On Jan. 30, local fashion icon Susan Stein was honored with the 465th star on the Palm Springs Walk of the Stars.
Stein, creative producer and director of Fashion Week El Paseo and longtime fashion and scene editor for Palm Springs Life magazine, has played a significant role in the valley’s expanded involvement in the worlds of fashion and style.
Stein’s career as a fashion luminary began in New York, where she served as fashion-public relations director for Saks Fifth Avenue. Positions at Bloomingdale’s and the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles followed.
In 2005, she became the regional director for Fashion Group International of Palm Springs and Desert Communities.
Fashion Week El Paseo, an annual event for which Stein serves as creative director and producer, has become known as the “biggest fashion event on the West Coast” and draws fashionistas from around the world while integrating philanthropic opportunities for nonprofit organizations in the desert.
Lending her talents to organizations such as Animal Samaritans and The Joslyn Center, Stein has produced a number of highly successful fashion shows as fundraisers. In addition, through her consulting business, Susan Stein Style, she has styled clients for the Academy Awards and the Grammys.
Accolades include the Visionary Award from Tools for Tomorrow and the Desert Visionary Award from Women Leaders Forum.
At the star unveiling ceremony, Stein’s friend Paul Clowers acknowledged her contribution to the desert’s nonprofits and credited her for “bringing the world of high fashion and international acclaim to this region.”
Dr. Robert Krell, a Holocaust survivor and long-time friend of Stein’s, also spoke, saying that Stein “gives of herself tirelessly.”
Ilse Metchek, president and founder of the California Fashion Association, called Stein “a fashion leader with the eye of a painter.”
Following a standing ovation from family members, colleagues and friends, Stein took to the stage, where she said she was reminded that a star shines because of the energy it puts out. She also shared lessons from her life in how to make things happen.
“Susan Stein’s exceptional contributions to the entire Coachella Valley through the global fashion industry are admirable, and we’re honored to be celebrating her with the 465th star on the Palm Springs Walk of the Stars.,” said Palm Springs Chamber CEO Nona Watson.
Acknowledging Stein’s passion and leadership in contributing to the establishment of this region as a stylish destination, Palm Springs Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein read a proclamation declaring Jan. 30, 2024, as Susan Stein Day.
The star was unveiled at the downtown Palm Springs Park in a public ceremony.
As philanthropy editor at The Desert Sun, Winston Gieseke writes about nonprofits, fundraising and locals who give back, like his beloved dog Ernie Banks, who volunteers at the local cancer center. Reach him at [email protected].