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THE REAL BRENDA WELCH!

 

 

Time for CINDY of CINDY HATTERSLEY DESIGN and I to do our AGELESS STYLE POSTS!It seems to me YOU are REALLY ENJOYING THEM………I know I AM.THANK YOU CINDY for having this VISION!Click on CINDY HATTERSLEY DESIGN above to see WHO HER VICTIM is this month!!!!

This month I have a REAL TOP MODEL for YOU to ABSORB her STORY and see her NOW!

I do BELIEVE I found her on INSTAGRAM?

Of course, I called her on that old-fashioned telephone and we chatted for awhile.This was two maybe three years ago!

Come to find out CHARLES FAUDREE had done her home in TENNESSEE and was a personal FRIEND!

I had just bought about THREE of his books on AMAZON and had DEVOURED THEM!

I’ll STOP TALKING and let BRENDA WELCH start!

I THINK YOU WILL ENJOY THE SHOW!

 

“Ciao Elizabeth……Thank YOU for this opportunity & it has stirred UP a FLOOD of Memories!!!”

“HERE YA GO!!!”

BRENDA WELCH AT 16 years of AGE on the LEFT.

DREAMING!!!!!!!

TO BE THAT GAL ON THE RIGHT!!!!!!!!!

As a Young Girl growing up in Arkansas……I was terribly INSECURE & grew up with a Mother who was verbally abusive……..It has taken YEARS to recover……But DREAMS DO COME TRUE!!!! So GRATEFUL for Fashion Magazines & my Grandmother who had a flare for FASHION…….THAT was MY ESCAPE into the WORLD of STYLE!!!!!
When I was 18 I moved to Los Angeles & had a Guardian Angel who let me live with her. She gave me the Confidence to help me pursue my DREAM of MODELING…….I balanced BOOKS on my head & walked in her HEELS & she taught me how to put on makeup!!
Within months…..I was sitting in a Restaurant when a Photographers Assistant approached me & said they would like to do a TEST on me!! (I did NOT know what that meant)….. He shot a roll of FILM on me & I GOT the MODELING JOB For an AD for

 CANON CAMERA’S.
My LIFE changed quickly & I was signed to a Modeling Agency in L.A. …..Then I was sent to New York & Europe….. I did a lot of PHOTO SHOOTS for magazines……even Harpers Bazaar Italy & I LOVED walking the RUNWAY for many Designers……DIOR, VERSACE, ARMANI,LAGERFELD & many others in MILAN, PARIS, & TOKYO.

 


THEN…..I was offered a nice opportunity to work in TOKYO & that was an AMAZING Experience! I was the Poster Model for SONY STEREO & then I received the GIFT of Modeling for ISETAN DEPARTMENT STORE for their Anniversary. I was their Billboard Gal ( that was interesting to see myself on all the exterior walls of the Store) & hanging in the subways flapping above my head as I was going to another job!! We had a BLAST doing this PHOTO SHOOT!! I was In a Royal Blue One Shoulder Dress standing on a PLANK while the photographers assistants dropped GRAFFITI on ME every time the photographer screamed GO!!

Then……I met this young NEW Designer on the Scene called YOHJI YAMAMOTO.

I became his FIT MODEL……Where I would stand for hours while he worked his MAGIC & he draped fabrics over me!!

Also, I did his FASHION SHOWS in TOKYO.

As LIFE can be MAGICAL……Three weeks ago I was in PARIS for PARIS FASHION WEEK & ran into YOGHI on the STREET!!! (I emailed the photo of me & Yoghi…….see BELOW.)

TIME FLIES SO FAST!!! We had worked together 37 YEARS AGO!!!

 

LOTS of Special Memories remain with me……VERSACE styling me before the Fashion Show, ARMANI was divine & so talented, NINO CERRUTI ……Sharing a Cocktail & Laughter backstage before the Show starts & LAST but not least…………………OSCAR DE LA RENTA       …….WOW!!!! He ooooozed a SENSE of GREAT TASTE & his ELEGANCE was limitless!! We would rehearse 2 times before his Show & then he and his lovely wife Francoise would sit on the FRONT ROW while we did a RUN THROUGH…..He was always KIND & I felt like a QUEEN walking in his DESIGNS!!!

        BRENDA WELCH & Marcello Mastroianni

I had a GREAT time modeling  & then in 1983 I decided to design my own line of Swimswear/Sportswear……That Business taught me a LOT of lessons & I was written up in a FULL Page Article for ELLE MAGAZINE & VOGUE listed me as One of the Designers to Watch!!! I loved Designing the Collection but really did NOT enjoy the manufacturing side.

