There is a specific kind of magic that happens when the golden age of Hollywood meets authentic heritage. I recently added a stunning 1945 photograph to my collection featuring the incomparable Lisette Verea, and it serves as a perfect window into a year when she truly conquered the entertainment capital of the world. By 1946, Verea wasn't just a name on a casting sheet; she was a bona fide sensation, with Los Angeles tabloids officially crowning her as "Hollywood's newest glamor girl."

Lisette’s rise to stardom was punctuated by her powerhouse performance as Beatrice in the Marx Brothers' film A Night in Casablanca. She held her own against the chaotic comedic genius of Groucho, Chico, and Harpo—a feat few could manage. While the New York Times praised her as a "flashy brunette" with an "extravagant flounce," it wasn't just her acting that caught the public’s eye. It was her wardrobe. In a move that displayed both her confidence and her craft, every dress she wore in that film was her own original creation.

Beyond the soundstages, Verea was a visionary in the world of fashion. She didn't just wear clothes; she engineered stories through fabric. Ruth Carson of Collier’s Magazine famously described her work as a "Rumanian Rhapsody," noting that Lisette "dreams up utterly thrilling dress prints." She had a unique ability to take the intricate, geometric beauty of Romanian folk attire—the bold embroidery and structured silhouettes—and refine them for the glitz of California.

In the photograph from September 1945, we see her captured in Los Angeles wearing one of these very creations. It is a masterclass in "Folk-Fusion," showcasing her pride in her roots while maintaining the sleek allure of a starlet. Her beauty was often described as "radiant" and "statuesque," but looking at her designs, it’s clear that her greatest asset was her mind. She understood that to be a true icon, one must not only play the part but also design the world they inhabit.

THE SURE WAY to a man’s heart — the indoor barbecue. Set in an Old World type wall that adjoins an ultra-smart breakfast bar (see inset) in varied-use room. This room, the “Something New.” With long, covered porch and adjoining kitchen, it forms a jolly place for the family clan. Handsome glassed-in porch is reached from dining room. Mud room convenient to both porches and kitchen. Specials: window wall in varied-use room; impressive front reception hall.

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source: 53 house plans for 1953 by Rudolph A. Matern

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 It is a special moment for any collector when you manage to acquire a piece of history that feels both personal and timeless. I’ve recently added two stunning photographs to my collection featuring the incomparable Jane Seymour, and they offer a wonderful glimpse into a specific, high-energy moment in the early 1990s.

The reverse of these prints provides the perfect context: "January 11, 1991. Jane Seymour at the Banff Norquay celebrity sports invitational held at the Banff Springs Hotel in Alberta, Canada hosted by Marjoe Gortner."

The event itself was part of a beloved tradition in the Canadian Rockies. The Banff Norquay Celebrity Sports Invitational was a staple of the winter season, blending high-stakes charity fundraising with the thrill of alpine skiing. Hosted by Marjoe Gortner—the former child evangelist turned actor and producer—these invitationals were famous for bringing Hollywood’s elite to the breathtaking scenery of Alberta.

The Banff Springs Hotel, often called the "Castle in the Rockies," served as the majestic backdrop for the festivities. In these photos, we see Jane Seymour embracing the spirit of the event, donning her racing bib (number 164) and Ellesse gear. It wasn’t just about the gala dinners; these stars actually hit the slopes of Mt. Norquay, proving their athleticism in front of the crisp mountain air and the flashing bulbs of the press.

Looking at these images, it is impossible not to be struck by Jane Seymour’s radiant beauty. In 1991, she was just a few years away from her iconic role in Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman, and she possessed a natural, effortless grace that the camera simply loved. Even bundled in heavy winter layers and ski boots, her poise is undeniable.

There is a certain "Old Hollywood" glamour that Jane has always carried with her—a combination of those piercing, expressive eyes and a smile that feels genuinely warm. In these candid shots, she doesn’t look like a distant star; she looks like a woman enjoying the exhilaration of the outdoors, yet she still manages to look like a million dollars. Her ability to maintain such elegance while participating in a rugged sporting event is exactly why she remains one of the most photographed and admired women of her generation.

