Way Back When - How I got to Newport

This was my first post ever posted back in July of last year, but posts get buried, and I thought you guys might enjoy this story, since it will provide good background for ones to come!

It all started on an island called Sanibel at dawn, on the first day of Spring. If you like sea shell collecting, this is a great place to go. My Dad somehow convinced my Mom (his girlfriend at the time) and his colleague, Yusha Auchincloss, to get up at dawn so they could get the best shells. Barefoot and sandy, my father, John Atwater Bradley, proposed to AND married my mother, Marilyn Monteith Bower that day. Yusha (above in 2008 with Me) was the Best Man and became my Godfather.

Mind you, I am skipping A LOT on how this event came to happen....from my Dad spending the previous night in Jail, getting a last minute marriage license, not to mention finding a minister to perform the ceremony at dawn. But that is a story for another day. So we'll move on.

Why Newport? Well, with Yusha as extended family, we made annual summer trips to Hammersmith Farm in Newport, RI.This Pic is of my brother, David in front of the "Big House" at Hammersmith in the '70's

David Bradley, Jamie Auchinlcoss and Yusha Auchincloss: Windmill at Hammersmith Farm in background. 1970's

I didn't really understand the significance of Hammersmith Farm growing up, nor did I understand why buses and ferries full of tourists flailing cameras would pull up to the dock on a regular schedule. I do know now, and in case you don't, Hammersmith Farm was the Summer White House during the Kennedy Years from 1961-1963. Built in 1887, for John W. Auchincloss on Newport's oldest working farm, Hammersmith, was the summer residence for the Auchlincloss family for 4 generations. Jackie Bouvier's mom, Janet Lee, married Hugh D. Auchincloss after divorcing Blackjack Bouvier who took to the bottle after the market crashed (or so I was told).

1945, Newport. Jackie top left, Yusha top right, Janet Auchincloss in Lee's arms.

Here is where it gets cute. Yusha, a young boy then, attending Groton School, was SO very excited about Jackie becoming part of the family. He remembers thinking she could be possible girlfriend material...not really understanding that they were 'related' now that their parents were married. Love it Yusha. And you had good taste Yusha, Jackie sure was cute.

There was always a week or so growing up that my Dad, me, the bird and whatever dogs we had would make the pilgrimage to Newport for the 'social' part of our summer. This time for me was TRULY vacation. And I say 'social' because the rest of my summer was spent in the Gunks, at our place called the Awosting Reserve.
At Awosting, I slept outside every night, took baths in the stream, and had rigourous daily lessons and activities taught by my English Au Pair. Math skills never improved, I HATED swim time in our fresh water black bottomed pool, and washing my hair with the crayfish biting my toes was not normal.

The black bottomed pool...

Stream Baths with the Crayfish

So IMAGINE how excited I was to go to Newport where I got to put on pretty dresses, took a bath in a bath, got to sleep inside, and had going to the Beach and Cocktail parties on my schedule for the day. H E A V E N. My room was the top floor of the Windmill overlooking Narragansett bay. Mmmmmmm.

OK...might have chopped off the top floor, but you get the picture. It was a big change from my mountain top mattress beneath the stars.

And then came dress up. Newport meant no hiking boots, no sneakers. It meant party shoes and party skirts. It meant counting blades of grass instead of cutting and raking them. I loved Newport.

Hammersmith Farm, Windmill for Yusha's Birthday
Me(in a dress!), Dad, and Pyrma and John Pell

My passion for dress making certainly had a few of it's origins in this beachy leisure town...

And that's the story of how I got to Newport.

Yusha Auchinloss and Me: Awosting Reserve, circa 1982

-Still Wear my Dresses that Short, Bradley

Way Back When...Salvador Dali

Salvador Dali. Mad genius. Spanish surrealist. Wearer of pin stripe suits. Fascinating eccentric who had a 'thing' for my Mom.

They met one day through Carlos Alemany, who spun Dali's surrealistic creations into jewels. By their second meeting, Dali presented my Mom with one of Alemany's jewels...a ruby pin with a LIVE incandescent beetle attached...yes. LIVE. Beauty EXPONENTIALLY increases when it is fleeting I suppose....

In the early 60's Dali gained a lot of publicity in his search for the last color to finish his Discovery of America by Christopher Columbus. For weeks he searched the sewers of NYC hoping to find the missing color! Oh eccentrics....

