I know I’ve shared many posts on my life long passion for the arts…well here is another outstanding organization I haven’t talked about until now, The Southwest Symphony Orchestra! Why now you might ask…there are several reasons…they are celebrating their 60th Anniversary, they have a brand new conductor and they are having a fun fund raiser…so now is the perfect time to do a long over due post!
I have had the pleasure of attending their concerts over the years and recently attended their opening concert of the 2025-2026 season….you have heard of an eye opener well this was an “ear opener” under the direction of their new conductor, Brian Dollinger, they have never sounded better!
From Mastro Dollinger bio….
Whether on the concert stage performing masterworks and pops or in the orchestra pit conducting opera and ballet, his insightful musicality and collaborative spirit come together to create a fun, inviting, energetic, and enriching atmosphere at each rehearsal and performance.
Maestro Brian Dollinger celebrates more than twenty years as the Music Director and Conductor of the Muscatine Symphony Orchestra. In 2023, he was successfully re-appointed as the artistic leader for I not only the MSO, but the Clinton Symphony Orchestra and the Hawaii-based Kamuela Philharmonic. He continues to serve as Music Director of the West Hawaii Dance Theatre on the Big Island of Hawaii as well. His charisma, energy, technical clarity, and deep musical passion continues to inspire musicians and audiences alike across the country. He has conducted orchestras of a variety of levels and locations throughout the United States and in Europe.
A member of the National Association for Music Education, Maestro Dollinger is a frequent conductor and clinician for various youth string festivals, competitions and workshops. He has conducted highly successful engagements throughout Illinois and Iowa. These events have included all-day festivals rehearsing, teaching, mentoring and performing with some of the state’s best high school symphonic musicians. He continues to make appearances at elementary and high schools working with student ensembles and talking about music with the youngest of students down into kindergarten. A sought-after clinician, adjudicator, and speaker, Maestro Dollinger welcomes each and every opportunity to work with young students and musicians.
BRIAN DOLLINGER
I wanted to give you information on a special opportunity to support this fabulous orchestra…here is their press release….
Also, the Symphony has two Christmas Concerts. Friday, December 12th at 7 pm at St. Damian’s Catholic Church in Oak Forest and Sunday, December 14th at 4 pm at St. Stephen’s Church in Tinley Park. This is a great way to get into the holiday spirit. The Symphony will be joined by the Choirs from both churches, their Children’s Choir and Bell Choir. A brand new piece commissioned in honor of the 60th Anniversary of the Southwest Symphony Orchestra by Tom Hawley and Tom Mantel will be premiered at these concerts! Get your tickets soon, they tend to sell out!”
On a more personal note…I was recently honored at a black tie event for a special birthday…my dear friends, Tom Hawley and Tom Mantel, (you have read about their spectacular Mid-Century Modern home in numerous blog posts), hosted THE perfect party (I’m doing another post on THE party with lots of photos….stand by!). It so happens that Tom H. plays in The Southwest Symphony. I had the nerve to ask if he would do a huge favor for me and play at my party. He, of course, agreed and invited four of his colleagues to join him in a string quintet. They played Mozart’s A Little Night Music, one of my favorite classical pieces, followed by Happy Birthday. They made my special evening even more magical! Lucky me!
Do yourself a major favor and get your tickets you will be totally enchanted!
I want to introduce you to a truly original style icon…Tziporah Salamon who has graciously agreed to answer my nenasnotes questionnaire. Her look is unique and I know you will be mesmerized by her story.
But first I wanted you to know about a very special upcoming event…below is the information about the exciting event the Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum is presenting to kick off its 50th Anniversary. The Costume Council supports the outstanding world class costume collection at the Museum and has underwritten its extraordinary exhibitions and events. I have been involved with the Costume Council for most of those 50 years. I hope you can support this event and all the upcoming Anniversary excitement!
TUESDAY, JUNE 11th at the Chicago History Museum
“Join the Costume Council for a special presentation featuring style icon Tziporah Salamon, in the above photo, The Art of Dressing author profiles the chicest and most celebrated older women of today, showcasing their wardrobes and revealing the contents of their closets, while imparting practical tips on how to put together beautiful outfits. Schedule… 5:30 p.m. – Costume Council Annual Meeting (Costume Council members only) 6:00 p.m. – Presentation by Tziporah Salamon 7:30 p.m. – Reception with drinks and light bites Questions? Contact Nell McKeown, development events manager, at mckeown@chicagohistory.org or (312) 799-2112.”
This is going to be a long post so settle back with your drink of choice (you by now know mine is either a glass of red wine or a coupe of bubbles!), you will be fascinated by her incredible story….here we go…
“My parents wedding – right after the war – In Czechoslovakia- she made her dress out of a sheet – he made his suit”
“Purim costume – made by my mother – in some ways. I do Purim everyday!!!”
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB
First job ever was in high school as a receptionist at a shipping company. I worked after school a few times a week while a senior in high school for extra money. I loved the responsibility of showing up and I actually loved it. I have always loved work – no matter the job!
“Me at 15 – mom made the dress”“Sweet Sixteen with my parents – the Chinese restaurant gave me the Chinese coat to wear for the occasion- a foreshadowing to what I most collect now!”
BRIEFLY DESCRIBE YOUR MOST RECENT OCCUPATION
My recent occupation: I teach a Masterclass called THE ART OF DRESSING in which I actually use my vast collection mainly of antique clothes and accessories to teach the elements of style. I am also the author of a book by the same name, published by Rizzoli.
I am also a model – which I also love. I became a model at age 62, when I was photographed by Steven Meisel in the Lanvin 2012 fall winter collection.
“My first modeling gig – Steven Meisel, Alber Elbas and Pat McGrath – I was 62”
WHEN DID YOU DISCOVER YOUR FIRST IMPRESSION OF YOUR TALENT
I always knew I dressed well. What I didn’t know was that not everyone did.
That was a huge revelation for me. I first noticed it was when I was getting a PhD in psychology and I noticed that even though I had a limited budget being a high school teacher at the time, I was better dressed than my wealthy professors who were successful therapists.
WHEN DID YOU KNOW YOU HAD “MADE IT” EXPLAIN
I am not sure I feel like I made it. I am always growing and evolving. But being recognized and adored and appreciated by Bill Cunningham was the ultimate compliment to me. No one’s word or taste or appreciation meant more.
