FROM PARIS to PALM SPRINGS, fashion week welcomed the long awaited comeback of Pierre Cardin. The man famous for pioneering Space Age Designs.
BIENVENUE PIERRE CARDIN
Attending the opening night of Fashion Week on El Paseo was as usual, a blast. This one was literally a blast from the past.
The namesake Pierre Cardin passed away in 2020 at the age of 98. His great-nephew, Rodrigo Basilicati-Cardin, now runs the Pierre Cardin fashion house as its CEO and artistic director. He was in attendance and they brought him on stage at the very end.
Cardin style is iconic for its futuristic, avant-garde approach. The sculptured forms blur the line between fashion and art. I was curious to find out if the fashion week shows in Paris & Palm Springs were the same. As it turns out, the shows between here and there are not the same.
PARIS vs PALM SPRINGS:
While Paris highlighted futuristic innovative fashion, Palm Springs offered a tribute to Cardin’s history and a more intimate, celebratory experience. Both shows reflected the brand’s enduring influence but tailored their presentations to their respective audiences.
The prestigious Paris fashion week focused on the Fall-Winter 2025-2026 Ready-to-Wear collection.It embraced Pierre Cardin’s signature futuristic and space-age aesthetic, featuring geometric shapes, metallic finishes, and innovative materials like sea wool (crafted from recycled oyster shells and plastic bottles). The event was held at the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie, with a backdrop of the mirrored Geode, reinforcing the space-age theme.
Fashionable Attendees
Fashion Week El Paseo, Palm Springs: In contrast, the Palm Springs show celebrated Cardin’s legacy with a mix of archival Héritage pieces and the Spring 2025 collection. The event had a more nostalgic and community-focused vibe, benefiting local non profits like Shay’s Warriors. It included a special collection, Caftanes Galore of Mérida, crafted from vintage Pierre Cardin scarves, blending retro and modern styles. The desert setting added a unique charm, with models showcasing vibrant, flowy designs under the white tent. Jewelry by Stephanie Lake. Benefiting Shay’s Warriors – Life After Cancer.
A very vintage weekend it was. Part of Modernism Week, The Curated Vintage Event on Saturday, is a twice-yearly pop-up show highlighting exceptional vintage fashion, jewelry, textiles and accessories. On Sunday, there was the once-a-year Mod Yard Sale which moved from outside h3k home design, to Market Market (which has repurposed & one of a kind goods.)
If you’re looking for a quick fashion fix, fast fashion can be found in many stores and on countless websites. You might find what you’re looking for, but will it stand the test of time?
At the monthly Palm Springs Vintage Market with Dylan, Kathy + Trudy (with her dog).
Many women are mixing it up with their wardrobes by buying vintage garments that are 20 to 30 years old and in good condition. These pieces have timeless appeal and are typically characterized by their quality craftsmanship, unique styles, and designer labels which have stood the test of time. These vintage finds often evoke a sense of nostalgia and reflect the fashion trends and cultural influences of their time. Some never go out of style. Plus, each piece often has its own story and history, adding a special charm to one’s wardrobe. So, when you wear vintage, it’s like stepping into a little piece of history!
Jen from Muse the Shop holding up a lovely Pucci silk dress I had my eyes on.Last year I bought this silk Pucci dress from Jen. I love the neckline.Lady at the vintage market wearing what appears to be a nightie as a slip dress under a leopard-print jacket.Lingerie inspired slip-dress or maybe it’s a nightiefrom Rachel @ Macalistaire Vintage – a favorite vendor.
Another good thing is that vintage fashion supports a more sustainable approachto dressing. It encourages consumers to buy fewer, higher-quality pieces that last longer, reducing the overall environmental impact of fast fashion.
Kathy outside Villa Royale
If you’re fairly new to vintage shopping but have a good eye, look for basic outstanding classics such as tailored blazers, linen shirts, cashmere sweaters, little black dresses, leather handbags (Chanel 2.55 is a perfect example), worn-in denim, sunglasses (Iconic styles like aviators and cat-eye sunglasses add a touch of retro flair to any look) and trench coats (Burberry for instance has a timeless appeal. The reliable craftsmanship ensures that each coat is built to last). These are investment pieces.