Then Dad gets a call at home.

It's Dali. He wants to see Mom and Rudy, the parrot. He always ignored Dad completely.

Mom and Rudy

Dad had had enough of Dali and his enormous entourage coming into the apartment, and suggested they meet at Rumplemeyers, a fabulous ice cream spot at the St. Moritz. It was Sunday afternoon, and Dad, Mom and Rudy often shared an ice cream after bicycle polo in the park. (yes, bicycle polo...)
Rudy would perch on the top of the tall sundae cup in absolute ice cream parrot heaven, and lick it clean.
Just as they finished, Rumplemeyers went dark...Dali and his entourage had arrived. The cloud of people stayed outside as Dali swept in through the revolving door.

And what was sewn into Dali's right shoulder of his pin striped suit? A bird perch!!! After all...how else would you meet a parrot on a Sunday afternoon...

He cupped his hand beneath Rudy now sitting on the pin striped perch and directs him to 'pew pew'. Dad has had about enough of this, and directs Rudy to 'poo poo'. Sure enough, Rudy ruffles his feathers, and dumps right in Dali's hand. (This was surely inspired by the 18th Century artist, Jauques Louis David, who finished his last great painting with the caca de dauphin, or the crown Prince's poop color...Dali might have thought Rudy's poop was a worthy 20th Century adaptation. )

Dali disappears through the revolving doors as fast as he came in, and it is suddenly light again outside as the cloud of onlookers follow him down Central Park South.
The Discovery of America by Christopher Columbus is announced as finally finished soon after. And in the Bradley family, we like to think it was Rudy that did the trick...or at least got Dali OUT of the sewers.

-Love Eccentrics, Bradley.

Way Back When: Ralph before 'Ralph'

Back in the early 80's before Ralph Lauren (at least in my mind) had really made it BIG, he and his wife Ricky were looking for a rustic escape from NYC. They happened upon our place in the Hudson Valley, the Awosting Reserve...then began the fun.

One day my Dad said 'we're going to Awosting for Lunch with Ralph'. Now Awosting was 1.5 hours away by car, and we'd go up there for the weekend...NOT for Lunch. For lunch we'd go to the hot dog stand which we called the Umbrella Club on 5th and 62nd, or SoupBerg around the corner, but not Awosting. I was confused.
I (about 6yrs old) squeezed into the seat on the back of Dad's fold up Raleigh bike and he rode us to the 63rd Street Heliport. Ralph arrived in his black limo, we boarded a Helicopter, and 20 minutes later we were at Awosting. I could get used to this!
One of the reasons I am posting these pics, is I adore looking at Ralph's clothing...what he wore when he was casual...these look like khaki riding pants..and that BAG! To DIE FOR.

He and Ricky came up several times for hikes...love Ralph's belt buckle...

Ricky....you are SO elegantly casual...This is the bedroom Ralph and Ricky would stay in when they were round for an overnight... Ralph fell for this bed and 'Log Cabin' feel, and his installations in Bloomingdales and Neiman Marcus for that season were inspired by this room. And in true Ralph fashion, he brings back the "Log House" look...

What fun we had with the Laurens. I actually went to a Tom's Shoes event at Bergdorf's and ran into David Lauren who I hadn't seen since I was maybe 6...I went up to him and introduced myself, and he definitely had NO IDEA who I was. Oh well.

I met with Ralph in 2000, the first year of CK Bradley, and he gave me what I consider to be great advice. 'Don't design what other people want you to design. Design what you love and you will succeed.'
Thanks Ralph. and PS. I could use some more advice now!

-Doing What I Love, Bradley

Ski Boogie

I'm back.
And so is Ski Boogie.

Ski Boogie is what happens when Warren Miller inspires, CK Bradley provides onesies from their vintage collection, and a few good friends get together in a in a skiing paradise armed with Speedo's, bikinis, onesies, hair pieces AND a video camera.

Click here to watch Ski Boogie

-Anyone have a place for me to live in a SKI TOWN?, Bradley

Charlie's Goes Proper

Foxfields 2006. (Outside of Virginia for those of you who haven't experienced it yet...) It was a day filled with Beirut challenges and frozen drinks made with our 2 stroke, pull start blender. I was tired to say the least.

