Lynn Dell, one of the most fabulous women on the Upper West Side and the owner of the Off Broadway boutique on 72nd street between Broadway and Columbus, died recently.
Dell was a sunny presence in the neighborhood and an inspiration to fashion-forward New Yorkers. She was known as “The Countess of Glamour.” Ari Seth Cohen, whose blog Advanced Style chronicles “the most stylish and creative older folks,” wrote that “Heaven just got a little more glamorous.”
“We became fast friends and Off Broadway became a second home to me and Lynn Dell another grandmother. She invited me over for the holidays and treated me like one of the family. Being with Lynn made every experience seem more grand. Her love of life was contagious and she inspired everyone around her with her incredible life force. We had many great adventures together, from hat parties and broadway shows, to television appearances, and last year’s premiere of Advanced Style. Our Countess was larger than life, always glamorous, never unnoticed and eternally optimistic.
Lynn, I will remember, celebrate and love you forever!”
This blog, which says Dell died after a fall in her store (we haven’t confirmed that), also has a series of remembrances.
Off Broadway Boutique will celebrate her life from 3 to 8 p.m. on Saturday at the store. We hear the store plans to continue operating.
Photos by Denton Taylor.
Lynn spent her last minutes doing what she does best…shopping. She fell while buying herself nice things at the Sunday Greenflea market on 77th St. When she fell she hit her head , causing injury to the head.
I loved Lynn! I met her when I worked next door at Captain Nemo’s (Now a pet shop) in the early 80’s. Her and her husband would always come in and have the flounder. She was very glamorous and always very very sweet.
I liked her.
I’ve known Lynn since I moved into the neighborhood in 1979.
I will miss her very much…..she was wonderful, kind woman and a true LADY.
She Actually fell couple of weeks ago on a Sunday at the Greenflea Market on 77 st. It was a very hot Sunday, I had just spoken with her as she looked lovely as usual and a couple of minutes later she fainted onto the cement.
She will be greatly missed!!
Love u my friend . You were so positive and uplifting in my life and inspired me to be the crazy woman I am. You will surely be missed on earth but up above you will be it all!
Big fan of hers and the shop. I hope it stays open.
Lynn did it ALL, with style and glamour.
A true New York legend…
I have only lived in the Upper West Side a couple of years(after moving from downtown), but I learned early on about Lynn’s fabulosity, and although I never had the privilege of meeting Lynn, but I still feel a sense of loss.
Go to NETFLIX and stream “ADVANCED STYLE,” a documentary about 4 fabulous New York women “of a certain age,” including Lynn.
Lynn was always fabulous and gracious!
She was Original Glamour!
I live in Phila & whenever I come to NY I go to that magnificent boutique.
When my close friend comes with me, he would sit w/Lynn & her husband at the table in the front of thee store..& discuss trips, cruises to faraway places while I shopped, never left there empty handed.
Today, came to NY & my first stop, Seacaucus & Eileen Fisher Standing line for their big sale, met a few women from the city. They told me right away about Lynn’s passing. I had no idea felt quite sad.
They didn’t know if the store would be open or not…so I thought I’d email first.
Great memories from that edgy shop & the lady in charge who was the star of the show!!!!!
Lynn Dell was one of the most inspiring dames of the Advanced Style lineup. I loved her from afar, and hoped to meet her in person next time I visit New York. I am bereft at her passing, and feel so heartbroken for her husband and family. She was so outrageous and stylish, filled with so much heart and humor. I will miss this woman I’d never even met.
Love,
Lorraine
I ventured into her store with my friend for the first time last year. We sheepishly entered, thinking we could never afford anything in there, but Lynn coaxed us in and urged us to look around. We ended up buying a few beautiful one of a kind items. She so fabulous that I asked if I could take a photo with her. Of course, she obliged.
Though I only met her once, she make a huge impression on me. At 52 years old, I can honestly say I hope I can be like her when I grow up.
So sorry of Ms. Cohen’s passing and the boutique closing. The city has lost an original.
I just saw tthis & am shattered. I was a regular on 72nd St for years…RIP lovely lady…