Do true socialites exist anymore?

Nope, no true socialites. What we do have is "influencers." Pathetic.

I miss Cornelia Guest.

We have the Kardashian-Jenners! The new Swans!

I don’t get the influencer thing in any way, shape, or form. I mean, I know how it works,I just don’t understand how these bitches became the be-all and end-all of society for a certain subset of people. What in their lives or personalities makes them worth emulating or taking advice from?

Lynn Wyatt is still alive and fabulous

Deeda Blair

These days society beauties get Ivy League degrees and make their own money rather than having to marry disgusting old men to fund their lifestyles.

Poster girl for R7

R4, They weren't that special but they had society pages and gossip columnists to tell the public they were.

Being a socialite isn't for everyone

Errr - I would be ashamed of myself if I was that woman in R10. Shows a lack of common sense - I wouldn't want the world to know all that about me.

She made some ludicrous decisions, R11, but most of us do at that age. I give her credit for realizing she had a problem and getting herself back on her feet.

The only ones who can afford it are the children of corrupt government officials who’ve looted the state coffers -e.g. the teenage Russian billion-heiress (daughter of an oligarch) who bought that overpriced appartment in New York.

I know one. Hedge fund manager wife, belongs to all the clubs, charity events, three vacation homes, Park Avenue HQ, pages of Patrick McMullen photos.

She’s insane. And her taste is not impeccable. She relies heavily on professionals. When left to her own devices, she tends toward tacky.

Where have all the Buffys, Babes and Bunnys gone? Sad.

It all ended when air travel became more affordable for the unwashed masses. The Jet Set was no longer. I love the term "Jet Set." The term, which replaced "café society", came from the lifestyle of travelling from one stylish or exotic place to another via jet plane.

I think the best humans want real socialism but it won't ever happen...to much greed and too many low life conservatives.

Wrong R8 Marjorie is a lot of fun, but not the brightest bulb you will ever meet. She went to New England College which is a total joke with one of the easiest acceptance rates of any school in the country. It’s not Ivy at all.

Plus, although she’s having a good run as a DJ because of her social connections and party girl personality she’s not earning serious money from it. She’s totally living off trusts from her super successful inventor grandfather and a very nice alimony from her oil&gas businessman ex-husband Reza Raein.

The poster girl for what R7 describes is Penn grad and schmatta queen Tory Burch.

They don't make 'em like CZ Guest anymore.

Perle Mesta is a fascinating one. She wasn’t beautiful or thin or particularly stylish and yet she ruled the DC social scene in her day.

There is a line in the movie, "The Paper" R10, that really sums her up. Robert Duvall is telling Glenn Close (the editor in chief of the paper), that she can't have a raise. The gist of the line is (in regard to celebrities), "we move in their world, but we aren't part of it". Sounds like she, working at Rolling Stone, tried to keep up with the people she was reporting on.

I met the late Anne Slater on two occasions and she was absolutely delightful. Lovely woman.

My Earring's gone! My diamond Earring came off in the Ocean!

We still have Gloria Vanderbilt. Then again, anyone who is well known, attends events, and gets their name in the paper is by definition a socialite. Not to be confused with someone who is considered upper class. A socialite can be upper class but not necessarily the other way around. One of my favorites was Alice Roosevelt Longworth, daughter of Theodore Roosevelt. Her stepmother did not approve of her receiving so much attention because in her day a true lady would only have her name in print three times in her life. When she was born, when she got married and when she died. Alice did everything she could to get her name in all the papers. In some cases just to annoy her stepmother.

R24 I was JUST about to post Alice Roosevelt Longworth. By all accounts she was wickedly funny and also a caustic bitch, which means I would have killed to sit next to her at a party.

Now we have Kris “You’re doing amazing sweetie” Jenner and her spawn. I weep for the future.

It’s a passé concept. Thank God. Now we have Derek Blasberg - IG ho/influencer

[quote]It’s a passé concept. Thank God.

It shouldn’t be. Grace, elegance and class are sorely lacking in modern society.

Alice Roosevelt Longworth is credited with the famous saying "If you don't have anything nice to say, come sit next to me."

You should read the biography on Alice...amazing.

I have never seen a picture of Babe looking less than flawless. Capote’s Swans, indeed...

I got peed on on video!

Do you think Z-list hangers-on like Olivia Munn and Jennifer Meyer (wife of Tobey) fancy themselves as part of the new social cream of the crop?

Tobey and Meyer divorced a while ago.

She’s so Z-list I didn’t even know.

Jennifer Meyer (no longer wife of Tobey) is socially prominent in Hollywood through her own family. Her father has been CEO of Universal Pictures; her stepfather is an influential Jewish rabbi. Toby got his cachet, if any, through her--not the other way around.

It's not 1970 anymore, OP. Try to deal.

Glenn Bernbaum's death in 1998 marked the beginning of the end of the socialite in America. I miss Nan. And r22 is right. Anne Slater was a lovely lady.

