There has never been—and will never be—another nightclub to rival the sheer glamour, energy, and wild creativity that was Studio 54.
A New Year’s Eve party at Studio 54 attended by Halston, Bianca Jagger, Jack Haley Jr, Liza Minnelli and Andy Warhol. Photograph: Life Images Collection/Getty
At Studio 54, sex, celebrity and, infamously, open drug-use worked in tandem to create a hedonistic nightlife playground that hasn’t been replicated since.
As Studio 54 co-founder Ian Schrager presumptuously sees it, there have been exactly two pivotal cultural events in the 75 years he’s been alive: “Woodstock and Studio.” In his aptly named book “Studio 54,” Schrager dives into the history of his infamous New York hotspot. The nightclub’s wild parties made headlines around the world.
Jerry Hall, Andy Warhol, Debbie Harry, Truman Capote and Paloma Picasso at Studio 54 in New York City in the 1970s. Photo : Photo Credit: Images Press/IMAGES/Getty Images
Yes; we know. No; we cannot repeat that. However we can have a Studio 54 Fashion Extravaganza here in Palm Springs making headlines of its own. Held not in a nightclub; but in a temple no less. Temple Isaiah Jewish Community Centre was the place to be on a Sunday afternoon where it was as glamorous as it gets. The mood was vibrant, the energy vivacious and there was whistling and hollering from the audience while models shimmied up and down the runway to disco hits of yesteryear. The next best thing to not being at the actual Studio 54!
Brenda Cooper + Mitchell KarpMitchell with Claudia Reid (Palm Springs POV) and disco deejay.
Sponsored by Mitchell Karp (owner of Mitchell’s Palm Springs – a place to find the best curated vintage and iconic designers in shop) and emceed by Brenda Cooper, Emmy award- winning stylist to the stars. Among her portfolio she was responsible for all the styling for Fran Drescher, on the CBC long running series “The Nanny.” Brenda’s book “The Silhouette Solution” is a well thought out method for helping all women find their authentic style. Speaking of which…
friend Tammy perfectly wearing Norma Kamaliwith friend RamonaRamona fittingly picked me up in her ’71 Corvette ConvertibleKathy and I were told we could be sisters. We are the Golden Girls.
While Andy, Bianca and Halston were missed, we did experience the best disco music along with some wine, and a vibe created by some gorgeous models wearing clothing to die for…keep scrolling.
Love Live Disco, Dancing, Daring Glamour and Desirability no matter where you live!
All clothing available for purchase here at Mitchell’s:
Below an article published on CNN Style about the disco playground where sex and glamour reigned.
Studio 54 remains a topic of fascination some four decades after the club’s opening night party summoned a crowd that included Cher, Tennessee Williams, Andy Warhol and Grace Jones to a former opera house and CBS television studio in Midtown Manhattan.
What does Marilyn Monroe’s iconic “Happy Birthday Mr. President” gown, Carol Burnett’s “Went with the Wind” curtain-rod dress and Cher’s show stopping 1986 Oscars look have in common? They’ve all been designed by the one and only Bob Mackie.
Mackie, the true fashion visionary and icon himself was in Palm Springs (actually he lives here) in person for his latest book signing…a first-ever comprehensive and authorized showcase of the legendary designer’s life and work featuring more than 1,500 photos and sketches – many from Mackie’s personal collection.
Duh; of course I was there! I was one of the first to buy his latest book appropriately titled “The Art of Bob Mackie” as soon as I was alerted about it via bookstore email. It’s a fashion lover’s dream book.
It’s just Fabulous! The book signing was at “Just Fabulous” – a suitably named store here in Palm Springs (link below) specializing in extraordinary books, cards for all occasions and other fun items you won’t see anywhere else. I dare you to walk in and come out empty handed – won’t happen!
I also bought a Christmas tree ornament and I don’t even have a tree. You’ll see! Maybe I’ll get a tree just to buy more ornaments. Post to come…for me it’s still too early to be shopping and/or posting stuff to do with Christmas.
