Hello Friends...

It's that time of year again - SUMMER! Oh how I love it. I work throughout the summer, but not at the quite so frantic, demanding pace I have to in the fall and winter. And what a winter work time I had this year. Mostly it was taken up with the reality shows I was on. I must say, it wasn't your normal "Ivana Trump" appearances. But, I think it is very important for every one of us to go outside our comfort zones. Don't you? We can't keep doing the "same old, same old," and think we're going to grow and change. We have to push ourselves into something new, to test ourselves, to find other dimensions, passions, power and opportunity. I have to challenge myself, and be challenged by new and exciting opportunities. In addition to my BIG BROTHER appearance, I went to a small island off Guatemala for a few days for the Italian version of SURVIVOR. Called ISOLA DI FAMOSA and co-hosted by Rossano Rubicondi (you've heard of him, right?)... it was a hoot. I slept on a beach, under the stars, and "roughed" it as if I were on a desert island with Robinson Crusoe. It wasn't Spa-like, but it was lovely being away from cellphones, and offices and traffic. You must try a challenge like this sometime. Could I do it for weeks on end, possibly but with great difficulty. For three days, it was a mini-vacation!

Back to my summer fun now, and thank heavens, the AGE OF ELEGANCE is not passed. I just attended three major, glam events at the HOTEL DU CAP in Antibes in the south of France. It is the epitome of elegance, grace and beauty, and everyone dressed and behaved accordingly. The annual AmFAR Gala and auction has turned into THE biggest Gala on the Riviera. They raised over $7 million for AIDS charities, isn't that just amazing? And, at the same amazingly beautiful place, NAOMI CAMPBELL celebrated her 40th birthday. Her Russian partner spent $1 million on the evening, and everything was perfection down to the last flower. The de Grisogono (Jewelers) party was also at the Hotel, and between the parties and lunches at the EDEN ROCK, I felt I had taken up residence there.

I was in MONACO for the Grand Prix, visiting with friends, wining and dining and having fun at THE HOTEL DE PARIS. Bliss! Now its back to my home in St. Tropez. I opened my house there, took all the new bikinis and dresses, and look forward to welcoming my friends from around the globe. It was very cold when I was there, enormous hail stones and winds, but once the storm had cleared out, then the sun returned and shone on this beautiful little fishing village which I have grown to love.

Life goes on for all of us, and yes, every single day I remember I am luckier than most people. I have worked hard to create all that luck, and continue to work hard because I think that is what makes life exciting, fun and challenging. I couldn't be someone who did nothing, or no work, every day. I need the friendship of colleagues, the challenges to overcome, the sheer physical exhaustion of a job well done. One of my most favorite people of all time was an amazing PR woman, Eleanor Lambert. She had helped create the industry, and reigned as Queen of Fashion PR for over 50 years. When she worked with me she was 94 to 96. I'd ask why she kept on doing it (and being brilliant at it too!). She always said, "Ivana, what else would I do? I work, I always have. And, one day when I quit, I'll probably die." She quit work on her 100th birthday, and died just a couple of months later. What a great life she had, we should all be so lucky.

Have a WONDERFUL SUMMER... be back to you in the Fall.