STYLE – Page 2 – Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION.

Slim Aarons: from bombs to bombshells

In 1970, a jet-set photographer by the name of Slim called up a socialite in Palm Springs and said “I want to come over and do a pool shot. Call some friends over.” Slim chance they’d realize then, that history was in the making.

I went to a Modernism Week talk recently at the Annenberg Theatre entitled “Wait Until You See: Slim Aarons x Palm Springs.” It was given by Shawn Waldron, author of the new book “Slim Aarons: The Essential Collection.” He also wrote Slim Aarons “Style.”

“Slim Aarons: The Essential Collection” is a colossal and luxurious hard cover book. One you want to leave on a coffee table or at least keep as part of your important books collection. Especially if you love fashion, style and all that goes along with it. The good life, with a capital “G.”

I always say, that aside from the home tours, parties and exhibits going on around Modernism Week; don’t overlook taking in one of the lectures. The informal talks are informative, interesting and significant to the story at hand. You find out a lot more than you already know.

Shawn Waldron stands by his latest book. At Grace Home Furnishings 02/23/24. Photo: d. king

For starters, I always thought that high society photographer Slim Aarons only took pretty lifestyle photos. However; we found out that he started off working as a photographer at West Point Military Academy and later as a combat photographer, following and documenting the horrors of World War II across Northern Africa and Europe.

After the war, Slim vowed to walk on the sunnier side of the street, opting to photograph girls not guns, bikinis instead of bombs. Good call.

With Nelda Linsk – now. Beautiful & elegant as ever.

Last night I went to a cocktail party and book signing at Grace Home Furnishings (Grace is named after the owners’ black lab). The ambience was very inviting at one of the most stylish modern retail and custom design studios I’ve been to. Founded in 2000 by designers Michael Ostrow and Roger Stoker; providing furniture, art, photography and more, including in-house personalized interior design services. I was talking with a woman who was extremely happy with the team who outfitted her home with “everything Grace.” Delicious canapes and cocktails were being passed around courtesy of Jake’s (a restaurant in the uptown design district).

Among the attendees were the two owners; Michael Ostrow and Roger Stoker, the author; Shawn Waldron, Designer Trina Turk, and Nelda Linsk; who of course was in the iconic Slim Aarons “Poolside Gossip” which the photographer shot in 1970 at the Kaufmann House in Palm Springs. The photograph has had many reproductions and has since become as much a symbol of modernism as its setting. You’ll see a print hanging in many homes here and there. Almost every store in Palm Springs too.

**Grace** on the floor by a “PoolSide Gossip” print on the wall at Grace Home Furnishings . Photo: taken from their website.

No doubt you’ve seen the photo. Two attractive women sit in lounge chairs beside a teal-blue pool, looking fabulous and moneyed. A third, all legs and carefree attitude, strides toward them with a drink in her hand. In the background is a modern glass-and-stone house and purplish mountains. The landscape is idyllic. The sunlight is hazy and golden. You would live inside the photo if you could. (this paragraph was taken from The New York Times).

That’s exactly what I was trying to do last night. ***Live inside the photo*** with my new friend (we were so busy gossiping and the conversation was so mesmerizing that I unfortunately forgot her name.)

In 1997, Mark Getty, the co-founder of Getty Images, visited Aarons in his home and bought Aarons’ entire archive. In 2017, filmmaker Fritz Mitchell released a documentary about Aarons, called Slim Aarons: The High Life.

Nelda Linsk was a longtime friend of Silm Aarons and owner of the Richard Neutra designed 1946 Kaufmann House. Nelda hosted the impromptu party where along with friends, Helen Dzo Dzo (Kaptur) and Lita Baron, she would become immortalized in the world-famous photo.

The 3,200-square-foot home was once owned by Barry Manilow and Edgar J. Kaufmann Sr.

Palm Springs’s commitment to its midcentury legacy and architectural flair has allowed it to remain a sought-after vacation home locale well into the 21st century.

Imagine having no idea how celebrated you’d become over the years by having a cocktail with friends at your home?

Photos: d. king

STYLE

Barbie Bridal

Wedding season peaks in August and the wedding I attended in Montreal was beyond beautiful, as was the bride. Therefore I appreciated seeing these bridal dresses amongst the other fabulous fashion at the Barbie Expo.

