Now THAT's a Pool Party
It was a veritable who’s who of Los Angeles design—and swimwear, in particular—when swimwear designer Rod Beattie opened his stunning mid-century home to celebrate his birthday.
Legendary swimwear designer Anne Cole was in attendance, as well as swim designer Anna Kenney, swimwear executives Gary Nickerson and Lynne Koplin," and Apparel Ventures chief executive Marvin Goodman. The well-dressed crowd turned out to celebrate with Beattie, who designs the La Blanca by Rod Beattie swim collection for Los Angeles–based Apparel Ventures. Rosemary Brantley, the founding chair of the fashion program at Otis College of Art Design, Beattie’s alma mater, was also among the fashionable guests.
“I wake up every morning and think I’ve had the most brilliant life,” Beattie told the crowd. “I have many dear friends here tonight. Rosemary Brantley, she was my design mentor at Otis, she gave me the opportunity to give back [to the fashion community]. Gary Nickerson taught me everything I know about swimwear. Anne Cole, she taught me everything about color, about having a sense of humor and wit about design. I want to thank Lynne Koplin and Marvin Goodman. I will be forever thankful to the two of you for allowing my name to be attached to La Blanca.”
After many heartfelt speeches from family and friends, Anne Cole nearly stole the show, stepping up to the mic to dryly deliver: “Hello. I’m Anne Cole.”
The designer went on to praise Beattie for his many talents, including his skill with “bust pads and crotches.”
Although guests mingled poolside for most of the night, no one fell in—at least, not while I was there. Although for her second set, songstress Morganne was dressed to dive in, wearing a pink La Blanca top and hot-pink feathered cap.
Rod Beattie, center, with Lisa Pinkerton, Rachel Cohen, Shana Hayden and Amy Valencia
The party scene
Morganne serenades the crowd poolside during the singer's opening set
The singer (getting some percussion help from Beattie's nephew), dressed for her second set
