Culture and Couture Brief #3 - CK Steefel
"The Gilded Age is my favorite period. American architects introduced European sensibilities into their structures and parks."
Welcome to the Culture and Couture Brief, a new feature at The Cultural Futurist.
We’re creating tastemakers for the new regime.
This is today’s Culture and Couture Brief. Our last installment was with cultural critic Mo Diggs here, so you can check it out if you missed the release. Twice a month, I’ll feature someone who is leading the way on the aesthetic front. We’re influencing the influencers, and today we have CK Steefel ready for reaction. She runs the Funny AF Women series, (do read my interview with her where she asked me about my comedy side) and she’s here to grace us with her presence. Let’s go!
What has been captivating CK Steefel recently?
CK Steefel: I once saw an Yves Saint Laurent exhibit at the Seattle Art Museum. Many people don’t appreciate how fashion designers create timeless art. As a former actor I appreciate the theatre of the runway shows and as a humor writer I adore a dress or suit that makes you smile. I’d love to look like the Partridge Family bus. This dress is a homage to Mondrian.
If I had a wallet filled with my druthers this would be my favorite outfit, hair bun included. She’s wearing Gucci shoes and a mock turtleneck sweater. I love how this looks with her jeans.
What is CK Steefel’s favorite era?
CK Steefel: The Gilded Age. American architects introduced European sensibilities into their structures and parks. They combined Beaux Arts, Renaissance, Gothic and Neoclassical styles into a mishmash of US prestige. Mark Twain coined the term and The Gilded Age was the title of one of his books about this era. While the buildings stood for opulence at a time when people starved in tenements, many structures remain as a reminder of our history and what a true craftsman can achieve.
This was a time in America when people cared about dental moulding—not in the mouth but around a room, a marble mantel with intricate carvings and a grand double staircase that could induce a nose bleed. Today, they inspire students of architecture and history, and people like me who love to imagine all the artisans at work, creating these masterpieces that would outlive us all.
What has CK Steefel been reading?
I’ve gotta start with my own Substack Good Humor. Laughing is essential.
Paolo Peralta’s Make Pure Thy Heart. There are vegan recipes if you so indulge. I’m a carnivore but I’ve tried some recipes as a side dish and they were delish.
I had a tough time picking one article from this fantastic Jewish-centered online magazine Aish.
Speaking of everything Jewish, you can check out oodles of Torah references and life changing articles here.
Of course you must subscribe to Rachel Haywire and read everything she writes!
An Announcement from CK Steefel
Some of you don’t know this, but I was a former guest star on Seinfeld and will be interviewed for Seinfeld podcast called This Podcast is Making Me Thirsty. I also participated in Sheila Moeshen’s Curious George Questionnaire. Thank you for including me in this series, Rachel! Smooches.
There you go. It’s my third installment of Culture and Couture. I plan to run more of these because they’re lots of fun. Also, let’s get real. Most people have horrible tastes and it’s time to show them something better.
If you’d like to become a tastemaker for the new regime, email me at theculturalfuturist@gmail.com. Whether it’s fashion, art, music, architecture, or a period in time that has inspired you, (maybe even all of these things) I’d love to hear from you about some of your favorite things.
CK Steefel is an actress and producer who was born in Hollywood, California. She is known for her appearances and work on Seinfeld, The Second Half, and Ace Ventura. Here she is wearing an outfit she describes as comfy and cute. It’s hard to disagree.
If you like what at I’m doing here at The Cultural Futurist, don’t forget to buy me a coffee.
This was so fun. You’re a master editor. Thx for having me over!