Fashionable friends Joselle + Joan
And above all, have fun perusing through the racks and pick out something special. Be careful of knockoffs though (unless you know and don’t mind). Some of those can be fun too, but make sure it’s not passed off as the real thing. It should come with a card or something that shows authentication. I love some of the costume jewelery too.
Enjoy the search and even though you own what you wear; wear it your own way. Enjoy the thrill of the find.
PS: On my last visit to the monthly vintage market I picked up a promo card advertising the next curated vintage event during Modernism Week (I’ve since been). Got home and the card fell on the floor. When I picked it up, imagine my surprise when I noticed that on the other there was my photo with style icon Tziporah Salamon “THE ART OF DRESSING.” I’m wearing A Pucci blouse I bought from Mitchells Palm Springs (Mitchell organizes the yearly curated event at Temple Isaiah). His shop has tons of Pucci.
A toast to the Ladies who Lunch. After the Curated Event we went to Trio’s restaurant.
Loved what Kiki was wearing against the restaurant art piece.
When was the last time you went vintage shopping? It’s a bit different from consignment (which can encompass everything from all types of gently used clothing styles to high quality fairly new styles including some vintage, depending on the store).
….or just because. The Trend that began in the 60’s has transcended time.
With Maja at an Exhibition Dedication and Reception at Melissa Morgan Fine Art Sculpture Garden for Karen + Tony Barone’s new “Gilded Godiva” Sculpture on El Paseo Our silk caftans are from California Caftans. Website below.
I still need an excuse to wear a caftan out in public. Before coming to Palm Springs I viewed them only as chic bathing suit cover-ups. And some of them are. But they’re so much more… not exactly a dress, or a shirt, or a nightgown…just a longer piece of fabric more resembling a tunic or robe that I always thought looked elegant – on the right person. Elizabeth Taylor and Sophia Loren looked so regal wearing one…especially while lounging on a yacht on the Italian Riviera with a cocktail in hand. They’re perfect for poolside in Palm Springs while sipping champagne.
A nice prop.
History: The caftan (or Kaftan) originated in ancient Mesopotamia, an area that encompasses parts of modern day Iraq, Syria, Iran and Turkey. For many centuries, caftans were the traditional mode of dress in Turkey, where men and women (kings and beggars alike) considered it an appropriate clothing choice. I bought one in Cairo. Fabrics range from lightweight textiles for the summer months to richer velvets and brocades. Traditionally made with silk or cotton, caftans are frequently adorned with colorful patterns, and many individuals wear them with a coordinating belt or sash.
During Modernism Week I attended an event to benefit Animals in need at The Caliente Tropics hotel. We were asked to show up wearing a caftan and to donate an unopened bag of dog food for “Animal Samaritans.” Caftan/Jewelry/Accessory vendors were set up in the lobby of the hotel. I brought Layla & Adele.
Some of the “Mrs. Ropers” it’s a thing showed up wearing wigs and caftans. Most people ended up congregating to “Sancho’s” Mexican restaurant in the hotel with two DJ’s playing loud music, but we ended up at the much quieter little “Reef” Tiki Bar with a view of the beautiful pool area. I ordered the Palm Springs Punch which was deliciously refreshing and as pretty as any caftan.
A bit about Caftans…
Caftans were never my thing. That’s probably because I grew up in cold-wintered Montreal and later moved to Vancouver where no one (I repeat; no one) wears one. Even in Palm Springs where they’re the norm for many, I resisted wearing one for years. But I could resist no longer after a friend opened up her home for a caftan sale and I could finally see what the fuss was all about. They’re comfortable, silky luxurious and the perfect cover-up for the pool, the spa or to meet a friend for lunch. Plus they’re not all floor length which tend to swallow up those of us who are not very tall. They come in various lengths. I prefer the knee-length variety but I also like the long flowy silk tops – to be worn with straight leg pants or a skirt. They’re so easy to throw on after a shower!
More about Caftans:
Legend has it that Diana Vreeland once pegged the caftan as “fashionable for the beautiful people.” Bazaar magazine wrote that the voluminous shape and heavily printed nature might render it unappealing, but it’s often plunging neckline and side slit detail lend just the right wink.
Done right, a loose-fitting cotton tunic can look enviously chic.
