There are a few people I have known over many years and each has kept true to their style, which is what I think makes them so interesting. Is it old or boring? No! What I like about style is everything. Not only what one wears, but how they carry themselves, their manners, their intellect. A great example of a person of style is my wonderful friend Guy Lawrence.
I met Guy in 1987 – twenty-eight years ago – and he is still as sophisticated and fresh thinking as always, even though in those twenty-eight years, his life has changed significantly several times. So, what about Guy? (He is pictured above at Black Swan Hall circa 1987.)
Well, for me, he was the epitome of how I would have liked to have grown up. Greenwich Country Day, and Phillips Andover, Princeton undergrad and Columbia MBA. Beautiful taste, great manners, wonderful dancer and just about the nicest person anyone could know. Style.
The first time I met Guy was as a guest of others who were invited to his home in Southampton. I was relatively new to New York – I had been at Bloomingdales for a few years, transferred to a new store opening in Miami for a year and had just arrived back in New York. I was invited to Southampton for the weekend and was told there would be a party my hosts would be attending – I would go along with them. I was not sure what I should wear to this party. I did not know Guy , or his style, and I was in the Hamptons for the first time and I didn’t want to make a mistake.
Ellen-style is quite simple. Hasn’t changed much over the years. I like classics – pearls are a probably the only necklace I will ever wear. I like cashmere sweaters or a crisp white shirt instead of jackets, trousers instead of skirts, and these days, ballerina flats. Love a good handbag, good shoes and nice, simple jewelry – and black. And, I have had a bob hairstyle for over 25 years. I have worn the same scent for a very long time: Antonia’s Flowers or Jacinthe et Rose.
I shopped for what I would wear that evening – I decided on all white. White linen blouse, white, pleated, linen skirt, pearls and mid-heel spectators (brown and white).
At the time, Guy and his parnter, Kurt Ross had a beautiful home in Southampton named Black Swan Hall. It was just a lovely place – lots of gorgeous books, lovely blue and white chinese porcelain and handsome furnishings. But most of all I remember their style – it was urbane, and of a European nature. Their manners were impeccable, although Kurt was always able to get away with great gossip and commentary. As far as their clothes, and Guy’s clothing in particular; it was beautifully well fit and classic, and distinctly his style. It was Guy who introduced me to Hermes scarves – my first was a gift from him and several others followed for Christmas or birthdays. Guy and Kurt had a wonderful way of entertaining, always selected the right mix of guests, set a beautiful table and prepared the right meal. Kurt left us about ten years ago, and three years go Guy married the wonderful Ken Kraus – they left New York recently for country life in Vermont, although Guy frequents the city continuing his work, and to see hs friends. Doug and I look fowad to visiting their “paradise” this year.
I was fortunate enough to be asked to be his guest at several wonderful black tie events over the years, but one, in particular, that stands out was a small party that was held in the Rainbow Room. The Rainbow Room has gone through several reincarnations, but when we went to this party, the revolving floor was still in play. The room was windowed on three sides and in the center of the room was a round dance floor that revolved ever so slowly. The party was quite small in size for the room. There were 10 tables of 10, so everyone had window view, and the live entertainment was a very popular entertainer at th time, Michael Feinstein. Michael was just at the beginning of his popularity and was fabulous that night. He played primarily Ameican Classics includng Rogers and Heart, Irving Berlin and Rogers and Hammerstein among others of the time; all of which of course were responsible for his fame. It was the high time in New York – Regan was President, the stock market was soaring – and we thoughtfuly dressed for lunch, cocktails and dinner.
Guy was wearing one of his Ralph Lauren tuxedos and this night he chose a bib front shirt with wing-collar. Beautiful. I wore a black strapless, tea-length Calvin Klein dress (it was worn many, many times and is still in my closet) , my pearls and black 4″ sling back satin heels. After dinner we danced to “Isn’t it Romantic” – we were the first couple on the floor. When you danced on this revolving floor you didn’t even sense it was moving, only the view of beautiful nightime New York moved in a very special and different way. It was spectacular! We were talking about how beautiful the evening was, and before we knew it the song was ending – we were the only people on the floor and everyone was clapping! It was probably one of the most memorable New York evenings I have ever experienced. Thanks to the style and good manners of Guy Lawrence.
There have been so many people in my life that I consider my style icons. Bonnie Pressman for her wonderfully clean style. She so emulated the Barneys look which was a huge style shift in the 90s. Bonnie curated collections for Barneys way before anyone even knew what curated meant in fashion. Judy Daniel, for her simple but very chic style – she has worn many top designers – but in her own, very understated but spectacular way. Ellen Fine, the traditionalist: always put together, beautiful clothes and exquisite jewerly and my daughter, Karin. She can make the most inexpensive look rich ad expensive both for herself an for her home.
I’ve learned so much from all of these people – and learning from them enabled me to establish what some people call Ellen-style. Style, not fashion, is timeless.
Till next time,
E
Paradise Found 