A MUSE MUSES: “Writing is my flying carpet,” said Pat Cleveland, discussing her book “Walking With the Muses: A Memoir” shortly after the Missoni show on Sunday. Talking about the promotion of the book, she said: “Now I hand it over and anyone else takes the ride.” Cleveland is celebrating a 50-year career in modeling, but said that she was “always fascinated by the process of writing. While other models would hang out and have a smoke, I would write in a black diary like a fly on the wall, looking at people.”
She was adamant that this was “not a tell-all,” while still writing “from the heart about the truth.” Cleveland said she felt “fortunate” to be able to “make something ” of herself, and “blessed with opportunities coming from little,” and spoke with fondness of the fashion industry, being able to meet “icons of fashion” and make long-lasting friends.
“I got to be with the best people, with masters who create beauty, and fashion opened doors for me. My dreams came true.”
She counted the Missonis as such friends. “Our children grew up together and we look on so proudly,” she said of the family, who was holding a dinner event after the show to celebrate her book.
“I’ve known Pat for almost 40 years – first seeing her on the runway and then years of friendship as I got to know her because she lived on Lake Maggiore,” said Angela Missoni. “She really changed the scene for models in Italy – she was a goddess. She alone could make the show, she was the first runway “star” – her presence could make or break the outcome of a show.”