What did you do or do for work?

For thirty-two years I worked for The NYC Department of Education. I began my career as a high school English teacher and after twenty years of hopefully teaching students to love literature, I shifted to supervisory positions from Assistant Principal to Executive Director of Career and Technical education in the downtown headquarters of the Tweed Building. Having held a number of positions in those years, I gained a different perspective on the education process and joined a cadre of astute executives involved in policy execution.

How would you describe your style as a teenager?

I grew up in the sixties and my wardrobe was heavily influenced by the hippie era of jeans, peasant tops, suede fringe vests and jackets, maxi coats and long, long scarves! Weekends at the Fillmore East and the Electric Circus and a trip to Haight Asbury, Sausalito and of course Woodstock influenced my long hair, flower headbands, beads, floppy hats and bandannas.

How would you describe your style now?

My style today is Alembika chic. I love the quality, textures, colors, and flare of mixing all of these together. There is enough variety to find what makes me feel comfortable, stylish and ignites the bohemian me of long ago!

Fran is seen here wearing our Liberty Oversized Shift Dress with her signature pops of color.

What would you do if you had the whole day for yourself?

I would relax in my zero gravity chair set up on the beach and I would read, listen to music, pray, nap. And of course go for a swim! Being a true Gemini I would just as well thoroughly enjoy the theater, an opera, a trip to a museum or a really good duplicate bridge game.

Who gave you the most valuable piece of advice and what was it?

My dad always encouraged me to be independent. He believed that an education was the way to ensure that I could always rely on myself. Since I am an only child, it was most important to him that I be happy and only in relationships because that’s what I wanted and not because I needed someone to take care of me.