Rachel Crespin, Photo by Francesco Scavullo
I attribute my love of fashion to my parents, but it flourished when I arrived at Harper’s Bazaar. I owe so much to Ray Crespin, who served as an inspiration, along with the incredibly chic, legendary Bazaar editors like China Machado, the senior fashion editor at the time, and Eve Orton, the irrepressible fur editor. I shall never see a skunk coat and not think of Eve.
“If there was one thing that Ray didn’t want to do, it was die. She wanted to continue living and have a good time! She stayed in bed, dressed up in her black turban and black t-shirt right until the end.” – Andrea Quinn Robinson, Former Magazine Editor/ Beauty & Cosmetics Executive.
One of Rachel’s favorite photos- young, at the beach, and traveling the world
Rachel was an inveterate traveler and collector who loved beautiful things. She admittedly had “too much stuff” that she never parted with. Rachel embodied the idea: “Once a fashion editor, always a fashion editor.” She lived by Diana Vreeland’s dictum, “The eye has to travel.” Her passion for the eccentric and exotic endured. Rachel’s impeccable eye never failed her.
There were enormous changes in the world at large and in the world of fashion publishing. It was a tumultuous yet heady time. The 70s were the best decade in fashion, IMHO. I am lucky to have been part of it.
Immediately after graduating from college in 1970, I interviewed at Vogue and Bazaar, but there were no openings. I became the assistant photography editor at Seventeen Magazine, but I wanted more. In July 1971, I walked a few blocks up to the Bazaar offices at 717 5th Avenue and met with Nancy White, the venerable 55-year-old editor-in-chief.
Rachel Crespin, late 60’s, early 70s headshot for Harper’s Bazaar.
The impeccably groomed “Miss White,” as she was known, edited Bazaar from 1958 to 1971, a time when fashion and fashion editors became increasingly flamboyant. Diana Vreeland was her biggest competitor. Miss White explained that there was an opening as an assistant to one of the senior fashion editors, Rachel Crespin. We met, and I was hired on the spot.
Marilyn and Rachel at Marilyn’s vintage exhibition, February 2018, Photo by Sara Diorazio
At 22, I was still a child. Rachel, at 45, could have been my mother. I was captivated by her, and we bonded instantly—a connection that endured. Years later, when Rachel saw in WWD that my vintage collection would be at the Manhattan Vintage Show in February 2018, she made sure to stop by with Sara Diorazio, a NY-based abstract artist who was her dear friend and assistant.
Rachel and an unknown actor. This is how I will always remember her
Ray and I even shared a physical resemblance. Back in the day, when I went to 7th Avenue showrooms to pick up clothing for photography shoots, I would identify myself as Ray Crespin’s assistant, and many times they thought I was Ray Crespin’s sister. Major compliment!
Rachel Crespin, 2018, Photo by Sara Diorazio
Rachel was ravishing—young, mature, and always. She had beautiful skin and striking cheekbones. She aged gracefully and naturally. Ray was consistently stylish, rarely wavering from her very 70’s look. Throughout her life, she instinctively knew what suited her.
Rachel on her wedding day
Rachel’s marriage to Harvey Freeman didn’t last long, although they remained good friends. She described herself as”unmarriageable”. Indeed, Rachel was a fiercely independent woman, incredibly attractive, and she had countless suitors. It was hard to keep track. At one point, she was briefly engaged to Si Newhouse.
Rachel in front of her new apartment in the Paul Rudolph building on Beekman Place, Photo by Sara Diorazio
As Ray’s assistant, I handled personal and professional tasks. Rachel gave me keys to her East 53rd Street apartment, which she owns. In 2016, after selling the building, she moved to a fabulous apartment in the Paul Rudolph building on Beekman Place, where she enjoyed the rest of her life.
“Ray had an incredible life and a great sense of humor. She saved everything, as a great editor would!” -John Calcagno, Former design consultant to Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren
Harper’s Bazaar May 1971 cover shot by Hiro
Rachel was an exceedingly talented editor who masterminded some of Bazaar’s most compelling photo shoots, editorials, and covers. Ray collaborated with legendary photographers, including Bill King, Bill Silano, and especially Hiro.
Legendary Bazaar photographer Hiro and Rachel Crespin
What an incredible learning experience that was. I remember the seedy studios and the weird, wonderful locations. I’ll never forget when Hiro’s fabulously grand apartment in the Dakota was used as a venue.
In December 1971, Nancy White announced her intention to step down as editor-in-chief. Just 3 1/2 months earlier, James W. Brady, the controversial former publisher of Women’s Wear Daily, had become publisher and editorial director of Harper’s Bazaar.
In October 1972, after a period of turmoil at the magazine, Brady left. Anthony Mazzola was then appointed editor-in-chief. Many longtime senior editors, including Rachel, left. Tony Mazzola then hired Carrie Donovan as Senior Fashion Editor. Under Carrie, I quickly advanced from assistant to senior fashion editor.
Rachel Crespin, Andrea Quinn Robinson, and Sara Diorazio at an exhibition of Sara’s artwork in 2017
My drive for learning stems from my time with Rachel. She lived life to the fullest and on her own terms. She continued to seek glamour and beauty, enjoying a sound mind and fairly good health until the end. Not bad!
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