Way back in the strobe light flicker days of Hollywood in the late 60's and 70's, existed a little clothing boutique known simply as "Fandango." Run by Minnesota transplants Marni and Billy Zats (my mother and uncle), with the help of seamstresses Oni, Yoshi, Alba, and Elizabeth, Marni and Billy turned a little store front next to the Henry Fonda Theater (later moving to a chic little spot on Melrose over by Maxfields) into the go to fancy frock house to the stars and all of Los Angeles' fabulous disco/hippy/vintage/glamour gals.
So why all the pictures of the fabulous Rhoda Morgenstern? Yesterday on an illicit shopping trip to Barneys, I picked up a pair of giant Barton Perreira sunglasses that instantly reminded me of Ms. Morgenstern. Can't you see her wearing these?
So of course I started thinking about Rhoda's wonderful head scarf and bakelite cherry wearing style. It's pretty fantastic that Ms. Morgenstern's look was a direct homage to my stylish mother. You see, Fandango did all the clothing for the Rhoda television show. I love that my mother created Rhoda's signature gypsy style. My mother and Valerie Harper look so similar that you could swear they are sisters. I grew up playing in elaborately embroidered fringed piano shawls and swirly scarves that made appearances on the show. A most coveted bakelite cherry barrette that my mother was wearing was plucked off my mother's head and onto Valerie Harper's and the rest was history. A love of scarves on my head and a deep seeded bakelite jewelry obsession was pretty much in my DNA.
Fans of Fandango included Diana Ross, Penny Marshall, Priscilla Presley (Elvis called once and spoke to my mother), Olivia Hussey, Peggy Lipton, Betty White (oh yes) and other lovely ladies. Deco disco dresses of gorgeous floral silks, hippy bohemian white tea dipped cotton ruffles, and heavy scarlet jersey gowns dripping with sparkling rhinestones made regular appearances at their boutique. As you can imagine, playing dress up was the best thing ever.
In addition to Rhoda, Fandango did the clothing for the 70's Count Yorga vampire movies. I've never seen these movies, but they seem to be right up my alley and will be added to my Netflix queue shortly.
I've never seen these pictures of these lady vampires, but Halloween is right around the corner and I think I've found some creepy, but rather fashionable, inspiration. I wonder if any of these chiffon vamp gowns are in our storage somewhere?
I am going to try and find some of the old Fandango photo shoots and scan them for a follow up post. I really wanted to give a little nod to my mother and her wonderful store. If anyone reading this remembers shopping at Fandango, please email me. My mother and I would love to hear your stories.