No one loves a caftan more than celebrity stylist/designer/editor Rachel Zoe. This silhouette is one of her all-time favorite things to wear as soon as the temperature goes above 60 degrees. She said “To me, caftans are one of the most versatile pieces of clothing, meaning you can wear it from the beach to a barbeque to a cocktail party to a black tie event. Caftans are timeless and I never leave home without a few when I’m traveling because you never know where you’re going to end up and need a caftan!”
Jewelry should not compete with any other embellishment on your outfit especially if you’ve got tassels or beading going on. Keep it simple. And if you’re at the beach, your swimsuit should be accessory enough. No belt required.
Shoes? If it’s long or floor-length you can wear an open-toe heel and shorter styles can go with flats or sandals. I suggest going barefoot for either.
KELLY WEARS A CAFTAN:
Check out this PROMO of PALM SPRINGS with Kelly Ripa from the ABC morning talk show Live! with Kelly and Mark. They were filming in Rancho Mirage and opened the show with this clip about the place I now call my winter home.
Remember; if you receive this post via e-mail to click on the title (at the very top) which will bring you to the full page website which will better display the photos + links.
This is my first fashion collaboration with Suzy Walsh, a fellow fashion enthusiast and blogger, who has contributed her expertise to the fashion and beauty community for over a decade. She reached out to me when my site grabbed her attention when searching online for fashion inspiration. How nice. Since I haven’t been keeping up my fashion posts as regularly as before, I invited her to write something. Starting with:
What to Wear this Weekend and Beyond. Creative ways to incorporate style and comfort for casual outings.
Choosing the perfect going-out outfit can be both exciting and daunting. If you’re headed to dinner with friends, a night on the town, or a casual meet-up, the right outfit can set the tone for your evening. The key is finding a balance between style and comfort to look great and feel at ease.
Creativity lets your wardrobe work for various events without breaking the bank. From bold statement pieces to timeless classics, the possibilities are endless.
These 9 stylish and versatile outfits are perfect for any weekend occasion and any time you want to step out looking your best.
1. Little Black Dress (LBD)
Image: avecamber.blogspot.com
A little black dress is a timeless piece that works for any outing. Choose one with modern accents, such as asymmetrical cuts, ruffles, or a backless design, for a more striking revival of the classic look. Add some metallic accents and bold heels for a very attractive ensemble.
Keep it in perfect condition for the next event by storing it on one of the luxury clothes hangers that keep the delicate fabrics protected along with the upscale sensibility of your wardrobe. Proper care doesn’t only make sure the dress lasts long but also gets ready for the next stylish outing.
This outfit is perfect for everything from casual parties to upscale events.
Denim-on-denim can be incredibly stylish when done correctly. Pair a light-wash oversized denim jacket with darker skinny jeans or a straight-leg fit for balance. Add a fitted top underneath for the perfect structure and style.
Accessorize with white sneakers for a casual vibe or ankle boots for something more elevated. A crossbody bag ties the look together. Consider a bold-colored belt or scarf to break up the denim tones and add contrast. Finish the outfit with minimal jewelry to keep the focus on the textures and layers.
For the evening, switch to heeled mules and a red lip for added glamour.
A satin slip dress exudes elegance and is very versatile. It’s chic with heels alone and an edgier look paired with a leather jacket. Minimal jewelry and a clutch would make the whole look very cohesive.
For a more relaxed evening out, drape on a lightweight scarf or cropped cardigan to add warmth to the look without compromising the style. The best part is that you can easily interchange it between casual nights out and formal gatherings, and it will never let you down.
Its lightweight fabric makes it a comfortable yet stylish option for long evenings out.
4. Crop Top and High-Waisted Trousers
Image: jeansandateacup.com
This combination gives a rather flattering silhouette that is comfortable and chic. Take high-waisted trousers in neutral or bold colors and pair them up with a fitted crop top and a denim jacket. For a final touch, define the waist with a belt.
Add block heels and a simple necklace to round out this effortless chic. These appeal well to dinner with friends or at rooftop parties, balancing what’s casual and sophisticated. When the evening gets chilly, bring a light jacket or a blazer.
It’ll keep you warm enough without compromising the style.