Cleanup is never any fun after a day like this...but on this particular day, the HANDSOMEST of boys comes up and starts asking me questions about CK Bradley. All I could think was DAMN I'm in the right business! I'm not sure what lured him in..the smell of oil and gas from the 2 stroke, the sticky beaten up Beirut table, the skulls on my cowboy hat...Next thing you know, he was helping ME CLEAN UP!!! Southern boys I LOVE YOU!!!
His name was Charlie Holderness. And he will go down as one of my favorite CKB fans. In fact...he is one of the reasons I love what I do SO MUCH. (Charlie on the Far right in CKB Bowtie and belt)

Charlie entered a CK Bradley contest and won a spot in our Newport Scavenger Hunt in 2006. Then in 2007 he came on our race from NYC to Tennessee in CK Bradley's Banditball.

Charlie and the Judges

Charlie in the beginnings of his modeling career...

Why is it that my version of a 'Charlie photo shoot' is him in orange Dickies and NOT CKB Men's stuff? Arghhhh. One day I will learn....because look at him NOW!!!

Oh Charlie!

Charlie is featured in this months Southern Proper Catalog. I am impressed with SP...they have an original flare that blends Preppy with a side of European. Great cuts, more sophisticated prints...and good looking models.

From Dickies to Southern Proper...Charlie you make us all look good!
(Charlie is tying the knot in June 2010...Congratulations C-Holds!)

-Still Loving Dickies, bradley

Family Zoo

I grew up with A LOT of animals. (brother David with Shep above)

We had turtles in the guest bedroom we'd use as doorstops. I realized that wasn't normal when one guest commented "wherever did we get those wonderful doorstops on casters?" All I could think how come she didn't know it was a turtle...doesn't she have one at home?

Then there were the Weeder Geese. My Mom got these because they ONLY ate weeds in the garden! Brilliant addition to any garden...BUT they were a bit loud. Mom and Dad tried to set them free at the local goose pond, but when they drove away, the pair of geese flew behind the car. So? We kept them.

There were the snakes in the basement. I know....yuck. But we never had a mouse, and the snakes kept to themselves. Except when our next door neighbor in Alpine, NJ came over to complain about the Weeder Geese waking her up with their squawks in the morning. This lady was rather portly and barged right into the living room which was closed off for the Winter. It just so happened that this was where Tiny Alice, a 6' Milk Snake, hibernated in during the colder months. Our neighbor plopped herself down on the couch and my Mom sat across from her. All of the sudden Mom saw Tiny Alice's head come up behind one of the cushions. The neighbors bum must have warmed up the couch so well that Tiny Alice assumed it was springtime and the end of hibernation. Well, THANK GOODNESS for Tiny Alice! The neighbor disappeared as fast as she'd appeared and never complained about the Weeder Geese again. I guess the snake took the wind out of her.

Then there was the friend of my Dad who was DYING for a baby Ocelot. My Dad had some connections at the Zoo and discovered that it was illegal to import 1 Ocelot, but there was no rule against bringing in a pair! Brilliance. 2 baby Ocelots arrived in our apartment and we named them Abercrombie and Bitch. The guy who wanted the Ocelot took the female, Bitch, and we kept Abby.

Abby and Mom at Awosting Lake in the Gunks.
Abby was a great addition to the family animals until he became a mature male and sprayed the apartment in NYC. We lived in a penthouse on 95th and Park, and the ENTIRE place reaked of wild cat urine The apartment happened to be on the market, so the timing was AWFUL. Mom baked bread during every showing in order to cover up the smell of the baby leopard becoming male in a space that was not quite as expansive as the outdoors.

There were the bunnies when I was a wee one...

Neisha the German Shepherd who delivered 9 pups in our NYC apartment. Margo and I are on the couch with a couple of them.

And then Nipper, the Dashound.

And of course the Parrots. This one was named Max. He lived for 40 years, and was brought back from the jungle of Venezuela on my Dad's shoulder in the plane...in the days when that was allowed.

There have been so MANY more animals that have come in and out of my life...but this is a good start for a friday. When I find more pics, I'll write more.

-Zoo in My Luggage, Bradley

Tigger and Tula

Tula...

The newest addition to the CK Bradley models and mascots, Kodiak, has been affectionately renamed Tallulah. I was having issues with the name Kodiak, since she has proved to be not as tom boyish as I had expected...giving proof that dogs do not always reflect their owners...

