Deepwell Weekend

April is the perfect month to party with friends and break out some colorful hot weather wear

Raoul Hausmann Fashion & Style

Photographs by Brent Humphreys/Styled by Oretta Corbelli

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In 1926, scientist-turned-apricot rancher Henry Pearson bought a parcel of land south of Palm Springs. He built a ranch house with a glass-covered pipe roof system that used solar energy to heat water. He drilled the deepest well in the valley at 630 feet and, thereafter, the area around his ranch became known as Deepwell. Left to right: Men’s yellow shorts and printed shirt from Wil Stiles, Palm Springs; www.wilstiles.com • Cuervo and Sobrinos “Robusto Beceador” men’s watch with blue dial and orange accents from Frasca Jewelers, El Paseo; www.mfrascajewelers.com • Marciano flower print dress with beaded halter neckline; www.marciano.com. Maria Rzewuska aluminum cuff from Frasca Jewelers. Botanical print suit by Mr. Turk, Palm Springs; www.trinaturk.com

 

Palm Springs Fashion

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Two years later, Charles Doyle bought the property and converted it to a dude ranch. Like nearby Smoketree, it created an Old West fantasy.

 

Palm Springs Fashion

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Deepwell caught on with Hollywood folk including William Holden, Tippi Hedren, Eva Gabor, Liz Taylor, and Eddie Fisher. Halter neck swimsuit and orange suede sandals from Trina Turk, Palm Springs • Yellow pleated wide pant from Marciano • Fendi round gold watch from The Jewelry Bar, El Paseo; www.thejewelrybar.com • Hat, stylist’s own.

 

Palm Springs Fashion

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The inspiration for the photo shoot came not from Slim Aarons, but from a Playboy magazine story about a Deepwell bachelor pad in 1966. The story’s photos depict the “swinging” lifestyle of a Palm Springs guy in the ’60s, complete with Jaguar parked in front, and a buffet of giant shrimp. Floral swimsuit from Khongboon Swimwear; www.khongboonswimwear.com • Floral Kimono from Frankies Bikinis; www.frankiesbikinis.com • Seated women’s swimwear from Trina Turk. Men’s shirts and shorts from Wil Stiles.

 

Palm Springs Fashion

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James Hollowell, described by Playboy as a “prominent attorney in the desert city of Palm Springs, California,” has a bevy of sexy friends who cavort around his pool. Pink and blue floral crossed front bikini from  Frankies Bikinis. Silver and diamond jewelry from The Jewelry Bar.

 

Palm Springs Fashion

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The Palm Springs Life shoot is not a faithful recreation of Playboy’s article. Unfortunately, none of our models agreed to take a nude bubble bath, as they did for Hef. Fuchsia cutout swimsuit from Trina Turk. Gold sequin long coat from That’s Thefft; www.thatsthefft.com • Men’s  pink swim trunks from Guess, www.guess.com

 

Palm Springs Fashion

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The home in which Deepwell Weekend was shot is said to have once belonged to Art Linkletter.  Left to right, men’s shirt from Marciano. Norma Kamali navy and white striped convertible dress from BB.One on El Paseo; www.bboneapparel.com • White beads and silver/diamond bracelet from The Jewelry Bar. Hat, stylists’s own. Men’s print shirt from Wil Stiles. Men’s botanical print pants and chartreuse and white polo shirt from Mr. Turk. Flower print dress from Marciano. Marie Rzewuska aluminum cuff, from Frasca Jewelers. Men’s lime green shorts, shirt, and hat from Wil Stiles.

 

Palm Springs Fashion

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Born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan then orphaned, Linkletter had a long TV career. His shrewd investment in the hula hoop made him a wealthy and noted philanthropist. Men’s plaid suit from Mr. Turk. Navy polo and shoes, stylist’s own. Hermes Arceau Collection watch with alligator band, from Frasca Jewelers.

 

Palm Springs Fashion

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The current owners, an attorney and a consultant from San Francisco, bought the property two years ago and have barely enjoyed any time alone. The property is constantly booked by actors, filmmakers, and production companies. It has hosted 20 photo shoots alone in 2016 … not counting ours. Because everyone likes to shoot the grapefruit, the owners have a contractual clause in which the renters’ deposits are forfeited if they pick  the fruit. Sheer nude beaded lace dress from French Affair; • Gold hoop earrings from The Jewelry Bar.

 

Palm Springs Fashion

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The Deepwell neighborhood has changed significantly over the years. Says one resident: “It was gays and grays and now it’s hipsters and Hassids.” Men’s suit and shirt from Marciano; animal print dress from Ecred.

 

Photo Assistant: Thil Kline;
Stylist: Oretta Corbelli;
Assistant Stylists: Elisa Panic and Alyssa Vazquez;
Hair and Makeup: Chelsea Dorris;
Hair and Makeup Assistants: Jessica Gonzalez and Taylor Doane;
Models: Krista Coyle, Trevor Worden, Jeffrey Georgianni, Katarina Reveche, Pasquale Cassalia, and Dawn Bagnell.

Ford Thunderbird courtesy Keith McCormick & Classic Car Auctions, Palm Springs.

For property rental, go to www.436olancha.com