Since I was a little girl I always appreciated (and often preferred) the company of elders. If given the choice whether to play with kids my own age or accompany my mom to a friend’s, I usually chose the latter. Perhaps I knew early on how much more you can learn from those older and wiser.
During my colorful New York chapter there was one particular uniquely wise and eccentric woman I often encountered, also perhaps the oldest fashionista to grace the New York nightlife. I first met Zelda Kaplan during my film debut. Aren’t we all entitled to 15 minutes of fame? Along with many other young women we starred in a film directed by Elise Bennett, Beyond the Ladies Room Door. Incidentally, the screening took place close to home at the Hamptons Film Festival. It was a bonding experience, spending time getting to know so many woman, filming for days in a bathroom… Zelda being the wise sage we all sought advice from. A role well suited her.
I write this now in tribute to Zelda Kaplan who passed away last Wednesday, very fittingly in the front row of a fashion show, 95 years young, and filled with life. An example of how aging does not mean living any less vibrantly. Zelda always made a statement in remaining an individual. After all, she designed all her own clothes, very beautiful fabrics might I add, and lived by her own rules. And her advice was always worth listening to. “One must be interested in the world, not in one’s self.” Rest in peace, Zelda.
Wow! That’s amazing she died at a fashion show! I find it poetic when people die in the places they loved most, surrounded by the things that gave them the passion to live life to the fullest. In many ways, it’s a wonderful gift.
Fantastic tribute. May we all learn to live a little bit more like her!
Simple and beautiful tribute. Very fitting.
I read this in another blog and couldn’t believe it — I hope I die on a trip somewhere exotic!
That video is adorable, and I confess I burst out laughing (in a good way) when she said she’d traveled everywhere in the world EXCEPT Europe! LOL! Love it. What a lovely character and how wonderful that she had a good, long life of 95 years. While I am just getting to know Zelda in this post, I am so glad that I have. She’s impacted me in a positive way with your sharing about her here. Rest in peace, Zelda, and thank you for being the obviously unique person you were.
She was truly a unique woman and will be remembered. (I too couldn’t believe she had never been to Europe!)
Omigoodness – I read about her death. Amazing that you knew her. Her character and life are inspiring indeed.
What a wonderful tribute. We can learn so much from our wise (and fashionable) elders. My next-door neighbor, Ethel, is almost 93. She’s sharp, hilarious and so cute when she dresses up in her “church” clothes. I’ve learned so much from her.
Ethel sounds like a fabulous neighbor to have! Enjoy your moments with her. It’s from these elders that we can learn the most in life.
Wow! She is wearing everything that I would wear NOW! You are privileged to have known such a great lady.
Aren’t her outfits incredible! And she made them all herself, impressive.