Bethann Hardison Instagram – Once again another one gone. We are losing so many too often. It’s important to recognize Claude Montana. Another designer who saw in me what he needed to add to his very first show in Paris. It was my very first fashion week with other designers, Issey Miyake, Jean Charles Castlebajac, Kenzo. A couple of others…they were all just starting out and having their first shows. I wasn’t everyone’s easy pick, so those who got me, were unique themselves. Those were the days in Paris. The girl in this photo with Claude was Wallis, his muse. And someone we all knew and adored. Those were the beginning days of Montana. Tragedy later struck Wallis and many blamed Claude, which was sadder in itself. Life goes on. Once I left Paris I didn’t return for 10 years. I went back to prepare casting for a fashion show Stephen Burrows was invited to present by the Chambre de Syndicale. While there I went to visit my old neighborhood where I always stayed with my French sister Sylvie Grumbach…3rd Arrondissement. As I passed a cafe…I hear my name in a deep voice…I turned it was Claude, sitting outside, alone having a coffee. Who I had not seen since the late 70’s. This was now early 2000. It was an older version of Claude. Hadn’t aged well but it was clearly him. Same style and still smoking Gauloise french cigarettes. I was so surprised that he recognized me…I asked “how did you recognize me ?”. He responded, “I will always recognize you Bethann” in his deep French accent. And I will never forget you and your belief in me, as you added to the Paris scene. Thank you Claude for being the best you could be considering all. Peace be upon you. 🖤🙏🏾