Once a week at Fräulein, we dedicate our love to fashion icons, fashion victims, and those that leave a lasting impression …
While wearing your favorite jeans, or these days some comfy sweatpants, it is easy to forget that not long ago, women were banned from wearing pants. Putting women in trousers modernized their wardrobe but, in the late 60s, caused a revolution. Nan Kempner, an American socialite and style icon, helped redefining what a lady could wear. While dining at New York City’s La Cote Basque, Nan was forbidden entrance when she appeared in a Yves Saint Laurent trouser suit. Not missing a beat, she took off her pants and walked in the restaurant wearing just her top as an ultra-mini dress.
Nan Kempner was born into wealth and soon came into touch with designer clothes, and, more important, Haute Couture. She was an avid collector of gowns by Yves Saint Laurent, her favorite, Valentino, and Oscar de la Renta, owning some of the most iconic designs of mid-20 th century couture. Her great eye for fashion and original observations on style made her a fashion editor for Harper’s Bazaar and contributing editor for French Vogue, and later a design consultant for luxury brands.
