For me, one of the great pleasures of the
summer break is reading. While during
the school year I read a tremendous amount – it’s not always material that I
want to read. During the summer months
however I am free to read whatever my frivolous little heart desires.
A recent read is Paris Street Style by Isabelle Thomas and Frédérique
Veysset. Along with a string of gorgeous
photos of even more gorgeous women dressed in even more gorgeous outfits (so
jealous!), came a particularly thought-provoking interview with Christophe
Lemaire, artistic director of Hermès women’s ready-to-wear
department and founder of the Christophe Lemaire brand name.
According to Lemaire, “The notion of sexiness has become sad, impoverished, and synonymous
with “cheap.” … It’s like having breast
implants and showing them to the world.
“Sexy” today is the aesthetic of expensive prostitutes.”
For some reason Lemaire’s words struck a
chord with me. Has “sexy” been totally
redefined? Are the Kim Kardashians of
the world really considered sexy? And if
so, does this mean the word itself has become tarnished? That we have come to equate sexiness with way
too much cleavage on display and skirts so tight that the outline of one’s
thong is clearly visable? Or, does there
still exist a sexy linked to elegance and grace? Is this more subtle sexy still around, but just
less recognized, less publicized – mostly because this sexy isn’t standing
around with their butt hanging out having been rolled in more oil than a
Glick’s ponchke (jam doughnut), waiting for the cameras to go ‘click’?
Today Little Fashionista and I cuddled up for
a bit of a Marilyn Monroe love-in, and for the first time she witnessed the
indisputable screen presence of Miss Monroe.
Even at the tender age of six, LF was struck by Monroe, Becall and
Grable – by their grace and elegance. By
the way they exuded sex appeal, despite being relatively covered up by today’s
standards. Clothing accentuated a
feminine silhouette, highlighting small waists and shapely hips without
revealing too much. Bosoms were not
hidden, but they weren’t out on a platter.
Marilyn Monroe, Betty Grable and Lauren Becall in How To Marry a Millionaire |
At the end of his interview, Lemaire
comments:
“I
prefer things to be hinted at - by a lovely nape, delicate features, perfect
skin, magnificent hair, or a certain way of moving. So corsets and skintight clothes are not
necessarily pleasing to me. I believe
you can be sensual as well as modest.
Modesty is in itself desirable.”
I’m with you Mr Lemaire. A little more grace and a lot less Kardashian
seems to be exactly what our world needs.