LA Story 🌟
A Throwback to 1993
L.A. Story
Hi there,
In November 1993, I boarded a plane from San Francisco to LA, filled with excitement and big dreams. I was about to rent a new apartment and start a new chapter at FIDM, leaving behind my original plan to study at FIT in New York because I was completely smitten with California. On the flight back, we passed over the The Old Topanga Fire , which had just sparked northeast of Malibu. From the plane, I watched the flames and smoke rising, a surreal and humbling sight. When I landed, my parents called on the good ol' landline, concerned and glued to the news. They asked if I was sure I wanted to be in L.A. instead of New York. My answer was an resounding yes.
Soon after, I rented a van, packed it to the brim with my new friend Neco (now my son’s beloved godfather and the best friend anyone could ask for), and made the six-hour drive south. It was a messy, chaotic move—laundry-bin clothes, loose hangers, and way too many items stuffed into shopping bags. Classic 22-year-old style. Little did I know that this city would become my home for five years, shaping me in ways I couldn’t have imagined: I found my career in buying, met my ex-husband (who later introduced me to three lifelong friends I’ve cherished post-divorce), got a fun taste of Hollywood through local friends, traveled everywhere from the desert to snowy mountains, and grew into a functioning adult. All while living in the beautiful City of Angels.
So many years have passed since then, but my love and gratitude for L.A. remain as strong as ever. Watching the fires this month, I feel a mix of numbness and heartbreak. I’m grateful my friends are safe but devastated for those who have lost so much. Thoughts and prayers aren’t enough, but the constant flood of social media images and fundraisers can feel overwhelming. Still, helping—in any way—is what matters most.
The thing is, we can’t keep returning to normal without addressing how to prevent this kind of destruction. What are we really going to do with climate change? How can we avoid more future disasters? What kind of innovation and technologies can we put in place to? We are so behind, it's mind boggling. I saw Summer Dean aka Climate Diva’s Instagram post (don't get thrown off with the first part, keep watching until she shows up) and learned about some of the factors that made this fire so intense such as native versus invasive species, chaotic rainfall patterns, hurricane / fire remix, climate crisis and Santa Ana winds, and wildlane urban interface. Education and science really help, and understanding some of the issues—instead of just blaming people — is a small but powerful step towards solutions.
In the meantime, community is what gets us through moments like this. Showing up for one another, and even small acts of kindness can make a big difference. I’m in awe of what Altadena Girls, organized by 14 year old Avery Colvert, has been able to do.
If you want to support recovery efforts, here are a few people and organizations you can donate to:
2) Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation
3) Displaced Black Families Go FundMe Directory
4) Project HOPE: distributing hygiene kits to displaced families and children, procuring high-need items for shelters and health clinics, supporting health workers administering care to people affected, and mobilizing mental health support.
5) Cciarts.org : the Getty Museum have joined to create the L.A. Arts Community Fire Relief Fund, an emergency relief fund for artists and arts workers who lost residences, studios, livelihoods or have been impacted by the fires this month. The fund (which will open on January 20th) will be administered by the Center for Cultural Innovation, providing funding, advocacy, and research support on behalf of individuals in the arts.
6) California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Relief Fund: Offers long-term recovery support to impacted communities.
7) Our friend LuAnne Geffen in Sag Harbor grew up in LA and her parents lost their home, see her GoFund me, and help us raise the funds they need.
I read this from the Business of Fashion, which makes me think the best is to donate money right now, and not clothing if you can't donate new.
Hold your loved ones close, and support each other and the people of Los Angeles in any way you can.
Sending lot of love,
Patricia
PS: A very special thank you to all who came last weekend. I am overwhelmed by all the messages, and for the incredible outpouring of love and goodwill. I got to see, hug and laugh with so many of you, it was truly a celebration of our beautiful community. We are closing the doors of our beautiul Gingerbread house to open many more in the future. Thank you again! 🙏