Christmas, 1983. Tomie photo-bombing “official portrait” of Charles Massey (at left) and friend.
Charles lived in a great apartment at a terrific location in New York City: West 70-something Street between Amsterdam and Columbus Avenues.
He let us stay there many times, including Christmastime, 1983. Midnight Mass was at the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine. Christmas dinner was at the Plaza Hotel.
“Parachute” was one of the trendy clothing shops near Charles’ apartment. As I was trying on an article of clothing, Tomie asked about its durability. The young, uninterested, waif clerk dryly replied, “Our customers usually wear their clothes only once.”
“Charivari” was one of Tomie’s favorite clothing stores not too far from Charles’ home. Tomie bought a coat there that looked great on him because it was dramatic.
A long, wide, and heavy panel was at the neck. It was meant to be dramatically thrown around the neck and opposite shoulder similar to the way a scarf might be draped.
We were in Boston walking across Copley Square with a friend one blustery fall day when a gust of wind caused the coat panel to un-drape and hit face-on the friend walking alongside him.
When Tomie was wearing that coat, it was necessary to safely socially distance from him before social distancing was a thing.
We often mused that being fashion forward could be a lot of work… and a bit dangerous. (Bob)
Pray for Peace, Justice, and Equality