Going to the Barbie Expo while in Montreal was not intended, but it turned out to be an added bonus. It’s the largest permanent exhibit of Barbie dolls in the world.

This is an haute couture Barbie Exposition, where on display is an array of the worlds most exclusive and unique Barbies. A space where fashion meets history, featuring some of the most incredible high-fashion looks you’ve ever seen. Have a sneak peek:

Designers include Christian Dior, Donna Karen, Armani, Ralph Lauren, Oscar De La Renta, Christian Louboutin, Reem Acra, Carolina Herrera, Diane Von Furstenberg, Zac Posen and many more.

Bridal gowns by Vera Wang. Monique L’Huillier, Carolina Herrera, Badgley Mischka, Bob Mackie and more.

Unfortunately at this time the expo is undergoing a renovation, but keep checking to find out when it will re open. It’s well worth the visit when in Montreal.

This one didn’t make it to market but I think she looks beautiful and I love the dress, especially with the cape.

Watch the virtual tour here: (if you get this blog via e-mail please click on the “Barbie Bridal” title at the top of page to bring you to the full website.

Photos: d. king

Virtual Expo

STYLE

Barbie Museum

The Barbie slogan “You Can be Anything” is proof in itself. Over the years the brand has expanded to include ethnic, kitsch, celebrity, designer and now represents people with disabilities. They come curvy, petite, rounded and tall. They have it all. Their goth to glamour is shown here at their very own museum in Montreal…

**Bob Mackie** (whom I had the pleasure of meeting in Palm Springs) has a few cases dedicated to his super glam designs alone.

Growing up with Mattel

**Mary Poppins + Mr. Dawes** (Julie Andrews/Dick Van Dyke). I believe that’s **Lawrence of Arabia** behind them – looking more like Johnny Depp. These are all part of the Barbie collection.

Everyone knows Mattel because we all grew up with one of the following iconic brands: Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price® and more. At least these are the trademarks and toys I’m most familiar with. The company’s motto is to empower the next generation to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. I’m not really sure about the full potential part but the wonder of childhood I’m quite familiar with. Of course some of these toys make you think and have educational purposes, especially during the time of no cell phones. Mattel, the company, either owns or licenses these brands in partnership with global entertainment companies. Their reach is huge!

**Morticia Addams + hubby Gomez with Frank Sinatra behind** them. These dolls are all under the figurehead of **the Barbie brand** that includes a range of fashion dolls and accessories.

David was nice enough to open the doors to show me around and this is the catalogue of around 1,000 dolls from all over the world at the museum – closed for renos at the moment. https://expobarbie.ca/

Gone are the childhood gender identification toys of yesteryear. But for me personally, it’s a wonder I don’t have any kids because my dolls were everything. I loved pushing them in strollers and treating them as if they were the real thing. Funny to even think about it now.

But then Barbie came along and changed everything. Baby dolls were pushed by the wayside to make room for seemingly adult looking dolls without genitals that you could dress up or down from wearing jeans to haute couture. It started out innocently enough but the fashion show soon began. Then came the friends, the sisters, the pseudo boyfriend Ken and finally the house, the car, the keys to the car and a condo in Florida ~~just kidding about that~~. The clothes were a constant because she was very socially involved and couldn’t be seen wearing the same thing twice. Everything looked good on her too. She could rock a bikini and then change into an evening gown and look equally amazing. Her skin tone was very even, her polish never chipped and her hair perfect – but if not; you could always put a wig on her. She’s into the plastic but never had plastic surgery.

Get this: she has a last name! Her full name is Barbie Millicent Roberts as do her sisters; Chelsea, Stacie, and Skipper Roberts.

I’m a Barbie girl in the Barbie world
Life in plastic, it’s fantastic
You can brush my hair, undress me everywhere
Imagination, life is your creation

My Barbie dolls went shopping, had tea parties and hung out in their perfect Barbie world. I never questioned whether or not any of them had jobs in order to afford their nice wardrobe and accessories. That was my parents’ department. I believe playing with Barbie(s) expanded by sense of style and the love for the colour pink.

