THE "HIGH STYLE" OF BETSY BLOOMINGDALE

I had the pleasure of attending the opening night gala for the "Betsy Bloomingdale: The Haute Couture" exhibit at FIDM in Los Angeles this past Saturday. The elegant white carpet|black tie affair was held beneath a glamorous clear tent in the courtyard of FIDM's Downtown LA campus.  Among the crowd was Ms. Bloomingdale herself, Nick Verreros {Project Runway Alum}, and me {in a slinkly giraffe-print backless jumpsuit}.

The mixed-media exhibit showcases couture pieces from Ms. Bloomingdale's wardrobe from the 1960's all the way to the present. Each item features a description detailing the designer, information about the garment and where & when B. Bloomingdale wore it. A book titled, "Entertaining at Home with Betsy Bloomingdale" is also on display.  Clearly, she was a woman of distinction, style, grace and elegance. 

This photo is iconic. So 70's socialite chic.

Betsy Bloomingdale arriving at her daughter's wedding in Los Angeles, 1974.

"The Fabulous Life of B. Bloomingdale" could have easy been the name of this retrospective, which was certainly an inspiration to live a life extraordinary enough that your belongings would later be curated into a celebrated art exhibit! Who is Betsy Bloomingdale? She was once the wife of an heir to the Bloomingdales dynasty, a socialite, and best friend of former first lady Nancy Reagan.

I fell head over heels for a stunning mint green knit one-shouldered floor length column dress that needs to be put into production immediately, circa now {can't recall the designer, but it's been eating at me so I know I'll be going back to confirm}.  Go see for yourself.  Exhibit at FIDM from October 21, 2009 - December 13, 2009. Wednesday - Sunday 10 am to 4 pm. Free.

@ FIDM | 919 South Grand Ave. | Los Angeles, CA  90015

LTLY,





Roni♥