Zelda Kaplan and Snoop Dogg

Zelda Kaplan, New York City socialite, never let her age get in the way of anything.

The famous fashion figure and nightlife staple passed away February 16th at a New York City fashion show. She was 95-years-old. Many seem to think that she would have preferred no other way of leaving life.

Her adult life began as a housewife in 1950s America, and ended with her being one of the most loved, and most eccentric, members of the New York City fashion culture. Over the course of her 40 years involved in NYC fashion, Zelda acquired many admirers, who adored her for her incredibly progressive sense of style and her amazing joy for life.

Zelda Kaplan

Until her dying days, Mrs. Kaplan was a true staple of New York nightlife, being remembered by admirers as attending parties with guests young enough to be her great-grandchildren. She couldn’t find the power to shy away from the dancing and drinking parties she so adored, even as she eclipsed 90 years old.

Mrs. Kaplan even had the honor of being the subject of many films, including an HBO produced documentary which documented her amazing transition from house wife to New York City celebrity.

Perhaps more importantly, however, was the madame’s incredible record of philanthropy. She was able to use her moderate celebrity to raise immense awareness for many issues. She traveled to Africa to protest against the ancient practice of Female Genital Mutilation, and for the right of women to inherit property in the continent.

Mrs. Kaplan

As a long time proponent of feminist causes and women’s rights, many in the New York Fashion scene saw her equally as a political activist as she was a fashion icon. At the age of 90, Greenwich Village’s famous Village Voice quoted her as preaching “It’s so important that girls not defer to the penis. I hope to let every girl know that she is somebody.”

One can only hope they will live out a life as filled with joy, and beauty as Mrs. Zelda Kaplan.