Freaking out over the amount of things taught to me by Fran Drescher. The Nanny coming to HBO Max is a gift, rewatching the episodes I realized Nanny Fine raised me. Far more than just one of my idols, or style icons, some of my behavior and beliefs also stem from her. Allow me to expound.
Thigh high heeled boots for work: I was the only one at Miss Lily’s who wore heels, including over, or thigh high boots. I never noticed it until someone told me they heard me before seeing me, because everyone else wore sneakers. A look is a look. Where did I get it from? Fran Fine.
Tights: winter wear is no problem, simply add tights, or leggings to my impossibly short skirts. I live by this. Got it from Fran.
Saying meanwhile: literally got it from Sylvia and Fran Fine. Cannot believe how often they say it, nor how often I say it due to them.
Wait on love: Oh, Mr.Sheffield (one of my great impersonations)! Fran taught me true love requires patience. She waited for that man, her soulmate, one true love, for five entire years. I mean, need I say more…
Brothers: aren’t off limits. I didn’t date either Jakupi brother, but boy did they want to date me. Genc Jakupi would be Maxwell Sheffield, Binn Jakupi would be Nigel. Fran started dating Nigel post Max taking back his I love you. I led Binn on by accident, drunkenly, when Genc started dating Madalina Ghenea. He dumped her fearing Binn & I becoming a thing. Just saw this episode the other night, had to close my gaping mouth!
Respect your idols: the amount of references and cameos made by stars are astounding, from Ray Charles to Dame Elizabeth Taylor. Fran taught me Barbra Streisand walks on water. Revere the greats. Know your iconography.
Tramp or old white woman: I’ve been told I dress like both. I thought my Upper East Side upbringing was the reason for the latter, until I saw Yetta. Fran’s grandmother was wearing a fit I wanted, from the bright sparkly sweater to the jewelry, eureka!
Sexual liberation: be it Yetta, or Fran, being a slut is a-okay. Everyone needs that phase in my opinion, but hey to each their own.
Colorful clothes: the number of times I’ve been asked if I’m from the U.K due to my colorful clothing? Copious. It’s very rare I’m donning all black, I’m not that type of New Yorker. Fran said ROYGBIV, so I did.
Fran Drescher, you powerful Romanian, benevolent witch, I wouldn’t be me without you. I’m floored by the hand you had in my breeding. God bless you. My children will also watch The Nanny. Love you to pieces, you also taught me not to take myself too seriously. An icon, a legend, a queen. Artist: Tori Sarkis