Anyone Who's Anyone

by George Wayne

  DL:

  Maybe, because in Hollywood they are either at your throat or at your feet. It’s the name of the game; it’s nothing personal. It’s a very cynical business, but I’d like to try and do it a little more on my own terms.

  GW:

  Are there any nude photos of Dolph floating around?

  DL:

  Aaahm . . . no.

  GW:

  Oh come on! You’ve never posed nude?

  DL:

  I’ve never seen them. I’ve never done frontal nudity, but I did a photo with Skrebneski . . .

  GW:

  Frontal?

  DL:

  No, sorry.

  GW:

  Remember that time when I groped you backstage at a concert? This was donkey years ago!

  DL:

  You did? Oh shit! I don’t know, maybe I’d had too many drinks.

  GW:

  You didn’t seem to mind.

  DL:

  Yeah?

  GW:

  Which of his assets is Dolph the most proud of?

  DL:

  That’s a good question. I’m trying to be kinder to myself, to look more positively. Let’s see . . . persistence. If I want to get somewhere, I get there.

  DENNIS BASSO

  MAY 2004

  You all ought to know by now that GW marches to the beat of his own drum. And I would like to believe that trait is shared, too, with the indomitable Dennis Basso. When fashion-folk snobs tried to marginalize his genius as a mere furrier to a few famous stars, he dug deep and stuck to his ultimate ambition, which was to be a recognized and revered and influential American designer of fashion. Now, twelve years after this initial interview, Dennis Basso is a bona fide American fashion star.

  With his signature basso profundo (a voice to rival that of Harvey Fierstein) and wit and charm and unmatched generosity to match his ample girth—GW certainly regards DB as a friend and an inspiration. This interview was conducted at his eponymous boutique on Madison Avenue in New York City. It was the most fun and refreshing way to spend an afternoon. As the interview was over and I made my way to stroll down the street to the nearest subway, the designer stopped me in my tracks and insisted that I not leave without one of his latest designer accessories. “These just came in, and you are not leaving here without one,” he insisted. I demurred, but Dennis Basso would have none of it. And so shockingly shameless as it would seem, I peered into the rather large gift-wrapped shopping bag, pondering what the hell this could be. As it turned out, it was a rather large tote bag made of the finest mink. I initially refused, and yes, ultimately accepted his gift.

  As it turned out, that Dennis Basso mink tote was the perfect fashion accessory a mere two days later as yours truly swished on to an Aeroflot flight and a first-class seat bound for Moscow, Russia, and their 2004 Moscow Fashion Week. I always tell Dennis, seeing each other on the town over the following years, that I regard that wonderful gift as my lucky charm. “It brought me luck in Moscow,” I would always tell him, “and the best sex I have ever had in my life!”

  I have always been fascinated by Russia, ever since my first visit in 1993. GW was flown to Russia, after the wall of communism crumbled, alongside the likes of Martha Stewart, Fern Mallis, André Balazs, and a few other influential New Yorkers to celebrate the opening of the first Western-styled nightclub in Moscow. That was an unforgettable trip. So of course I was very excited to be visiting Russia again all those many years later. I packed my Prada luggage for what was to be a visit from April 2 to April 11, 2004, for the Moscow Fashion Week at the Tsereteli Art Gallery in that city where sixty designers from Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine were stagging their collections. I ended up staying in Moscow for three months, even rented an apartment. I met and ended up having the most incredible love affair with a famous Russian sports superstar with whom I had the most amazing sex, and which to this day I have not been able to equal with any other being on this planet. And that fur bag was the reason we met in the first place.

  Most of you may have heard of the legendary Russian figure of lore, Rasputin, the man history refers to as Russia’s greatest love machine. Looking back, I would like to think that I was “Rastaputin”—the Jamaican version. The sex with this gorgeous Russian jock blessed with the most gorgeous pink cock was so special that I rented an apartment from this local babushka who happened to be a longtime pianist for the Bolshoi Ballet and who lived steps away from the Kremlin. I would spend my days at Condé Nast on Bolshaya Dmitrovka and in further discovering this amazing city, from the Old Arbat to my favorite Moscow street, the Pereulok Sivtsev Vrazhek, and then going out every night to the chicest, most fabulous clubs and restaurants, gorging on caviar and the purest Russian vodka, and window-shopping along the Stoleshnikov lined with Burberry, Vuitton, Hermès, and Jimmy Choo. And then waking up most mornings next to this stunning Russian jock and glancing out the window to see the famous Kremlin, a ruble’s throw away from my rented apartment on Gazetny Lane.

  It is still to this day the most amazing three months I have ever spent anywhere in the world! Suffice it to say that I spent enough time in Moscow to be versed in Kremlinology and the ways of the siloviki [officials from the Russian military and security forces]. And with the way the despot Vladimir Putin has been acting these days, I am very happy that I experienced that moment then and not now.

