My Lingerie Goddesses
They inspire with unique wisdom, flair, and easy style. Their audacity and beauty bring a smile. They symbolize a floaty feminine liberation.
What would they choose from Jane?
La Parisienne (Fresco, Palace of Knossos, Crete, ca. 1400 BCE)
Seen in profile, she is all bold eye and red lips.The archaeologist who discovered her image found her glamour positively Parisian (hence her name). The coiffure is that of a priestess, although it could be something concocted by Diana Vreeland for Verushka circa 1966. The gown, barely visible in the existing fragment, is modest in shape, but probably transparent. The embroidery and detailing evoke a world of “great elegance, vigour, gaiety, and material well-being” (H. D. Kitto in his The Greeks).
She would love the Morpho + Luna Kri Butterfly Tunic. It is demure yet dressy, nice for her to drape over a long skirt or palazzo pants (or skinny jeans). The azure butterflies evoke the magic of the Aegean. And Morpho, the Greek God of dreams, offers a blessing.
Les Merveilleuses ( The “marvelous women” of the French Directory, 1795-1799)
Saved by just days from the guillotine, these survivors were changed forever. They joyfully abandoned convention in favor of a life of style and fun. All of Paris was enchanted by their notorious behavior, diaphanous Grecian gowns, and golden sandals tied with strings of pearls.
They would adore the sheer chemises of sister frenchwoman Elise Anderegg. Just the thing for a party!
La Grande Odalisque (Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres, 1814, Oil on canvas, Musee du Louvre, Paris)
Is it her elongated form that seduces, or the peaceful perfection of the orientalist setting? Controversial since she was painted, the odalisque is serene as she gazes over her shoulder, casually naked, on her divan. Her look is sensual, but something else: confident, appraising, ready for a chat.
With scholars arguing over her for centuries, the odalisque needs a lovely coverup. Christine Vancouver’s Faberge silk velvet robe is just the right shade of blue. And its floral burnout pattern might start a conversation.
Sophia Loren
She would choose a sexy black lingerie set from Jane, such as R. Crescentini’s crystal-embellished “Scandal.” And allow it to show just a bit.
“La Liz”
The consummate movie star and femme fatale, Elizabeth Taylor managed to be both glamorous yet down to earth, her hauteur alternating with bawdy laughter. She wore her fabulous jewelry with swimsuits or folkloric caftans. She was known for extravagance, but used her fame to raise millions for AIDS research. Elizabeth would, of course, select more than one item from Jane.
She would choose one of Marjolaine’s lacy slips, to reprise her role in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. And the Dana Pisarra Mont Linen Tunic in blue to complement her famous violet eyes. A Cadolle swimsuit would look sharp with emeralds or rubies.
-Kate L