Chanel Nardone moved from Cape Cod to Los Angeles four years ago to foster her creative side. The transition also helped foster her charitable side. Almost immediately upon her arrival, she volunteered to help the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund. Now, she’s a regular face at the charity’s flagship events like the LAFD Golf Invitational, Hope for Firefighters and the Lane Kemper Softball Classic.
Though she seems reserved, don’t be fooled. “Chanel’s a quiet storm,” said Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund event coordinator Juliet Brandolino. “She’s sweet and nice, but when something needs to be done she’s tireless and efficient.”
At the events, you can usually see Nardone assisting one of the photographers covering the activity. This dovetails nicely with her work as a production and set designer for the film industry. Both duties require making sure the photographer has what they need for the shot.
In addition to designing the look and feel of a movie set, she also creates original clothing and accessory designs. Her clothing line, Chanel Nardone Designs, prove quite popular among retailers. “Every store she offers her clothes to snaps them up,” said Brandolino.
And just as she gets creative satisfaction from her film and design work, she takes great pride in her volunteer work. She enjoys meeting firefighters and their families at the events and feels like she truly is making a difference.
Look for Nardone’s designs at the Jonathan Club in Santa Monica and other shops around Los Angeles. To learn more about Nardone and her various projects, visit chanelnardone.com.
By David Vienna