It’s All About the Dress

WHAT ONE REPUBLICAN THINKS – NOT PRETTY

One hopes it’s unfair to post this clip, because, one hopes, she is – in her ignorance and certitude – representative of almost no one.  And yet, sadly, that is just not the case.  Thanks to Rush Limbaugh and Glenn Beck (whom she credits), among others, she is one of millions.  It’s a short clip, as gripping as a train wreck.  And a tribute to what Karl Rove, Roger Ailes, et al, have managed to do polarize the country and steer so many of its citizens so far off-course.

WHAT YOU COULD DO TOMORROW EVENING – VERY PRETTY

I’ve been remiss in keeping you up to date re Charles, whom long-time readers will know was, among other extraordinary things, my financial opposite.  There’s lots to tell – we hope to open the Charles Nolan Reading Room at New York’s High School of Fashion Industries this winter; I keep coming across amazing things I will eventually get around to writing about, like his revealing Second Grade report card and the teenager I have living in his closet – but the thing I want to tell you about this morning is an event tomorrow night at his shop.

The shop, CHARLES NOLAN, remains a gem (he says proudly and self-interestedly), here, at 30 Gansevoort Street in New York’s Meatpacking District.  It’s now run by his wonderful sister Carola with editorial guidance from his wonderful brother Kenneth (who designs the very successful Calvin Klein dress line).

There is apparently a woman named Vicky Tiel, whom everyone is amazed I had never heard of until yesterday.  Her original business partners were Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor (I have heard of them).  She “Dressed Hollywood Women.  And Undressed for Warren, Elvis, Marlon…” writes my pal Jesse Kornbluth.  Oh, my.  Elvis?

Of her new book, It’s All About the Dress, What I Learned In Forty Years About Men, Women, Sex And Fashion, Gael Greene writes: “. . . inventor of the mini, Paris couturier at 18, Vicky Tiel tells spicy tales from dressing Kim, Ursula and Miles Davis, teasing Woody Allen, staying up late with Princess Grace and more intimate tales than you thought you’d want to know from her years in the entourage of Liz and Dick.  Comes complete with tricks you need: bedroom advice, supermodels’ diet guide, how to get men to give jewelry and the recipe for a perfect pink tunafish sandwich.”

Apparently, Ms. Tiel is the longest running couture designer at Bergdorf Goodman.  Her gowns usually fetch $5,000 to $8,000.  Tomorrow night, she will be presenting her bridge line, a collaboration with Kenneth Nolan, at discount prices for one night only at the Charles Nolan Boutique, from 6:00 to 9:00, Thursday, November 10, at the afore-linked 30 Gansevoort Street.  Now you can own a Vicky Tiel for $250 to $900.

Or just come ask Ms. Tiel to inscribe copies of her book, which will also be amply stocked, to satisfy several of your upcoming gift-giving conundra.

THE RIDDLE

J. F.:  “What has two legs and sleeps with cats?  Answer:  Me!”

☞  No, I’m sorry.  The correct answer is “Mrs. Katz” (you will recall I instructed you to have the riddle read to you), which I had planned to reveal in connection with something else, but I couldn’t hold you in suspense any longer.  I will revisit all this soon.