Since my interest in the theatrics of ballet has been increasing. Why not showcase a ballerina who transcended to the big screen? Thus the discovery of Ludmilla Tchérina. Born Monika Tchemerzine on 10th October 1924 in Paris, France. Her French mother Stéphane Finette and her Georgian father Avenir Tchemerzine was an exiled prince with a tremendous love of horses, mathematics and with his wife were said to compile vast collection of original editions of French poetry.

Occasionally one starts an entry and within that embryonic idea. Another idea surfaces. As a lover of writing and a functionally Luddite, the idea of writing with pen and paper is rather romantic. …

Not a name that many can readily recall, but the feature image of a veiled lady smoking. Is about as classically femme fatale as it gets. Who is this enigmatic agent provocateur? Vintage model, Evelyn Tripp. Born in 1927 in Flat River, Missouri, USA (date is unknown) there is not much meat on the bones of this biography. No word about Tripp’s upbringing or her education etc.

Old beautiful houses with panache and unique features will never be boring for me nor will I stop seeking them for AQ. One curious house that I have seen on occasion but never too a closer look at was an unusual octagon shaped home. Yet I have been ‘pulled’ towards more Victorian style houses, so this was a clear choice. Behold the Armour-Stiner Octagon House.

To seek guidance in the realm of romance from other couples, especially celebrity couples is broadly speaking a mistake. Turning to people that you do not really know (despite how it may feel) to glimpse into their lives. Often curated for maximum appeal and only showing a fraction of the true totality of their existence. Their trials, troubles and torments often covered up and only once they have split up does the true horror show itself.

After a touch of scrolling online, delving into more obscurity and searching for more inspiration. I discovered a curious Parisian institution that ticks allot of my boxes. A museum, taxidermy boutique and general place of learning. Admittedly I had not heard of this place before. Who says that social media cannot be a place of productivity and culture? So this has proven to be illuminating for AQ.

Wishing everyone a lovely and stress free Christmas Day.

Where vintage perfumes are concerned I cannot get enough of Schiaparelli’s archive. Now that the house has been resurrected. Maybe a new generation can appreciate these perfume that enthusiast may wish to enjoy but cannot find. One classic scent was Schiaparelli’s only ‘men’s’ perfume. Snuff. Launched in 1939, the eye catching use of a bottle in the shape of a pipe and the box looking more like a cigar box than a perfume box.

If you love old Hollywood photography, the almost unreal images of idols, gods and goddesses. Bigger, more beautiful and simply beguiling to behold. One key photographer captured some of the most defining of an era that is no more. Behold the work of George Hurrell. Born on 1st June 1904 in Cincinnati, Ohio. After toying with the idea of joining the priesthood.

Legend speaks of a woman whose special gift was that whatever dress she wore from a particular presentation, that dress would become a best seller. Dubbed ‘Lucky’ yet the name her parents gave her was Lucie Daouphars. Born on the French coast in 1922, Lucie married in her teens to a man named (I cannot find his given name) Janichewski. Later having a baby girl.

Historic Hollywood? Yes. Glamorous? Yes. Tied to Tragedy? Yes. Sounds like an AQ hat trick for El Palacio complex. Based at Fountain and La Cienega in West Hollywood. This beautiful Spanish inspired apartment complex was built in 1931 by architect William R. Hauptmann. Granted I am biased where old Hollywood architecture. Especially when they are so beautiful and elegant. In just under 100 years these chic complex has seen and witnessed much history.

More perfumes of note, such as Nahema by Guerlain. Debuting in 1979. Inspired by Catherine Deneuve’s performance in ‘Benjamin’ in 1968 and the name Nahema. Was the name of one of a pair of identical twin princesses from the classic tale ‘1001 Nights’. Top notes are Peach and Passionfruit; middle notes are Rose and Hyacinth; base notes are Sandalwood and Patchouli. Discontinued and relaunched in 2021. Shirley Manson is said to be a fan.

