The Ludmila Confessions

Arriving on U.S.A.

Hello New York! I had been there twice already but landing at Laguardia airport (that was the name then) was still exciting The air is so different – it smells of success, money and fame. But to get to our new home at Syracuse, we had to change planes or take the Greyhound bus. I was thrilled to be on American soil with my mama, so she could see for herself the American dream. The Statue of Liberty stood in front of us, shining for all mankind to come and work for freedom honestly.

In Syracuse, we stayed for a couple of days at a friend of mamas house, then mama went to worked as a waitress, washing dishes at night in an Italian restaurant. I went straight to a local television station and told them how great I was, showing them my pictures dancing on TV in Caracas. So this Greek producer – director gave me a chance to perform one day on one of his shows. He was Orthodox like me, so we went together to the Greek Church. In no time, he was ready to propose marriage, but I just stalled for time. I did not want to be married yet; no, I wanted to be free, although I did like him a lot.

I went on the bus to New York and went to see Oleg Cassini, who became one of the favorite designers of the new first lady Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy. I first worked in the showroom, modeling fur coats – I always looked good in fur and in hats. I was 5’8” and half, and weighed only 120 pounds, with big shoulders and a great walk, so I did not have any trouble finding work. But it was only in the showroom, because I had no agent and did not speak English yet. I was still very green, a kid in the biggest city in the world of fashion. I realized they were paying much more money to the models with agents who came to do the 1 hour show, than I made for hours of working. I had to stand up for hours, so they could wrap fabrics around me to create new designs. Never forget my job on the showroom of “ Schwartz furs creations”, mink, chinchilla Russian Savel, wuieiiiiii how sexchual is to feel that expensive fur on your skin, you have no Idea.

I lived on Riverside with a Jewish widow, in the second bedroom so the place was very small and you can hear everything you do, not much of privacy.

My niece Vera arrived alone she was 10 yr. At the airport I pick her up, mama came from Syracuse and we head a fantastic 2 days exploring N.Y. I show them N.Y. and of course central park , Empire State bld. etc. etc. etc. Pelagea Vasilivna went back two Syracuse and Vera stay with me i don’t remember for how long?, she went to worked with me, poor thing she behaved so good, just watch what I was doing and imitate me when we were back at our small room. Then Galina Fedorovna arrived and they went the 2 of them to Syracuse..

William came from Caracas to spend a weekend with me, but this little room did not worked for us, to well.

After he left, he left me 1000 dollars and said, please take it and do what you think is right. I took it and I decided to——————————-