Kris Momager

R30. Wasn’t it Babe Paley who sparked a trend by tying her Hermès scarf to the handle of her purse?

I fear that the few wealthy men who could support a wife's career as a serious socialite are not longer marrying "swans", they're marrying eastern European prostitutes.

^^ Speaking of above , don't y'all think Melania is the Epitome of class ?

Spend a week or two reading New York Social Diary, r40, and you'll see the women whose husbands underwrite their lives as serious socialites (just a couple of examples: Gillian Miniter, Muffie Potter, Somers Farkas). Occasionally you might even see a husband.

Muffie Potter Aston. The one true socialite!

Don’t forget about me, bitches!

Muffie is the one with the money, yes her husband is successful but she had the money long before she married him.

What about Sally Quinn?

R46 Have you ever read “The Party,” her guide to being the perfect society hostess? It’s ludicrous.

[quote]What about Sally Quinn?

CUNT!

I'm not sure what you mean by 'true socialites," OP.

Babe Paley and Nan Kempner would actually have been looked on by true blue bloods during their time as arrivistes because they were so publicity-hungry (I remember that William Styron dismisses Paley and the other "swans" in the oral biography of Truman Capote as "cafe society trash," and in many ways they were).

Sally Quinn is not the real deal. Total upstart, loathed by everyone.

Aerin Lauder

The original premise of this thread was women who married well enough to become "true socialites." Aerin Lauder is a socialite, but her money comes to her through her grandmother, Estee Lauder, and her father. And she has a successful business, so she's not some indolent kept woman. Same is true of Marina Rust Connor, whose money and social status come from her grandfather (Marshall Field) and socially prominent parents, and then she married very well. But she's also a professional writer.

The premise of the thread, r52, was rich women who are "witty, tasteful, and chic." If you're focusing on the origins of wealth rather than the existence of those traits, you're not getting it. Aerin Lauder has always been a tasteful bore. An indolent kept woman with an ounce of wit could best her in this contest.

[quote]I remember that William Styron dismisses Paley and the other "swans" in the oral biography of Truman Capote as "cafe society trash," and in many ways they were

Just imagine what he’d say about Kardashian Inc.

OMG, Sally Quinn has alienated nearly everyone - she's not a socialite or an influencer

She's bitter old woman who wants to cause as much turmoil and pain as she can

Probably because she hasn't gotten what she believes she's entitled to out of life

[quote]Do true socialites exist anymore?

Darling, hold my Benson & Hedges for a moment

I need to teach this OP bitch a lesson...

Quinn is now completely deranged and casting spells on her enemies.

These seem to be all American women, no? Surely there are tons that exist outside of the U.S..

[quote]These seem to be all American women, no? Surely there are tons that exist outside of the U.S..

Thank you, Dahling, I'm a REAL International Socialite - and yes, I'm from Berlin (Connecticut)

And of course, I lived in Gstaad and other glamorous European cities for many years when I was married to the Count.

R49, Babe was a Cushing from Boston and Nan was from a wealthy family in San Fran (Schaefer, sp? I think) and married into the Loeb/Lehman fortunes. Babe was WASP pedigree and Nan Our Crowd (German Jewish wealth and NYC Jewish old money as opposed to Eastern European Jews lie the Lauder family). So Babe and Nan had pretty high flying pedigrees. Any socialite of the past or present becomes "famous" deliberately. That is to say they court it. Nan was up front about wanting to be everywhere, know everyone, have a great time and be fabulous. Babe was a bit disingenuous about it. She was one of the most successful courtesans of her day (she landed Bill Paley) in any case.

It's accurate to say that wit and style are missing from the celebrity class by in large- whether "society", big wealth, entertainers, sports figures or the truely depraved (reatlity "stars").

Mrs O, Mrs Mellon, Nan, Babe, and others, had terrific taste, style, wit, and yes- were smart. Three of them I got to know pretty well, and they were great company and fun. Nan was a riot. Ain't no one like her today- or the others.

The worst. Even the Count is Eurotrash.

Here you go, OP. Posted in 2011. Must have taken a lot of practice.

I loved Nan. And her daughter. But to see her stand on those ankles made me afraid she was going to break. She was like a little songbird.

I think that Kitty Carlisle was the last true socialite.

She was certainly one of the best!

Samantha and Serena Boardman.

R60 Which ones did you know and what were they like? I recently read the biography on Bunny Mellon and I was so enchanted that I bought the book on the gardens of Bunny Mellon. Her taste was exquisite.

Do I count?

I liked Kitty Carlisle (Mrs. Hart) a lot, but she wasn't very wealthy at all, was an actress and arts ambassador, and really an entertainer and a worker. None of those things is a quality of a true socialite.

Still, Kitty had abundant style, warmth, personality, the ability to create intimate moments with strangers. She was always generous and enjoyable to be around. I hope those qualities come into vogue again.

Nan Kempner was fabulous.

I loved Kitty in 6 Degrees of Sepration. She basically played herself, at least, as I imagine.