But getting back to Bob. Guess I’m not exactly on a first name basis with him after meeting him only once. But I feel like I know him. What I mean by that is I remember watching almost every episode of the Carol Burnett Show in my grandparents’ living room on almost every Saturday night for years. And I remember watching the Sonny and Cher show with my parents. What does this have to do with Bob Mackie? Everything! He was responsible for every costume for the entire production of the Carol Burnett Show and made all of the costumes for Cher after meeting both Sonny and Cher on the Carol Burnett Show. And of course it doesn’t end there. From Broadway to Burlesque, his wide ranging repertoire includes dressing every famous glamour girl and some of the guys for stage, TV, movies and concerts with unique, incomparably stunning and sometimes hilarious creations.
I missed meeting Bob Mackie at the vintage market even though he was there on his own and it wasn’t announced. He was there and I was there but I really wasn’t there because it was after a pride party the night before so don’t ask so I missed meeting him then. But I got to tell him at the book signing that I unexpectedly and surprisingly came across a few of his designs at the market (which has expanded since the last time I was here) which I had never seen before. And to my disbelief, he was completely unaware of that fact. So I felt like we had a “moment.” A Mackie moment that I’ll remember for the obvious, but also for the fun outside the shop while waiting.
Fall is the perfect time to freshen up your wardrobe.
I hate saying goodbye to Summer however it’s time to begin to embrace the Fall, and what better way to start than with your clothing. Let’s face it – Fall fashion is the best!
Whether you’re headed back to the office or to the classroom, Fall is the time to put away the shorts and little summer dresses sigh and pull out your cozy sweaters and jackets. Let’s take a look at a few Fall fashion trends – courtesy Harper’s Bazaar Magazine (my favourite for fashion).
Finding Patterns
The future is bright, bold, and primed for attracting attention. Here to herald this message are fashion designers. From Thebe Magugu to Simone Rocha to Nicolas Ghesquière at Louis Vuitton, many presented collections with wild, wonderful prints. Magugu, for example, referenced mysticism in the pattern of a sleek suit; Ghesquière brought the Louvre’s paintings to life; and Rocha went for Baroque with romantic florals. Come fall, we are going to break free from gray and neutral tones, and bring some vibrancy into our lives.
Pictured from top to bottom: Duro Olowu, Colville, Christian Dior, La DoubleJ, Arthur Arbesser, Louis Vuitton, Loewe, Prada, Moschino, Simone Rocha, Stella Jean, Thebe Magugu, and Victoria Beckham.
Back to Black
LBDs are perennial; they’ll never go out of style no matter how many times we can say black is back. They haven’t left and never will. But what does change is the proportion. Some seasons have the ubiquitous style long and covered in appliqués; others have it prim and unadorned. For fall 2021, the trend de jour is short and super fitted. It’s all about the sultry mini. From tuxedo dresses at Fashion East to babydoll silhouettes at Christian Dior, the rule of thumb is to show legs for days, darling.
Pictured from top to bottom: JW Anderson, Schiaparelli, Fashion East, Dolce & Gabbana, Christian Dior, Carolina Herrera, Giambattista Valli, Versace, Tom Ford and Eftychia.
The Suit Coat
The trusted suit has gotten a revamp. Traditionally, the style is composed of a blazer-and-trouser combo; blazer and skirts have also become commonplace. For fall 2021, designers introduced something new into the fold: coats. Instead of fitted jackets, Givenchy, Jason Wu, Proenza Schouler, and more showcased palazzo, paper-bag-waist, flared, or cropped trousers all with elongated toppers. It’s a look that is meant to be worn and fully appreciated outdoors.
Pictured from top to bottom: A Potts, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Zimmerman, Jason Wu, Hermes, Marine Serre, The Row, Proenza Schouler, Balmain, Givenchy, and Chanel.
Everyone I know has been busy cleaning out their closets lately. Not necessarily to make way for more clothes/shoes/accessories althoughbut because we women have become to realize that we don’t need so much stuff.
Ethical and sustainable fashion is a growing movement worldwide. Fashion blogs are talking about affordable fashion and more conscious style minimalism. Here in Vancouver we have a gently used boutique that fundraises for the Vancouver Hospice Society. The Vancouver Hospice is where my late husband spent his remaining days four years ago. Believe me when I say that this topic is not at the top of my list of things to talk about, however it was the most caring place to be for end of life care. They have an amazing staff and a support system that continues after your loved one has passed.
Vancouver Hospice Society (VHS) was incorporated as a non-profit charitable organization in 2003 by a group of dedicated individuals who recognized the need for a society that could advocate for people and families facing end-of-life issues.