“Bill and me on 5th Ave – we did not know our photo was being taken. A friend found it on the internet. My favorite photo!”
Except my father’s. And I got that one morning when he was in his 90’s and I was leaving to go to work from his apt one Monday morning, wearing a pair of pants that he altered for me, he looked at me with so much love that I said, “I look good today, don’t I?” And he answered, “you look good everyday!”
“With my papa”
HOW DID YOUR ORIGINAL PASSION BRING YOU TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW
I always loved clothes. As a baby, I would go to sleep and wake up to more clothes – lovingly made for me by both my parents. My mother, a gifted dressmaker, could sew, knit, crochet and embroider and made all my sweaters, dresses, blouses and skirts, while my father, a master tailor , made the coats, pants and jackets. I was equally comfortable dressed as a little girl or a little boy. And as if that wasn’t enough, my aunt in America, after Auschwitz, ended up in NY where over one weekend there was a Jewish dance which she attended as well as a Jewish Texan whom she ended up marrying. He happened to be the vice president of Neiman Marcus so when she found out her favorite brother, my father, was alive, living in Israel and had two little girls she went shopping and did not look at price tags. So from day one, I had on my back the best clothes that hands could make – custom made for me at all ages and sizes – and the best clothes that money could buy. And when we got one of these packages from America – – my mother would invite all the relatives and I eagerly showed off all my new clothes. So here were the seeds for my ART OF DRESSING MASTERCLASS.
Photo by Robbie Quinn
WHAT WOULD HAVE BEEN YOUR ALTERNATE CHOICE AS A CAREER….WAS THERE ONE
I wanted to be a teacher from first day of school and pursued that goal – getting a Masters Degree in education. Then I wanted to be a therapist and pursued that goal by finishing two out of three years towards a PhD in psychology. Now, I am pursuing an acting career.
“Leaving Berkeley where I quit the PhD in psychology to return to NY to pursue fashion – 1979 -29 years old”“5 years later – 1984 – for NY Magazine- photos by Cheryl Koralik @cherylkoralik”
TALK A BIT ABOUT YOUR BOOK AND ADVANCED STYLE…THE BOOK AND FILM
Advanced Style, the book, shows photos of women advanced in years and advanced in style – all of us over 60. Advance Style Documentary focuses on 7of us NY women all over the age of 60. I was the youngest at age 62 and the oldest was age 82. The filmmaker, Lina Plioplyte , followed each of us separately and together for 3 years and then she and Ari Seth Cohen, the producer and writer of the books made this film.
ADVANCED STYLE THE BOOK AND THE FILM
My book, THE ART OF DRESSING, published by Rizzoli, is a how to book with beautiful photos of me and 10 other women all over the age of 60 in which I break down each woman’s personal style and why it works. The book, with beautiful illustrations as well as photographs goes over the elements of style – color, texture, proportion, silhouette, rhythm; story and how to incorporate them in your dressing.
“Recent glamour shot by Iris Brosch”
YOUR FAVORITE BOOK, MOVIE, LIST THE FOLLOWING,IN ORDER OF PREFERENCE…THEATER (LEGIT, MUSICALS), BALLET, OPERA, SYMPHONY…TYPE OF MUSIC YOU LIKE TO LISTEN TO…FAVORITE RESTAURANT
Favorite book:
I loved so many…War & Peace; The Fountainhead; A Tree Grows in Brooklyn: Middlemarch
Favorite movie:
Splendor in the Grass; Doctor Zhivago; Reds; Flowers of Shanghai; Auntie Mame
In order of preferences:
Theatre , especially musicals
Opera
Ballet
Symphony
Type of music – all music – from opera to rock’n’roll – country western, waltzes
Perry Como, Bruce Springsteen; the Mavericks; Shlomo Carlebach; Hebrew music; Arabic music; Irish ballads; Enya; Bach
HOBBIES….
Playing with clothes
Biking and blasting my favorite music
“Above photos taken by Ike Ude, done in one afternoon”“One of my favorite fashion shoots with Robbie Quinn”
Home is definitely antiques and eclectic. Lots of color – shawls, bags, hats, shoes, fringe artfully displayed throughout the apt
WHO WOULD YOU HAVE AT YOUR FANTASY DINNER (LIVING OR DEAD AND BE SURE TO INCLUDE YOURSELF!) AND WHAT WOULD YOU SERVE (10-12 GUESTS)
Charlie Chaplin; Paul Newman; Myrna Loy; Marlena Dietrich; Clark Gable; Einstein; Golda Meir; Ziva Sirkis, one of the women in my book and my second “mother”; Shakespeare; Emily Dickinson; Cecil B DeMille and myself
Dinner would be spreads of all kinds on crackers and bread for starters
Cheese and fruit laid out
Bowls of fresh salads, sliced tomatoes, sliced avocados,
Roasted potatoes
Roasted brussel sprouts
Roasted beets
Grilled cauliflower
Wild salmon
Pea soup
Fresh cherries
Fresh figs
Fresh grapes
FAVORITE VACATION SPOT VISITED AND/OR ON YOUR GO TO LIST
I loved Jamaica when I visited but I also love Paris and Italy and Greece and, of course, my homeland, my beloved Israel
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING MOST IN YOUR FREE TIME?
Going for bike rides
Exploring the city
Going to museums
Playing with clothes
Going to the movies – especially at the Film Forum and Lincoln Center
FAVORITE WORK OF PUBLIC ART
I loved Christo’s and Jeanne Claude’s THE GATES. It had a profane affect on my as my father had just passed on Feb 20, 2005 and I sat Shiva for him in Brooklyn, in Brighton Beach where he lived and died. After a week of sitting, came back to my neighborhood on the upper west side and went for a walk in Central Park, towards Bergdorf’s, where my father had been a tailor from age 77-85. Seeing the gates – that bright orange fabric blowing in the wind and surviving the snow and chill and elements brought me back to life. They were like sentient beings welcoming me home.
HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE REMEMBERED
As someone who lived fully, loved fully and was authentically herself!
FAVORITE LINKS YOU WOULD LIKE TO INCLUDE
Love the following people on Instagram and follow regularly:
By now you know I’m obsessed with Dance…most especially with our very own The Joffrey Ballet! I did a pre-announcement about this once in a hundred years event…THE ARPINO CHICAGO CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION…now here are all the details of this extraordinary two day happening. It is especially meaningful to me since I had the great honor and pleasure of doing fund-raising events with Mr. Arpino on several occasions when I was Fashion/Special Director at Saks Fifth Avenue, Chicago. And, of course, I have been thrilled to witness the talent and growth of this fabulous company. The following is the official release on the event…mark your calendar for JUNE 5TH when tickets go on sale. Beyond exciting….I’m sure you agree!