All she says here is “Do sit down.” but as I recall, the movie had a bit more for her.

Mrs. Hart actually was quite wealthy as she inherited all of the Royalties her Husband Moss Hart earned as a writer , producer, and director of some of the most successful plays in history like My Fair Lady, Camelot, screenplays for Gentleman's Agreement and the 1954 version of A Star is Born. She lived in a 12 room apartment at 32 east 64th St. that was sold after her death for around $10,000,000.

RIP, Lee Radziwill.

I think one could safely call Lee a true socialite. Except, of course, that she wasn't at all charitable.

I would classify Lee Radziwell as a socialite and sadly she has just passed.

Hence the RIP post directly above, r75

What is Instawhore?

what is your point, r77?

I always think of a socialite as someone who at least makes a pretense of caring about causes, as in chairing a gala or supporting through other projects. Did Lee ever evince any interest in anything other than herself or prospective "patrons"?

Despite their humble origins and the fact that they “work” the Lauders are remarkable philanthropists.

I think that's right. And lee didn't even pretend to be philanthropic.

R80, by the time the 3rd generation of Lauders were born, Aerin's generation, they were very rich and had apartments in the best buildings in New York, and homes in Palm Beach, London and the South of France. That doesn't sound too humble to me.

True, r82, but Estee's beginnings were humble enough and yet she still had a strong philanthropic drive which she passed along to her children.

A true classical socialite was someone, at least here in America, who was born into a socially prominent family. The best were well-turned out, witty, and perfect hostesses. Good works were completely optional until the last 20 years or so when almost any woman with money and ambition could rise in the social ranks and that meant taking on good works.

And that explains Gillian Miniter and women like her. She works her fanny off, but she was not to the manor born.

Well I am in Heaven, now...

Marjorie Gubelmann is a Dj!

Paris Hilton?

Lisa Maria Falcone, the wife of hedge fund manager Philip Falcone. Exquisite taste.

dear lord.

Yes. In places like Indiana.

The Cushing girls all did very well by their mother.

Is LSD not the front-runner among the younger group of women?

who?

Lauren Santo Domingo

Yes, she probably is. Celerie Kemble trails her.

In an older generation, Marina Rust Connor is the realest deal of all.

Amen to that!

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Like the man said, "everybody dies."

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one less

[quote]I would classify Lee Radziwell as a socialite and sadly she has just passed.

The Kennedy Curse strikes again by proxy! So young!

Bunny Mellon and I suppose to some extent lee Bouvier were the last of a dying breed. I suppose NYC still has some remaining socialites. The old money that summered in Newport RI, and wintered in Palm Beach is over. Old old money died out with fortunes being divided and taxes.

It seems like its mainly new obnoxious flashy money that exists now...........at least its the only type that appear in the media. The old guard believed in having your name in the paper at your birth, at your wedding, and at your death, not exactly reality tv material.

Annette de la Renta?

Jayne Wrightsman is still alive.

I was gonna say, definitely marina rust, and patricia altschul the NY socialite who now lives in south Carolina and she's on that bravo reality show southern charm.

She appears to have some serious bank. Especially with that grand estate she owns in south Carolina. I believe her late husband was a billionaire investor and art collector/dealer.

Nicky Hilton she fits the bill of being a socialite. Especially these days in NYC. She's heavy on the NY social scene.

I'd definitely say Kathy Hilton too. Her and Rick seem to get around a bit.

When were they NOT vapid and shallow? They’ve always been like that.

I know zsa zss gabor died two years ago. But was she considered more of a socialite or an entertainment figure?

The Hiltons--all of them--arent the kind of true socialites the OP meant. They are the new kind--Ramona Singer and Jill Zarin count themselves as socialites, and I think what it means is that your name's in Page 6 all the time.

Please don't even start with people like Ramona and Jill. Those two are so desperate.

Please don't bring them up. Their definitely not socialites. Not even close.

Jill Zarin is a person to know......If you want to Cut In Line at a Deli!!!

Nope

[quote]Samantha and Serena Boardman

I wonder if Serena, as both a society kween and a top real estate agent, ever helps the rich but undesirable sail past a co-op board.

Well jayne wrightsman just died at age 99. So that's another one from that era gone.

Growing up in New York, I'd be so excited when I saw Tinsley Mortimer or Olivia Palermo....they were HUGE socialites of the late 90s, early 2000s....then reality tv took over. sigh.

Actresses Neve Campbell and America Ferrera.

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Vicomtesse de Ribes is still around casting her withering glare hither and yon.

R119 - Lynda Carter can play her in the Lifetime Original movie.

Jackie de Ribes has got to be in her 90s. Not a great beauty but always beautifully turned out.

r121, John Jacob Astor IV turned her out.

[quote]The Hiltons--all of them--arent the kind of true socialites the OP meant. They are the new kind--Ramona Singer and Jill Zarin count themselves as socialites, and I think what it means is that your name's in Page 6 all the time.

Where there is some seeming confusion for some folks is the difference between being a "celebrity," being famous or infamous, and being a socialite.

