OK, so the title of my blog post is corny, but there is nothing the least bit feeble about the Manhattan apartment of the late socialite, Slim Keith. A California girl who went on to become one of New York's most soignée socialites, Keith led a remarkable life. She was a wife to a few highly-successful men (including film director Howard Hawks and theater producer Leland Hayward), a mother to prominent interior designer Kitty Hawks, and a friend to Truman Capote, who later based an unflattering character on her in his controversial book, Answered Prayers. Needless to say, the friendship ended.
With a life as rich as hers, it comes as no surprise that her Manhattan apartment, seen here in 1987, was equally as rich. Not rich as in expensive (although her furnishings were exquisite,) but rather, rich in character and personality. More Continental and English in feel than American, the interiors were a lesson in quiet sophistication. No jarring colors, no outré art, and nothing that visually lunged at you. Rather, her home was tasteful and pretty, just like Slim Keith.
If you're interested in learning more about Keith, you should read Slim: Memories of a Rich and Imperfect Life. I read my mother's copy of the book back in the summer of 1990, and as I recall, it was a good read. It might be worth reading again.
All interior photos from House & Garden, January 1987, François Halard photographer. Photo of Slim Keith by John Engstead.