ARPINO CHICAGO CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION SEPT. 23–24 AT THE AUDITORIUM THEATRE: 8 BALLET COMPANIES FROM ACROSS U.S. PERFORM RANGE OF ARTIST’S WORK
To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Gerald Arpino, one of the 20th century’s most influential artists, The Gerald Arpino Foundation presents the Arpino Chicago Centennial Celebration as the culminating event of a multiyear salute to this extraordinary choreographer and co-founder/director of The Joffrey Ballet. Performances take place September 23 and 24, 2023 at the Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive, Chicago.
The two programs, which feature ballet companies from across the U.S. performing works that span Arpino’s lengthy and prolific career, include (in alphabetical order):
Saturday, September 23, 7:30 p.m.American Ballet Theatre (New York): Sea Shadow (1962), set to music by Maurice Ravel, is Arpino’s romantic ode to Ondine, a young man on the beach who is enamored with a shadow from the sea in the guise of a beautiful creature. Photo: Victoria Jaiani and Temur Suluashvili of The Joffrey Ballet, photo by Herbert MigdollBallet West (Utah): RUTH, Ricordi per Due (2004) is an elegy to music by Tomasso Albinnoni and Arpino’s final work, commissioned and underwritten by Barbara Levy Kipper in honor of her mother, Ruth Doctoroff Levy. Former Ballet West artists Arolyn Williams (front) and Christopher Ruud, photo by Beau PearsonThe Joffrey Ballet (Illinois): Suite Saint-Saëns is Arpino’s 1978 masterwork, a showcase of classical movement in neoclassical style that epitomized the choreographer’s way of moving in the ’80s—with speed, energy and quality—set to Camille Saint-Saëns. José Pablo Castro Cuevas and Natalit Taht of The Joffrey Ballet, photo by Cheryl MannOklahoma City Ballet (Oklahoma): Birthday Variations (1986) was commissioned by Becky D’Angelo as a birthday present to her husband, Dino, owner of Chicago’s Civic Opera House and a fan of Giuseppe Verdi’s music, featured in this work. Leah Reiter (L) and Flannery Werner of Oklahoma City Ballet, photo by Jana Carson San Francisco Ballet (California): L’Air D’Esprit (1978), set to music from Giselle by Adolphe Adam, is a romantic and classical work in the traditional pas de deux form and a tribute to the ballerina Olga Spessivtzeva, one of Nijinski’s partners before the fall of Czarist Russia. Tina LeBlanc of The Joffrey Ballet, photo by Herbert Migdoll
Sunday, September 24, 1 p.m. (NOTE UPDATED TIME)Ballet West (Utah): Light Rain (1981), which Arpino created for The Joffrey Ballet’s Silver Anniversary to showcase the company’s new young dancers and represent their youth and energy, is set to music by Douglas Adamz and Russ Gauthier and remains among Arpino’s most popular works. Ballet West Principal Artists Emily Adams and Hadriel Diniz, photo by Beau PearsonComplexions Contemporary Ballet (New York): Valentine (1971), set to music by Jacob Druckman, is a quirky and humorous look at the battle of the sexes using a boxing arena as the setting for staccato and contemporary movement. Julianne Spratlin and Fabrice Camels of The Joffrey Ballet, photo by Herbert MigdollEugene Ballet (Oregon): Reflections (1971) is a neoclassical, pure dance ballet and a perfect example of the Arpino style—high lifts, a flying pace and classic beauty. This fast-paced and physically challenging ballet is set to Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s “Variations on a Rococo Theme for Violoncello and Orchestra.” Yumelia Garcia and Temur Suluashvili of The Joffrey Ballet, photo by Herbert MigdollThe Joffrey Ballet (Illinois): Round of Angels (1983) is an emotional ballet featuring a couple, destined to part, surrounded by five broken-winged angels. Set to the haunting Adagietto from Gustav Mahler’s Fifth Symphony, this work is dedicated to the memory of James R. Howell, a Joffrey member and Arpino’s lifelong friend and artistic associate. Victoria Jaiani, Sam Pergande and dancers of The Joffrey Ballet, photo by Herbert MigdollSan Francisco Ballet (California): L’Air D’Esprit (1978), set to music from Giselle by Adolphe Adam, is a romantic and classical work in the traditional pas de deux form and a tribute to the ballerina Olga Spessivtzeva, one of Nijinski’s partners before the fall of Czarist Russia. Tina LeBlanc and Glenn Edgerton of The Joffrey Ballet, photo by Herbert Migdoll.
Gerald Arpino (1923–2008) was a visionary choreographer who, along with Robert Joffrey, created a ballet company and a body of work that has made a singular and enduring impact on American ballet. Throughout his 50-year career, Arpino created nearly 50 ballets for The Joffrey Ballet. From landmark works like Trinity and Round of Angels to Suite Saint-Saëns and Light Rain, Arpino was a masterful artist and entertainer whose work brought audiences to their feet time and again.
The Gerald Arpino Foundation presents the Arpino Chicago Centennial Celebration Saturday, September 23 at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, September 24 at 1 p.m. at the Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive, Chicago. Tickets are $45–250; single tickets* go on sale June 5, available at auditoriumtheatre.org/events-details/gerald-arpino-chicago-centennial-celebration/, 312.341.2300 and the Auditorium Theatre Box Office. * Tickets are currently available as part of an Auditorium subscription.
All programming is subject to change. The Gerald Arpino Foundation is committed to preserving and promoting the choreographic works of Gerald Arpino and Robert Joffrey while maintaining the integrity of their works through the highest level of artistic excellence. The Foundation allows qualified organizations the right to license Arpino’s and Joffrey’s choreographic works and offers repertory workshops, lectures, and master classes to teach a new generation of dancers the choreography and style of Joffrey and Arpino.
