Real estate agents rarely appear in the fashion pages of glossy magazines, but Lana Turner has never been much interested in doing what’s expected of her. The Harlem local (and, many would say, legend) first caught the gaze of the fashion media thanks to her impeccable style—simultaneously classic and unusual—which has now been admired and photographed by several generations of New Yorkers. She once sold a hard-to-shift townhouse by mounting a display of her outfits inside it. Turner is embedded in the history of Harlem—not just in its buildings, but also in its culture. I met her while working on programming with the literary society she’s helmed for 38 years. She’s currently organizing a season based around the life of Alain Locke, the philosopher, educator and “father” of the Harlem Renaissance. It’s not so much that Turner is “more than” her style (500 boxed hats included), it’s that she sees her wardrobe as integral to her This story is from Kinfolk Issue Thirty-Five Buy Now Related Stories Fashion Issue 45 Wildest Dream The case for camouflage. Design Fashion Issue 45 Lisa Yamai Snow Peak's president wants you to get out more. Fashion Issue 45 Wet Look When getting ready is half the fun. Fashion Issue 45 Bianca Saunders The future (of menswear) is female. Fashion Issue 44 Drip Drop A splash of color for summer showers. Fashion Issue 44 Under the Sun Far niente, on the faraway island of Alicudi.
