Zelda Kaplan (June 20 1916 - February 15 2012)

The Jewish Housewife Whom Became New York's Society Fashion & Nightlife Darling

by Marianne Giselle Franks (Beauty Fashion & Lifestyle Editor)
Beauty Fashion & Lifestyle Stylist

Written on 27/Feb/2012 Contact the author on 07564906101

 

Last week, during New York's fashion week  Zelda Kaplan dressed impeccably with her trademark  bold african prints and dark sunglasses, passed away in the front row of one of New York's Fashion weeks runway shows.

It was thought by her friends she had initially  fainted. However  Ms Kaplan was shortly after being carried away.pronounced dead from natural causes.

 

So who was Zelda you may ask over here in London ? In New York the question would be whom had not heard of Zelda Kaplan.  Born to Russian Jewish Immigrants in New Jersey Flemmington on June 20th 1916. From a poor family her father Barnet Berkowitz a cattle dealer.  An intelligent lady whom studied law married twice, and in 1960 moved to New York.

 

Zelda was a professional golfer and a ballroom dance tutor. She adored all of New York's nightlife, and  was well known for rising at 2pm taking phone calls and partying into the wee hrs of the morning holding court where ever she may be that evening. Ms Kaplan was also known for her work in the women's rights activist movement, and an extraordinary world traveller seeking justice for women. As well as attending openings of art shows, theatres and clubs all over New York.  In her remaining years Zelda hosted weekly dinner parties where interesting people and family from around the globe attended. Zelda had appeared in many prominent publicationsThe New York Times, The Village Voice , also filmed on HBO.

 

I dedicate my article on New York Fashion week to the memory of Zelda Kaplan, whom  lived life to the full G-d Bless!!