Slow Clap Stories

Someone ought to write a book about Linda Porter, with an emphasis on her jewelry.
The research when it comes to the jewelry would be hard. But. Oh! Also, how fun and de-lovely!

I have always been in love with Cole Porter. ‘De-lovely’ is my favourite English word and I use it profusely. (Yes, Anything Goes is on my top four musical list. Ask me later about the other two…) But it was not until I started to indulge myself – also profusely, another de-lovely word – now quite many years ago that I heard about Linda Porter.

The socialite heiress

Linda (1883 – 1954 and sometimes called Linda Lee Porter) and Cole Porter were if not theee heart, then at least the heart of Paris and New York’s glamorous social and cultural life for almost 30 years. Through their parties, friendships and influence, they helped shape the two cities golden age of theatre, music, fashion and high society.

Linda Porter was born Linda Belle Lee Thomas – how can you become anything else than a socialite when your middle name is Belle? – in a rich and prominent family. She was married early in 1901 to Edward Russell Thomas and divorced some years later, in 1912.
Edward later came to go on in history as the first person to kill someone in a car accident (!). And, not just once but twice! In 1902 he hit the seven-year-old Henry Theiss in Upper Manhattan. He was exonerated for the boy’s death but had to pay a settlement to the family. Later he killed a woman in Italy with the same car. A car he called the White Ghost. No wonder…

Linda and Cole Porter. Photo: Found online.

The Porters

Linda met Cole Porter in 1918 and they were wed in 1919 in Paris. The marriage lasted until Linda’s death in 1954 in emphysema.
It is said and probable that their marriage was open, considering that Cole Porter were gay but it seems to have been a remarkable partnership. Linda was the sophisticated hostess and social force while Cole soon became one of America’s most celebrated composers and songwriters.

The couple spent much of their time moving between Paris and New York, as well as travelling through Europe. From the 1920s into the 1930s, they had a home at 13 rue Monsieur in Paris where they entertained artists, aristocrats and celebrities.

Back in NYC

By the late 1920s, New York became increasingly important to Cole Porter’s career as his Broadway successes took off. When Linda died Cole stayed on in their apartment at the Waldorf Astoria until his death in 1964.

Linda Porter’s jewels saw the Parisian high society, Broadway creatives and all of New York’s cultural elite. And, someone who is said to have considered Van Cleef and Arpels her “favourite department store”, is she not sooo worth a her very own jewelry book!?

Sometimes described as the most important piece of American jewelry, this aquamarine and ruby *Belt Buckle necklace* was designed in 1935 by Fulco di Verdura for *Paul Flato*. The necklace was commissioned by Cole Porter for Linda and the couple later gave it to Fred Astaire’s daughter Ava (!).

These clip brooches, with emeralds and diamonds mounted in platinum, from around 1940, were made for Linda Porter by *Paul Flato*. They were sold by the estate of actress Jean Howard in 2003. Photo. Christie’s

The Cole Porter Eye of Horus bracelet is composed of a carved eye of Horus faience bead sided by black enamel, diamonds, cabochon sapphires, turquoise, and lapis lazuli on a flexible band; mounted in yellow gold and platinum. Cartier, 1928. Now the Cartier Collection. Photo: Siegelson New York

“Pyramid” ring with two rows of baguette cut diamonds mounted in platinum, circa 1935, Cartier. Photo: F D Gallery

“It’s delightful, it’s delicious, it’s de-lovely”

*The Cole Porter scarab, Cartier 1926.* The scarab’s wings are embellished with diamonds, sapphires, and black enamel, centering a large carved scarab symbolizing the god Khepera. The buckle is mounted in red and yellow gold and platinum. Now the *Cartier Collection*. **Photo**: *Siegelson New York*

Tutti frutti strap bracelet in platinum, diamonds, sapphires, rubies, emeralds, onyx and enamel, Cartier circa 1920s. Now the *Cartier Collection*. **Photo**: *Cartier*

Tutti Frutti strap bracelet, circa 1929 and double clip brooches, circa 1935. Both Cartier. Now the *Cartier Collection*. **Photos**: *Forbes* **Photo** #4: *Found online.*

It is said that Linda would commission a new cigarette case for Cole Porter at the opening of each of his productions. 1) Silver and gold steamer trunk case, crafted of heavy sterling silver, hand bolted with hundreds of 18k gold nail heads, circa 1930s, Cartier. 2) The jewelry designer Fulco di Verdura designed the rose gold shell cigarette case, for Verdura, when the Columbia Pictures’ film You’ll Never Get Rich – starring Fred Astaire and Rita Hayworth – premiered in 1941. Both photos: 1stDibs