Needless to say, Dad told me a story about a woman who pulled him into her limo wearing a mink and nothing underneath. He later finds out after this provocative introduction, that she is Talullah Bankhead, a well known actress at the time...Dad has never been good with recognizing famous people, and Tallulah was no exception...the story however of the mink and limo abduction has been told many a time, and the name Talullah is rather well known in our family because of it!

And I just plain like it for Kodiak. After all, Kodiak wears a fur coat at all times with not much but bare skin beneath right? So Kodi's new name: Kodiak Talullah Bear. We will call her Tula for short. Hope you approve.

Actress Talullah Bankhead in the '50's

-Ready to Bare All, Bradley

New CK Bradley Model...

I unexpectedly became a mother this New Years...and THAT changes your life OVERNIGHT. So if you wonder why I haven't been blogging, it is because I haven't had a moment to myself between furry love and jealous feathers. (Tigger likes his new sister...video to come.)
Her name is Kodiak...Kodi for short. 3 month old Bernese Mountain Dog. If I were Native American(and according to my Dad I am....but not enough to have helped me get into Dartmouth) I would call her Sleep Stealer Smile Maker Love Giver Whimperer.

She doesn't flinch with the toys I have bought her...but give her a pile of belts and POOF! Entertainment for minutes. Yes minutes. Hopefully one day it will be hours. But I will take minutes for now.

Sleeping....look at those legs stretched out!

I figure it's not long before Kodi can't fit under anything because she's bigger than EVERYTHING... So she'd better get her fill now!

Puppy Paws...Can they get any pinker and brand spanking NEW?

Anyway, I am crate training her, and I hear SO many mixed reviews...if any of you have input on NOT crate training I'd love to hear it.

-Tired and Finding it hard to get ANYTHING Done, Bradley

Quest Article

Ivanka Trump graced the cover of this Entertaining Issue of Quest.
Ivanka...what FABULOUS LEGS!

But moving right along...after 17 house guests, barely enough beds, a crack of dawn hike, a late afternoon swim in 48 degree water, a few thousand photos, and no running water in my kitchen sink (dishes were washed in the bathroom) the shoot at our place in the Gunks hits the press!
Growing up, one of my numerous chores that I recall not liking at all was raking and collecting all the leaves on either side of the gate-oh what I would have done for a gas powered leaf blower then!

This is Tommy Grossi on the right. He's head of our Hunt club, and was showing the boys some tricks to his trade...

They look thoroughly interested...but not quite outfitted for what Tommy has in store for them.

Our fabulous photographers suggested we all get up at FIRST LIGHT to catch sunrise on the cliffs. Needless to say, that did not happen.

But, we did make it to the cliffs. And it was well worth it.

This is me, caught falling, which I suspect you find standard procedure by now.

Here are the cliffs up at Gertie's Nose in the Shawangunk Mountains in Gardiner, NY. Commonly known as "The Gunks", they boast the best rock climbing in the East. Only 1.5 hrs from NYC, this area is a worthwhile day drive. Holler in my general direction, I may just be here!

Above, Charles Darling and Chris Leach caught jumping into what they are about to find out is 48 degree fresh water. Oh what boys will do for bragging rights!

This is Chef John Novi, owner of the Depuy Canal House...a worthwhile culinary adventure if you come this way. He was sweet enough to make a wonderful meal for us...(and Simon...THANK YOU TOO!)

Carrie Fowler Stowe and her Dad, "Jungle Jim" as we used to call him...or Jim Fowler. I have never seen Jim in anything but safari/khaki, but I suppose when you are Jim Fowler, you never know when a wild beast might call and demand your attention. (Carrie and I are NO exception!) I am on the right with my dapper Dad who is surely wondering why he couldn't be in his jungle attire as well...

The whole crew gathers in the dining room around a table whose acorn dropped in 610 A.D. Crazy right? And the bottle on the lower left if 1871 Madeira, and still good! Taking a sip of that is an experience that I can't conjure words for.

The weekend and shoot came and went, and what a wonderful crew of friends and helpers we had! Thank you to Georgina Schaeffer and Quest for conjuring the idea. What will be next is the question...

-Trying to Keep my Footing, Bradley