Modernism Week: Kick-Off

We spent last night in Palm Springs in order to get fantastic seats for the Modernism Week's Kick-off Free Event, the Walk of the Stars Re-Dedication for First Lady of Modernism Week Nelda Linsk's Star.

To know the Lady, you have to know this iconic photo. A high-fashion New York magazine once described Slim Aarons’ 1970 photograph Poolside Gossip as “the quintessential image of high-class leisure” showing “two queens of Palm Springs society: Helen Kaptur, in a white lace pants outfit with a bare midriff, hair teased and fully lacquered, and Nelda Linsk, in yellow palazzo pants — both improbably lounging in full sunlight by Linsk’s seminal midcentury home, designed by Neutra, and known as the Kaufmann House." Everything about this photo has launched a Palm Springs love affair for millions, us included.

A fantastically thorough retelling of Nelda's incredible life can be read here. I highly recommend that you take a moment. She is a woman one should know.

About this spectacular event- Nelda Linsk received her star on the Palm Springs Walk of the Stars in 2018, sponsored by Modernism Week. It broke records for attendance at a star dedication. Beloved long time resident, Nelda arrived in Palm Springs in 1962 and has been a continuing influence on the culture, architecture, fashion, art and design of the city. We had arrived so early, as did the lovely woman next to me, Beverly, that we became fast friends. Palm Springs is still such a small, intimate town.

Mrs. Linsk arrived in style and I was happy to be a paparazza.

This celebration featured a who's who of Palm Springs dignitaries. Thankfully we were given a lovely program with which to follow along. The attention to details was amazing.

What I gleefully discovered is that this stunning woman was more than just a gal in a yellow outfit. Learning so much more about her made me realize just how special being there for this event was.

When she lost her husband Joe in 1983, her life shifted and she drew on her architectural knowledge and deep community ties, becoming a top-producing real estate agent. She handled some of the valley’s most significant modernist properties, believing each sale was an act of stewardship. In addition, her civic involvement extended far beyond architecture. She served on the Desert Hospital Board of Governors and on the boards of Act for Multiple Sclerosis and Palm Springs International Film Festival, and continues to support the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center. Philanthropist being one of the many fashionable hats she wears so well. Wow!

What an honor to be a part of it all.

Afterward, we were invited to meet Nelda, and of course, be photographed with her. Upon our meeting, I told her that she didn't know me but that I was so happy to there. Her response, "Well, I'm so happy you were here!"

I am now an official member of the Nelda Linsk Fan Club (if there isn't one I may have to start one).

After being thoroughly entranced by our morning, we ventured into the Hyatt, which is hosting Modernism Week's headquarters- CAMP.

It's a groovy space to meet others and just relax when a tad overwhelmed my all the midcentury magicalness.

Oh, and our favorite, KOFFI, serves free coffee. Too cool.

There's even a space for budding architects to design. Fun stuff.

Almost everywhere in Palm Springs JOY can be found.

An extra special end to our current Palm Springs escape was the connecting with Lake Tahoe friends. Erin & Darin, along with Sharon, have spent several weekends here this winter. I'm giddy that our schedules overlapped today. Lunch al fresco could not have been more wonderful.