NYT: Poolside Gossip Reunion

You may have noticed a little something in the New York Times today. And by little, I mean epic. Welcome, NYT readers!

I’ve always said it was my life goal to live in a Slim Aarons photo — I just can’t believe it actually happened. Yes, that’s me in the top photo above, serendipitously strolling by the pool, photographed by Fred Baby.

That desire was in no small part due to Helen Dzo Dzo Kaptur (left, in white) and Nelda Linsk (right, in yellow) and the spirit and lifestyle that they embodied in Poolside Gossip. The original photo was taken 45 years ago by Slim Aarons, nearly to the day.

While I look forward to sharing much more of this story and the unbelievable honor it was for Fred Baby and me to be invited by Modernism Week to photograph the reunion of these icons at the Kaufmann House on the 45^th anniversary of the legendary Slim Aarons photo Poolside Gossip, I’m so overwhelmed with gratitude and recent developments that I’ve been rendered speechless. Which, from a writer, is saying a lot.

But I look forward to sharing more soon.

In the meantime, I invite you to sign up for our list to be the first to hear more about this historic day:

You can follow us on Instagram here:

@kellygolightly

@fredbaby13

You can also see a few more photos from that day here.

Until then, toasting and sending love and gratitude to Slim and these inspiring ladies, hugs to Helen’s family and friends, and enormous thanks to Chris Mobley and Gary Johns. And a very happy 9^th anniversary to Fred Baby, with whom none of this would be possible or nearly as much fun.

Photos 1,3,4 by Fred Moser | Photo 2 by Slim Aarons | Photo 5 by Kelly Lee

*If you are an editor or outlet who would like to know more, please contact me at kelly@kellygolightly.com.

18 Comments

Kate on February 19, 2015 at 1:53 am

I’m so glad you got to be a part of that!! WOW!!

Kelly on February 19, 2015 at 11:56 am

Thank you so much! I am still pinching myself.
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proseccointhepark on February 19, 2015 at 5:48 am

Oh my goodness this is amazing! What a wonderful opportunity, I imagine I’d be speechless too.

prosecco in the park

Kelly on February 19, 2015 at 11:57 am

It’s truly a dream come true. Thanks for your support!
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Jeanee @ Finely Crafted on February 19, 2015 at 8:24 am

What an amazing idea! New goal for myself: cultivate enough bravery to be as chic as these women.

Kelly on February 19, 2015 at 11:58 am

These women are the epitome of chic and I always looked to them as style icons, wanting the life they had. I still can’t believe I was lucky to meet them and have this extraordinary opportunity.
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kelli on February 19, 2015 at 11:47 am

What an amazing day. Congrats, Kelly!

Kelly on February 19, 2015 at 11:59 am

Thank you, Kelli! It was one of the biggest highlights and honors of my life.
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Julissa on February 19, 2015 at 12:32 pm

amazing! but didn’t one of the ladies pass away recently??

Dee Murphy | Murphy Deesign on February 19, 2015 at 2:21 pm

SO so happy for you Kelly… what an amazing experience… and the NYT… EEK!

annettevartanian on February 19, 2015 at 2:31 pm

So happy for you lady! This is SO amazing. Congrats! xx

Heather on February 19, 2015 at 6:50 pm

What a fun opportunity Kelly! Looks amazing as always 🙂

Jenny on February 19, 2015 at 7:02 pm

So thrilled for you! How absolutely wonderful! xx

Aline on February 20, 2015 at 1:17 am

Congratulations Kelly! I am so glad for you and your husband, it is a fantastic opportunity and you truly deserve it.
I have been reading your blog for a few months now (and following you on Instagram), but never commented. I instantly fell in love with the old school glamorous lifestyle you are cultivating. Your blog feels so fresh and has a distinctive style!

Keep up the good work!

Aline (from Switzerland… I saw you visited Morges this past summer!)

Dawn Collings on December 19, 2018 at 6:48 am

Having a younger woman in the photo diminishes the importance on the original 2 ladies in the photo and disrespect to the original woman in the white hat. Shame.

Kelly on December 20, 2018 at 12:18 pm

Interesting perspective, but isn’t that ageist?
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Stacey on June 20, 2020 at 10:17 am

I’M rendered speechless!!! What an honor and would be my dream come true! I have a little knot in my throat

Pax on October 29, 2020 at 12:03 pm

I love that photo, but look upon it as poking fun at the shallow lives these women led. There is nothing “inspiring” about them – they simply married rich men, and lived a life of luxury and conspicuous consumption.