My swimwear Designs were sold in Saks, I. Magnins, Bergdorfs & lots of fabulous boutiques but I FINALLY threw in the HAT & moved to Memphis, TN.
Now I have a CHIC Lil Boutique called 7th Avenue.

I LOOOOVE going to New York/Paris on Buying Trips &  Every two years I take a Magical Mystery Tour to Other Countries…….

Going on a TREASURE HUNT to BUY for my Shop.

Once in Marrakesh I found a Tailor & he made the most AMAZING Goat Cashmere Jackets & Scarfs for my Customers!!  Then I went to Istanbul & found JEWELRY in the SOUKS that blew my mind!!
Hopefully INDIA will be on my next JOURNEY……….I am GRATEFUL that FASHION & ACCESSORIES feed my SOUL & YES …….DREAMS DO COME TRUE!!!!!!!!!!


In my lifetime I have had special moments with lots of people……

I CAN NOT cover everything……Few Hints….Dated PETER LAWFORD & played Backgammon at Pips with LIZ & PETER; met PRESIDENT CLINTON at the KENNEDY’s HOME ; 1975 went to the White House & had Tea with BETTY FORD…….Our Photo was on the Cover of the Los Angeles Times!
Had dinner with JACK NICHOLSON one evening……Went to a Halloween Party at his House dressed as a Leprechaun……his girlfriend  ANGELIQUE HOUSTON LOVED IT!!!
Dated & had my Heart broken by DENNIS HOPPER……….

HOPE I haven’t overwhelmed you Elizabeth!

 I started writing & couldn’t STOP!!!

Thank YOU so much for choosing me as your NOVEMBER GAL!!!

 Can’t wait to see your Posts……LA CONTESSA……YOU always inspire me!!!

 

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE?

Chic but with a TWIST & also depends on the mood I am feeling that day.

WHAT INSPIRES YOUR SIGNATURE STYLE?

 LOOOVE Instagram & watching the TRENDS on the Runway. And when I am traveling to NY or Paris for Fashion Week…..It is SO Inspiring to see what everyone is wearing.

WHAT ACCESSORY CAN YOU NOT DO WITHOUT?
My WATCH………& a BIG TOTE to carry all my STUFF.

Liza Minnelli & BRENDA WELCH

FAVORITE COLOR?
BLACK with a splash of RED……then in the Summer I wear a lot of WHITE.

DO YOU HAVE A SIGNATURE PIECE THAT DEFINES YOUR STYLE?
Oversized Bracelets, BIG RINGS & my Black Norma Kamali glasses with a gray tint.

 

WHAT ARE YOUR STYLE STRENGTHS?
After Modeling I loved working as a STYLIST……I LOVE the transformation one can do with CLOTHES, MAKEUP & HAIR with a load of ACCESSORIES.

DO YOU HAVE A STYLE ICON?
YES!!!

LA CONTESSA & ALI McGRAW

(OMG,she PICKED ME!)

BRENDA HAS NO IDEA BUT I HAVE LOVED ALI SINCE THE MOVIE LOVE STORY CAME OUT!

(DID YOU KNOW HER FIRST NAME IS ELIZABETH?)

I had NO IDEA until I did a SEARCH for HER PHOTO!!!!!!!!

LOOK AT OUR GAL FROM LOVE STORY>>>>>>NOW!

 

WHAT ARE YOUR BEAUTY ESSENTIALS YOU COULD NOT DO WITHOUT?
Lancome Lip Pencil with either Tom Ford Or Nars lipstick, Mascara & Chanel Foundation.

 

DO YOU HAVE REPEAT OFFENDERS IN YOUR CLOSET IF SO WHAT ARE THEY?
Jackets & Coats……LOVE my Leopard Coat & maybe 15 pairs of BLACK pants.

WHAT ADVISE DO YOU HAVE FOR WOMEN OVER 50 or OVER 40?
Eat Healthy, exercise & always cleanse your skin every evening!! I am a BIG Believer of Progress EYE Cream for Evening plus a good moisturizer for the face & neck.

DO YOU HAVE ANY STYLE RULES THAT YOU LIVE BY?
Do NOT leave the house without lipstick on & LIVE LIVE LIVE each day to the fullest.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE ONLINE GO TO SOURCES?
I own a Clothing Shop so no need to shop online & my Shoes I love to buy when in NY or in Europe.

DO YOU HAVE A PARTICULAR DESIGNER YOU ARE DRAWN TOO?
IGOR DOBRANIC & PLANET CLOTHING plus JIANHUI LONDON & MONIES JEWELRY……All of these Collections I sell in my Shop

 www.7th-Avenue.com
We don’t sell online but if you see anything you love on my Instagram page
@therealbrendawelch …….just send me a message or CALL ME!

