If there’s any one figure that was synonymous with the mystique of Hollywood as fame factory and fantasyland, it was Angelyne. Thanks to her once ubiquitous billboards around town, the perpetually pink blonde bombshell was kind of the unofficial mascot of Tinseltown. In a city full of celebs, Angelyne and her pink corvette were one of the only “star sightings” that seemed to get locals truly excited. But that was several years ago. These days the billboards are down and Ang -whose age is sort of a mystery- isn’t as keen on showing her face as she used to be. Twentysomethings probably don’t even know who she is. She’s still around though, and for those of us who grew up seeing her billboards on every block, she’ll forever be a pop culture icon. Before Facebook and Twitter and photo blogs, Angelyne mastered the “famous for being famous” concept. Paris Hilton obviously took notes.
We chatted with the pink lady a couple years ago outside of a West Hollywood club and found her surprisingly smart, if a bit eccentric. She was selling t-shirts, magazines and what looked like some art (which was really cute) out of the trunk of her famed corvette and refused to pose for a photo unless we bought something. We absolutely would have, but we had no cash. She posed with some pleading anyway and let us keep only a couple shots after going through our camera. We promised to purchase something later.
We’ve seen her rolling about LA a few times (the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf and Albertsons on Hillhurst is a favorite spot) since, but we’ve never been able to stop her to get those goodies, so we are ecstatic to announce that she’ll be doing an artshow at the Burgundy’s Room’s adjacent art gallery in late August. Curated by the watering hole’s beloved bartender Miss Vanessa, the exhibit titled “Sex & God,” will showcase Ang’s art, branded merch and more. “Cocktails and conversation” with the artist are promised on the flier too. Forget about awards shows and velvet ropes, on August 18, the most glamourous Hollywood happening will be on Cahuenga Blvd. Be there and wear pink.