**Sandra Dee + Farrah Fawcett** made it to screen but not to store.

What’s so interesting is that many dolls became less significant or faded away altogether, but Barbie became a mainstay – not only for girls everywhere but for Mattel; the manufacturer who launched them in 1959. The company was founded in Los Angeles by Harold Matson and the husband-and-wife business team duo of and Elliot Handler in January 1945. By now and especially since the movie, we know that Barbie was created by Ruth Handler. Barbie was named after Ruth Handler’s daughter, Barbara, and Ken after her son, Kenneth. And what a savvy businesswoman she was to create something that remains strong to this day and just as fashion changes, Barbie changes right alongside fashion. To put it clearly “All Barbies matter!”

some of the beauties that didn’t make the cut – *you know it’s a competitive world out there!*

So out of sheer childhood history and curiosity (not to mention the perfect casting) I went to see the movie with a few ex-Barbie doll playing friends. It was very enjoyable, the sets are amazing and the message is insightful. A real non-guilty pleasure.

This **Bob Mackie** designed Barbie didn’t make it to market either – but I love it! Something to do with the circus outfit on a swing.

Then someone posted on Facebook about a Barbie Expo (museum) that had taken place in Montreal. Since I was going to Montreal I wanted to check it out. As it so happens the expo (or museum if you want to call it that) was in re-construction mode and not open to the public. But lucky me; I had an in with someone connected to Cours Mont-Royal (the upscale shopping mall that houses the extremely well curated event) who was able to open the doors to show me around. It was fabulous! Way more interesting than I had ever imagined.

Once the expo re opens and you happen to be visiting Montreal or you already live here and haven’t been….put it on your list of “must sees.” Really – it’s brilliant!

Barbie Girl Video:

Photos: d. king

STYLE

Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty

Karl Otto Lagerfeld’s contribution to fashion is enormous.

The son of a wealthy businessman, he was born on September 10th, 1933, in Hamburg, Germany. Following his family’s emigration to France, he initially was educated at St. Anne’s school. Lagerfeld completed his education at Lycée Montaigne, where he focused on drawing and history. He made history before he died on February 19th, 2019 (aged 85) in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France.

Making His Story:

The latest Met Gala honoured the late designer, famous for giving re birth to Chanel at a time when fashion fanatics were starting to turn away from the classic brand in favour of more modern looks. Especially when Coco Chanel died in 1971 and the company was heading towards a fate of brands (like Balenciaga) starting to fail once their founders were no longer in place. Lagerfeld was determined to change that.

“I’m very much down to earth. Just not this earth.” – Karl Lagerfeld

He shifted the brand’s focus from fragrance to fashion.He ended up modernizing the classic pieces and making them once again, the most desirable in any woman’s wardrobe.

He also served as lead designer at Fendi for more than fifty years, as well as his eponymous line and a stint at Chloé and Patou.

Among his many talents, he was also a photographer, preferring to shoot his own ad campaigns. He wrote a book “off the record” – with photographs and sequences over the years shot in black and white. Often with models and costumes, his photographs are stylish, sensuous, literate, and full of fantasy and desire.

He was also the first to do a collaboration of 30 pieces with H&M in 2004. The entire line sold out in minutes, and led H&M to collaborate with a variety of other designers including Balmain and Moschino in following years. I was one of those to purchase a few choice fast fashion finds of Isabel Marant at H&M. Thank you Karl for that, and for my real Chanel treasures that I’ll never part with…because you made them desirable and timeless.

And now The Met Costume Institute’s spring 2023 exhibition will examine the work of Karl Lagerfeld (1933–2019). Info on A Line of Beauty:

https://www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions/a-line-of-beauty

I was just listening to the beautiful playlist on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3XkVtjb9yaB4bEmAnQv0yD?si=5bf7f7af4f244dc7&nd=1

Photos: taken from Pinterest

Header Shot: d. king

STYLE

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

STYLE

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.

Addendum to this post – on Saturday, April 8th I met Beverly by chance at the Palm Springs 85th Anniversary Car Show. She was very pleasant and I asked her about the show. At this time unfortunately she’s not planning to do extra shows.

Beverly with her fiancé, Brian Maillian
Photo: d. king

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.