Based on the pioneering television show of the same name, Nelda's life from growing up in Corpus Christie, Texas, through to her ongoing contribution to Palm Springs' ever evolving cultural landscape, will be showcased today.

Long recognized as the lady in yellow in society photographer Slim Aarons Poolside Gossip, audience attendees will be entertained hearing about Nelda Linsk's life leading up to the photograph, and the amusing anecdotes Nelda recalls about that day the iconic photo was taken at the Kaufmann House, including the friends and neighbors she invited to be there, and to all that has ensued since the photograph was taken in January of 1970.

Nelda's early life as a fashion merchandiser, bridal consultant, after-school children's daytime program hostess, through to her role as fashion designer, Betty Barkley, will be highlighted with never-before-seen photos. Nelda's society marriage to Joseph Linsk at New York's Plaza Hotel and her introduction to Palm Springs on her honeymoon sets the stage for the next 60 years of 'Nelda in Palm Springs'.

With an extensive background in fashion, Nelda worked with and became friends with notable fashion icons of the day - Bill Blass, Emilio Pucci, Oscar de La Renta, and Helen Rose, to name a few. Hosting fashion shows for Emilio Pucci at her and husband Joe's famed ‘Edgar J. Kaufmann Residence’ (1946, Richard Neutra) cemented Palm Springs' role as a fashion capital in the 1960s and 70s.

After Joe Linsk's death in 1983, Nelda became a top producing real estate agent representing numerous famous residences including President and Betty Ford's home (1979, Welton Becket & Associates), ‘The Firestone Residence’ (1957, William Pereira), Frank Sinatra’s Rancho Mirage compound, and Nelda represented her former home, 'The Edgar J. Kaufmann Residence’ (1947, Richard Neutra) multiple times. Today Nelda is a member of the Desert Estates Network, an exclusive group of realtors representing high end properties.

Nelda is a two-time Athena Award honoree for entrepreneurial businesswoman and was recently honored with a Broken Glass Humanitarian Award. Nelda is a Founder and current board member of the Barbara Sinatra Children's Center, former Board of Governors Desert Hospital, former board member of Act for Multiple Sclerosis and is a past board member of The Palm Springs Film Festival.

With multiple special guests and a commemorative souvenir program this will be a once-in-a-lifetime Modernism Week event.

Photo Credits: Nelda Linsk Archives

Location & Attendee Information

  • What are the appropriate ages for this activity?Person Ages 13 and older
  • Are pets, animals, or service animals permitted?Dog on a leash No pets, service animals permitted
  • What are the mobility considerations for this activity?Person walking Seated activity
  • What type of parking is available?Car Parking & handicap parking available
  • Are restrooms available?Restroom sign Restrooms available
  • Is this an indoor or outdoor activity?Sun Indoor activity
  • What is the policy regarding smoking?Cigarette with smoke No smoking or e-cigarettes
  • What type of ADA accessibility is available?Wheelchair Wheelchair accessible
The organizer of this event is: Modernism Week Annenberg Theater Activity

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