I'm taking an amazing graduate course right now in Fin-de-Siecle literature called "Aestheticism, Decadence and Degeneration" (how could I resist?) We reading a lot of fascinating theory, but also some great novels and plays (The Time Machine, Dracula, "The Ghosts".) So yet again I find Victorianism creeping into my dolls (the clothes, Oh! the clothes!) Here are my two most recent works, both a little decadent...
This is the Barefoot Contessa.She is from a very wealthy family, but due to some
unmentionable (and unjust!) scandals must now dance for her dinner. She
is famous for her mastery of the fan dance, her different-coloured eyes
and for never wearing shoes. Her only friend is the tiny bird, Minou,
who lives in her hair.(The Contessa knows that 'minou' is a French term
of endearment for a cat, but she is an melancholy ironist.)
My first bouffant! Surprisingly secure...(some day I want to try one of those crazy Marie Antoinette towers of hair.)
I made the fan from bonded satin and lace.
Ah, Quelle triste Mademoiselle!
This is Sebastian; a lovely aesthete who likes to read Oscar Wilde while drinking Port and smoking only the best cigars. He always has a clean ascot around his neck, a dab of black nail polish on his fingers, and a witty riposte on the tip of his tongue.
And finally, here is the trailer a movie I'm dying to see: Madame Tutli Putli, a Canadian animated short that was just nominated for an oscar. You can see more about it/ buy the dvd here.
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