  I doubt the Moscow of 2017 is a city I truly feel the need to visit or would feel free in. So my memory of it will be forever intertwined with this interview. Elizabeth Taylor, one of the many famous and iconic clients of Dennis Basso, always used to say that white diamonds brought her luck. I always like to tell my friends that it was that Dennis Basso mink tote that brought me the best sex I have ever had in my life!

  GW:

  Rumor has it that you are going to be Liza’s next husband—which would be absolutely queenious!

  DB:

  I don’t know if I’m going to be Liza’s next husband. I think she already has something lined up. But her separation will bring us a little closer together. She is a wonderful girl, very intelligent, and a fabulous entertainer. And I am very happy that she is a part of my life.

  GW:

  I don’t know if you or Harvey Fierstein has more of that “gravel” to your voice. Is it naturally unnatural? Or is it a result of the constant stretching of your vocal cords?

  DB:

  I’ve always had this voice. It is just as much a part of me as the way I walk, my mannerisms, my style. This is really my voice. Maybe it is because I talk a lot, and I like to give a lot of opinions, but I have always had this deep voice.

  GW:

  Where in the Jersey boondocks were you born, Dennis Basso?

  DB:

  I grew up in Morris County, somewhat of a privileged child. I was an only child, a little spoiled, but well mannered. I had the most wonderful, incredible mother, and to this day I think of my parents every single day. They were just great to me, and I think part of who I am today, and the success that I have been lucky enough to achieve, really has to do with what they taught me. They really gave me an unbelievable value system.

  GW:

  And you have always loved glamor.

  DB:

  I love glamor. I was always interested in being in the theater or being a designer. I remember my parents going out and the parties at my house. Watching my mother and her friends all dressed up, the smell of perfume, the sound of their high heels on the wood floor—that was unbelievable. I was very mature as a young child.

  GW:

  Did you study fashion in college?

  DB:

  Yes, I studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology. But becoming a fur designer was purely by accident. I had worked for several houses on Seventh Avenue as a design assistant and was looking for a new job. I found one with a furrier. And I fell in love, it was so glamorous being around such a high-priced product. So I went in there, and I designed the collection, which was a big success. And several
years into it, I went off on my own, in 1983. I took a little showroom and did a big fashion show at the Regency Hotel—the very next day Ivana Trump came in and bought seven coats. I’ve swathed them all—from Barbara Walters to Diana Ross.

  GW:

  But does one really need a degree in fashion to be a fur designer, when all it requires is draping some dead muskrat over some hag calling herself a socialite?

  DB:

  I feel that I design a collection. Many of the old-time fur designers or fur companies would think a mink coat should only look a certain way, but we’re incorporating ready-to-wear. Ultimately, I will probably have a complete evening-wear collection because, you know, I love the night. I love the evening.

  GW:

  And your charm, personality, and wit all add to the equation.

  DB:

  Thank you. I am trying to have a good time. I’m from the school of the glass is half full.

  GW:

  And the hair?

  DB:

  The hair is natural. I call it couture silver.

  GW:

  And what is considered the most luxurious animal one could possibly wear?

  DB:

  To wrap yourself in the finest Russian sable is so gorgeous and so luxe—$150,000 and you are ready to go.

  GW:

  And your statement to PETA would be?

  DB:

  We live in America, and that is why we are here, because it is the greatest country in the world. They have their feelings and mission, and we have ours. We are not hurting anyone—we’re working in one of the finest professions in the world. Our industry has been very supportive of numerous charities, and we should be commended for it.

  IVANKA TRUMP

  JUNE 2008

  GW is so proud of Ivanka Trump! And despite all the naysayers—that fact is undisputable.

  I have known Ivanka since she was a tween cavorting in her mother’s closet, traipsing, or rather stumbling, around in Ivana’s Manolo Blahniks, her lips pasted with her mum’s expensive red lipstick. Who could have imagined that Ivanka would have evolved into a truly classic, incredible wife, mother, and now, even beyond her wildest dreams, First Daughter of the United States!—having been uniquely integral to the core coterie that helped her father become elected as forty-fifth president of the United States. One can only hope that Ivanka will truly evolve to be one of the core confidantes that will keep POTUS 45 grounded. We remain optimistic that Ivanka especially will be able to calm POTUS 45 at the moments when he seems to be morphing into a grotesque ogre of a Gila monster—worse than the Loch Ness! We hope Ivanka will one day succeed. And that’s no covfefe, honey bunny.

  When we did this interview, in Ivanka’s office at the eponymous Trump Tower in 2008, ’Vanka (as she is affectionately known in these parts) swanned down to the lobby to personally greet GW. Just the sight of this alpha fox peering down at me in her toe-cleavage Stuart Weitzman stiletto heels was enough to make me go butterfly weak. And looking back, I also feel even more proud that I insisted, after their initial breakup, that she reconcile with the man who would become her husband and the perfect father to her ever-growing brood.

  IT:

  I was thinking as I was waiting how I have known you since I was fourteen.

  GW:

  And I was thinking how proud I am of your effortless segue into the cultural zeitgeist. I just hope you are not spreading yourself too thin, ’Vanka. You seem to be juggling many different projects.

