a LIFE of STYLE

Who could have predicted the sad chain of events that unfolded this  last full week of June 2009.   The terrible cliche of celebrity deaths in three rang true - first with that of famous side kick Ed Mcmahon, dead at 86.   ED MCMAHON & JOHNNY CARSON ON THE TONIGHT SHOWThis gentle giant was as famous for his voice that a generation grew up hearing nightly say - "Heeeeeeeere's Johnny"  as he introduced Johnny Carson on the tonight show.   Later still he was the host of Star Search - another right of passage for the youth of my generation.  ED MCMAHON ON STAR SEARCH Long before contestants risked getting ripped apart by Simon Cowell on American Idol, young hopefuls would hold their breath to see if they got "One Star", "Two Stars", or wait for it ..... "Three Stars".   Maybe it was a kinder, gentler time.  

Then on Thursday the sad ,sad news.   FARRAH FAWCETT - HER SIGNATURE STYLEFarrah Fawcett lost her battle with anal cancer and died at the age of 62.   No other female entertainer had more influence over the hair and style of young women around the world.   From Jamaica to Japan Farrah seduced the world in the late 70's with her famous feathered hair and all American looks.   In just one season on the Aaron Spelling hit show "Charlie's Angels" Farrah was catapulted to fame and infamy as the bleach blond sexpot of the crime fighting female trio.   Then there was that poster!   The biggest selling pin up poster of all time.   Long before Pam Anderson made a one-piece sizzle on Baywatch - Farrah was able to defy the boundaries of two dimensional print with her natural assets that drove adolescent boys crazy - and their dads too!   Marrying Lee Majors aka "The 6 Million dollar Man" cemented her place in tabloid heaven - for this was the first of several rocky relationships.  FARRAH FAWCETT - THE INFAMOUS POSTER

Farrah's battle with cancer was able to shine a spotlight on Anal Cancer that is one of the least studied or publicized forms of the deadly disease.   The TV special "Farrah's Story" that chronicled her fight was really a love note to this Angel.   It was her personality that was always fun, light hearted, and playful that really came through and was present until the end.   The special was surrounded by controversy.   The battle being between Farrah's circle of dubious friends and loved ones and the producer of the program- who really don't deserve any more media spotlight.   What struck me the most was one line during the special.   Near the end of the two hour show, Farrah's voice over was giving some final thoughts on her fight and her hope for a cure.  After a silent pause she said - "More importantly, HOW ARE YOU?".    It was a line so ordinary, but delivered in Farrah's trademark innocent manner.  It hit me like a ton of bricks.   While some say it was done on purpose for effect - I don't believe it.   I think it was signature Farrah.   I'm mourning her loss.    She wasn't Mother Teresa - but she made me feel good any time I saw her on TV - and how many people in life can you say that about?  

Later the same day - Thursday June 25th we learned Michael Jackson went into cardiac arrest and died at just 50 years old.  Nothing I can say can begin to explain the dysfunctional abyss that was the reality of Michael Jackson's life - his unmatchable talent and the influence his ever changing and overly effected style had on millions and millions of people the world over will never be duplicated.MICHAEL JACKSON - CIRCA 2005

From his sequined glove, to thick white socks with black loafers Michael Jackson stunned the world with his fashion choices.   While most details were so over the top they looked more like parody even when worn as an honest tribute - the studded leather jackets, the side cocked hat,and the short pants.  Michael was working the shrunken suit look long before Thom Browne influenced the Menswear industry.  I wonder if  Mr. Browne was a fan on MJ growing up?  Fan or not - exposure to Michael's look was unavoidable.   Jackson changed the world of music and video with his groundbreaking performances.   There will never be excitement surrounding videos like that of Thriller or Beat It, or Bad - ever again.MICHAEL JACKSON - BADMICHAEL JACKSON PERFORMS IN SIGNATURE SHORT PANTS

What a sad week.   We lost an angel and peter pan and the man who told us weekly to "reach for the stars".  Maybe on the way into the pearly gates, Michael and Farrah had Ed to give them a proper introduction.