Lecture to profile seamstress to the stars

Sonja Henie

The life of a Norwegian seamstress to the stars will be the topic of a lecture at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 24, at California Lutheran University.

Ingrid Isaksen will present “From North Lights to Hollywood Stars” about the life of her mother, Serine Dagsland Isaksen, in the Roth Nelson Room as part of the Scandinavian Lecture Series.

Myrna Loy

Isaksen will relate the dress designer’s journey from Norway to Southern California and her longtime friendship with fellow Norwegian Sonja Henie, the “Queen of the Ice.” She will discuss anecdotes from the professional life of her determined, energetic and charming mother, including the many kindnesses of well-known clients such as actresses Myrna Loy and Norma Shearer and “A Streetcar Named Desire” producer Irene Selznick. Isaksen will share design and fabric samples along with the lessons she learned from her mother about dealing with famous clients and the press with discretion and tact.

The Scandinavian American Cultural and Historical Foundation and the CLU Athletics Department are presenting the free lecture. The Roth Nelson Room is located on Mountclef Boulevard near Memorial Parkway. A reception will be held after the lecture at the Scandinavian Center at 26 Faculty St.

For more information, contact Anita Londgren at (805) 241-1051.

Source: California Lutheran University