By Denise Ortuno Neil
On Saturday October 25th, the Palm Springs Historical Society will be unveiling the Mamie Van Doren exhibit honoring the famous blonde bombshell. The opening of the exhibit will be followed by a decadent cocktail party at the historic Andreas Hotel and Spa, which was Van Doren’s favorite place to stay in Palm Springs.
Mamie Van Doren is one of old Hollywood’s most coveted blonde bombshells from the 1950’s and 60’s era. Van Doren first came to Hollywood with her parents when she was only 13. She came into the limelight at a young age…and as time ensued, joined iconic platinum blondes such as Marilyn Monroe and Jane Mansfield. She was discovered by Howard Hughes, and he cast her in his epic film, Jet Pilot in 1957. But before the Hughes film, Van Doren gained the title of Miss Palm Springs…making the city near and dear to her heart.
Van Doren was known for her sexy allure and went on to be featured in many films and had many love interests including Nicky Hilton, Steve McQueen and Jack Dempsey just to name a few. Her 1987 biography, Playing the Field, Sex, Stardom, Love and Life in Hollywood, chronicled her famous and infamous life.
The Andreas Hotel and Spa is situated in downtown Palm Springs and was built in the 1930’s. It was a hot spot for Hollywood stars and is a very popular hotel today. The hotel features the Mamie Van Doren suite, where the star used to stay. The suite has since been redecorated, but has the essence of the star all around it…very vintage Hollywood….the room sparkles. The suite will be available for viewing during the cocktail party.
The exhibit opens at the Palm Springs Historical Society at 10am to 4pm on Saturday October 25th. The following cocktail party will take place from 5:30pm to 7:30pm and honoring Van Doren and will also serve as the 2014/2015 season kick-off for the Palm Springs Historical Society. The party will offer hors d’oeuvres provided by LULU California Bistro, dessert by Manhattan of the Desert and a no host bar will be present. The highlight will be an appearance by Mamie Van Doren in all of her glamorous glory. Tickets are $55 for members and $65 for non-members of the Palm Springs Historical Society (all proceeds benefit the Palm Springs Historical Society). Reservations are required and vintage cocktail party attire is encouraged. It is sure to be a night filled with old school glitz and glamour…Palm Springs style!
For more information visit www.pshistoricalsociety.org or call 760-323-8297