  IT:

  No, I don’t think I am spreading myself too thin. I make a cognitive effort to turn down those things that don’t really excite me. Real estate is my main focus, and I’m loving it. Forbes just wrote that I am the youngest director on a publicly traded company in America. And I also do my jewelry, but that is a small business relative to the real estate.

  GW:

  And you also design the uniforms for your hotel staff.

  IT:

  Well, that is because I am literally involved with every detail of my hotel operations. I am trying to set a tone for the brand, so you really want to create a feeling. I am designing them because I know what I want a doorman at a five-star hotel to look like. I also do the interiors for all our hotels. Everything. Right down to picking out the china. The flat-screens.

  GW:

  What is your official title here in the Trump Kingdom?

  IT:

  I am vice president of development and acquisitions for the Trump Organization. I am president of Ivanka Trump Jewelry. And I am on the board of directors of Trump Entertainment Resorts.

  GW:

  I am so impressed by the way you have come into your own, ’Vanka!

  IT:

  I have always known I wanted to follow in my father’s footsteps, but you never know until you actually do it if you are going to be any good. I now have that level of comfort where I know that I am good at what I do and that I can really enjoy it.

  GW:

  Are you creating the rings for your mum’s wedding this April?

  IT:

  That’s a good question. I did design the engagement rings, but she hasn’t asked.

  GW:

  Tell me about your daily morning ritual. What’s the first thing you do when you get up?

  IT:

  The first thing I do when I get up is to read the New York Post.

  GW:

  What about your morning beauty rituals?

  IT:

  Lately I’ve been using La Mer. I do have hundreds of bath products, and I really don’t wear too much makeup. My bathtub is teeming with washes and scrubs.

  GW:

  ’Tis a pity it was not to be a double wedding at Mar-a-Lago.

  IT:

  I have enough on my plate, my God.

  GW:

  If there is one vice, what would it be?

  IT:

  I love to live in a free, casual way. I think big picture, but I sometimes get too obsessed with minor details, and I always have to remind myself not to. But I think part of the beauty of being twenty-six is still trying to figure out what life is all about. It is certainly not about drugs or alcohol, but there are a few personality flaws that I am looking into.

  GW:

  You’re so perfect, ’Vanka! Do you ever feel that you constantly try to measure up to your incredible mother and, of course, your larger-than-life father? I would be scared shitless to have “The Donald” as my dad.

  IT:

  No. If I were to use my parents as any sort of measuring tool I would be in for a very bitter and hard and long road.

  GW:

  Tell me the three warning signs any apprentice ought to know on “how to spot a frenemy.”

  IT:

  One is: Never allow yourself to be used. Make sure not to surround yourself with people whose only interest is what you can do for them. Be generous with your friends but not in a way where they are living off of you. Another sign to watch for is insincerity. Watch the way they react and treat you, and then watch the way they react and treat people they probably consider not as important as you. Duplicity is a key sign of the frenemy.

  GW:

  ’Vanka, “the Force” is with you!

  CARRIE DONOVAN

  AUGUST 1998

  Let’s face a few simple facts, the likes of Vanessa Friedman can’t hold a candle to the New York Times Styles legend Carrie Donovan who was the indomitable doyenne of fashion critics for more than forty years.

  Carrie was the queen of fashion critics and hence one of the world’s most influential fashion journalists for decades. Yes, Carrie was from an era when the fashion critic really mattered. Yes, she was from before the era when social media ambushed and continues to rampage the fashion zeitgeist of the twenty-first century. And yes, she was from a generation where everyone seemed to be, and still is, a fashion critic or influencer, as they liked to call themselves. So Vanessa is no Carrie, but then again neither was Cathy Horyn. When it comes to famous fashion critics ou
t of the New York Times there remains only one legend—Carrie Donovan. The fashion doyenne had just been cast to star in the TV commercials for Old Navy back in 1998 when we sat to speak. I especially relished her Diana Vreeland musings. . . .

  GW:

  Those Old Navy people now look very smart for casting you in their commercials, Carrie. Did you ever think when you were front row at the Carrousel du Louvre oohing and aahing at the latest Chanel fashion show that you would become a TV star?

  CD:

  Never! But, my dear, back then there was no Old Navy. The thing that I do love most is that the commercials seem to give people pleasure. They stop me on the street, and they will say, “Are you the lady in the Old Navy commercials?” The delivery boy from the Food Emporium doubles over in laughter at the idea of me trying to do the hula.

  GW:

  How do you prepare for those rigorous shoots, Carrie?

  CD:

  I don’t. But I’m exhausted when I’m done. I don’t leave bed for two days after those shoots.

  GW:

  Carrie Donovan is seventy-something but far from geriatric!

  CD:

  Not seventy-something! I’m seventy! Mrs. Vreeland used to say the thing that made her maddest was the stories that referred to her as being in her seventies. “I’m not in my seventies, I am sixty-nine!” Which she was.