A few years later, volunteers Dell Whelan and Jenny Shaw spearheaded the concept of a charity shop as a fundraising arm of VHS. The first HOB (Hospice Opportunity Boutique) opened its doors in 2006 selling quality gently used women’s clothing. HOB Too followed later, selling vintage treasures, housewares and furniture.
Vancouver Hospice – located in the residential neighbourhood of Shaughnessy.
Both stores rely solely on items donated from the community.
They are volunteer operated by two separate committees with over 140 volunteers in total. All funds raised go directly to VHS’s 8 bed hospice home on Granville Street.
You may have begun to notice that I’m featuring more local artists, designers, shops and restaurants on this website than before.
Since there were travel restrictions for a long while, I looked closer to home and began to pay more attention to artists within my own circles, city and surroundings. And let me tell you – we do not lack here in British Columbia for local talent in plenty of areas. And so it is with great pleasure that I share another chic boutique owned by a local designer I recently met by the name of Anna Kosturova. Anna’s gorgeous pop-up shop is located in Gastown, Vancouver where she sells her ethically made and sustainable designs of the most exquisite crochet clothing. Shown here in photos taken by me.
The vibe in the shop is pure Summer at it’s absolute finest. And if crochet isn’t your thing, there’s enough locally made eye candy inside to attract any fashionista worth his/her salt. If you’re wondering where this phrase originated (of course you are!) the saying “worth its salt” originated with the ancient Romans, who valued salt highly. A true fashionista values genuine “style” – even if it’s not really their own style so to speak. Speaking of which….
eye candy
Nap Lovers Candles by Pourlair, Sandals & Flip Flops by Malvados, Photographic Prints by Rebecca Amber, Hard Kombucha sign by Plenty…and plenty more like sunglasses, handbags, hats, bikinis….it’s possible I may have missed some things…there’s a lot to look at.
Whether you dress it up for a polished put-together look or wear it casually with jeans or shorts, you can never go wrong. Especially with so many versions to choose from. Tucked in, left out, or worn halfway…this fresh looking closet staple is certainly nothing new. It has been in style forever. The only rule is to make sure it’s clean. On this page some random photos of crisp button downs with a few people you might recognize.
SJP
Cindy Crawford
Every woman should own at least one. Do you have a favorite?
Street Style at Paris Fashion Week Spring 2021Street Style at Paris Fashion Week Spring 2021
What’s on the runway always gets incorporated into something more wearable, at least for the majority of us. So just like a flower blossoms for its own joy, so should we wear what makes us happy. Remember; trends come and go – style is eternal.
Looking forward to lighter, brighter days ahead!
“Fashion is what you’re offered four times a year by designers. And style is what you choose.” —Lauren Hutton
“We must never confuse elegance with snobbery.” —Yves Saint Laurent
“Fashion you can buy, but style you possess. The key to style is learning who you are, which takes years. There’s no how-to road map to style. It’s about self expression and, above all, attitude.” —Iris Apfel
“Don’t be into trends. Don’t make fashion own you, but you decide what you are, what you want to express by the way you dress and the way to live.” —Gianni Versace
I want to acknowledge this special day in celebration of all women… the better half of the world’s population.
Having said that, there are a bunch of women in my life worth paying special tribute to. They’re women of strength, courage, intelligence, integrity, creativity, capability, beauty, talent, style and fun with a capital “F”… as shown here in photos of me with them (and a few without me). But one thing is for sure… they’re all simply fabulous!
with Alex, Elizabeth & Ramona at The Tropicale, Palm Springs.with Tammy & Kathy at a fashion show in Palm Springs.with Rosa at Sandbar, Vancouver.with Lisa (my sister) at home.with Renée (my ex sister-in-law) at Pinky’s (now Romer Burger), Vancouver.with Lynda on Robson (watching Pride Parade from her balcony).with Lisawith Susanne at The Naam, Vancouver.with Margeaux at the Planetarium, Vancouver.with Ryoko & Margeaux in Castlegar, B.C. – at Margeaux’s beautiful resort-style home overlooking the river.Two Tramps. With Tamara (or; Tramara) on the Tram, Palm Springs. I know, it’s a silly one.with Natalia in Palm Springs.With Natalia at Lulu’s, Palm Springs.with Jenni at Roadhouse, Palm Springs.with Stacey & Jen at a restaurant on Main St., Vancouver.with Ann Marie at the Revel Room in Gastown, Vancouver.with Lynn in Palm Springs.with cousin Liz in a tree – Vancouver.with Joanne on Galiano Island, B.C.Rosa & Louise (Louise’s birthday at Colleen’s).with Tracy at Asia SF, Palm Springs.with Tamara & Cassandra on a blueberry farm in Richmond, B.C. (The picking was plentiful).with Candy, Claudia, Tracy & Rhonda at the Riviera (now Margaritaville), Palm Springs.chilling with London-based Masako at Colleen’s.with Masako at a Boutique Hotel, Vancouver.Celeste, Kiki & Candy at “ACurated Collection” – Palm Springs.Joselle (had just met her but nonetheless) at “A Curated Collection” – Palm Springs.Donna & Llana (two of the most capable women I know) in Palm Springs.Angie (in middle) with Jackie (L) and Colleen (R).with Anik, Tamara & Jolie at The Victor, Vancouver.