5. Oversized Shirt with Cycling Shorts
Image: whaelse.com
This sporty combination is perfect for a casual yet trendy outing. Pair an oversized shirt with fitted cycling shorts for a balanced look. Opt for a sweater in bold colors or patterns to make a statement, and add chunky sneakers for comfort.
Polish the look with a crossbody bag and layered necklaces. Roll up the shirt sleeves for a relaxed look, and slide the baseball cap on for that little athleisure touch. It is so easy to throw on, comfortable yet fashionable, and it becomes the go-to outfit for laid-back days.
6. Light Gray Sweatshirt with Leather Pants
Image: theannaedit.com
Pairing a crisp light gray sweatshirt with sleek leather pants creates a stylish blend of casual and edgy. Opt for a sweatshirt with subtle embellishments, like embroidery or textured fabric, to add depth and interest to the look. Tuck in the sweatshirt slightly for a polished yet relaxed vibe.
Complete the outfit with point-toe heels to balance the casual top with the boldness of the leather pants. Add a structured bag to elevate the ensemble, and incorporate layered gold necklaces or hoop earrings for a touch of sophistication.
Finish the look with a sleek hairstyle, like a low bun or straightened locks, to enhance the outfit’s modern, refined appeal.
7. Floral Maxi Dress with Denim Jacket
Image: theteacherdiva.com
A floral maxi dress is such an outfit that can flow smoothly from day to night. Carry a flowing maxi with natural beauty and style, pair it with sandals for casual outings, heels for evening events, a jacket, etc. Add a denim jacket for warmth and structure, especially on cooler nights.
Delicate jewelry can do the trick with dainty necklaces or bracelets for that touch of femininity. To finish the look, one can add a woven or leather handbag to complement the outfit’s color palette perfectly.
Add a light scarf or hat to set the season’s personal tone and charm.
8. Knitted Co-Ord Set
Image: fashion-agony.com
Knitted co-ord sets are perfect for a cozy yet fashionable outfit. Look for cropped sweaters paired with matching skirts or trousers for that stylish look. Neutral tones for the classic look and bold colors will make a statement.
Accessorize with ankle boots and a structured bag for a polished finish. This outfit is ideal for casual dinner plans or low-key gatherings with friends. Complete the look with natural makeup and soft waves for an effortlessly chic appearance.
With its comfort and style, this look is essential for transitional seasons.
9. Printed Blouse with Neutral Bottoms
Image: thriftywifehappylife.com
Add personality to your outfit with a printed blouse, neutral trousers, or pencil skirt. Use bold patterns to make a bold statement and understated bottoms to create balance. Finish with pointed-toe flats or heels and a structured bag to complete the sophisticated look.
It will look great in the evening and daytime when supplemented with minimum accessories. Add a Blazer with a couple of layers of sophistication whenever needed. Experiment with subtle jewelry or bold lip color to elevate the look further, making it versatile for various settings.
A bit about Blazers:
Blazers don’t have to be restricted to the office. Take for instance, a short leather skirt and a fitted blouse under a tailored blazer, which can be sleek and playful. Satin or sequin textures will add a hint of glamour. Add knee-high boots or sleek heels to make the outfit suitable for dinner or drinks. Pair it with a fitted top or lace cami underneath, and carry a structured clutch to elevate the ensemble. This makes it versatile to balance sophistication and fun, It can be a go-to choice for various occasions.
Pair a jumpsuit with a blazer as an easy choice that eliminates the need for mixing and matching. Choose one with wide legs, dramatic sleeves, or a standout print for added flair. Opt for rich fabrics like velvet or satin to make the outfit feel even more luxurious. Simple heels and a clutch for an effortless touch of sophistication are necessary. For more drama, add statement earrings or a layered necklace on the neckline to tie the outfit together. This kind of outfit is perfect for parties or lively social events, guaranteeing you stand out wherever you go.
Wrapping Up!
These going-out outfits help you feel confident and stylish for any occasion. Adapt them to your style to keep it casual, or dress to impress. Each look offers a perfect blend of comfort and flair, ensuring you’re ready for anything. The right outfit can set the tone for unforgettable moments.
Author – Suzy Walsh is a renowned fashion expert and blogger who has contributed to several fashion websites and blogs as a guest author. With her vast knowledge and experience in the fashion industry, She has become an authority on fashion trends and sustainable fashion.
