Style star Yolanda Cellucci has spent decades helping women look fabulous, first at her legendary namesake shop and bridal boutique in Waltham, and now as a personal shopper for Neiman Marcus. We chatted with her in advance of Yolanda: Innovative Fashion Icon, an exhibit running Sept. 8-Nov. 30 at the Charles River Museum of Industry & Innovation.
What can we expect from the exhibit?
We’re very excited to have a chance to display some gowns that were originals from Bob Mackie, Oscar de la Renta—top, top designers in the country when glamour was at its highest. We were doing business in the late ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, ’90s, and our collection was exquisite. Most of the gowns you’ll see are one-of-a-kinds that we had done for shows.
Do you have a favorite memory from your career?
I started out selling wigs out of the trunk of my car, and then I started doing wigs for cancer patients…. I’d get letters after that said, “Oh, thank you. I was able to walk down the aisle proudly with my family and look good for that day.” Those special moments mean more to me than anything.
Your 80th birthday bash is coming up. Do you know what you’ll be wearing?
My daughter Sondra Celli, who does My Big Fat American Gypsy Wedding, she’s designing something for me…. I know it’s going to be white, and it’ll be loaded with crystals.
What is your secret to glamour?
I don’t think it’s just the hairstyle or just the makeup. I think it’s the whole attitude. Play up your best assets. Just make sure when you buy clothes, [they] suit you, not because it’s a trend, because you want to feel glamorous and special. That little touch of glitter adds the glamour. I think what I’m trying to say is, glitter makes it happen…. I’ve always been into rhinestones and glitter. It didn’t have to be diamonds, as long as it has some kind of shine. Even my kitchen cabinets are shiny.
Glitterati
Style star Yolanda Cellucci has spent decades helping women look fabulous, first at her legendary namesake shop and bridal boutique in Waltham, and now as a personal shopper for Neiman Marcus. We chatted with her in advance of Yolanda: Innovative Fashion Icon, an exhibit running Sept. 8-Nov. 30 at the Charles River Museum of Industry & Innovation.
What can we expect from the exhibit?
We’re very excited to have a chance to display some gowns that were originals from Bob Mackie, Oscar de la Renta—top, top designers in the country when glamour was at its highest. We were doing business in the late ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, ’90s, and our collection was exquisite. Most of the gowns you’ll see are one-of-a-kinds that we had done for shows.
Do you have a favorite memory from your career?
I started out selling wigs out of the trunk of my car, and then I started doing wigs for cancer patients…. I’d get letters after that said, “Oh, thank you. I was able to walk down the aisle proudly with my family and look good for that day.” Those special moments mean more to me than anything.
Your 80th birthday bash is coming up. Do you know what you’ll be wearing?
My daughter Sondra Celli, who does My Big Fat American Gypsy Wedding, she’s designing something for me…. I know it’s going to be white, and it’ll be loaded with crystals.
What is your secret to glamour?
I don’t think it’s just the hairstyle or just the makeup. I think it’s the whole attitude. Play up your best assets. Just make sure when you buy clothes, [they] suit you, not because it’s a trend, because you want to feel glamorous and special. That little touch of glitter adds the glamour. I think what I’m trying to say is, glitter makes it happen…. I’ve always been into rhinestones and glitter. It didn’t have to be diamonds, as long as it has some kind of shine. Even my kitchen cabinets are shiny.
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