For more information, visit arpinofoundation.org.Gerald Arpino by Herbert Migdoll
By now you know my obsession with books…I’ve had it since childhood, I wasn’t able to participate in gym activities in my elementary school and spent that time in my Evanston, Illinois, Oakton school, in the library…I was in Heaven. I had been exposed to books from infancy and lord knows I’m WAY beyond that now. Finding new books is a passion and those who know me well feed that interest. You also know I host a monthly nenasnotes The Fashion Book Club and have featured many exciting books on the intricacies of the genre. In addition, I never do negative reviews, what would be the point. I am, therefore, fascinated when a subject, or in this case, a personality comes to my attention that is totally new to me, my antenna goes up! When my dear friend, the Renaissance Man and member of TFBC, Jeffrey Banks, tells me I need to know about a book, I listen! Today’s review is such a book and when you give just a bit of thought you might think it ironic that I’m featuring it. I am, indeed, featuring it because it is a superbly written account of an amazing woman who at the beginning of the 20th Century truly set the standard for specialized service in retail. Let’s learn a bit about Carrie in the riveting story written by her grand niece, Jerrie Marcus Smith, whose father was Stanley Marcus!
Carrie Marcus Neiman, along with her husband and brother, had a dream, no, a vision, early in the 1900’s to create a specialty store devoted to service. Let’s turn our thoughts back to 1907 and visualize, if we can, what opportunities presented themselves to women…not many. This didn’t, for an instant, stop Carrie from creating a store that would cater to not only the new wealthy women but to any women who wanted style and individual attention.
Think about it very carefully, a women in her 20’s with no formal training, Jewish, married and divorced who would create the first specialty store and become its CEO…just imagine! Also envision Dallas, Texas in the early days of the new century…certainly not the Metropolis it is today….never mind, Carrie wanted to offer the high fashion of New York and Paris and offer it she did in what became the arbiter of style, Neiman Marcus!
She not only brought the fashion capitals to Dallas, she also brought her special clients to those capitals where she outfitted them head to toe. She had an eye and instinct that her clients trusted and depended upon for all their wardrobe needs. It wasn’t long before Carrie and Neiman Marcus became highly respected in the New York and Paris fashion salons which she regularly frequented. She produced fashion shows in the Store and was instrumental in creating their legendary Christmas Catalog, which we all eagerly look forward to each year. She along with Stanley Marcus started, in 1938, The Neiman Marcus Awards for Distinguished Service in the Field of Fashion Service which became known as the Oscars of the world of fashion!
She was quiet and unassuming but don’t let that fool you, she knew exactly what would be becoming to each individual. (A Nenas Note….those of you who know me know I’m not found of the term “Influencer” I’ll break that feeling by saying, I would consider Carrie one of our first Influencers!)
The book is truly a love letter exquisitely written by Carrie’s grandniece, Jerrie Marcus Smith, you will want to savor each and every word and let your eyes feast on the fabulous photographs which include an insight into Carrie’s home which was as enticing as her store. Do get the book, enjoy it and add it to your library. And, by the way, Jerrie and her daughter, Allison V. Smith, will join me in conversation about the book for nenasnotes The Fashion Book Club on February 22nd…it will be a not to be missed event!
Jerrie Marcus Smith
Photos from the book which will be published on November 30th available now for pre-order….it would make a perfect Holiday gift, not only for the fashionista in your life but also for those, on your list, who are interested in family histories, it is a gem!
Victor’s Birthday Dinner Chez Ivon long ago. One of my favorite photos of us. My photo, published for the first time
Sweetheart, Baby, Angel, Dearest, Darling…..(each comma represents a pause!) how I will miss these words on my phone early on so many mornings….followed by “Its Victor”…my answer, always, who else would it be! And always notes for reasons or just a hello….he did those for many of his friends, I treasure mine.
This was our greeting for decades. Was each and every decade stress free, of course not, no relationship no matter how close you are doesn’t have bumps and, yes, we had bumps, but the “bumpless” times were so very special. I wanted to share all the good times…and there were many!
At a Fashion Group International Chicago gala honoring the Ferragamos Photo credit: Robert Carl.
My dear, special friend of so many, many years and so many, many memories, left us this year on April 4th to join his dear family and friends such as Hubert de Givenchy, Estée Lauder, Joan Weinstein, Jovanna Papadakis to name just a few to make Heaven even more glamorous…….you know he is busy organizing the angels into perfect photo shoots…on that you can be sure.
Shown with Estée Lauder, photo credit unknown.
In retrospect, I can’t remember when we first became friends nor why we were comfortable sharing confidences and champagne, but we were and we did!! Over many, many dinners at RL and La Scarola (the last time I saw him was at dinner there) or my home, we talked about anything and everything. An afternoon benefit at the Chicago Hilton, photo credit unknown.
We often went to events together and he was sure to include me when he was receiving many of his special honors.
Back in the discotheque days….the 1960’s/1970’s we would meet, along with everyone else, on the weekends at the Disc de Maxim’s, I supplied the dresses for the DJ…it was the place to see and be seen. Or the evenings spent listening to Bobby Short or Shelley MacArthur at the Gold Sardine Bar. Great fun times.
Nancy Goldberg’s Maxim’s de Paris at the Astor Towers. Beyond gorgeous…here the staircase from the main floor into the restaurant and the dance floor.
Photos found on Pinterest credit unknown.
I had the honor of planning the special dinner at the Chicago Cultural Center after he received his Honorary Degree from Columbia College Chicago, one of the only times that a degree was bestowed outside of Graduation ceremonies making it even more special.
1995 Columbia College Chicago Honorary Degree evening. Photographer unknown. From my collection.
Lucky me that I became a friend of one of the major artists of the 20th and 21st Centuries.
When did this friendship begin…I can’t pin point the exact year, Victor was a well known photographer and Major Influencer when I started at Saks Fifth Avenue Chicago. I think the first time I was invited into his Circle of Friends was at the Chicago premier of the 1969 film The Damed. I was invited to a private screening at the screening room at The Chicago Theater and to the reception after. It was a small group at the screening…the movie was eagerly anticipated and I was beyond thrilled to be included. Well, dear friends, I don’t shock easily but I must tell you, I was beyond shocked by the film, so much so I have never seen it again. Since it was such a small group I couldn’t get up and leave. I guess I should like it, I do admire Visconti’s work. Well there is more to this story…the reception was upstairs at Gene & Georgetti’s (I’m so pleased they are back with us after their fire and the “plague” closings). As you got to the top of the stairs you were immersed in the decadent “Cabaret Scene” from the film, I was beside myself. Perhaps if I hadn’t been so undone by the film I might have found it less distasteful and across the room was one of the stars, Helmut Berger who kept staring at me….gave me chills! If you haven’t seen the film do so and you will get what I’m talking about. I wonder if I’ll find it not as shocking now???!!!
