Palm Springs Modernism Week 2011 wraps up an invigorating week-plus this Sunday, February 27, after 75 events held throughout a city epitomizing the distinctive genre. Now in its 6th year, the winter event has evolved from a 3-day show a decade ago into an 11-day international draw of lectures, architectural tours, double-decker bus tours, parties, vintage car show, exhibits, Modernism Show, screenings and book signings.
Today, Kirk and I visited the Riviera Resort & Spa, sponsor and site of many of the events, to check out the Braniff Airlines Uniform Exhibit.
It was our first visit to the iconic hotel, a Palm Springs fixture since 1959 that was relaunched in late 2008 to much fanfare.
From its sweeping front drive with glorious San Jacinto mountain vistas, to the sparkly mid-century aesthetic evinced inside, the scene was set for the west coast debut of vintage air hostess uniforms and memorabilia from the most fashion-forward airline in history, Braniff.
The collection of 14 uniforms—courtesy of a 20-year veteran with the airline—reflects the glory days of Braniff air travel in the '60s and '70s when it employed designers Pucci and Halston to create colorful, cutting-edge fashions for its female flight attendants, the hottest "trolley dollies in the sky." The era of unabashed sex appeal was proudly promulgated by this most American airline with its mid-western roots.
The 90-piece collection showcases outfits, shoes, scarves, hats and handbags. No detail was overlooked in projecting the distinctive BI brand which touted "the end of the plain plane."
Color quickly permeated the company's baggage handling, terminals, even planes. Artists such as Alexander Calder, father of kinetic sculpture, found their artwork aloft on the side of Braniff jets. What a site it must have been to see the colorful birds coming in for a landing on the runways of the world.
The stewardess retrospective featured reversible coats, hot pants, mini dresses, leotards, crazy hats and wild colors.
Lots of polyester. The bubble helmets were used by the women when escorting the lucky passengers on the tarmac to keep their own '60s hairdos in place. Seems the helmets were short-lived since they cracked, were difficult to don, and were just plain uncomfortable.
I was struck by the diminutive size of the clothes' owner—looked like a true size 2—and reminded how much larger out nation has become in such a short span. I would have enjoyed seeing a photo of the Braniff hostess during her glamorous tenure.
There was one outfit from Halston who came aboard in 1977 during the Concorde era, bringing his Ultrasuede fabrics and earth-tone palette to the table. I found the sack-like dress and coat dull and depressing after viewing the vibrant hues and innovative flair of Pucci.
The Braniff story ran from 1928 until 1983 and encompassed the advent of the 747 and super-sonic travel before succumbing to deregulation and gas prices. Wish I had my own memory of flying the airline in its heyday. These two photos were taken during a photo shoot at the Riviera for Palm Springs Life magazine's Modernism issue. The models wore the actual airline outfits as well as contemporary designers, and it was impossible to figure out the vintage from the new.
Kirk and I wandered the meandering grounds of the Riviera and admired the crush of visitors dining alfresco and lounging poolside.
After departing the Riviera, Kirk and I had lunch downtown at California Pizza Kitchen, wimping out for an inside booth on this crisp spring day. I was disappointed not to be able to see the vintage travel trailers displayed on the hotel grounds from 5-8 p.m. tonight and hope the popular Airstream-sponsored exhibit returns again next year.
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