Homage

I met Jane when I was a budding teenager and she was in college.  She took time for this young person who didn’t yet know where she was going or what she wanted to be.  She offered my first encouragement and support in my budding interest in fashion and clothes. At first she showered me with interest and guidance.  She taught me about style and that dressing well was more about looking good and knowing one’s own style than  about designers and labels.  She taught me that elegance and style had nothing to do with height, size, shape or money.  She also became my friend.

Jane was a bright light that could light up a room.  She was warm and embracing.  She could cut through bull like a knife.  And even though she was very short, and more often round than not, she had more style and class than most people ever dream of commanding.   

Although our lives had taken us further apart,  the occasional phone call would brighten the world.  I did not make enough of those calls.

I would not be the person I am today without Janes friendship.

Jane collected Vuitton bags.  She knew what she had and what she pursued what she wanted.  Jane was a monogram canvas kind of girl.  I most definitely was not, and although I was always attracted to the structured Epi leather bags, I put off buying one for years and years.   When I got my first Vuitton bag, this past spring, the first thing I did was call Jane.  She was thrilled and we screeched and giggled like the young women we once were.

I’m sorry I never got to show Jane my first Vuitton.

Jane:  1951 – 2006