Flash forward to 1984 when I received a telegraph (remember those) from Town and Country requesting that I report to the Skrebneski Studio on such and such a date at such and such a time to have my photo taken for an upcoming story in the magazine on The Costume Council of the Chicago Historical Society (as the Museum was called then) . Victor did exquisite editorial spreads for T&C for years, some of my most favorite images are from those issues. Well, of course, I thought this was some kind of a joke. I immediately called Dennis Minkel, Victor’s Assistant and a long time dear friend of mine. I had been working with him on many shoots when they needed clothing and/or accessories. He assured me it wasn’t a joke and to wear a favorite dress, preferably a day garment since the other Executive Committee members would be in cocktail and evening gowns. They would supply the hair and makeup artists and the jewelry. I was stunned, excited, honored and perplexed being the only “non-socialite” in the group. I was, at the time serving as Acquisitions Chair. As I recall I was the last shoot of the day. I arrived as scheduled in my “uniform” a mock turtleneck black chemise by Adolfo. My hair was long at the time and it was fashioned into a classic French Twist. I am photographed in front of period gowns from the Costume Collection in a double page spread. Let’s talk a minute about how Victor worked, the set ups took time but he knew exactly what shot he wanted and where the fold of the magazine would happen, therefore the two pages always were seamless not so with other photographers nor magazine editors. Just one example of his brilliance. And it’s one shot and done. The photo looks quite simple, it was anything but….to get the angle he wanted, and by the way he loved profiles….so that is how you see me, I don’t love my profile but who am I to say…he had positioned my legs in an awkward position, so much so that I pulled a muscle. I don’t think I ever told him that!!!! My hair looks dark due to the dramatic Skrebneski lighting. Lighting was one of his signatures. And here is the finished photo
This framed copy was on my office wall from 1984 until I retired in 2009, it is now part of the Nena Ivon Archives at Columbia College Chicago. All of us were taken to Les Nomades for an elegant dinner with the T&C editors and a bottle of Kristal was sent to each of us with a lovely note. What an extraordinary once in a lifetime experience…..I, of course, thought this was my one and only Skrebneski photo session…..wrong again…..
Stay tuned for Part 2 and probably Part 3 of this story.
Elizabeth Arden, Estée Lauder, Bobbi Brown, Trish McEvoy, Jo Malone, The Kardashians, Pat McGrath, Madame C.J. Walker….the list goes on…are all familiar, extremely successful, innovative women in the beauty business.Make-up, skin care and well being have been with us through the centuries and are multi-billion dollar contributors to the International economy.That being said if we look back to the early twentieth century we would find a mostly male dominated industry until two women changed all that….Elizabeth Arden and today’s subject, Helena Rubenstein.
Today’s review is HELENA RUBENSTEIN, THE ADVENTURE OF BEAUTY, published by Flammarion.It is dividend into seven chapters, (each written by a different author, a brilliant concept), has a detailed biography, list of exhibition works and a bibliography along with a magnificent collection of photographs, many published for the first time.Is it a scholarly book, yes, but it reads like the best of fiction…that being a real life and one that was well lived. I must admit I don’t do negative reviews primarily because I don’t finish a book if it isn’t interesting to me…this one fills all my requirements for a successful book.
It gives us an extraordinary in-depth look at a self made person who believed in the beauty, not only of her clients, but of art, fashion, jewels and most importantly the beauty of wellbeing.
Born in 1872 in Krakow, Poland the cosmetic titan, art patron, fashionista died in 1965 in New York City (she was buried in Yves Saint Laurent Couture).She immigrated to Australia in 1896 and makes her own beauty cream copying one her mother gave her, she launches the cream in 1901 and it is an instant success.She follows this success with opening the first of her beauty salons.
I really enjoyed the detailed timelines at the beginning of the book and since my space is limited for this review, my focus is on the chapter Helena Rubenstein and Fashion.
Barely five feet tall she wore Couture, first from Worth, Jacques Doucet and Paul Poiret to Balenciaga, Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, and, of course, Chanel and Schiaparelli…all of whom she befriended. Her stature belied what we think of as the ideal fashion figure.Her taste, style and self confidence made her thin and six feet tall. Her feeling for why she dressed to perfection “I have to look good for the business.”
No detail escaped her discerning eye and she collected Couture the same way she collected jewelry, usually large pieces, art and homes, only the best would do.
Included in this chapter is a piece entitled “Why I Love Jewels” a hand written document in her archives…in my opinion, a masterwork and I quote the last line, “Yes, jewels are indeed a girl’s best friend, not, necessarily because of their value — which helps — but because they lend the ‘just right’ note to a woman’s femininity and individuality.”
One has to admire Rubenstein’s joie de vivre and her entrepreneurial ambition.I highly recommend the book, fascinating, engaging and insightful.
Nena Ivon, nenasnotes, original review, February 2020, exclusively for The Fashion Map
Please support my Independent Bookseller of choice The Book Stall
My book reviews are funded. Interested in sponsorship opportunities please contact me at nenasnotes1@gmail.com.
An exquisite tureen handcrafted by Dodie Thayer, the extraordinary Lettuce Ware artisan.
I have mentioned that I do two monthly posts for the Randolph Street Market one on fashion the other on collecting/collectibles…Sally Schwartz, Founder of RSM has given me permission to repost when I feel they would fit into my blog. The following is one of my recent favorites….hope you enjoy it.
COLLECTIBLES EXCLUSIVELY FOR THE RANDOLPH STREET MARKET LETTUCE WARE COLLECTIBLES (AND OTHER VEGETABLE
Happy Spring and the earth’s rebirth. I was originally thinking I would do an Easter post…you know wonderful little bunnies, perfectly dyed eggs, tulips, wonderful tablescapes and the bounty of the Spring holiday feasts…but how cliché. Yes, I know we all love these signs of renewal but since these posts are about collectibles let’s go a bit outside the box and talk about an area of collecting many of us don’t normally think about….Lettuce Ware and other vegetable ware collectibles.
We can, of course, relate to collecting fabulous pieces of Majolica in the form of vegetables but I am concentrating this account on more modern collectibles…we will save Majolica for another time.
