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Memories of Joan with David Dangle

by ‎02-05-2015 05:15 PM - edited ‎06-19-2015 02:51 PM

Hi there,

 

This month I’m turning my blog entry over to QVC Senior Copywriter Annie. As a senior copywriter, Annie both writes and edits product descriptions for our website.

 

 

 

Troy

 

QVC Editor

 

 

 

Hi, all!

 

Talking with David Dangle, CEO of Joan Rivers Worldwide, was much like talking with Joan. He’s funny, very sweet, and oh-so down-to-earth. And any nervousness I might have felt upon entering the QVC green room quickly faded as he let out a friendly greeting. When I asked him if Joan was as hilarious behind closed doors as she was in front of the cameras, David told me, “One of the things we enjoyed about each other is that we made the other laugh a lot. I mean, a lot. She was the funniest woman who ever lived. You often hear comedians aren’t that funny off stage, but I’ve never laughed so hard in my life—in this room! Laughter is what drove her.

 

When talking about the Joan Rivers Classics Collection, I mentioned that so many brands focus on trends—but Joan’s brand seemed to always focus on timeless pieces. David commented, “I would go back to the name of the brand—the Joan Rivers Classics Collection. That name was picked very carefully. Joan’s style was never outrageous. It was never the crazy latest, like here comes the pirate shirt. It was always a taste level of timelessness. The designers who influenced her were Chanel, St. Laurent, Armani—designers whose looks never really change. They evolve, as all design does, but they’re rooted in classic silhouettes and clothes and jewelry that will look great year after year. We’re not a trend-driven brand. We’re a trend-influenced brand. Everyone wants to look current, but you want to look appropriate. You want to look like you’re wearing the latest, but it doesn’t wear you. And you can do this by taking what the designers are going nuts with and making it appropriate for you.”

 

This reminded me so much of my first interview with Joan and an answer she gave when I asked her how women can stay off the worst-dressed lists. She said, “Be simple and don’t follow the ‘fad.’ And be willing to try a new idea, but try it in an adult way. That’s what our line is about.” It became very evident to me why David and Joan were such good business partners—and friends.

 

 

 

I asked him if there was anything else he would like to share with the QVC customer. Smiling, he said, “The outpouring is extraordinary. And people care about me, which is really touching. In the scheme of things, I could see that not being something people would think about. I mean, Joan’s a big deal, but people are so nice that they care about me, too! And that’s so humbling, to be honest with you. It’s really blown me away.” 

 

Here at QVC, we miss Joan’s larger-than-life presence roaming our halls. But we have many memories to hold onto. My memories come from our interviews, so I would like to share a few of my favorite quotes she gave me:

 

“One word to describe my clothing line? Wearable chic. But it has to be one word, so wearablechic. Make it like a German word.”

 

“What takes 10 years off your life, besides a plastic surgeon? Velvet. I mean, the Elephant Man’s sister would look good in velvet.”

 

“My grandson, Cooper, is great. He’s a good student and he’s got a sense of humor. Can you imagine if we had a sourpuss in the family? If you had to keep saying, ‘No, that’s a joke’? We don’t have to do that with Cooper, thank God!”

 

 

 

“My birthday wish is that next year is as good to my family as this year has been. It’s been a good year for all of us and I love my daughter, Melissa, because she knows it. God bless her, she knows when things are good and she appreciates them.”

 

Annie, guest blogger 

 

In one of my recent blogs, Can We Talk? Remembering Joan Rivers, I asked you to share your memories of Joan. Some of you posted them to the blog, and some emailed them to me, which I’d like to share:

 

“I know that Joan is making everyone in heaven laugh every minute of every day. My funniest memories are of Joan and [former Program Host] Kathy Levine having ‘pajama parties.’ And they were on TV with their glasses of wine while they wore PJs!” –Doris

 

“I remember many years ago when Joan gave Kathy [Levin] a lamb for her birthday—a real lamb. Talk about a shock. Very funny. We all miss her funny presentations and her air kiss with Lisa [Robertson]. R.I.P., Joan.”  –Jeanne

 

“It has been like losing my own dear friend. We have grown old together. She supported me when my own mother died, and whenever I became sad she seemed to be there. She is not gone; she will be in our hearts forever. Love and hugs.” –Jan

 

“I remember when Joan used to bring her dog Spike with her on the set. Well, one time when Spike was getting older he decided to leave his ‘mark’ on the set and I thought Joan was going to lose it. I think she was on with Kathy Levine when Spike did his business. Those two used to do some late night shows when Joan would have a TSV® and be in bed together. I would laugh so hard. I sure miss those shows. Anytime I felt down or didn’t feel well and Joan would be on QVC, I would feel better just by listening to her funny stories or comments. I miss her so much, it’s like I’ve lost a relative or my best friend. I am so glad David Dangle is continuing her line of products and that he has shared some memories of her with us.” –Vickie

 

 

 

Thanks to all of you who posted and emailed me your thoughts about Joan. 

 

Best wishes,

 

Troy

 

QVC editor