Both nervous and excited I waited amongst the creamy colored dress forms with the other high school juniors. It was nine in the morning on a Saturday and I was about to take my first fashion design class.
A few months previously I had told my mother I wanted to become a clothing designer. Being a children’s wear designer herself, she knew this creative path was demanding and could include long hours. To make sure I really had an idea of what it would be like, she suggested I take some beginner classes at a top New York City fashion college.
I remember anticipating the start of class as I chatted to a few other bright eyed attendees. Suddenly, the door flung open and in sauntered a red-haired fashion matron, balancing on the highest stiletto heels I’d ever seen. She was tough, no nonsense and probably shouldn’t have been teaching high school students. But, we all survived. To her credit she was very talented and taught me how to drape various dresses on a form with care.
As it turned out I was accepted into this design school. In my second year of college I decided to join the much coveted evening-wear and bridal major. However, there was one catch, this infamous redhead was the teacher! Well, with quite a few jitters I showed up for my first class with her that semester. To my surprise I ended up adoring this intense gal, who passionately passed down her knowledge. In senior year, much to everyone’s astonishment, I actually requested her to be my mentor!
One thing I learned from her was the proper way to drape a bias cut dress. Over the years I’ve designed and created quite a few, including the one in the photo. This body caressing gown was very popular in the 1930s. Many Hollywood starlets wore them on and off the silver screen. Carole Lombard, Myrna Loy and Ginger Rogers all looked quite elegant in this style of gown.
I believe any movie experience should include a good snack, so I’ve included below my recipe for cinnamon cashews. Hope you have a glamorous day!
Cinnamon Cashews
2 cups cashews
Cinnamon to taste
First place the cashews in a medium size Tupperware container. Next sprinkle the cinnamon over the nuts. Put on the top of the container and shake the contents to fully coat the nuts with the cinnamon.
Serve in a fancy bowl or on little pretty plates and watch your favorite old Hollywood film!
