From left, Virginie Amélie Avegno Gautreau, Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette, Marchesa Luisa Casati, Joanna Hiffernan and Evelyn Nesbit
I am particularly fascinated with women that don’t fit into the standard mold of femininity, that push the envelope a little, or at times, a lot. Historically, it seems these are the most sought after muses for everything from film, to art, to fashion, to books – and it’s no wonder, their intriguing lives have a way of drawing you in, inspiring you to capture just a modicum of their “je ne sais quoi.” I’ve been wanting to write about a few of these misbehaving dames for a while now, and I can’t put it off any longer.
After the jump, tales of murder, love triangles, lesbian affairs, rule-breaking fashion and provacative paintings.
