## Remembering Suzy: A Celebration of Aileen Mehle’s Glamorous Legacy
As we step into a dazzling world of high society, **Kent State University Museum** is set to shine a spotlight on one of its most vibrant icons. **Aileen Mehle**, affectionately known as “Suzy,” takes center stage in an exciting upcoming exhibition, **”Sparkle: The Style and Jewelry of Aileen Mehle.”**
### A Socialite with Stories to Tell
**Aileen Mehle** was not just any gossip columnist; she was an extraordinary storyteller, weaving tales that captured the essence of life among the elite. With a pen as sparkling as her jewel-toned wardrobe, Suzy chronicled the glam and glitz of New York’s high society from 1991 to 2005 in publications like [WWD](https://wwd.com/tag/wwd/) and *W*. Cloaked in caftans, adorned with massive jewelry, her presence was reminiscent of Elizabeth Taylor’s timeless elegance.
#### McCarthyism and Marriages
Suzy’s life was as captivating as her columns. Amidst swirling rumors and whispered affairs, she attracted the attention of some of the most notable men of her time, including shipping magnate **Aristotle Onassis** and Hollywood heavyweight **Frank Sinatra**. After her second marriage crumbled in the late 1950s, she found herself in the competitive realm of New York gossip journalism, rubbing elbows with legends like **Walter Winchell** and **Igor Cassini**, whose fame was unparalleled.
### An Exhibition that Shimmers
**”Sparkle”** will debut on **July 18**, promising to be more than just a fashion retrospective. This exhibition is a deep dive into the life of a woman who didn’t just observe glamour; she lived it. From exquisite **Oscar de la Renta** evening gowns to eye-catching pieces from **Zandra Rhodes**, the showcase will include remarkable items that define Suzy’s iconic personal style. Notably, it features a stunning pink gazar slipdress and an embellished chiffon caftan that will transport you straight to the glamorous soirées of yesteryear.
**“What I do is somewhere between ditch-digging and galley-slaving,”** Suzy once quipped, revealing her relentless pursuit of the next big scoop. By night, while the city glowed with promise, her keen eye scanned the room, catching snippets of intrigue that few could match.
### A Look Inside the Closet of Secrets
To enhance visitor engagement, the exhibition will feature a **mock closet**, filled with Suzy’s beloved designer pieces. Just imagine rummaging through a wardrobe that held countless memories and secrets! However, one wonders how Suzy herself would feel about strangers delving into her couture collection.
#### A Lasting Impact
James Fallon, Chief Content Officer of WWD, encapsulates Suzy best: **“She was a soft-hearted gossip tempest with a steel spine.”** Her knack for blending high fashion with high society left an indelible mark on the world of gossip and journalism. Demand for a tell-all book surrounded her, but her lips remained sealed, rife with untold stories of affluence and scandal.
### Upcoming Events at the Museum
As part of its **40th anniversary**, the Kent State University Museum will also unveil other exhibitions starting in September, including a look at contemporary **North African fashion** and a showcase of costumes from the much-anticipated film “Wicked.”
**Don’t miss out** on the opportunity to revisit the glamorous legacy of Suzy and her unforgettable contributions to fashion, society, and the world of gossip. Dive into a world where style meets intrigue and explore the **exquisite artistry** that adorned this iconic figure.
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For more information about the exhibition and to explore her exquisite collection, visit the [Kent State University Museum](https://www.kent.edu/museum) website.