Max Mara was the opening night of Fashion Week on El Paseo
I can explain later on
The appearingly modest Italian fashion giant is not something we usually equate with fashion week shows, where color and splendour are more the norm. However, Max Mara (most famous for its camel coats, of which it is considered to be the expert) is renowned for executing the art of simplicity. And as much as I love a glittery fashion show, the clothing here exudes quiet luxury – low key, unassuming, but incredibly well made, and designed to last a lifetime. That’s the best.
For me personally, I see myself wearing any (or all) of these outfits on a regular day-to-day (or day to night) as opposed to the clothes in most of the other fashion shows. Give me well-made timeless classics anytime. Something you can just pull out of your closet at a moments notice.
The charity for this event was Safehouse of the Desert. (providing emergency shelter, intervention and outreach services to runaway, homeless or other youth in crisis.)
Safehouse held a special tented pre-show event with a “Breakfast at Tiffany” theme. For this we obtained the tickets directly from Safehouse.
Why we’re still fascinated with Audrey:
The Belgian actress starred in 28 films over the course of her career, but none of her roles was more famous than Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. The 1961 Truman Capote adaptation turned eating a pastry while window-shopping into a whimsical rite of passage and is forever synonymous with the generously browed actress.
Did you know?…..that Truman Capote wanted Marilyn Monroe to play the role of Holly Golightly?
According to Vogue Magazine: “She was Truman Capote’s first choice,” Sam Wasson, author of Fifth Avenue, 5 A.M.: Audrey Hepburn, ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s,’ has said “Another thing you may not know: Marilyn didn’t take the part in part because Paula Strasberg, her advisor and acting coach, said she should not be playing a lady of the evening.” Capote, author of the 1958 novella, was reportedly very, very disappointed that the studio went with Hepburn, saying, “Paramount double-crossed me in every way and cast Audrey.”
We cannot imagine a better actress to play that role.
FIFTY SHADES OF PINK on El Paseo was part of Fashion Week. Celebrating ten high-end stores along the fashionable strip with their diverse Spring/Summer 2024 Styles. With a nod to this Year’s Signature Color. The charity evening was to benefit *Girlfriend Factor (providing renewable educational grants and emotional support to adult women who choose to improve their position in life through higher education and occupational training).
I met up with 3 girlfriends and if you count our friend Dan; that would be 4. He graciously treated us to a pre-show martini at Pacifica and an post-show dinner at Il Corso. Dan’s a gem of a person who grew up with several sisters and loves being in the company of women; and we equally love being in his.
Dapper Dan, me, Tammy (in Norma Kamali from Chrissy’s), Kathy & Antoinetta (she didn’t get the memo but her gorgeous outfit is luxuriously timeless).
Pink is not just for girly girls. Pretty much almost everyone (maybe not redheads so much – but with a beautiful head of red hair, who needs pink?) can pull off wearing one of the fifty or more shades/tones. I’m actually not really sure how many shades of pink there really are.
I used this show as an excuse to wear my hot pink skirt (with beaded matching top); bought at a pop-up shop from a local designer in Vancouver (TKC Design Inc. – creators of indian inspired clothing and lingerie).
So………
With a spotlight on Palm Desert’s premier shopping boulevard here are photos from the show-with a few other colors thrown into the mix (because as much as we love pink; one cannot survive on pink alone).
Can we?
Participating stores include 120% Linen, Coco Rose, Eileen Fisher, Chrissy’s on El Paseo (my personal favourite), Grayse, Chico’s, White House Black Market, Athleta, Connie Robertson and Tommy Bahama. FUN evening!
Chrissy’s also has a children’s boutique across the street from their other boutique.
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 “everythingGrace.” 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 photowith 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?
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:
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
FROM PARIS to PALM SPRINGS, fashion week welcomed the long awaited comeback of Pierre Cardin. The man famous for pioneering Space Age Designs.
It embraced Pierre Cardin’s signature futuristic and space-age aesthetic, featuring geometric shapes, metallic finishes, and innovative materials like sea wool (crafted from recycled oyster shells and plastic bottles). The event was held at the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie, with a backdrop of the mirrored Geode, reinforcing the space-age theme.
Videos: d. king
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