RADIANT ACTOR RUBY DEE

"The kind of beauty I want most is the hard-to-get kind that comes from within -- strength, courage, dignity."

RUBY DEE

This is a quote that I found on the internet by Ms Ruby Dee that I feel says it all about this LIVING LEGEND.

To be in service of a high profile person, to adorn the form of Ms Ruby Dee who has graced film and stage for decades is what us independent behind the scenes people live for.

The day my friend Casaundra Bromfield describes the experience of designing the Ball Gown and wardrobe preparation for Oprah Winfry’s Legends Weekend, was humbling and glorifying at the same time.

Ms Dee not only is the symbol of subdued majesty, she personifies the brilliance of spirit, commitment to theater arts. Along with her late husband/partner Ossie Davis they with-stood the pit falls and the glitter and gloom of early Hollywood

It’s clear, this award winning actors trophy is her radiant beauty & craft, along with wisdom, belief in self and her people,

She demonstrates belief in supporting the creative skills of African-American artist & craftspeople as can be seen in this beautiful portrait by Photographer Chester Higgins Jr. and Designer Cassandra Bromsfield.

I cherish the stories that designer Cassandra tells me about her experience with her celebrity client, Ms Bromfield designing and organizing Ms Dee's, when Ms Dee was invited to Oprah Winfry’s legendary, Legends Ball. She has told me over and over again, each and every detail of preparation.

Even down to the diamond earring Oprah Winfry gave Ms Dee, Ms Bromfields first invitation to Ms Dee’s home for wardrobe consultation work, the conversations with Ms Dee’s daughter's Hasna & Nora , being served coffee and zucchini bread by the actresses assistant as Ms Dee was called away for a quick business phone call, Flipping through the coffee table books in the living room, Seeing Ms Dee historical collection of costumes from stage & screen. I felt like I had a front role seat to backstage American Theater History.