The casting was almost as catty as the plot, starring Elke Sommer as a couturiere whose designs are stolen by Mike Connors. According to producer Doug Cramer, Ralph Lauren refused a bid to appear, saying Love Boat would be bad for his image. "That's ridiculous," steamed Cramer. "We use more Polo clothes on the show than anything else, and I personally wear only Polo." Giorgio Armani pleaded a schedule conflict, but Calvin Klein's refusal was more ad hominem: He wouldn't come if Halston did. Exit Klein—but enter Vanderbilt, Mackie and (after he changed his mind three times) Beene.
The designers collected the customary guest scale ($1,000 a day plus expenses), but Halston requested one fringe. "I love to party. I hope somebody out there gives me a wonderful party." The producers did—after the first day's filming. Earlier Halston entertained to herald the seventh birthday of his godson, Tony and Berry Perkins' boy Osgood, and when the segment wrapped he threw another fete for the models and designers. Vanderbilt aloofly skipped the carousing to turn in every night at 7. "I'm still on New York time," she said. As to whether the special will float in time zones between the coasts, the ever-modest Halston proclaimed: "It could set a new standard for television."
Saved by the Bell Reunion
The hookups, the meltdowns, the memoires
The case reveals what was really going on what they think of each other now!
