Thinking Fast and Slow Sabine Feuilloley recalls a high speed chase on a golf course.

I met Rodney through Renate Lindlar, his lead stylist. I’m a seamstress, and for a few years I worked with a couture evening wear designer. But I was tired of working in fashion.

Then I met Renate Lindlar and she pulled me back in a fun way. I didn’t have to deal with production or all the practical aspects of fashion. I was just making one-of-a-kind dresses. Sometimes they were unfinished without a hem. It was just for the picture, to make something different and interesting. Rodney was clear about what he liked—fifties style, strapless, cinched waist, full skirt, a clean cut.

Renate was German. I’m French. She was this tall Amazon from Berlin and very curious and very heartfelt and very fast. She worked closely with Rodney on a creative level, figuring out props and wardrobe. They would be plotting together, “Okay, we’re going to do this. And that’s how we do this and that. And so on.” They would bounce ideas back and forth. And they both worked quickly.

Rodney was always so fast, and me, I’m kind of on the slow side.

I remember this shoot at World Golf Village in Florida. I was stationed at the main clubhouse keeping an eye on the props while they were shooting in the middle of the golf course. I had no idea where. Then, across the walkie-talkie Rodney said he needed something NOW!

So I hop in one of those little golf carts and zziiippp, go the shortest route which turns out to be the wrong way. I had started at the end of the golf course. I see people parking their carts in the middle of the little pathway so I drive on the grass. I don’t know anything about the etiquette of being on a golf course, not realizing this is a big no-no. Suddenly I notice someone is following me. And he’s yelling, “you can’t do that! you cannot do that!” Luckily, the guy is following all the rules so he never catches up with me.

By the time I arrived on the set the shoot was already over. I’ll always remember this shoot because I’d never been on a golf course before. And I’ve never been back on one since.

Footnote: Renate Lindlar passed away in 2017, a few months after Rodney Smith. We imagine they’re still scheming and plotting together in heaven.