Dodie Thayer (who passed away at age 91 in 2018) cast her life-like pieces, each vein shaped by hand, in her home in Jupiter, Florida. During the 1960’s through the 1980’s the pieces were in demand by Palm Beach Society. C.Z. Guest was a major collector and her collection was sold in 2015 at Sotheby’s for $35,000, original valuation, $3,000.
Dodie Thayer looking very Mid-Century Modern with a display of her wares.
Some of the C. Z. Guest collection.
From one of my favorite blogs The Glam Pad, a C. Z. Guest table setting
A bit about CZ Guest’s Collection in this fabulous book.
You would have found these charming pieces in the homes of Brooke Astor, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and the Duchess of Windsor among many others.
From the Tory Burch Collection in this cheerful table setting.
Having purchased a huge collection from renowned interior designer and collector, Todd Romano, Designer and Lifestyle guru, Tory Burch, became a friend of Thayer that friendship led to a collaboration and Dodie authorized reproductions for the first time. We love when these things happen. Now we can find the beauty of this artisan at non-auction prices. To me this is the perfect subject when you are collecting (of course, at RANDOLPH STREET MARKET), lucky you will be to find an original piece but now you can find the continuation of the work of a true innovator in a 21st century line, which is also now collectible….everything old is indeed new again!!!
More from the Tory Burch Collection.
Let’s look at a few more pieces and display ideas….from Thayer….
A collectors dream…..
Gorgeous Thayer…..
Now let’s look at a couple of Majolica pieces…yes, I know I said I wasn’t going to do Majolica but couldn’t resist….sorry (not sorry!)
Other veggies…these from Boston porcelain artist, Katherine Houston, glorious…
Let’s look for something from her at RSM….
From my own collection, this charming Katherine Houston pea pod (4”) signed and dated 1997, a Christmas gift that year from a dear friend, Martin Gapshis, miss him terribly….great taste and style!!!
Another gift from Martin this cauliflower small covered bowl (long before the popularity of the veg!) late 1990’s from Vietri, Italian Majolica.
Oh, alright, a couple of bunnies……enjoy Spring!!!!!
For more information check the comprehensive article in the Wall Street Journal on Collecting Lettuce Ware by Alexa Brazilian July 19, 2013.
LETTUCE SOUP FOUND ON EPICURIOUS.COM
Wouldn’t that be glorious served in a Lettuce Ware bowl…I say yes!
Makes 4 servings
ACTIVE TIME
25 min
TOTAL TIME
35 min
INGREDIENTS
1 cup chopped onions, scallions, and/or shallots
1 garlic clove, chopped
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3/4 teaspoon ground coriander
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
3/4 cup diced (1/3 inch) peeled potato
8 cups coarsely chopped lettuce leaves including ribs (3/4 lb)
3 cups water
PREPARATION
Cook onion mixture and garlic in 2 tablespoons butter in a 4- to 5-quart heavy pot over moderately low heat, stirring, until softened, 3 to 5 minutes. Add coriander, salt, and pepper and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Stir in potato, lettuce, and water and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, until potato is very tender, about 10 minutes.
Purée soup in batches in a blender (use caution when blending hot liquids) and transfer to a 2- to 3-quart saucepan. Bring soup to a simmer, then whisk in remaining tablespoon butter and salt and pepper to taste.
All photos, with the exception of the two pieces from my collection, from Pinterest photo credits unknown.
I’m so excited to share the following information with you and hope you can attend the first RETROSPECT Vintage Modern Fashion Chicago events.
I have written many posts on Randolph Street Market and have featured it’s brilliant founder, Sally Schwartz, in a nenasnotes Profile. Her home and personal collections are beyond fabulous, go to the archives if you haven’t read it. Sally and I have been friends for more years than we can remember and when I retired she asked me to join her in various capacities at RSM . I now write two monthly posts for the RSM blog , one on fashion and one on collecting…please check it out, they are exclusive to that blog (once in awhile I repeat here but always there first!!!). nenasnotes is not sponsored by Randolph Street Market…just to be clear. I happen to be a fan and find lots of information to share here and on Instagram and Facebook at the monthly Markets and now I will share my finds at RETROSPECT as well!
As you can see, there are lots of activities during RETROSPECT, including Tom Mantel’s extraordinary 1940 Packard always a show stopper….the Vintage Fashion Show with our fashion influencers wearing their own vintage pieces, an unbelievable line up of International vintage clothing and accessory dealers many of whom have never shown in Chicago…..enough to make you join us? I hope so.
Oh wait, there’s more…we begin the celebrations with a stop at the iconic The Music Box with THE fashion film we all adore…FUNNY FACE featuring the beyond gorgeous designs of Hubert de Givenchy worn to perfection by his muse, Audrey Hepburn while Fred Astaire photographs her every move and emotion….”Think Pink”, my friends and bring all your fashion savvy chums, be prepared for amazing fashion a bit of frolicking and spend the weekend with RETROSPECT….I guarantee you won’t regret it! Here are all the details…..
Retrospect vintage modern fashion chicago
RETROSPECT VINTAGE FASHION MARKET, Friday May 3 from 3pm-10pm and Saturday May 4 from 10am-6pm will be held at 2260 South Grove Street on the Chicago River, just west of Chinatown. Sponsored by Leslie Hindman Auctioneers with their Director of Luxury Accessories and Couture, Timothy Long, Media partners Modern Luxury/CS and Michigan Avenue Magazine and Luxe Bloom.
The evening event will benefit The Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum and will feature a fashion show, produced by RETROSPECT’S Ambassador Historian and MC, Nena Ivon, with Chicago’s vintage loving Influencers wearing their own vintage looks augmented with picks from the unique participating vendors…
A quote from Nena, “Our local fashionable set, on the whole, are more intellectual than most any other place and more discerning. Chicago fashion hunters are well heeled and well hatted, creative, unique, and deadly serious about adorning themselves. Chicago is a different realm altogether and RETROSPECT reflects this.”
***HELD AT A NEW VENUE JUST WEST OF CHINATOWN, MUSEUM CAMPUS & LAKE SHORE DRIVE***
2260 S. Grove at the foot of I90/94/290/55
**COMPLIMENTARY ONSITE PARKING**
For further information and to purchase tickets visit us at www.RETROSPECTchicago.com and our Instagram @RETROSPECTchicago And mark your calendars for the Fall RETROSPECT event November 1 and 2.
