WHEN STAR ‘LA LOLLA’ FEISTY WITH HUNGRY CROWDS

THE year was 1974 and famed Italian actor Gina Lollobrigida came to town to publicise Italia Mia, her first book of photographs depicting the Italy she loved.

It was reported that Yul Brynner had encouraged her to pursue photography when they worked on the film Solomon And Sheba – she was, of course, the Queen of Sheba.

Beside her, sporting an impressive moustache, was local jeweller Nino Miano and a crowd of admirers who packed into Orton’s Music Hall to get close to the legend. La Lolla, as she was known, is the most naturally beautiful woman I have ever seen, with flawless skin, amazing figure and a charismatic air. However as you can see she was in a mood, refusing to smile, because she was being pushed and pulled by everyone. Her biggest concern on the night was that her pasta would not be al dente. There were also rumours that she was conducting a torrid affair with a visiting, much younger, American popstar.

TODAY’S splash of colour is brought to you by Mel Keegan, lover of race wear fashion and exceptional millinery. “I love how we can still get dressed up for some virtual Fashions on the Field. This outfit is a Manning Cartell dress, which suits the current trend of rising waist and hemlines. Grace Millinery in Cairns designed the hat, which has hand-cut feathers. The Olga Berg handbag is a perfect match for the hat, while the purple suede shoes were handmade for me because I have such small feet.” We think she looks a winner. around. She met O.J. when she was working as a waitress and slipped into that celebrity lifestyle but she always remained the same beautiful woman. All her friends knew it was a troubled marriage and he treated her very badly until they divorced two years before her death.

“I still think of her all the time and especially around now.

“She didn’t deserve what happened to her.”

THESE are troubled times but it is great to see that even when things are tough Gold Coasters are still showing the way. Big congrats to Jamie Bourke from First National Real Estate in Benowa for picking up sales person of the year at the Queensland awards for First National. It was a big night for the Benowa team because they also won for best sales office and best commercial office. JamieLee Bourke also won rookie of the year. Now to celebrate – at a safe social distance of course.