Bethann Hardison

Bethann Hardison Instagram – I don’t know if I ever could have said these words prior to the recent fires that has swept communities in the manner that it has.
It has been heart breaking. Though the Santa Ana winds have calmed down, it feels like it ain’t over till it’s over.
I live in New York City. I visit Los Angeles at least once a year for a decent spell of time.
I use to spend even more time in years prior staying in my son Kadeem’s home in Topanga Canyon, once a year, 2-3 months at a time.
I was first brought to LA by Harriet Selwyn a dear friend of Willi Smith and mine. She wanted me to help her with her apparel brand in the late 70’s. That was a time all the cool creatives New Yorkers were escaping to the wild open west to bring their talents where there were opportunities and lifestyle change. People like Joel Schumacher, Daniel Parades, Marisa Berenson, Barbara Carrera, etc. I was lucky to be given Daniel’s apartment to live in while he was away in West Hollywood. I think that is how I met Michael Kaplan (costume designer)maybe through Carol Isenberg or Linda Gruber.
Those names might not be recognizable now but back then they were “the new kids on the block”.
LA was quieter, less people, less cars.
More spiritual and more caring about the body, mind and environment. In bed averagely by 9pm. Because everything closed early, restaurants and clubs, by 10p all was dark.
It was special on many levels and a nice change from New York. It was very slow.
And creatives could achieve easily, especially New Yorkers as they brought so much more to the table. My first time I spent two months working in behalf of Harriet and meeting who I mentioned above who were very caring. Back then Los Angelenos did what they said and didn’t talk out of both sides of their mouths. I always knew when asked would I be interested to move there as much as it embraced me, the answer has always been “No”. I am a die heart New Yorker til this day.
But these recent fires brought tears to my eyes, I feared for Topanga Canyon and the loss for all others. I care for LA and recognize my love. It deserves a chapter.
Prayers continue. | Posted on 22/Jan/2025 20:43:33