Joie de vivre

1946: Straight out of a classic love story. My grandparents, strolling together in Italy. My grandmother, radiant in an outfit she made herself, head to toe — skills that would later take her to NYC’s historic garment district as a seamstress. And my grandfather, dapper as always, recently home after being a POW in WWII. Strength, resilience, and style run deep in these roots.

1998: Working my first showroom job and modeling the Liz Claiborne Spring ’99 line. I remember feeling like Mary Tyler Moore, ready to toss my hat in the air and take on the big city. 

2017: Just me and my two favorite humans. A newly single mom, navigating life with two amazing kiddos, one of whom is on the autism spectrum. Those years weren’t always easy, but I never lost sight of my ‘why’— raising resilient, kind, and hard-working citizens of the world. Now ages 16 and 12, I couldn’t be prouder of the people they’re becoming.

2025: Chemo, cold cap, and a whole lot of grit. This ovarian cancer journey wasn’t one I planned for, but as I always tell my kiddos, show up, stay the course, and keep your sense of humor intact. 

2024: Just days after my cancer diagnosis, attending one last event before surgery — because nothing stops fashion. When life throws uncertainty your way, you suit up,  show up, and let your joie de vivre speak for itself. Resilience, but make it fashion.

2000: Somewhere along the dreamy coast of the South of France with Adrien, who was born there. We dated back then, long before life took us down separate paths. And now, over two decades later, he’s my fiancé. Life really does come full circle sometimes.