Downtown Duncan

Betsey Johnson Fall/Winter 2012

Betsey’s collection this season was inspired by the 1960’s, and she had Beatles music (starting with Lucy in the sky with diamonds, which is her granddaughter’s favorite song) playing during her show, calling it Betseymania as opposed to Beatlemania. Even though she borrowed a lot of elements from the 60’s, she kept her signature bright neon colors and prom dress styles in the 43 outfits she featured. The show ended with the models marching during their final walk in marching band and cheerleader uniforms (although not like the ones they wore at my school). See the video of them here: Betsey final walk. This show was the most fun of all the shows I attended; the collection was fun, and the models had so much energy when they were walking and posing at the end of the runway. At the end of the show, Betsey gave high-fives to her friends in the audience and walked with her daughter, Lulu, and granddaughter, Layla. Then Betsey did a cartwheel and landed in the splits. After the show, I talked to Betsey backstage, and she was so charming and fun. She talked about how she used to be a dancer and said that she is not looking forward to any other shows at NYFW; she only looks forward to her own—I loved her honesty!

Rubin & Chapelle Fall/Winter 2012

Rubin & Chapelle presented their new collection, titled “Gold Tie,” which consisted of elegant black and gold dresses, some of which had corsets or ties around the waist. There was a 1920’s feel to the collection, and the pieces were inspired by lingerie in terms of how they were cut and the fabric used. 

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.