Retrospect weekend events and ticket information
Thurs May 2 – 7pm-10pm
RETROSPECT WEEKEND PRESENTS FUNNY FACE AT THE MUSIC BOX
Come dressed in your vintage best to Chicago’s oldest movie house the MUSIC BOX THEATREfor an exclusive showing of the 1957 Stanley Donnen directed movie “Funny Face”! A night at the movies with your friends from the Randolph Street Market and RETROSPECTvintage modern fashion will be just what the style doctor ordered! The evening will open with a brief panel discussion led by noted and witty Chicago fashion historian Nena Ivon and friends. “Funny Face” features Fred Astaire as fashion photographer Dick Avery, who is sent out by his female boss Maggie Prescott (Kay Thompson) to find a “new face”. It doesn’t take Dick long to discover Jo (Audrey Hepburn), an owlish Greenwich Village bookstore clerk. Dick whisks the wide-eyed girl off to Paris and with the help of an extensive wardrobe by Hubert de Givenchy transforms Jo from waif to supermodel. A classic for all lovers of movies and fashion! And following the movie, join us in the cafe for further discussion, drinks and coffee available for purchase. Hope you can join your new and old friends at this raucus and fun evening!!
Come with your serious shopping party shoes on! The night has just begun and the shopping is the best date you ever had! Meet our superstar dealers, hear their stories and shop the finest, most gorgeous selection of vintage fashion, jewelry and other adornments ever assembled in Chicago! Enjoy bubbles and light snacks, dj, fashion show, photo ops galore and complimentary onsite parking. Ticket good for Fri May 3 + Sat May 4.
$30 per person
Sat May 4 – 10am-6pm
RETROSPECT the gReatest day of vintage shopping eveR
Now the fun can really begin when you shop till you drop and then you plotz with your new wardrobe improvements! Enjoy the view, you’re seeing an ocean of the most exciting vintage fashion, jewelry and adornments ever assembled together in Chicago! Bring friends and make a day of it! Onsite cafe, informal modeling, dj, photo ops galore and complimentary onsite parking and free street parking.
$15 per person or MOTHER’S DAY SPECIAL – Mother + 1 Offspring $25
Sun May 5 – 11am-1pm
RETROSPECT: exclusive tour of silveR scReen to mainstReam exhibition / chicago histoRy museum
Exclusive private tour and lunch at the Chicago History Museum with tour of current Costume Collection exhibition Silver Screen to Mainstream! Showcasing fashions from Paris, New York, Chicago, and Hollywood, Silver Screen to Mainstream tracks how Hollywood’s glamourous reach extended to all classes in the 1930’s through the 1940’s. The exhibition tells a tale of making it big, making do, and maintaining appearances during a tumultuous era in American history. Featuring thirty garments by designers such as Chanel, Vionnet, Valentina, Paul du Pont, Howard Greer, and Adrian. You will be introduced to a time when sophisticated design lent a perception of stability as the nation grappled with its reinvention and created the “American Look”.
By now you know I am obsessed with historical fiction especially when the book concerns “real” people. When this exceptionally written book came into my consciousness I knew it would be one I would not only enjoy but would devour and, of course, would want to share with you. I was correct in that assumption. (As usual, I recommend The Book Stall my Independent Bookseller, as your source when purchasing your books.)
The protagonist is none other than Alva Vanderbilt who married into one of the wealthiest, if not THE wealthiest at the time, American dynasties. Wealth was new to Alva and the story tells us of a world known to very few. The Astor’s ruled New York Society, especially their Matriarch, Caroline. Snubbed by Mrs. Astor, Alva was determined to make her place, along with her husband, William, and the rest of the Vanderbilt family to reach the top of the Gilded Age social scene. And not only did she do exactly that but did it with grace and class Fowler takes us into this rarified world via, their exquisite homes, think Marble House (The Biltmore is briefly mentioned), the many homes in New York City. I particularly enjoyed Alva’s forays into every detail of her many homes and her participation with the noted architect, Richard Hunt, in planning the architecture and each and every phase of the construction of the mansions and the interiors from paint colors, fabrics, to furniture….everything! Having literally millions to spend she thought out every possible item in her homes and became the personification of elegance of her era.
Alva Vanderbilt
William Vanderbilt
Marble House in Newport, Rhode Island
A couple of the interiors …
Living in a strained marriage, (I’m not doing spoilers here, if you know the background of the era you know of the scandals) Alva made herself a pilar of New York, Newport, Paris and London society in lifestyle including her Charles Frederick Worth wardrobe (you know I enjoyed those descriptions!), the exquisite entertaining….balls, formal dinners…highlighting the developing of the Arts in New York City, making sure her children were exposed to the best of educations, associating with the “right” people (including Oliver Belmont) while respecting everyone no matter their social status…which I greatly admired. She was always a philanthropist and became very involved in women’s suffrage. In many ways she reminds me of our own Bertha Palmer as well as others of her time. It gives us details of the women (or The woman, Alva) behind the wealth which was always in the hands of their husbands, fathers, guardians. Fowler’s eye for detail parallels that of Alva’s…her research is impeccable. Read it you will be transfixed!
A couple of books to give you thoughts on the food of the time…
I’m including a recipe for Beef Wellington, which happens to a favorite of mine to serve at special dinner parties. This recipe is from Epicurious.com
BEEF WELLINGTON
FROM EPICURIOUS.COM
INGREDIENTS
a 3 1/2-pound fillet of beef tied with thin sheets of larding fat at room temperature
3/4 pound mushrooms, chopped fine
2 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 pound pâté de foie gras (available at specialty foods shops) at room temperature
1 pound puff paste or thawed frozen puff pastry plus additional for garnish if desired
N/A frozen puff pastry
1 large egg white beaten
an egg wash made by beating 1 large egg yolk with 1 teaspoon of water
1/2 cup Sercial Madeira
2 teaspoons arrowroot dissolved in 1 teaspoon cold water
1 teaspoon water
1/2 cup beef broth
2 tablespoons finely chopped black truffles (available at specialty food shops) if desired
watercress for garnish if desired
PREPARATION
In a roasting pan roast the beef in the middle of a preheated 400°F oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the thermometer registers 120°F. Let the fillet cool completely and discard the larding fat and the strings. Skim the fat from the pan juices and reserve the pan juices.