What a Journey through my LIFE this has been!!

Elizabeth…..Thank YOU so much for this opportunity!!
Hugs & Love,
Brenda

CONTESSA speaking NOW!

I ABSOLUTELY ADORE THIS PHOTO!

I COVET HER HAT AND COAT.

This is called THE MEDICI FOUNTAIN in the LUXEMBOURG GARDENS IN PARIS!

The MEDICI’s ruled FLORENCE, ITALY at ONE TIME LONG AGO!

I Met CARLA COULSON for the FIRST TIME RIGHT HERE when I did THAT photo shoot with MY TWO SONS!!!!!!!!

BRENDA……….I MUST HAVE A PRINTED COPY OF THIS PHOTO!

I MUST I MUST!!!

TOODLES BRENDA……….

WHAT A PLEASURE AND A HONOR TO INTERVIEW YOU!

KEEP ON LOVING FASHION AND LIFE!

TO SEE BRENDA  L I V E click on BRENDA WELCH in PARIS below.

that takes you to her instagram than put your cursor in the middle of the photo!

CLICK!

YOU will be walking around THE Luxembourg Gardens in PARIS WITH A REAL SUPER MODEL!

THIS WAS A REAL TREAT FOR ME BRENDA I can NOT THANK YOU enough!

XOXO

Brenda Welch in Paris

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. I love being surprised every month! You find the most interesting people! Loved every ounce of this post. What a fascinating life Brenda continues to lead with such style and grace. I am off to follow her on instagram!

    Reply

    • Thank YOU Cindy!!! I LOOOVE seeing what you post on IG.,,,,,YOUR TASTE in STYLING your Clothes is Fabulous!!!! And I am SO Grateful to You & Elizabeth for the “AGELESS STYLE” Blog……….Thank You for honoring Women over 50…….

      Reply

    • How lovely to see this page Brenda! Great to see all the gorgeous photos of you. They bring me back myself to all those fun years of modelling we shared! You were always the glamorous one and you still and will always have such style. Contessa, so do you..STYLE! Love the quirkiness and intimate portrait of your site as well. x

      Reply

  5. Although it was fun to trip through time with the old modeling photos, I’d really like to see more of her today. Will be doing that asap on Instagram.
    What I really like in the unposed photos, whether then or now, is her beaming smile. It’s genuine and infectious. She must be as beautiful inside as she is on the outside to project real happiness that way.
    I covet her glasses. And those long legs, but we’ll stay in the realm of possibility.

    Reply

    • There are a couple of her TODAY………..did you watch the video at the end?
      ALSO, in that CRAZY KOKIN HAT was at MARKET a month or two ago!
      HER SMILE IS GORGEOUS!!!!!!!
      XX

      Reply

  6. What an Inspiration she is! Her stories are as Amazing as her infectious Smile! I absolutely love how she transcends time and keeps remaking herself as current and fresh! Fabulous Woman! Fabulous post!

    Reply

  7. What a wonderful post! It was so special to have a glimpse into Brenda Welch’s life and lifestyle.
    Her style is so inspiring. Thanks again!

    Reply

  10. Oh my, you never cease to surprise me Elizabeth. You are friends with so many famous people. I really don’t know how you do it but I am sure it has something to do with your bubbly personality. It was fun reading this, as usual.

    Reply

    • I find THEM by ACCIDENT!!!!!!!!!
      THAN I kinda STALK THEM!!!!
      The connections we are making here from BLOGS, INSTAGRAM, etc are really FABULOUS!
      WE can find our type of PEOPLE!
      XX

      Reply

  12. Wow I loved this so much! Brenda is so wonderful, thank you for bringing us her story. What an interesting life so far! She has such amazing style, as do you and Ali McGraw, you three are the Three Musketeers of Style!
    Thank you Contessa, sending you my very best XX

    Reply

  13. What a great article! I had just finished reading the Elle article published from years ago! It’s posted across from the dressing rooms, along with early modeling photos in her shop, 7th Avenue! I have worked for Brenda the last 10 years! She has shown me what real style is and such a joy to work with! Beautiful inside and out! She is a Fashion Icon!

    Reply

  14. What a marvelous series! You always come up with such interesting and stylish women. I LOVED reading about Brenda’s full and amazing life. I just adore her leopard coat and hat! Thank you dear Contessa!