The majority of people these days are arrivistes. They lack the family, breeding, education, and wealth normally associated with being a true socialite.

Check out this fabulous video of Gloria Vanderbilt in her home.

Nina Griscom is sort of in that old-school vein.

I think NY’s current older grande dames are Annette de la Renta, Mercedes Bass and Marie Josee Kravis. The future one is most likely LSD and Aerin Lauder. Marina Rust is frankly not rich enough- you need big bucks to be a chairman of some charity.

Marina Rust is the real deal with or without big bucks

Dataloungers make a big fuss over the Fifth Avenue "swans" and their husbands because they were older than all of us and dressed in the most elegant fashions of the day, so we naturally assume they were classy. But it's important to remember that in their day they were not considered all that.

In George Plimpton's oral biography of Truman Capote,the novelist William Styron refers to those people (the Paleys, Lady Slim Keith, Diana Vreeland) as "café society trash," and during the age of the jet set that's what the old money regarded them as. (Babe Paley was from an old respected family--the Cushings--but she and her sisters were considered pushy types who married for money and fame, and should not have been so anxious to be in the papers.)

And that is the difference between "socialites" and somebody like Marina Rust.

Remember that Marie Josee Kravis is married to Henry, who was--before he got respectability--the 80s king of the leveraged buyout. His NY home was parodied in Tom Wolfe's Bonfire of the Vanities. Marie Josee gave him some gravitas after his marriage to major social climber Carolyne Roehm.

[quote]They lack the family, breeding, education, and wealth normally associated with being a true socialite.

I think the concept of "breeding" went out with the arrival of the horseless carriage.

Does Susan Gutfreund count?

As a socialite, maybe, but not as well-bred or old family/money. She had taste but not class, and ultimately developed some substance but she's still an airline stewardess who married zillions.

The Hiltons are so tacky. look closely at this photo.

Here's another good one of Kathy Hilton featuring dog or baby gates.

The ultimate cage match between old money and new money was Alva Vanderbilt's 1883 costume ball. Caroline Astor, gatekeeper of "The 400," considered Alva a prostitution whore and trashed her at every turn. But when Alva retaliated by not inviting Caroline or her daughter to the ball—which it turned out everybody who was anybody was attending—Caroline quickly changed her tune.

It ended with me, bitches.

[quote]I think the concept of "breeding" went out with the arrival of the horseless carriage.

I didn't mean breeding as in bloodlines.

I meant breeding as in how one was reared which would define everything from what one found to be tasteful to comportment to manners and mannerisms.

I thought marina rust was married to a banker? Her property in virginia? Seems pretty palatial to me. She seems to live a very charmed life.

I check in on her instagram from time to time.

When did people start paying so much attention to socialites? It use to always be about movie stars and pop stars.

When did socialites develop fan bases? Their just rich people who live grand lives.

She is married to a banker, and has property in rural Virginia as well as Maine and I think a place in Florida. She has family money; her grandfather was Marshall Field.

It may not be Wrightsman or Kravis money, but it's plenty. She and her family live well and graciously.

Have you forgotten about ME, bitches?

I don't think of Olivia Palermo as a socialite. She's more of an "influencer," which is a pretty ridiculous thing to be but considered desirable in this modern world. And while I think she is quite pretty and has a handsome husband, there doesn't seem to be any major money there

"When did people start paying so much attention to socialites? It use to always be about movie stars and pop stars. "

Socialites used to be much bigger celebrities than they are now. In the 19th century they were the most famous-for-being-famous people of the century, their doings were reported in all the papers, much more so than the doings of actors and other performers. Even in the early and mid 20th century, when movie stars came into existence, the doings of socialites were still given lots of newspaper space, which declined as celebrities from the performing arts because bigger and bigger deals. Nowadays, of course, nobody gives a rat's ass about the socialites except a few old queens.

How can you talk about socialites when trans sex workers of color are being murdered in the thousands EACH AND EVERY DAY IN THIS COUNTRY!

The hatred on this site is unbearable. When did it get taken over by gay men? It's disgusting.

Olivia Palermo and her parents spent enormous amounts of time and energy trying to get Olivia accepted by the upstart socialites (Tinsley and her gang), without much success. They were quite aggressive and became the butt of jokes and gossip for a period of time. I think she landed quite well; she's admired for her tashion sense and she's got that gorgeous man. For now.

[QUOTE] How can you talk about socialites when trans sex workers of color are being murdered in the thousands EACH AND EVERY DAY IN THIS COUNTRY!

You forgot to add “you’re LITERALLY killing Trans WOC!!!”

Brittny Gastineau

Love the outfit next to her, too.

R147 - Thank you for posting pics of Trans Sex Workers.

[quote]Socialites used to be much bigger celebrities than they are now. In the 19th century they were the most famous-for-being-famous people of the century, their doings were reported in all the papers, much more so than the doings of actors and other performers. Even in the early and mid 20th century, when movie stars came into existence, the doings of socialites were still given lots of newspaper space, which declined as celebrities from the performing arts because bigger and bigger deals.