If you were associated with Vogue magazine or really any formidable fashion publication during what I call the Glamour Years. When my favourite fashions were de rigueur, when rules were being broken and when those that most admired were at the helm. One more to add to the list is Jessica Daves. Born on 20th February 1898 in Catersville, Georgia, USA.

You may not known her name, but we owe this woman a huge debt of gratitude especially if you are a fan of British hatters. Her name was Shirley Hex. Born on 18th August 1933 (yes Hex was her real surname), Hex began her millinery career as a teenager in London. Starting in the early 1950’s, working at hat workshops such as Madame Vernier and Edward Mann.

Given the time spent researching famous cemeteries, it would be remiss to not mention one of the most famous in England, Highgate Cemetery. Opened in 1839 in Highgate, North London (Officially named St James’s Cemetery of Highgate) as part of a new incentive to keep up with the demand for not only more space to bury the dead but in a dignified manner.

More vintage Dior models of yore. Today Svetlana Lloyd. Born Svetlana Kassessinova (or Kassessinoff according to some sources) in Egypt. There is no exact date of birth, I suspect Svetlana was born in the early 1920’s. Her parents left Russia after the Revolution and set up home in Egypt. Her father was even a painter for King Farouk. An intelligent girl who loved Ballet so much that she attended the Legat School of Ballet near Tunbridge Wells in England.

Vintage Hollywood and costumer designers is a combination that will never cease to attract attention and acclaim. The lack of realism and escapism is what endears them in an age when outside of a few genres, dressing like real people is the aim. Granted there are times when this is necessary and grounding. Horror, especially vintage horror delightfully revelled in the otherworldliness.

Though a fan of fine illustrations, cartoons on the other hand. I have paid little attention to. Not out of any snobbery. I simply paid the, no mind. Yet that is not to say that they and their creators have nothing to add the AQ Universe. One name that did come up was not only one of the few women cartoonist but was in the fashion business.

In feminism, certain stereotypes persist. Like bra burning, man hating and an aversion to anything masculine. One area that is very thorny issue and still divides feminists; sex and eroticism. Is it possible to like sexual explicit material (erotic books, porn etc) and still be a feminist? Granted, some of this has been touched upon in my previous entry 'How to Lose Your Erotica.

Frida scents part 2. This time a more refreshing citrus based offering. Jean-Marie Farina by Roger and Gallet. Released in 1806 and created by Jean-Marie Farina. This scent is an ode to Mediterranean natural beauty.Notes include Bergamot, Cloves, Neroli, Orange, Lemon, Petit Grain, Rosemary and Lavender. Fortunately this perfume is still in production, priced at around £33. This is actually pretty reasonable.

When I am a fan of someone of something, I want to know EVERYTHING. No detail is too insignificant or minor for me to want to explore. Frida Kahlo absolutely fits that bill. So I have chosen to delve into one of her perfumes of choice. Emir by Dana. Launched in 1936. This perfume contains notes of Leather, Rose and Jasmine. So a muskier based perfume. Sadly this fragrance of Frida is no more.

Dear readers, as always I try to find topics that I believe to be of interest. In the hope that you will in turn always are as interested as I am. Yet, sometimes a subjection arises yet brings with it very little information to reward said interest. As a fan of vintage Schiaparelli and bright lipsticks, I could not possibly ignore her maquillage based efforts.

Launched in 1949, Zut which means ‘Damn’ in French is another example of Schiaparelli’s inability to blend in and be discreet. How wonderful. Top notes are Black Currant, Ylang-Ylang and Bergamot; middle notes are Orris Root, Jasmine, Lime (Linden) Blossom, Marigold, Cyclamen, Lily-of-the-Valley and Rose; base notes are Vanille, Tonka Bean, Musk, Sandalwood, Incense and Virginia Cedar. Almost a sequel to the iconic bottle for Schiaparelli’s Shocking Pink perfume. This time showcasing the lower half of a woman’s physique. This perfume was discontinued yet was relaunched in 1998.