    Reply

  16. Brenda you are totally fascinating and have such a full life. You’re an amazing woman with great style with such a caring heart. I’m so proud to know you and call you my friend. I love everything in your store. You have a great sense of fashion. If you’ve never been to visit 7th Avenue in Memphis you’ve missed a real treat. Fun times, beautiful clothes and accessories you should see.

    Reply

  17. Brenda is a beautiful and fascinating person !
    What a wonderful life she is living! Thank you for sharing it with us.
    ps…. she is Stunning in person and her smile is infectious !!! I am lucky to know her!

    Reply

  18. Brenda Welch a true beauty inside and out! I have had the pleasure of knowing this lady for many years and I’m so proud of her and her achievements in the fashion industry. Brenda continues to create magic whether it is in her shop in Memphis or the charming way she presents her own style to the world.

    Reply

  19. Wow! I’ve known Brenda for years and she’s never even mentioned half these things to me because she is not a braggart. One thing that I want to mention as her friend is that that she has more integrity and manners in her her pinky than most of us will ever have. A one of a kind beauty inside and out ! Thanks for saluting such a worthy woman!

    Reply

  20. Brenda, you are smashing! I got to live vicariously the life of a true jet-setter. I love the eclectic design of your shop. I see things that make my quirky self sing. It seems like it’s worth a whole trip to Memphis just to go there. The trunk show posters are dazzling- such great design. And I love the impish curve of your smile. I resonate deeply with impishness wherever it is found. Brava Brenda. And thank you Contessa for your own inimitable style and for the treasures you bring us in every post. Baci, Sheila-Merle

    Reply

  21. CIAO SHELIA……………………..THANK YOU THANK YOU for saying ALL these wonderful things!Shall we hitch a JET to MEMPHIS next year and GO SHOPPING!!!!!!!!!!I think thats a GRAND IDEA………….who would be GAME?!!!
    XX

    Reply

  22. Brenda the many years I have known you…you are an ageless beauty with grace and finesse…and Great style! Love you to the moon and back!

    Reply

  23. I loved this post, and I think she is quiet right in picking you as one of her inspirations. I don’t think you realize just how many of us out here in cyberspace do think of you as an inspiration. OMG – I wouldn’t have found Yume Caftans ever or Coast and Koi without you, I love your bangles – and if I was anywhere near Banksy, let alone Winston I would steal them in a heartbeat. Thanks for this one, it was magical!
    Daron xxx

    Reply

    • YOU ARE SO RIGHT!
      I get a CHUCKLE when people tell me that I INSPIRE THEM!Because all I do is get DRESSED.NO thought NO planning………..it just HAPPENS!I think that is why I do not FOLLOW many FASHION BLOGS………..I find they put TOO MUCH THOUGHT IN TO THE OUTFITS…………and the outcome is pretty plain.It’s hard for me to wrap my head around any woman NOT being able to dress herself!I know it’s NOT easy for A LOT…….or we wouldn’t have SO many BLOGS saying LOOK what I AM WEARING don’t I LOOK GRAND!What they are really doing is they are SHARING INFORMATION.Which I think is BRILLIANT!AND that is what I AM DOING with YOU ALL………when I find something UNUSUAL that I think is PERFECT for ME………..I pass on the SOURCE, because I want them to stay in BUSINESS SO I can keep SHOPPING and SMILING!YUME and COAST & KOI are EXCEPTIONAL!I hope one day to meet the OWNERS!MUST HAPPEN…….WILL HAPPEN!
      NOW,how many CAFTANS did you purchase and WHAT ABOUT THE SHOES??????
      XX

      Reply

  24. A great post, really enjoyed reading about Brenda and her absolutely fascinating life. Somethings are just meant to be and you dear Contessa are coming into your own. You should have had a career in fashion, you are a natural……Keep them coming.

    Reply

    • I went to school for FASHION!!!!!!!!!!
      That was my PASSION!!!!!!
      Somehow, I got side tracked with OLD STUFF/ANTIQUES and raising MY SONS!
      NOW IS THE TIME TO GET BACK IN THE GAME!
      My GOAL is to be one of ARI’s WOMEN………….BUT you see I’m TOO YOUNG STILL!
      SO, in the mean time I will ENTERTAIN ALL OF YOU!!!!!!!
      XX

      Reply

  25. From one Brenda to another… She is smashingly fun! My thanks for taking us along on her journey through life. She was meant to be a model. Love, love, love this post! xoxox, B

    Reply

  26. Love this post and love Brenda!
    It has been such a rewarding experience to get to know her by working with her. Brenda has the most amazing ability to find fabulous clothing and accessories for her Memphis boutique, 7th Avenue! So much fun to see women find such beautiful things.
    The best part of Brenda for me is the joy of knowing her. She’s truly beautiful on the inside as well as the outside. And she’s so much fun!