Doris Duke, Brenda Frazier, Barbara Hutton, and Gloria Vanderbilt were the Hilton/Kardashian girls of the 1930s.

Tinsley's downfall is kind of sad. From LSD's bridesmaid to Bravo. She really messed up. She had the right idea to brand herself, but with her connections she didn't have to be so tacky and aggressive with it.

Zsa Zsa Gabor was more of a celebrity socialite than a society socialite. Her $$$ came from hollywood and I guess her many divorce settlements. Even though she said she never took anything from her ex husbands.

But she was definitely more of a hollywood socialite.

I think Hollywood Socialite is an oxymoron.

R153 What do you mean. That's actually a thing incase you didn't know.

What's actually a thing? Hollywood socialites?

Yes! Apparently anyway.

Elizabeth von Thurn und taxis would be a modern day one, no? Jet set who’s only job is to go to fashion events. Had a ‘job’ at vogue that consisted of literally maybe 4 articles a year of either her friends weddings or travels she had done. Doesn’t have a job now as far as I can tell. Her mother is a ultra conservative catholic who is a total homophobe despite being a dyke and married to a flagrantly gay man who loved his Latino twinks. But he was a billionaire and their main residence is said to be larger than Buckingham palace.....

R145 all that — except she landed amazingly well. She seems to have all the advantages and none of the drawbacks of socialite, influencer, celebrity and top fashion editor all in one. There isn’t a single thing she isn’t on the top of anyone’s shortlist or wishlist for. She’s a fucking miracle of PR.

Her husband is prettier than her tbh

R159 she can either look beautiful or very hard and severe. She shouldn’t wear her hair tight back which she does often. Her features are very strong. And she definitely looks at least her age if not older. Her cheekbones, though.

Is he totally straight? I have my doubts.

And than there's Anna wintours favorite, kim kardashian!

[quote[but Estee's beginnings were humble enough...

True, they were humble enough that she was born "Estelle". How's that for humble!

^ Actually, "Esther." She got "Estée" from her childhood nickname, "Esty."

Lydia Hearst

I’m the one who commented Marina R isn’t wealthy enough. I should add wealthy enough to compete. I’m a big fan of hers: extremely beautiful with very good taste and a Democrat to boot. And smart enough to remove herself from the race. I think no one in the her crowd has a home in rural Virginia (well Mrs. Mellon but she’s SFU) and although indeed very grand, it probably costs the same as a 2 bedroom in the Hamptons.

Remember the Miller sisters, who got a lot of press for five minutes and then it was over, for some reason?

I think all the sisters married "well," meaning rich, and one or two of them might still be married. The father was--what? duty-free shops or something--and he pushed hard to get them married to the highest bidders.

One to the Former crown prince of Greece and the other to the hot son of Diane von furstenburg and her dead gay husband. But he second is divorced. Yes, their father is actually very rich and Marie Chantal is now a billionaire herself (through co managing her fathers investments). They tried to push her daughter into the media spotlight but she has been a big flop.

Isn't there a third sister?

Leo Lerman and Andy Warhol chronicled all these bitches back in their days. The one I loved (the picture of Vicomtesse Jacqueline de Ribes reminded me of her - they were pals) was Cappy Badrutt Hand. She was a friend of Joan Collins and the role model for Alexis Carrington on Dynasty - filthy rich, gorgeously dressed, and miserably unhappy. She started out as an underaged showgirl at the Florentine Gardens in WWII LA, got caught up in the rape trial of an Air Force officer, and ended up marrying a couple of rich guys, one of whom owned the Badrutt Palace in St. Moritz. She went a long way in a short time, unfortunately dying much too young.

Jacqueline de Ribes and Liz Taylor.

It seems to me that the requirements of some of you for being a proper socialite are a bit romantically restrictive. Many of the storied names of the beginning of the 20th century were at most second or third generation fortunes. The richest of them all, Marjorie Merriweather Post, was the daughter of a self-made man, as was her sister-in-law, a Woolworth heiress, and also one or two of her husbands. These fortunes, however new, were huge -- larger than the crowned heads of Europe. Not unlike the Bezos, Gates, and Zuckenbergs of today.

No doubt that they would have been considered arrivistes by the existing establishment of the time. So what? The new crew was much richer and could afford to build or buy whatever they wanted. And they gave their money and name to the institutions (museums, universities, clubs, libraries) that were necessary in an increasingly important nation. Then this new establishment could attempt to keep out the emerging generations if they were deemed inappropriate (i.e. Jews). Today, the home of the NY Philharmonic is named after a self-made Jewish man. Some years from now it may well be a Chinese, Russian, Spanish, or even Arabic name.

In the end, it's the number and not the age of the bucks that counts. Circle of life.

R26, Derek Blasberg is done. They realized he wasn't witty and couldn't write. I doubt that boyfriend will be sticking around much longer.

