Diane Johnson and the Artillerie de Nuit
Johnson’s comedies of manners entertain while delving deeply into matters of family, politics, culture, life, and love. Le Divorce discusses not only the legalities of French marriage, but also the subtleties of French food, language, dress, and, of course, seduction.
The book is narrated by Isabel, who, In just a few months of visiting her sister in Paris, transforms herself from a Santa Barbara beach chick into someone who, as her startled visiting brother points out, appears to be hiding something salacious beneath her modest so-French chignon and little black suit. How true: “People looking couldn’t know that she is wearing stockings instead of pantyhose, held up with frilly black ribbon garters, and blue lace underwear.” But someone will know later on in the evening.
Should you wish to dress in a similar manner, JV offers several options. Instead of garters, you might choose the lacy Safra Stay-Ups just in from Pierre Mantoux. Their polka dots add the merest suggestion of flirtation, while hiding a sultry band of lace at the thigh. The Joey black Stay-Ups are positively intellectual in their classic tone-on-tone jacquard pattern. On another night, you might wish to surprise with the Tayla Waist Corset from Hervé by Céline Marie with its (removable) velvet garter straps with golden hardware. And an artillery of interesting little golden hooks and eyes at the corset’s appliquéd sheer black front.
For prettiest bra sets, look to Seelani, from Warsaw. The new Jagoda Lingerie Set is crafted of berry purple silk and Chantilly lace. Its long-line bra contrasts with the tiny matching Brazilian panty which is sheer in front with fully bagged-out silk at rear.
Complete the ensemble with the Elsa Chestnut Slip from Emma Harris. Its luscious bronze color is a complement to the berry silk of the Jagoda, while its golden Leavers lace appliqué at hem is a shameless flirt to the stockings.
The enigmatic smile that these garments produce in you must mirror those of Isabel, as she trips off to her little Parisian dinner date. Jane’s Vanity wishes you all Bon Nuit (and Happy Reading)!