In a heavy skillet cook the mushrooms in the butter over moderately low heat, stirring, until all the liquid they give off is evaporated and the mixture is dry, season them with salt and pepper, and let them cool completely. Spread the fillet evenly with the pâté de foie gras, covering the top and sides, and spread the mushrooms evenly over the pâté de foie gras. On a floured surface roll 1 pound of the puff paste into a rectangle about 20- by 12- inches, or large enough to enclose the fillet completely, invert the coated fillet carefully under the middle of the dough, and fold up the long sides of the dough to enclose the fillet brushing the edges of the dough with some of the egg white to seal them. Fold ends of the dough over the fillet and seal them with the remaining egg white. Transfer the fillet, seam side down to a jelly-roll pan or shallow roasting pan and brush the dough with some of the egg wash. Roll out the additional dough and cut the shapes with decorative cutters. Arrange the cutouts on the dough decoratively, brush them with the remaining egg wash, and chill the fillet for at least 1 hour and up to 2 hours. Bake the fillet in the middle of a preheated 400°F oven for 30 minutes, reduce the heat to 350°, and bake the fillet for 5 to 10 minutes more, or until the meat thermometer registers 130°F. for medium-rare meat and the pastry is cooked through. Let the fillet stand for 15 minutes.
In a saucepan boil the reserved pan juices and the Madeira until the mixture is reduced by one fourth. Add the arrowroot mixture, the broth, the truffles, and salt and pepper to taste and cook the sauce over moderate heat, stirring, being careful not to let it boil, for 5 minutes, or until it is thickened. Loosen the fillet from the jelly-roll pan, transfer it with two spatulas to a heated platter, and garnish it with watercress. Serve the fillet, cut into 3/4-inch-thick slices, with the sauce.
Serves 8.
THE nenasnotes BOOKS BOOKS BOOKS POSTS ARE MADE POSSIBLE BY AN ANONYMOUS SPONSOR. PLEASE CONTACT ME AT nenasnotes1@gmail.com FOR SPONSORSHIP INFORMATION
Early last year I was asked by Sally Schwartz, Founder/Owner of Randolph Street Market which is celebrating its sixteenth year in 2019, to do two monthly exclusive posts for the RSM newsletter she has given me permission to share some of them with you in 2019, starting with DENIM. I have added a few more photos to my original piece. Enjoy!
nenasnotes Fashion Trends Exclusively for The Randolph Street Market reprinted with Sally Schwartz permission. All photos from Pinterest photo credits unknown.
A quote from FIT’s DENIM: Fashion’s Frontier, the cover is seen in the photo above.
“Denim is one of the world’s favorite fabrics, and today it accounts for the largest segment of the clothing industry. The market for jeans alone is worth over 55 billion dollars. Accompanying a recent exhibition at the Museum at Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, this handsome book explores the history of denim and examines the continually evolving relationship between it and high fashion.
Prized for its durability and strength, denim began as an ideal fabric for workwear, most famously in the clothing produced by Levi Strauss & Co. for fortune hunters during the 19th-century California gold rush. Over the past 160 years, however, film, television, and advertising have helped transform denim into a symbol of youth, rebellion and sex. The fashion industry has also played a large role in the expansion of denim into casual and couture clothing.”
Quite a transition from it’s lowly beginnings as overalls worn by the men and woman seeking their fortunes in the Gold Rush of the latter part of the 19th Century. Levi Strauss saw the need for a sturdy fabric…denim…and sturdy closers to hold the fabric in place…thus “jeans” were born, first in the form of overalls.
Seeking their fortunes….then…
And now….
In my opinion, in my youth, denim was only worn to garden, maybe go grocery shopping but never seen as a fashion item until the “Hippie Movement” of the 1960’s. Everyone, at the time, thought that it was the beginning of everyone wearing “uniforms” that uniform being traditional jeans. This was not the case, think embellishments, think the “flower child” and individuality came to the forefront and quite frankly has never looked back. It might be “uniform” but only the fabric, not the fashion. People want acceptance but with their own twist. For years I would think….denim is dead instead of long live denim!
Obviously the latter is the case and it just gets stronger and more trend worthy. Take for example the entire denim collection Karl Lagerfeld did for Chanel in 1996.
He is quoted as saying Mlle Chanel thought Mini skirts were dreadful as was denim….there you have it…the rest as they say is fashion history (or fashion myth!)
When I worked with Victoria Beckham, in 2008, she was only doing sunglasses and we introduced her jeans which became status symbols so much so that I “paid” our models in the jeans they wore for the personal appearance, I must admit a rather clever marketing ploy on my part…gorgeous young models wearing the product out and about didn’t hurt sales!!!! The jeans all had embroidered stars on the back hip pocket….the item of the season. Her talent has blossomed and I might add, she was a dream to work with, loved her.
Claire McCardell’s popover dress of 1942 featured in the FIT Denim exhibition and book
“Rosie the Riveter” interpretation 1942-1945 also featured in the FIT Denim exhibition and book.
Junya Wataniabe dress 2002 (detail is on cover of the FIT exhibition book)
From the creativity of the Antwerp designers 2005
Vivianne Westwood’s denim interpretations…
John Galliano for Dior 2002…
And wearing denim 2009…
Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen 2016.
Celebrities have always wore denim….
Then….Marilyn Monroe in the film The Misfits
Now…Rihanna out and about.
The 2018 Collections featured denim in its many guises…..
The King of American sportswear, Ralph Lauren, at his beginnings and at the finale of his extraordinary 50th anniversary extravaganza 2018….I’m obsessed with the tuxedo jacket and jeans…what could be more modern….
Or perhaps a patchwork quilt…..the possibilities of working with “blue jeans” is obviously endless…I can hardly wait to see what our designing geniuses will create in future collections with what was considered “workman’s” cloth…..stay tuned….
Gerald Arpino by Herbert Migdoll
At a Fashion Group International Chicago gala honoring the Ferragamos Photo credit: Robert Carl.
An afternoon benefit at the Chicago Hilton, photo credit unknown.
An exquisite tureen handcrafted by Dodie Thayer, the extraordinary Lettuce Ware artisan.
Claire McCardell’s popover dress of 1942 featured in the FIT Denim exhibition and book
“Rosie the Riveter” interpretation 1942-1945 also featured in the FIT Denim exhibition and book.
The King of American sportswear, Ralph Lauren, at his beginnings and at the finale of his extraordinary 50th anniversary extravaganza 2018….I’m obsessed with the tuxedo jacket and jeans…what could be more modern….