R168 yes, the eldest was married to a Getty heir: also divorced. All three married well. Papa milller made his original money in duty free- but much of it was sold to lvmh I believe. However, he has made as much, if not more through investments now and that’s how Marie Chantal is said to be a billionaire as she is part of that business while I don’t think her sisters are. But it’s all very shadowy and no one really knows the ins and outs of it.

R16 When a hoor's son like Don Draper can mingle with the Jet Set, you know it is on its way out.

No, we have that whore melanoma trump now

Zsa Zsa always said she was a great housekeeper. She got rid of the husbands, and kept the houses.

Peggy Guggenheim was divine.

All you need is money, dogs, and an Alexander Calder on the wall.

Elizabeth Taylor was a movie star. But she was definitely socialite adjacent. Her jewelry collection brought in over $115 million dollars at auction. She made her fortune from film perfume and some patent she owned and she could put actual socialites and society women to shame with her wealth lifestyle jewelry.

Not even Margaret the queens sister could compete with Taylor.

Don't ever look down on $$$ made in Hollywood or the power of celebrity status gives individuals to generate as much $$$ as they want. Just look at the kardashian/jenners.

Celebrity is very powerful!

Nan Kempner was considered a socialite but she was a shallow woman who reeked of cigarettes.

To me the new crop of "socialites" that most matches the old model are the younger people I see attending the smaller museum and educational charities, where it's less about money, less of a crowd and less attractive to people who just want to check off the associated boxes. The Apollo Ball at the Met < The Frick Collection < The Morgan Library < The American Friends of the Louvre. Niche is better because it's more self-selective, you have to actually know something about the organization you're nominally supporting and it's easier to take a creative role on a committee. I also think these people are less concerned with lineage and more with manners and style.

No mention of Deeda Blair and her gravity-defying helmet hairdos?

Save Venice Ball has gained traction over the years. Has the same vibe the Met Ball had before it before it turned into a Kardashian/influencer shit show.

Deeda Blair is fantastic- great style and taste.

Becca Cason Thrash is dismayed you haven't mentioned her.

Lisa Dean Mosley! She's the socialite from that Dominick Dunne show who allegedly had her husband pay some low lifes to murder her son's lover in a sleazy las Vegas motel.

She lived in Delaware in a huge mansion I believe is for sale now. She's also a du Pont. She died in april 2016 though at age 87. I've always been fascinated by lisa. But she lived most of her life as a recluse on her estate in greenville delaware, living off of her $25 million dollar inheritence. Her cut of the du pont family fortune.

Anne slater was also friends with her. She too is dead also.

[quote]Becca Cason Thrash is dismayed you haven't mentioned her.

Thanks for the link, r187. Becca sounds fun but exhausting.

Marisa Berenson

Jackie Kennedy/Onassis... her style was much envied.

Rachel Bunny Mellon! She was another interesting woman.

Patricia Altschul, she's another socialite who lives pretty well. And walked away with hundreds of millions of dollars after her banker art collector husband died. She's also on that tacky Bravo reality show southern charm.

Don't forget the incomparable Gunilla von Bismarck.

The ravishing Gunilla.

San Franciscans, Lia's back . . .

And then there's Princess Lia of Romania, (formerly LIA BELLI of San Francisco) whom I had the surreal experience of meeting for lunch at the French Market Place (!)--(fund-raising in LA for her Senate (?) run). I was invited by her male secretary-- I was having a brief affair with-Lia was an ultra snotty bitch, supremely pretentious, and conveniently forgot her bag so the underlings had to scramble for the tab.

Much more satisfying was meeting "Rico", Barbara Hutton's hairdresser--so many stories! Apparently she treated him, in particular, very well, showering him with very expensive gifts . . . he had only great things to say about her. Fabulous memories of his endowment & love-making--everyone should experience the same at least once :)

Athina Onassis

So what am I?

Chopped Liver?

Have you seen my classy new tits?

Here's another picture of me and my Klassy new titties.

Can you find anyone rich to fix me up with?

I'm single, if you can believe it, and I love to flirt!

My daughters friends love to hang out with me - they say I look as young as they do!

Everyone tells me I look younger than my daughter...

Her name is...um....Aviary...or something like that - I don't know, don't ask me.

I was unconscious when she was born.

I'm not good with all those names

Anyway...some tits, huh?

London, Paris, Geneva, Amsterdam, Vienna, Madrid, (Hamburg and Munich a little bit), Beirut still have socialites.

New York High Society did fall apart, however.

Athina Onassis is not a socialite - she leads a very private life that revolves around horses, as she spends most of her time show jumping.

A certain type of wealthy girl chooses horses over being a socialite: Bloomberg's daughter, Bill Gate's daughter, even Bruce Springsteen's daughter are all accomplished equestrians.

Samantha Boardman went to medical school and has a very successful (high end) psychiatry practice in Manhattan - hardly the life of a "socialite".

Kris Jenner may not be a society woman in the NYC scenes. But she's definitely an LA socialite. She lives that lifestyle she has the $$$. She has the homes she flies privately, and she has an entire team of people on her payroll who earn their living catering to her every whim.

