Fashions of the Pines. 1980’s.
1980.
After the success of the fashion shows of the 70’s it was decided to give it a more entertainment factor. Broadway singer, dancer, choreographer, and Pines resident George Reich was brought on board to add more entertainment. With his assistant Tom Allen he wanted dancers intermingling with the models. Reich cousin of longtime resident and builder Walter Reich started his career in Paris in 1949. He went onto working at MGM in films and choreographing noted performers shows. See more below in a FI News article.
Model Pat Cleveland was a frequent model in the shows.
Ross bicycles were donated at every fashion show by Barbara Ross from the Ross Bicycle Company. Barbara and her husband were a big part of the community. Their yacht the “Barbara” was moored at the Blue Whale throughout the 70’s & 80’s.
1981.
It was back to the original fashion show format, but this time with a Disco performer as entertainment.
Barbara Ross (below).
Pines Conservation Society president Milton Stanson (below). Disco performer Carol Jiani performs (below) .
John Whyte (right).
Model Pat Cleveland again takes part…
Egon Von Furstenberg on a local cable channel interview.
The wedding finale…
1982.
In a major departure from previous fashion shows it was decided to have a nighttime event called “Nightlights.” The event took on new importance as many celebrities and designers got involved.
Imero “Immie” Fiorentino, a pioneer of television lighting design and a leader of the American entertainment industry was part of the creative team taking on this new vision for the fashion show.
Noted television entertainment critic Stewart Klein was host and Audrey Smaltz and actress Colleen Dewhurst were to do commentary.
With the advent of AIDS Barbara fled the community never to be seen again…
Actress/ singer Lorna Luft was also part of the creative team.
Press…
John Whyte
1983.
The show was back to a daytime event…
Fashion poster by noted fashion illustrator George Stavrinos.
1984.
The show titled Fashion Olympics had a Olympic theme and was again a daytime event. Poster seen below.
There was a span of time that for whatever reason there was no fashion show as seen here….
1989.
Art was always involved with the fashion show. Artist Rodger Duncan creates the poster here. He would also create one for the benefit “From the Pines with Love” in 1990. The show was directed by Russell Graham and Robin Ackerman from Perry Ellis.
