Arrrr! This one's for Fero

Leave it to Agent Provocateur to know what a real woman looks like. *walks over to a corner and promptly melts into a puddle*. I have always had a girl crush of magnanimous proportions on the lovely Helena Christensen. What's not to love? Danish, gorgeous, intelligent, photographer, dated Michael Hutchence, has a kid of her own and designs a range of bio cotton clothes for kids, which my daughter positively loves.

And now the Brit lingerie brand has kitted her out in some pirate gear with the obligatory corsetry here and there. Yum.

Feast your eyes, me hearteys;-) I'd gladly unleash my inner buccaneer for this one.

Current mood: that kind of mood

There's a transvestite inside of me just waiting to get out. I knew it the minute I saw this movie.

--- Note the ever delightful Marisa Paredes, a dead ringer for my gorgeous gallery.

Oh they were gorgeous: 56 years...

of waiting and finally these two gorgeous ladies got to tie the knot.

Yesterday, Mayor Gavin Newsom married Del Martin (87) and Phyllis Martin (83) in San Francisco, for real this time.

There is something extremely touching about this photo. And it is also a testimonial of their patience, commitment, and love. Not the only ones of course. Last year, my uncle and aunt were the only attendants and witnesses at the Canterbury wedding of their dear friends, Michael and John. They had been together for 23 years. Michael has since died from pulmonary emphysema, but at least, John had full access to him until his very last breath, as his acknowledged partner.

So here's a toast to all those people, who had to wait, and who can now make their dream come true!

Oh she was gorgeous - Hillary Clinton

Well, that's it then. Curtain call. Or maybe not? Maybe Barack Obama will kindly give Hillary Clinton a place in his administration. A place where this phenomenal brain can be set to work. A place where she can maybe bring about the dream of universal healthcare for all in the United States.

In the meantime, here is a toast to Senator Clinton. For running a good campaign. For reaching out to the gay community. For the graceful way in which she took all the crap that was slung her way. And here is to her place in history; along with Barack Obama, the first black man to be nominated as a party candidate for the presidency of the US.

As a team Hillary member, I am trying not to feel just a little bit over-annoyed that he is standing where Senator Clinton should be standing. It would have been a true victory for women, in the US and elsewhere, had Mrs Clinton cinched the nomination.

Hopefully, she doesn't run for veep but follows the example of people such as Al Gore, who went on to put their power and brains to work elsewhere. Iwait, with bated breath... And, to be honest, I weep at the idea of President McCain.

Oh she was gorgeous: the Hôtel Max Hallet

Technically speaking this post does not belong in a list of gorgeous women. But I think of a house as being a feminine entity, nurturing and tending to the people inside, keeping them warm or cool, depending on the seasons, and embracing them as they come home every night.

I am excessively fond of old houses, and our house is no exception. Built in 1900, it has its quirks, but it also comes with a mosaic floor, a gorgeous stairwell, wood floors, a neo-classic façade and the original doors and glass windows.

When it comes to period architecture, however, I profess to being wholeheartedly smitten with the houses of Victor Horta. The Hôtel Max Hallet, recently reopened to the public as an events venue, is a perfect example of the Brussels' architect's art. Carefully and lovingly restored, the symphonic swirls of the banisters, the winter garden and the detailing in the stained glass windows make for a visual extravaganza. Likewise, the Hôtel Armand Solvay is a gem, and of course, the architect's own house, which is now a museum. My former boss is fortunate enough to live in one of his houses.

So, if you ever find yourself in Brussels, do try and make some time to visit these delightful exponents of Art Nouveau. In the meantime, click here to enjoy the Hôtel Hallet. And if you're in Antwerp, don't forget to take a stroll down Cogels Osylei, for a stunning row of period houses.

Oh she was gorgeous - the girl in Rineke Dijkstra's pic

It's been a while since the last dose of gorgeousness. Eventually, this photo cropped up from somewhere deep inside.

Dutch photographer Rineke Dijkstra took this photo one evening on a Polish beach. The teen in this photo just ran up and struck a pose. The pic is reminiscent of this famous Botticelli painting of Venus rising from the sea:

I would hasard a guess that I am somewhat pre-disposed to liking the photo as Botticelli happens to be one of my favourite artists. And this painting, although reproduced to death, still holds a certain sense of magic for me.