    Reply

  27. Brenda, you are ultra fab! Glam and chic! I love hearing about your modeling days and the designers you’ve met! And your glasses Darling…fabulous! Thank you Elizabeth for featuring Brenda this month! What a treat!

    Reply

  29. What a fabulous post! I follow her on Instagram too…perhaps you introduced her to me. What s fabulous career she has and it’s so refreshing to see such an energetic and stylish woman who is living life to its fullest.

    Reply

  30. Wow – another fantastic interview by La Contessa!
    So interesting to read about Ms.Welch’s fashion journey from Arkansas to Japan to Tennessee – and so many places in between. Beautiful. Loved her interesting story and the photos.
    Thank you, Elizabeth, for bringing us Brenda’s profile.

    Reply

  33. Once I recovered from the leopard coat and hat….I was able to make my way through one incredible moment of Brenda’s life to another. Moving to L.A. at 18 was a BIG DEAL! That took courage and grit. It all worked out beautifully and what an amazing story of a Life in Style she has to tell. Working with the world’s top fashion designers and experiencing different cultures at such a young age laid the foundation for a secure future in the industry. I enjoyed this article very much and all the people she met….. I was picked up by John F. Kennedy on a beach in Bermuda….I was about 7 months old….LOL….not exactly the same thing meeting him as a young adult.

    Reply

    • I have to tell YOU I was thinking about YOU about the same time YOU wrote this COMMENT!
      I KNOW I KNOW THOSE photos of the LEOPARD HAT and COAT are JUST STUNNING!
      Did YOU SEE the INSTAGRAM VIDEO?MADE ME TINGLE ALL OVER……..and on TOP of all THAT SHE SPEAKS FRENCH!XX

      Reply

  34. WOW, what a treat to read about Brenda. Sounds like she had a fairy tale life, with all kinds of wonderful experiences. Would love to hear the stories she didn’t tell!! Her zest for life is evident in her style – so very chic. I love that she wears leopard a lot and owns her own boutique. As usual Contessa, I can count on your posts to introduce me to something new and exciting. That photo of her in leopard holding the red roses is incredible! Thank you for featuring her!

    XO, cherie
    STYLE NUDGE
    http://www.stylenudge.com

    Reply

  35. What a treat, Elizabeth! It’s so fun to hear how Brenda has kept her fashion and style life alive by having her own boutique and helping women with their style. Very inspiring!!!

    Reply

    • That is a WONDERFUL WAY TO LOOK AT IT………..she has stayed in the BUSINESS!
      MY PASSIONS as well tend to stay with me……..and I rarely VEER OFF COURSE!
      She is as DELIGHTFUL to speak with on the phone as she is TO VIEW IN PHOTOS!!!!!!
      XX

      Reply

  36. well this has been a fascinating read!
    not only is Brenda gorgeous, then and definitely now, she lives a fascinating life. I love reading about woman with a story and massive panache!
    xoxo
    debra

    Reply

    • GOOD MORNING!
      I do TOO………MASSIVE PANCHE!May I use that line as well?
      I owe you an email!Promise to write this weekend………need to get into the garden and hang my GARLANDS, plant a few CABBAGES………and WEED!
      Is SYLVIA OUT THERE READING ALONG???
      XOXO

      Reply

    • Hi Antoine…..Thank YOU for your kind post! Just NOW reading all the comments & so GRATEFUL. Hopefully….one day a memoir will be written…..Need Help! I’m creating lots of Treasures for the Covid Holidaze….please check out my page @globaltreasuresstudio
      Thanks again for your kindness!
      Brenda

      Reply

  39. A magical, whirlwind trip through a fascinating life… so much fun, so much beauty, so much happiness… the series of Ageless Beauty posts is like tumbling down glittering rabbit holes (where you don’t want to leave)… but I think what is most captivating is the authenticity of these remarkable women who are LIVING THEIR PASSION…this is what is so compelling and inspirational. Bravo!!! xo

    Reply

  40. This post helped me reflect on my childhood and dreams and it was so wonderful to read how Brenda’s dreams came true! What a fabulous story and woman—— sorry I didn’t know about her and the store when I was in Memphis (great city!)

    Reply

  41. What an extraordinary woman you are Brenda! To make choices from a difficult beginning and move on to embrace opportunities and life to the fullest is so inspiring. And bless that Grandma for her loving input. It sounds like a life of glamour, amazing relationships and adventures and experiences to treasure. And it looks like it continues on in your life. I feel like I know you! What a thorough and delightful post Contessa! Love you

    Reply

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