwyck and a young Elizabeth Taylor. Not gonna lie; it was fun finding out who was naughty and who was nice! A few tidbits: Taylor was fascinated by a signature necklace worn by Head to the point where it was left for her in Head’s will. Funnily enough there were no diamonds in the necklace but it was an eye-catching, original, vintage piece. Head formed special relationships with the famous she dressed and recounted those stories. For instance, when Grace Kelly became princess Grace and moved to Monaco, she would always visit Head when returning to Los Angeles. Kelly always wore white gloves so on one visit Head made little white gloves for her young daughters, Princesses Caroline and Stephanie.

In 1961 Edith Head hired Bob Mackie to be her sketch artist at Paramount Studios. Mackie would later become another famous designer (he designed all of the costumes for the Carole Burnett Show, all of Cher’s costumes and many more including sketching the famous sequined dress worn my Marilyn Monroe when she sang “Happy Birthday Mr. President” to JFK). As luck would have it, I met and spoke with him for several minutes before the show began. He said that the actress (Susan Claassen) was a good friend of his and that he also knew Edith Head and that she helped start his career. I had met him last year at the book store Just Fabulous when I bought his beautiful book “The Art of Bob Mackie” and told him how much I love the book and it brought back so many good memories. Also, he looked just fabulous.

The real Edith Head with a young Bob Mackie. Photo: WWD

Edith Head died in 1981 of a progressive and rare blood disease, myeloid metaplasia, two weeks after completing work on her last film “Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid.” She left her estate to the Motion Picture and Television Fund and to other charitable organizations aiding Native American children and her beloved animals. Her funeral was attended by hundreds, including not only Hollywood’s stars but also the backlot people. A Paramount security guard dressed in a uniform designed by Edith Head mused, “I remember her real well. At Christmas she took care of every one on the lot. She was the greatest designer in the world. Edith Head was quite a girl.” And that she was.

Head’s no nonsense straightforward personality inspired the character of Edna Mode in The Incredibles.

Outside the Annenberg Theatre before the show with Bob Mackie.

Oscars Won:

The Heiress, 1949

Samson and Delilah, 1950

All About Eve, 1950

A Place in the Sun, 1951

Roman Holiday, 1953

Sabrina, 1954

The Facts of Life, 1960

The Sting, 1973

wearing the necklace Elizabeth Taylor loved.

The show must go on:

Booking Now Through 2025:

https://www.edithhead.biz/

MODERNISM week has ended as of February 26th, but please join us next year for another unbelievable lineup of fabulous events.

Header Photo of set – d. king