This year’s IWD theme is #ChooseToChallenge, with the following shared on the official #IWD2021 website: “A challenged world is an alert world. Individually, we’re all responsible for our own thoughts and actions – all day, every day. We can all choose to challenge and call out gender bias and inequality.
with Tammy (Valley of the Dolls) in Palm Springs.
Here’s to ALL OF US making Herstory!
Tracy & Candy at Asia SF, Palm Springs – the last outing before Covid shutdown.
Below are two friends gone way too soon. I miss them both terribly.
with Jackie and her cheshire grin in Gastown, Vancouver.with Colleen at the Sailing Club, Vancouver.
ps: If you’re my friend and you don’t see your photo here it’s only because I don’t have one (if so, what a shame). Please send me one for next time – with or without me in the photo (but preferably with).
At Kits Days on 4th – with Colleen, Robyn & Stacey. Always a fun meet-up with music & shopping and friendship.
These days comfort is key but style is a close second sometimes it’s been the other way around. I walk a lot. Enter
ROLLIE NATION.
I recently ordered a few pairs because each Rollie is built for comfort with luxurious uppers, breathable lining, memory foam footbeds and energy-returning EVA & rubber soles, thin and flexible stiffeners and soles tested internationally for wear and tear. Each pair is constructed using premium materials including hand-finished nubuck and soft burnish leathers and stocks up to size 46. So there’s nothing not to like.
Rollie founder Vince Lebon has been doing shoes for a long time, and after 10 years of designing shoes for Australia’s top independent footwear company … a spark of inspiration hit.
the founder and his wife
His wife Kat (nickname Rollie) travelled a lot for work as a flight attendant and in her down time she wanted to take in the magic each city had to offer. But dragging around work shoes and fun shoes was exactly that, a drag. Inspired, Vince wondered what if he could design a shoe that was light enough to pack in a carry on, comfortable enough for all day adventuring and fun enough to reflect Kat’s unique sense of style.
After constantly being stopped by complete strangers asking about her incredible shoes, in 2012 Vince decided to test the concept at South Melbourne Market’s SO:ME designer space. Within weeks, his entire first collection was sold out and Rollie was born. What started simply as a gesture of love quickly became an entirely new shoe concept loved the world over.
With a Code of Conduct in place with any factory they use. Here are some key points:
We build our integrity upon making ethical decisions
We endeavour to produce quality shoes under a safe and ethical environment for all employees.
We do not condone the use of child labor.
All materials used to produce our products are Lead-free and Chrome-free.
All suppliers must be comply with all applicable laws, rules and regulations.
Want to know more? Email us at hello@rollienation.com We’d love to answer any questions you have 🙂
It’s not very often that I buy a pair of “new” jeans. I like vintage style so I prefer to rummage through well worn versions in various consignment or vintage boutiques. I don’t like them too beat up looking either, so it’s a bit of a game. As you’re probably aware, even though they’re everywhere…try finding a pair that’s just so for fit and style to your body type.
Fast forward to Robin’s Jeans.
the logo
I first encountered their flagship storefront in Beverly Hills several years ago and bypassed it because the window display appeared too “rock ‘n roll” for my liking. In fact, that’s exactly the kind of clientele they appeal to. I’m told that Steven Tyler wears only Robin’s Jeans. The collection has grown as celebrity and fashion insiders such as Nicki Minaj, Katy Perry, Beyonce, Miley Cyrus, Avril Lavigne & Fergie have consistently made Robin’s Jean their go-to denim brand.
