My love goes out to her son Nico,her mother and sisters Whom I met over the last 25 years. I was Eletra's salesperson in New York till 2003.
We met in 1982, when Rod Owens gave me a box to open with a new collection call Casadei, every dress I took out of the box was more beautiful then the next.Eletra was the most talented designer I worked for, no one knew how to mix fabrics like she did, and many times she would use up to 4 fabrics on one dress.The way she designed her beaded dresses were like a work of art.Her mesh bodysuit with lace appliques, sold out of everystore.And let's not forget Style # 14016 ,her famous dropped torso dress with beaded epilets.Every Monday morning, I sat there for hours just taking re-orders. The hottest piece in the dress world.
She was a fashion Diva, she loved glamour, sometimes I felt she should have been born in the 30's , when woman wore the most beautiful clothes.She was all that, diamonds, furs,jewelry,make-up and red lips. But Eletra bought that glamour into the 80's, 90's and 2000's.Her designs were sold in every major department store and thousands of boutiques.
I will wear her designs for years to come.
She had the biggest heart, fun person to be around, my last visit with Eletra was in New York, we talked for hours of the good all days, so many good memories. we laughed, we cried, we laughed some more.We talked about celebrating her Suprise 30th birthday in LA,What a fun night, her amazing sisters dressed up as pirates. She was shocked, her smile was unforgetable.Another great night was when she won The Designer of the year award in Dallas, She made me wear this black hair piece,she posed on the piano, in her gold gown,she was born to be a movie star.We had an amazing time. We were together through so much.
When we were on top of the world, and when our world fell apart, we stayed together.Even selling 200 pieces in a 10x10 booth.But together we made it work.We have to "re invent ourselves"she would say and we did. She started her sportswear collection,the best fitting jeans in town to wear with her stretch lace tops.
May you rest in Peace my dear friend,you will be missed by millions of us women who need a glamerous, sexy outfit. Yes, you were a"driven woman", successful,talented,my fashion idol and super Mom.
And knowing you Eletra, the angels will now be flying around in lace dresses with beaded trims. I will love Eletra forever and I'm so sorry that I couldn't attend her Memorial service, but my spirit was there amoung my co-workers and friends.I could write for hours about Eletra, a true icon in the fashion world and my Life.
Posted by: Diane Maxx - Bellmore, NY Oct 14, 2008
John
Russell
