What I Wore: An Olde to Peter Max

Sometimes collecting has a moment in real time.

I’m heading to the DIVA exhibit at the Denver Art Museum, and I brought out something I’ve never worn: a bag from 1969 along with a Brooks LTD dress design.

The backstory

In 1969 I lived down the hall from Peter Max’s CMO, and he was incredibly generous with promotional gifts. This limited edition bag was a keeper. It came filled with psychedelic printed tights, and somehow a silk scarf found its way to me too. I’ve cherished it ever since, but never carried it. Until now. I couldn’t think of a better place to finally wear it than a celebration of DIVA.

The magazine I saved

I was enthralled with Peter Max the artist, so I also kept a copy of Life magazine from that year, intuitively I knew it would be worth something someday. Scroll down to 1969 in his bio  or here and you’ll see the very same issue.

Letting go and going with the flow

While reading his memoirs, one line stopped me:

“…Swami Satchidananda, the renowned Yoga master, who taught me the art of letting go and being in the flow.” Peter Max

I can relate. COVID, and the teachings of a master draper and designer, changed my direction too. It’s funny how one chapter flows into the next. I’m grateful for the yoga in my life as well.

Some things never change. What I wore.

Thank you for the memories, Peter Max. What I wore and I’m happy to channel them at the Denver Art Museum’s DIVA exhibit, on view through January 2027.  Thank you to Karla Raines for being my date for the evening you look fabulous in my one-of-a-kind bejeweled neckline Japanese coat.

Up close at DIVA

I was enthralled by this exhibit. Instead of snapping dozens of photos, I picked a few favorites to share with you.

Carmen Miranda’s fruit-and-flowers showstopper at DIVA.

Mannequin in a pink-and-white striped ruffled top, fruit-and-flower hat, and pink and green fringed skirt.

Elton John’s Louis XIV-inspired costume from his 1997 50th birthday party, designed by Sandy Powell, complete with a feathered train and a silver ship on the wig.
Mannequin in a white feathered cape, crystal-studded dress, curly white wig and tall silver ship headpiece in front of a stage-light backdrop.

Want to see the whole show? Visit the Denver Art Museum’s DIVA page for the professional photos. Getting up close to these over-the-top costumes and learning the history of divas was a delight, and I’ll be going back more than once.

If you’re in Denver the show goes through January 2027, it’s a must see.

 An inspirational quote

“There is such a thing as a creative reservoir within;

the more you work, the more you have access to it.”  

Peter Max, via petermax.com

 

Your turn: What’s the oldest treasure in your closet that you’ve been saving for the right moment? Tell me in the comments. I’d love to hear it.