But that’s not why I bought my first pair just recently. I was in Richmond, B.C. at an outlet mall (killing time while waiting for something on my car to be updated) and had a look around.
I know a good thing when I see it. After walking into Robin’s Jeans and spending considerable time admiring the collection but finding it “too much” for me, I ended up walking out wearing a super comfortable, super soft, vintagy-looking, slightly worn-in, light wash denim style with a perfect fit…although expensive. Except for the wings displayed on the pockets, these were one of the plainest they had in stock. It probably won’t be the last pair I buy from them. The quality is outstanding.
Robin’s Jean’s unique signature, a set of golden wings, is a reflection of the designer’s positive energy and playful spirit. The brand, which consists of men’s, women’s, and kids clothing and accessories, is known for its stylish cuts and avant-garde washes, as well as its intricate detailing, studded embellishments and embroidery.
In addition to the flagship stores in Beverly Hills and New York City, Robin’s Jean products are sold in approximately 800 specialty stores and major retailers, including Sak’s Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus.
International distribution includes some of the most prestigious retailers in the world including Marie Claire in Belgium, Brigitte B in St. Tropez, Harvey Nichols in Hong Kong, and Saks Fifth Avenue in Dubai.
THE MAN BEHIND ROBIN’S JEAN
Robert Chretien
Robin Chretien, Founder and Designer of Robin’s Jean was born in Lyon, France where he grew up immersed in a creative environment. His mother, a talented fashion designer, and his father, an artist, always encouraged their sons’ creative endeavors and dreams. At age fourteen, Robin wore his first pair of jeans which were vintage patchwork flared jeans that he bought in St. Tropez, France. It was then that his passion for denim was born.
Robin arrived in Los Angeles in 1996 where his skills combined with talent and charm, caught the eye of the best denim companies in Los Angeles. At a time when most denim was designed around basic styles, Robin’s attention to new fabrics, innovative washes and nuanced details made him a rising star in the industry. Having held top design positions at leading denim companies such as Blue Cult, followed by Hudson Jeans, the name Robin Chretien quickly flew to the top of the best denim designers’ lists in the United States.
In 2005, he created Robin’s Jean, which is symbolized by a set of wings. “I came to the United States because I love the US. I make jeans because it’s always been my dream. To make jeans in the country that I love is my dream come true. Where better to make jeans than Los Angeles when your brand has angel wings? I design, produce, and manufacture Robin’s Jean in the U.S.A.” says Robin.
Today, the brand is renowned for it’s biker-chic aesthetic and innovative denim washes. Great attention is taken with each detail from hand embroidery to crystal studding and leather applique. The collection has quickly grown from a line of denim jeans to a range of leather jackets, t-shirts, belts, hats and footwear for men, women, and children. Robin’s Jean is now sought after by a cult-like following of celebrities, fashion stylists, and urban-trendsetters whose work and play blend effortlessly.
In 2011, the first Robin’s Jean Flagship store opened in Beverly Hills, CA. Today, there are currently ten Robin’s Jean Flagship Stores in the top shopping destinations Beverly Hills, CA. Soho, New York; Laguna Beach, CA; Garden State Plaza, Paramus, NJ; Park City, Utah, Orlando, Florida and the first Robin’s Jean international store in Vancouver, Canada. In 2016, new locations have opened in Beverly Center in Los Angeles, CA and Telluride, CO and Roosevelt Field, Garden City, NY. In 2016, plans are to continue to grow the Robin’s Jean brand further in the US with new stores in Houston TX, Tampa FL, Honolulu HI, as well as internationally.
As Studio 54 co-founder Ian Schrager presumptuously sees it, there have been exactly two pivotal cultural events in the 75 years he’s been alive: “Woodstock and Studio.” In his aptly named book “Studio 54,” Schrager dives into the history of his infamous New York hotspot. The nightclub’s wild parties made headlines around the world.
you live!
u
rite for fashion).
Photos: d. king
What’s on the runway always gets incorporated into something more wearable, at least for the majority of us. So just like a flower blossoms for its own joy, so should we wear what makes us happy. Remember; trends come and go – style is eternal.
Where to Order:
In addition to the flagship stores in Beverly Hills and New York City, Robin’s Jean products are sold in approximately 800 specialty stores and major retailers, including Sak’s Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus.
Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION. 
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