Don't forget, she was a Beverly hills housewife back in the 80s before she became a business manager to her family. So she definitely fits that socialite stereotype.

I don't believe Kris Jenner has ever lived in Beverly Hills.

Dull people, one and all, whose conversation by all accounts revolves endlessly about who they saw at the last charity ball, what they will be wearing for the next one, and where they should travel to next, after they return from their little vacation home in Monaco and their flat in London. And of course gossip. Their lives seem exhausting, yet vapid. Once upon a time I think they befriended novelists and poets, musicians and dancers, theater people, fashion designers and architects to enliven their parties, and acted as patrons to the arts, but I think that went out in the Great Depression.

R204 that’s not a socialite. She has a job; managing (whoring out) her daughters. She simply makes a lot of money doing a job. A socialite traditionally doesn’t have a ‘job’, but has lots of money through either (and this makes a top tier one) inheriting it, or marrying it. They then just sit on charity boards and attend ‘society’ events like fundraisers, balls etc. they must have several homes and entertain in them also.

Add me to the Ann Slater fan club! I met her at a few social occasions through the years - what a doll. Always impeccably turned out, always smiling and charming, and always with her signature blue glasses. She literally knew everyone in NY society over the last 60 years — and in her latter years wasn’t shy about spilling some tea either.

I loved that video of Gloria Vanderbilt! Amazing, after 90 years of trying to run away from being known as “the heiress”, her speech betrays her. The accent, the cadence, the word choices - beautiful to listen to.

Contrary to what some have posted, there are still some very old money families, even pre-Revolutionary, still around. True, they don’t have the vast fortunes anymore, but they’re still here. They’re not running society, but you’ll still find them volunteering at the hospitals, in the DAR and like groups, organizing fund raisers for their pet causes, etc., but all low key, quietly.

Curious if there are any professional walkers left? Is that even a thing anymore?

Also, wondering if any other DL’ers were escorts to any of the debutant balls? I was in the mid to late 80s - it was kind of the thing you did if asked. I thought they were fun, and on occasion I will google some I remember to see how their lives turned out.

Madame Jean Serpieri sits in the ballroom of the Tour La Reine near Athens, wearing a gown which belonged to the wife of Otto, the first king of modern Greece. Slim Aarons, 1961.

Daisy Suckley at Wilderstein, the house where she was born and lived for nearly one hundred years.

What about Marisa Berenson?

R207 I get what your saying. But Kris has always been regarded as an LA socialite. In the 21st century the word "socialite" has broad meaning.

That coming from a proper background and and so called breeding and pedigree is out the window. I see so many people labeled as socialite nowadays its crazy. Now all you seem to need is long $$$ and an exciting lifestyle, boom! Your a socialite. Along with a beautiful instagram account that resembles slim aaron's photos and the media labeles you a socialite.

No one gives about high society anymore. It's all about $$$ and having an interesting lifestyle and making sure your instagram account reflects that.

Marisa Berenson was a Jetsetter. Famous family, then model then actress. There was some overlap with socialite but it wasn't the same thing. Her life has been bigger than a socialite, more modern. Of course she was and is invited everywhere but she herself makes nothing social happen and has no fortune or great philanthropic works.

Her only role in life is to be decorative, and she does it very well.

Thank you, r213.

R212 Los Angeles has never been fertile ground for socialites. The Chandlers (LA Times) and Dohenys and some old, quiet money in Hancock Park were about it and they never, ever socialized with the [italic]arrivistes[/italic] let alone the Jews or for that matter, even the Christians in the movie business. A lot of wealthy Easterners founded and populated Pasadena 140 years or so ago, but "socialites"? Hardly.

What passes for a social power structure in other US cities didn't exist in LA. Or as Ethel Barrymore said in the 1930's "Society in Los Angeles is anyone with a high-school diploma."

216 posts and not one of me? I am a TRUE socialite!

None of you bitches even mention Somers Farkas? WTF?

Nan Kempner was my favorite socialite. Seemed so glamorous and the museum show featuring her wardrobe was amazing. Always had a Sunday night spaghetti dinner.

How on earth did this thread get grayed out? Are socialites that offensive?

CZ Guest seemed really interesting in her day.

R220 I don't know why this thread is greyed out? Socialites and classic movie stars are topics DL has historically enjoyed talking about.

R220, change your settings to asbestos eyeballs.

Are there any socialist socialites out there?

Maybe Caroline Kennedy R223.

Lee Radziwill was the socialist socialite who ever Socialited.

She had lots of fun with it too.

huh?

What about me? Countess Helen Fioratti!

R223

Dunno about Socialist socialites, but Countess Dorothy DiFrasso was a Fascist socialite

How could you have forgotten me, bitches? I am distraught. So short a time on this lovely earth, and I was lovely, too.

Modern day socialites work. Aerin Lauder and Tori Burch are two I can think of. Crown princess Marie-Chantal of Greece.

