Rabbit’s Warren
The conversation began: “Mr. Edwards? I’m Morgan Fairchild; I’m a great fan of yours.” With that, the diminutive actress introduced herself to the male half of the shoe-designing team of Susan Bennis and Warren Edwards. He was at Neiman Marcus to launch the duo’s first boutique outside their New York shop. Fairchild pulled a turquoise moccasin from a tote bag and pointed to a small hole. “My bunny took a bite out of it. He’s very fond of your shoes,” she explained. Edwards assured her he could repair the damage.
* PRINCE OF PECS: A chest designed by Arnold himself? Almost too much to hope for, but not out of the realm of possibility for those who attend an upcoming fund-raiser for Northern Lights Alternatives, a support organization for people with HIV and AIDS. T-shirts created by about 200 celebs, from Steve Allen to Pia Zadora, and yes, Mr. Terminator, will be up for auction Sunday from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Pacific Design Center. Tickets are $50 in advance, $60 at the door. A partial list of T-shirt artists: Madonna, Cher, Whoopi Goldberg, Zsa Zsa Gabor, David Bowie, Robin Williams and Oprah Winfrey.
* SOLE OF THE SEA: In May, 1990, a freighter bound for Seattle accidentally dropped its load of 80,000 Korean-made Nike athletic shoes shoes in the Pacific Ocean about 600 miles south of Anchorage. Since then, more than a quarter of them have washed up on the Oregon shores and points north. Enterprising residents of one Oregon beach community have been organizing swap meets where they trade shoes to get a matched pair. “You’d be surprised how good they are for having spent a year on the ocean,” says a Nike spokesperson.
* SHOPPING SIGHTINGS: The marathon shoppers have been doing their Christmas laps. Tina Turner was recently spotted cruising Rodeo Drive. First at the Gold Pfeil store buying three manly leather goods. Later she was at the Azzedine Alaia boutique buying shoe-boots. The Charles Gallay store in Sunset Plaza was a pit stop for Racquel Welch and Jaclyn Smith. Cher dropped by the Melrose Gallay store for the Martin Margiela label, Winona Ryder found her way to the Alaia racks and bought several things for herself, while Lisa Hartman shopped with Clint Black in tow. The Sy Devore store in Sherman Oaks has seen a string of ladies shopping for the men in their lives. Gladys Knight was there with the Pips’ wish list, while Loni Anderson dropped by to shop for husband Burt Reynolds.
* AD-VANCE WORK: Esprit will hold a casting call in the West Hollywood Superstore, in search of free thinkers to star in the company’s new round of speak-your-mind ads. Interviews will be conducted from 3 to 6 p.m. on Dec. 13 and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 14. Those selected will be asked to bring their favorite outfits to the photo shoot. Esprit clothing is optional.
