What a perfect way to end a near perfect season in Palm Springs. A Margaritaville Yappy Hour to benefit Animal Samaritans complete with canines, caftans, cocktails, appies, music and water sprinklers surprise! Some pics:
On a windy day with Layla, Candy + Jennifer
Kiki with Sherri from California Caftans. A lucky winner won one of her colorful silk caftans.Layla after running through the sprinklers which went off unexpectedly.
If there’s any city in the world who knows how to throw a classic car parade, it’s Palm Springs.
And for me personally, leaving the city soon, it was an excellent way to end an already amazing season.
Incorporated in April 1938, this year marks the city’s 85th anniversary.
And what better way to celebrate than to lineup 85 classic cars, one representing each year since the city’s incorporation in an attempt to achieve a new world record.
FUN FACT: The Guinness Book of World Records was on hand as no city has ever accomplished the feat of having so many cars marking 85 years in one place! Canadian owned Jim Pattison Group purchased the GWR organization in 2008. Coincidentally, my sister works for this group owned by Vancouver business magnate, Jim Pattison.
Many famous faces were sitting inside the cars. These photos are in no particular order.
I met Bill who owns this car – a ’52 MG TD. I think this must be the year that history making supermodel Beverly Johnson was born.Supermodel Beverly Johnson with her fiancé, Brian Maillian. Photo: d. king
And then there was Nancy Sinatra as the official celebrity grand marshall for the parade. It doesn’t get more Palm Springs glamorous than that!
Nancy Sinatra with her daughter Amanda. Photo: d. kingWe walked by Peepa’s store window on the way to the event. Vintage Palm Springs Life Magazine with Nancy Sinatra on the cover.
“Our 85th Anniversary Classic Car Parade & Show is sure to go down in the history books,” organizer and founder of Palm Springs Exotic Car Auctions Keith McCormick said. “No other city that I know of has ever had 85 cars representing 85 years all in one place.”
Local Drag Celebrity Bella da BallLocal Celeb Alison Martino (her dad was Al Martino) in a vintage Rolls Royce
Attendees were encouraged to photograph themselves with the vehicle representing the year they were born.
The Opening Ceremony began at noon in front of the Forever Marilyn statue with Ava Lynn Thuresson, recent contestant on NBC’s “The Voice”, singing the National Anthem. She was amazing.
It ended with an Elton John tribute band in the downtown park. Kenny Metcalf (as Elton) played piano, sang the classics and was really, really good.
Somehow in all the excitement leading up to the concert I completely forgot about the “dress your pet like your favorite Hollywood celebrity” for the dog costume contest. Too bad because Layla could’ve gone dressed up as Jane Fonda in Dogarella.
Forever Chic Nelda Linsk from the iconic “Poolside Gossip” photo by Slim Aarons. Photo: d. kingPoolside Gossip by Slim Aarons. In photo – Nelda Linsk (in yellow) who owned the home at the time photo was taken with her friend Helen Kaptur. Capturing the classic Palm Springs laissez faire lifestyle.Layla wondering why kids are playing in her water park – here at the Elton John Tribute Concert.
Got to give it up for Palm Springs. The city sure knows how to throw a party.
Our wonderful group of seven enjoyed a fabulous meal at Wally’s Desert Turtle in Rancho Mirage last Friday, while models wearing local designer wear from some of the shops on El Paseo walked around while we ate lunch and chatted.
There was also a little pop-up shop inside the restaurant where we could buy some of the fashions as well as local jewellery. Which of course, we did.
What a wonderful concept!
Especially at the most highly awarded restaurant in the desert, designed by famed interior designers Steven Chase and Randy Patton. With bevelled mirrored ceilings, Peruvian artefacts and hand-painted murals, the restaurant has a refined ambiance and a classically trained chef to enjoy all the special culinary creations.
Kathy ended up buying the dress that the model was wearing. It looked great on her.
In the evening there’s live music in the Sahara Lounge which has been enjoyed by countless celebrities from Frank Sinatra to Tom Hanks.
If you’re curious about the funny name it’s because Mr. Wally Botello was the Founder of the famed fine-dining Velvet Turtle chain. The restaurant is now owned and operated by Wally’s son Michael and granddaughter Maddy.
The third course was either a lemon meringue tart, carrot cake (sold out) or chocolate lava cake with vanilla ice cream (my choice shown here).
We’ve taken in so many things here in Palm Springs to do with food, architecture, art and fashion. But never before have we taken our canines into a movie theatre – until now.
Warm and fuzzies all around and let’s not forget the pupcorn.
My friend Tammy bought two tix to this NY Dog Film Festival® which is an annual philanthropic celebration of the love between dogs and their people and also the animal welfare groups that bring them together.
Tammy and Timbit, who loves a good Dogumentary. Photo: d. king
Layla, along with Tammy’s two beautiful Bichons (Timbit + Angel) had never been to the movies so this was our opportunity to take them to the Festival – a two-hour program (with a short intermission after the first hour) of stories about canines that are dogumentaries, animated or narrated from around the world.
It was awesome, especially preceded by a little cocktail party, which always comes in handy.
Layla was in a bit of a bitchy mood but that was probably because when she first jumped up on the seat, she fell right through the crack. That was a first. Photo: d. king
The Festival premieres every year at a theater in New York City and then travels to theaters in select cities across the United States and Canada, with a portion of every ticket benefiting a local rescue devoted to canine welfare.
Real Show Dogs: Angel and Tim wanted to make sure to get priority seating. Photo: d. king
We might give it another go next year. Tim is anxious but the other two can take it or leave it – unless they’re in it!
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.
with Trina (middle) and friend Kathy.
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.
opening night fashion week March/2022
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.
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.
Photo: d. king
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.
NARCESis 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.
Photo: d. king
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.
Photo: d. kingPhoto: d. king
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.
Photo: d. kingPhoto: d. kingFriend Tammy in middle wearing a killer jumpsuit to go with her killer figure flanked by her friends Geri (L) and Valerie (R)Photo: d. king
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 – shestill 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.
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.
Of course, there’s always an exception.
nice + relaxed
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?
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: GettyIn 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: GettyMichelle 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: GettyOh 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: GettyActress 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: GettyJanelle 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: GettyKerry Condon wears a sweetheart neckline gown by Atelier Versace in a sunshine yellow shade with a bold red lip. Photo: Mike Coppola GettySofia 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: GettyEva 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.
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 theCostume 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 1st, 2015 at age 100. Apfel will celebrate her 103rd 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:
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.
And for me personally, leaving the city soon, it was an excellent way to end an already amazing season.
The Opening Ceremony began at noon in front of the Forever Marilyn statue with Ava Lynn Thuresson, recent contestant on NBC’s “The Voice”, singing the National Anthem. She was amazing.
http://www.wallysdesertturtle.com/
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.
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.
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.
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!
Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION. 
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