These photos are more than just memorabilia; they are a time capsule of 1991 celebrity culture—a time when events felt a bit more intimate and the grandeur of the Canadian wilderness was the ultimate stage. Seeing Jane Seymour in this setting, captured in classic black and white, adds a layer of nostalgia that makes these a truly prized addition to my archive.

MOST LIVABLE? But, of course! Has a sweet disposition. Leads a well-organized life. All daytime living quarters in one wing, bedrooms in another: The two separated by hall. Special emphasis given real play room—lighted by window wall—has doors to garage and breakfast room—great cabinets along one wall—pass through to kitchen—stairway to cellar. Other high lights: walk-in closet, dressing alcove, private bath off master bedroom. Live here and love life.

 I've added to my collection this photo of the gorgeous Jane Seymour, captured on a day when Hollywood and London truly merged. On the back, the inscription reads: "March 17, 1991. Jane Seymour at the BAFTA Awards (British Oscars, Hollywood ceremony held at the same time as the one in London) held at the Bel Age Hotel in Los Angeles."

The photo captures Seymour on the rooftop of the Bel Age, a location that was once the epicenter of high-society events in West Hollywood. At the time, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) hosted a simultaneous satellite ceremony in Los Angeles to accommodate the many British stars living and working in California. It was a bridge across the Atlantic, and Jane Seymour—an actress who effortlessly navigated both British prestige and Hollywood stardom—was the perfect embodiment of that connection.

Jane’s beauty in this shot is nothing short of ethereal. Dressed in a sharply tailored blazer with contrast trim and sleek leather details, she perfectly captures the transition from 80s opulence to 90s chic. Her radiant smile and the natural flow of her hair against the Los Angeles skyline remind us why she was often referred to as the "Queen of the Miniseries" and a "Bond Girl" icon. She possesses a classic, porcelain elegance that seems untouched by time, standing against the ornate wrought-iron railings of the hotel terrace.

The 1991 BAFTA ceremony was a fascinating moment in entertainment history, marked by a mixture of technological ambition and global tension. While the main gala was held at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London, the gathering at the Bel Age Hotel in Los Angeles was far more than just a satellite "viewing party"—it was a fully integrated, live broadcast event.

The primary reason for the bifurcated ceremony (LA and London) was actually the first Gulf War. At the time, there was a significant fear of international travel among American celebrities due to security concerns. Rather than lose the presence of their biggest stars, BAFTA decided to bring the ceremony to them, creating a glamorous "Hollywood outpost" at the Bel Age.

Because the ceremony relied on a complex satellite link-up across eight time zones, things didn't go perfectly. During the presentation of the Best Actor award, the satellite contact with Los Angeles was completely severed due to a power failure. The London host, Noel Edmonds, had to ad-lib for several minutes until the link was restored. Eventually, they got back to LA to announce Philippe Noiret (for Cinema Paradiso) as the winner.

The Los Angeles portion was hosted by the legendary Scottish comedian Billy Connolly. While the London ceremony was traditional and scripted, the LA segments at the Bel Age were described as "loose and spontaneous." Connolly’s energy turned the Hollywood event into a lively, late-night party atmosphere that many critics felt actually outshone the formal proceedings in the UK.

The night was a massive sweep for Martin Scorsese and Goodfellas. In a unique visual, when the film won for Best Adapted Screenplay, the award was accepted via two different satellite feeds: Nicholas Pileggi was in New York, while Scorsese was in Florida. Jane Seymour herself stood on stage in Los Angeles alongside veteran actor Karl Malden to present that very award.

Key Winners That Night

• Best Film: Goodfellas

• Best Actress: Jessica Tandy for Driving Miss Daisy (Presented by Timothy Dalton and Whoopi Goldberg).

• Best Supporting Actress: Whoopi Goldberg for Ghost.

• Best Supporting Actor: Salvatore Cascio, who was only 12 years old at the time, for his role in Cinema Paradiso.

DESIGNED to grow with your family. This house can be built in three stages. First floor is a complete, luxurious home. Expansion attic can be finished later with two enormous extra bedrooms, dressing rooms and second bath. Breezeway, sun deck and garage can be added as desired. Note divided bath and powder room. Built-in cupboards in dining room. Turning open stairway from living room. Seven closets on each floor.

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source: 53 house plans for 1953 by Rudolph A. Matern

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