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