By Stanley Paul
Just being part of Palm Springs this season is almost magical. This charming city is alive with excitement amid construction of swanky new hotels and trendy restaurants.
What were empty storefronts are now blossoming into fashionable art galleries and luxe home furnishings, boutiques featuring contemporary objets d’art.
New Starbucks Reserve featuring ice cream drinks and rare brews.
Christopher Anthony on N. Palm Canyon Drive, features upscale vintage home furnishings.
Trina Turk’s flagship store on N. Palm Canyon Dr. is housed in a glass- walled 1960’s Albert Frey building. Standing in front is popular Chicago interior designer Jim Dennen.
Jorge Mendez Gallery on N. Palm Canyon Drive specializes in contemporary Latin American Art.
Jackson Gallery on S. Cherokee Way is contemporary and always bold.
My adventure on Palm Canyon Drive!
On The Mark – Great new gourmet food market on N. Palm Canyon Dr. with an impressive selection of cheeses, charcuterie, jellies, spreads, pâtés and much more.
It seems the younger Hollywood set, such as Leonardo DiCaprio and Ann Hathaway, are also discovering the lure of the desert, much like the stars of yesteryear who found this balmy oasis so seductive.
Leonardo DiCaprio in the living room of his Palm Springs home, built for Dinah Shore in 1963.
Ann Hathaway at the Palm Springs Festival.
Gone are the days of the gang of Gabors holding court at their sunny center table at the posh Le Vallauris, while sipping Billecart-Salmon and nibbling on croquet monsieur at their customary Sunday brunch. Frank, Dean and Sammy are still very much alive with all things mid-century. The stunning rooftop bar, “4 Saints ” at the new Kimpton Rowen Hotel, features The Rat Pack’s favorite libations, which Frank often referred to as his gasoline of choice.
The Gabor clan in the 1980’s.
The Rat Pack—Dean, Frank and Sammy.
Lucy, Desi and family in the 1950’s.
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The new Rowan hotel in downtown Palm Springs.
The legendary Carol Channing with the author at Le Vallauris a few years ago.
The towering statue of Marilyn Monroe.
In the colorful world of apparel, the California spirit of Lucy and Desi continues to be celebrated by native fashion icon Trina Turk. What is old is new again! The towering Marilyn Monroe sculpture, whose presence was first only visiting, has happily found a permanent showcase in the new bustling city square of Palm Springs. We all anxiously await for her sparkling debut.
The pizzazz continues!!!!!!
