Remembering Zelda Kaplan
Zelda Kaplan, 95, collapsed and passed away at the beginning of Joanna Mastroianni’s NYFW show Wednesday afternoon at Lincoln Center (pictured sitting in the front row above). Mastroianni was one of Zelda’s favorite designers. She collapsed onto Ruth Finley’s lap, the woman who created the Fashion Calendar, who was sitting next to Zelda. The show was not interrupted as two men carried Zelda out of the Studio.
She was the subject of a documentary called Her Name is Zelda, which describes her evolution from a “typical suburban housewife to a beloved and eccentric creature of New York nightlife.” Zelda had been married 3 times. She was known for collecting textiles and beads from Africa to create original outfits for herself.
The Cut put together a collection of quotes from Zelda.
“I spent half my life relaxing and the other half crusading — I was a successful ballroom dancer and women’s golf pro in Miami Beach in my 20s, a doctor’s wife in New York in my 30s — and in my 60s and 70s I spent my time largely in Africa and Southeast Asia campaigning directly with local tribal government leaders for women’s and children’s rights.” [NYM]
She was known for not starting her days until after 2pm and heading out close to midnight going from one club to the next.
On a typical Wednesday night (in 2003):
“Cobalt, then Cielo. Maybe to an Israeli film about clitoridectomies first.” [NYM]
She never had to wait in line and never had issues at the door of nightclubs.
On Amy Sacco, nightlife maven and former owner of Bungalow 8:
“Amy lets me in even when there’s a private party … She’s such a nice girl.” [NYT]
After Zelda’s late nights, she would stop by a diner for some late night food before going to bed.
On her bedtime:
“Anytime between midnight and 7 a.m.” [NYM]
On keeping up her energy:
“I think one of the things that keeps me healthy is that I’m not introspective at all … The secret is being interested in things outside of oneself.” [NYM]
On aging:
”I want to be an example for young people so they aren’t afraid of growing old and a lesson to old people that you can be productive. You don’t have to sit around and wait for death.” [NYT]
“I’m a curious person. I want to keep learning until it’s over. And when it’s over, it’s over.” [NYT]
I remember seeing Zelda at NYFW shows but wish I’d had a chance to meet her. She had such an uplifting attitude about life and did not let her age prevent her from living life to the fullest. Rest in peace, Zelda.
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