Zelda Kaplan, 95, Dies at New York Fashion Week after Collapsing at Joanna Mastroianni Show

By Nadine DeNinno: Subscribe to Nadine's

February 15, 2012 9:05 PM EST

Revelers were completely immersed in creations by Joanna Mastroianni in the middle of her Fall 2012 show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York on Wednesday when an elderly woman suddenly collapsed and was seen being carried away by two men.

Zelda Kaplan, a 95-year-old woman prominent in the fashion world, was pronounced dead at Roosevelt Hospital shortly after the incident.

Kaplan was seen sitting front row before the show began fashionably late at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Those sitting around her told The Associated Press that she slumped over while models walked down the runway.

"I was sitting right next to her. She flopped over in my lap," Ruth Finley, publisher of the Fashion Calendar, told The AP. "The show was just starting. I thought she fainted. Two men carried her out."

Roosevelt Hospital spokeswoman Elizabeth Dowling did not announce the cause of death.

Follow us

According to The AP, Kaplan was friends with the Joanna Mastroianni show stylist's, Mia Morgan, daughter. 

Famous for running around in the New York City nightlife scene, Zelda Kaplan was the subject of "Her Name is Zelda," a documentary film in 2004 which showcased her transition into old age as a fixture in the art, fashion and nightlife world.

To report problems or to leave feedback about this article, e-mail:
To contact the editor, e-mail:

This article is copyrighted by International Business Times, the business news leader
Sponsor Link:

News From Fashion

Aishwarya RaiAishwarya Rai Shows Off Curves At Cannes, Responds To Weight Gain Criticism [PHOTOS]

On Friday, Aishwarya Rai attended the premiere of "Cosmopolis" dressed in a glittering Elie Saab gown from the designer's Fall 2011 Couture collection.

Join the Conversation
Most popular
IBTimes TV

73 yr Old Becomes Oldest Woman to Climb Mount Everest

Global Markets
Existing Home Sales Jump, World Banks Lowers China Forecast, Euro Prepares for Greek Exit

E-Newsletters

We value your privacy. Your email address will not be shared.