Her father, Albert "Speed" Schlesinger, who owned the largest car dealership in California, reportedly told his daughter, "You'll never make it on your face, so you'd better be interesting.
After living in London for a short time, the Kempners moved to New York City, where Nan became a leader in high society.
[2] Kempner, who missed only one runway season in 55 years, was widely considered among the most highly informed authorities in fashion.
In December 2006, the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute exhibited selections from Kempner's couture collection.
[4] Much of the collection went to the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, including items by Valentino, Yves Saint Laurent, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, and the house of Christian Dior.