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In Memory of Lynn Dell, The Countess of Glamour

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I moved to New York City in 2008, after my beloved grandmother Bluma passed away. She had always told me to move to New York if I wanted to be creative. I had no idea what to expect and had no plans for my future, but I knew that if I trusted in my grandmother’s guidance everything would fall into place.


I started to walk the streets looking for inspiration. I was immediately  drawn to a vibrant and creative community of older men and women. One day I borrowed my roommate’s camera and Advanced Style was born.

A few months into the project I was walking past Bryant Park when I noticed the most glamorous woman coming towards me. As a little boy, I used to draw pictures of my grandmother and her friends all dressed up in over the top get ups. Wrapped in an emerald green cape, matching turban and armloads of bangles was one of my drawings come to life. I was awe struck by the image of this 77-year-old Countess of Glamour making her way through the city with such force and pizzazz. I took her photo, she told me about her shop, and that was that.
Almost a year later I was walking past 72nd street when I noticed the most magnificent window display belonging to a store called Off Broadway Boutique. I had to take a look at what treasures lay inside. I was immediately greeted by the sounds of Barbara Streisand blaring from the speakers above. A voice echoed theatrically, “Welcome to Off Broadway.” I immediately recognized the shop’s owner as Lynn Dell, The Countess of Glamour that I had met a year before.

We became fast friends and Off Broadway became a second home to me and Lynn Dell another grandmother. She invited me over for the holidays and treated me like one of the family. Being with Lynn made every experience seem more grand. Her love of life was contagious and she inspired everyone around her with her incredible life force. We had many great adventures together, from hat parties and broadway shows, to television appearances, and last year’s premiere of Advanced Style.
Our Countess was larger than life, always glamorous, never unnoticed and eternally optimistic.

Lynn, I will remember, celebrate and love you forever!

My love goes out to Lynn’s wonderful husband Sandy, her children and grandchildren. Heaven just got a little more glamorous. 

Prime Time: MoMA’s Older Adult Program Initiative Launches This Saturday

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Ever since my mom gave me my first Claude Monet book, I have been obsessed with going to museums. I have always loved getting lost in the galleries, people watching and meditating upon an inspired work. When The Museum of Modern Art asked me to help launch Prime Time, their brand new programming and outreach initiative aimed to engage older New Yorkers at the Museum, in the community, and online, I was absolutely thrilled. To kick off the initiative, MoMA is offering all visitors ages 65 and up free admission on Saturday, May 9, from 10:30 a.m to 5:30 p.m.
The day will also feature free gallery talks, entertainment and art making workshops, including a jewelry making workshop led by Debra Rapoport and a live figure drawing session featuring Joyce Carpati, Lana Turner, Debra and Carol Markel. The museum is also offering NYC residents 65 and up 50% off admission and $25 off new annual memberships for the the month of May!

The ladies are planning their outfits as we speak, so grab all your friends 65 and up and head to MoMA on Saturday for an inspiring day of creative activities.
For more information on Prime Time CLICK HERE.

Beatrix Ost at Estouteville Farm

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Beatrix is front of her paintings
Wax sculpture by Beatrix Ost
Paintings and Sculpture by Beatrix Ost
It was a cold and rainy Saturday in New York when I got the crazy idea to escape south for a day. Eight hours later, I arrived at Beatrix Ost and Ludwig Kuttner’s incredible Estouteville Farm outside Charlottesville, Virgina. Painted trees, mystical wooden caves, and fields of daffodils filled my gaze as I entered their magical property. Beatrix and a gang of wagging dogs greeted me with hugs and kisses before setting out on a tour of the magnificent grounds. After a quick rest, I joined Ludwig for an exploration of the inside of the home filled with marvelous antiques and Beatrix’s incredible paintings and sculptures. Less than 24 hours later I was back on the road, left with artful memories of an enchanted evening.