just me, Sara B.: m u s e d

i was recently studying the designer label Marchesa for a project about NY Fashion Week. it fascinated me that this entire line was inspired by a turn of the century European fashion icon. apparently Marchesa Luisa Casati was the most eccentric, luxurious woman of her time. she wore snakes as jewelry & paraded around town late at night, nude under her furs, with a jaguar on a diamond leash. i'm amazed that this woman is not more renown, because not only did she coin the "smoky eye" (my favorite make-up palette), but she was also the muse to famous writers such as Tennessee Williams, Jack Kerouac, & Ezra Pound. film stars, artists, & wealthy businessmen became enamored with Ms. Casati, who also happened to be the wealthiest heiress in italy.

the point of this entry, i guess, is to spread the word: Marchesa Luisa Casati was the early 19th century's answer to Lady Gaga & she has shaped our culture far beyond what we know...