Molly Wilmot was a true socialite. When a freighter crashed through her Palm Beach seawall and landed on her pool veranda, she sent the butler out with finger sandwiches and caviar for the crew.

R231 You beat me to it. She crossed my mind a few nights ago. I meant to post about her on this thread, but never got around to actually doing it.

I believe Disney was going to produce a movie based on what happened on her palm beach property, but it ended up falling through. That would've been an interesting movie.

At the time of molly's wilmots death she was worth $150 million dollars so she definitely had the money.

Would someone from the Revelle family qualify?

R2, I'm rescuing mini horses on a farm in upstate NY. We're on FB.

Thank you, btw

Dorothy Day was a middle class catholic who became a very important social justice worker. She knew all the catholic rich ladies and took money from them, but was not a socialite herself.

Would Dina Merrill and Lauren Bacall qualify as socialites? They both had the glamour and Dina the family credentials. But I don't know if an actress can really count in regards to what the OP is discussing.

Actresses work for their own money. But a lot of them are still friends with actual socialites and travel in the same circles and attend the same parties.

All celebrities are pretty much socialites if you really think about it.

Betsy Bloomingdale was one but she said in an interview that her granddaughters had influenced her to become more casual. She used to wear French couture, but had started to wear things like DvF wraps. She also said that "nobody entertains anymore" and that none of her children or grandchildren wanted her (exquisite) china, crystal or silver that she had collected during her lifetime. And it all was sold on auction after she died.

I think it's a shame that the tradition with elegant entertainment in the home is disappearing, even among socialites who have the time and money and staff to organise dinners.

Laura and Harry Slatkin (the scented candles people) seem to have a socialite style lifestyle, but they both work a lot and they don't seem to have the power (or perhaps intrerest) to mingle with the super elite. Their table settings are always super elegant though and I always drool over them on Instagram.

We need a new Gayfryd Steinberg or Susan Gutfreund!

"We need a new Gayfryd Steinberg or Susan Gutfreund!"

We have and will continue to have women like those two as long as hopeful hookers keep getting of the busses that bring to the Port Authority terminal.

"Socialites" used to mean coming from society so born into it, not attempting to crash it. Money and taste are part of the package, but so is lineage.

More power to the working gals who rise to the top of the greasy pole or poles on their knees. I mean, someone like Jerry Hall is a great mom and a wonderful woman by all accounts, but she doesn't credit her success to her background. She's honest enough to credit her oral skills and to be able to laugh about it.

Gayfryd and Susan worked very hard on their backs and on their knees to get where they are today.

And they were so entertaining to read about in the 80’s!

The 80's were something else in a few cities. I went to one party where hundreds of thousands had been spent on just the Robert Isabell flowers. (The late great.) Well, every single bloom was double the size I had ever seen, and perfect. Perfectly stage of blooming, perfect color, perfect arrangement. It was decadent in expense but not vulgar in execution.

More gossip about the party and Robert Isabell please, r242!

Isabell was a very good friend of Bunny Mellon and left his estate to her when he died in 2009. She buried him at the church they build and where their family is buried.

Any gossip on Deeda Blair?

I can't remember the exact reason for the party. It was a semi-private but deeply strategic social climbing affair at the NYPL (I believe it was a rental but also somehow a Library affair? murky) and it was not Literary Lions and it was in the then newly restored Celeste Bartos Forum. Very A-list and very little publicity and almost no photographers. I will have to rack my brain. I probably went to 100 events designed by him and they were all impeccable although the clients could be revolting of course. I don't have gossip about him personally. His perfumes were good - designed with the new tech at Givaudan. Not successful though. There are a number of articles about him online if you want to read up. A book about Bunny Mellon's gardens came out last fall.

We live in a post-socialite society.

r245: the parties back them sound like something else, it must be fascinating to have experienced them.

I got the book with Bunny Mellon's gardens last christmas. I also bought the biography of her. Interesting life, excellent taste of course, but she did not seem like a nice person at all and none of her own kids, her stepkids or grandkids seemed to like her.

Nan Kempner was a hoot and a half. She was not a snob at all, talked and joked with everyone.

People are so desperate to be called socialites these days, that in some people's instagram bios they will slash their occupations and include that one of them as being a socialite.

If you have to say it than your definitely not one. These social media influencers are delusional to the core.

What about Bill Gates' children? How old are they now?

Bump

The asnswer is : no.

Socialites were intended to be ornamental and not too serious about anything other than their couture fittings, plastic surgery, jewelry and table settings. If they had a cause, it was only to be able to chair a gala. There are probably people who still qualify, but dear god, why would you want to?

I'd definitely take it. Why not? The hefty bank account the jet set lifestyle the parties the shopping the help that caters to your every want and need the press coverage along with powerful influential friendships as well as having a powerful wealthy husband.

But only more of a fun celebrity socialite than some traditional society lady.

Speaking of true socialites. Lee Radziwill has officially been gone for one year today.

Just thought I'd bring this thread back to life.