Nan Kempner: American Chic

Last night I attended the opening of the Metropolitan Museum Costume Institute’s exhibition Nan Kempner American Chic.  I totally appreciate and relate to Nan’s LOVE for fashion.  She had a lot of clothes.

Nan had great style – her particular loyalty was to Yves Saint Laurent - which clearly suited her.  She knew her own style and what looked best on her: somewhat conservative but always with great taste.  She loved color – unlike most New Yorkers.  Along with the mannequins, there were some photos of Nan dressed in the clothes presented, and they really showed her personality coming through.  Although I never met her, I’m sure I would have liked her.  She sounded like she loved a party and liked to have a good time.

Before entering the exhibit I met fashion editor, Lynn Yaeger – the antithesis of Nan – but one who clearly knows her own style, with her short square haircut, silver jazz shoes, vintage fur coat and signature ruby red rouge dotted under eyes – you couldn’t miss her.

Many fashion and style watchers attended, and we spoke about Nan.

Stephen Jones, the famous British hatmaker said, “It’s too bad there isn’t a video of her speaking – she had such a great sense of humor.”

Armand Limnander – journalist at the The New York Times – who had interviewed Nan agreed – she was so open she talked about her husband’s affair and smoking – topics that are often taboo.

Pamela Clarke Keogh – author of Audrey Style and Elvis Presley: The Man. The Life. The Legend, thought the exhibit was impressive.

Patsy Tarr – patron of the arts and collector of Geoffrey Beene – was overwhelmed with the volume of clothes, “How could she store all of her things?” she wondered.

Robert Burke - consultant and former Fashion Director at Bergdorf Goodman – said, “Nan was a retailer’s delight!!!”

Other social notables in attendance were Anne Bass, Georgette Mossbacher and Susan Fales-Hill and my good friend, Michele Gerber Klein.

Like Nan – I often wear YSL, now designed by Stefano Pilati. However, last night I chose to wear another one of my favorite designers Lanvin. Alber Elbaz is amazing, he creates elegant but modern clothes. His day clothes are chic and modern, and his eveningwear is sultry but sophisticated. My “party” dress was made of navy tulle with delicate hand sewn silver beading. When I wear it I feel like a cross between Marie-Antoinette and a ballerina from Degas painting. Not at all conservative like Nan, but definitely an homage to her, as I enjoyed her party with lighthearted chic.