But the coincidence is there and I just wanted to share it with you.

Diamond Divas!

I've been completely fascinated by the poster for the exhibition "Diamond Divas" at Antwerp's Diamond Museum, which has been plastered all over Antwerp since a few weeks.



The fabulous eyes and lips of the grande dame of Sunset Boulevard, Gloria Swanson herself, have been chosen as the embodiment of the quintessential Diamond Diva. A better close-up, don't you think. Personally, I never knew that she was so fortunate to own so many diamonds. But, considering that she was the mistress of Joe Kennedy, I assume that he must have showered her with some gifts.

I was aware, however, of Marlene Dietrich's fabulous diamond cuffs and the beautiful ruby bracelet, which she wore in Stagefright... All were used for a settlement for unpaid taxes with the IRS...

Other divas include Daisy Fellowes, the Duchess of Windsor, the violet-eyed Elisabeth Taylor, the girl who famously sang that 'a kiss on the hand may be quite continental, but diamonds are a girl's best friend'.

The exhibition is on my list of things to do next week! Not that I'm vying for my own rock... I'm a silver girl, no rocks required.

oh she was gorgeous - Yma Sumac

After firing up the old iPod earlier this week, I rediscovered my Yma Sumac LPs.

For those of you unfamiliar with the original Glamazone, that songbird from the Andes, here is a clip. Yes, that is her voice throughout and I so am craving some false eyelashes...

I think I would have fared better in the 1950s or maybe as a professional ballroom dancer...

My top 5 affairs

The lovely ladies at Grace the Spot and Dykes and the City were discussing their top 5 of famous people to have an affair with (if the opportunity would present itself of course). I thought about that for a second, and the usual suspects came to mind.

So here's my top 5 (nothing new, as I've featured them all in one or other post on this blog already). I'm so boring.

1. Nigellaaaah (Lawson, of course, because that expanse of creamy skin, those silky brown eyes, and her body just do it for me (and I don’t care what the Daily Mail says about her knees))

2. Sophia Loren (all that goodness, and it’s all due to pasta)

3. Tilda Swinton (again, the white skin fetish)

4. Emma Thompson (for a lark!)

5. Marcia Cross (more white skin, alas).

*looking at my tan and freckled blonde SO as I type this*
And here's yet another Nigella photo: just because. Nah.


Care for another lashing of lust?
I'm sure you do, I do.


How can you not adore her? I think that I'll just go eat something now.

oh she was gorgeous - Sharbat Gula

Many decades ago, before I was a lesbian in the making and my blue school uniform came emblazoned with a monogramme, I remember being particularly impressed with the cover of the National Geographic Magazine of June 1985. The photo - taken by Steve McCurry - had a young Afghan girl staring out at the world, with iridiscent green eyes.

Seventeen years later, photographer and subject were reunited. Like a latter-day Pre-Raphaelite beauty, Sharbat Gula's face continues to mesmerize people worldwide, like myself.

Lest we forgot the message behind the beauty of this young woman, here is a short reminder...

oh she was gorgeous - La Divina

Coming to us through the mists of time...



singing Amina's 'Ah non giunge' from Bellini's La Sonnambula.

For a live version, director Leonard Bernstein (1955), click here.
For a more introverted studio recording two years later, click here.

A marked difference between both, highlighting the changes in Callas' life.

There's not much to add, I feel. The images and most of all, the voice, say so much more.

The cradle of multiculturalism

I sense that some explanation is due, so I'll try to do my best.

Some of you may be aware of the 'Fitna' polemic raging in the Low Countries. I would like to state for the record that I do NOT condone any of Mr Wilders ideas. What this whole polemic and this movie pressed home to me, was that there is a general lack of respect for ideas, lifestyles, opinions and above all, freedom of expression in a certain part of society. Something I take grave issue with.

I use the clip of gorgeous Italian artist Dalida, singing 'Helwa ya Balady', to drive home my point.

Dalida, like my father, was born in Egypt and lived in Cairo for much of her early life. She left in 1954 to pursue her career as a diva/songstress and in time would be elevated to the status of gay icon (before Madonna even hit the scene). My father, like many other foreigners, was kicked out of Egypt in 1956 when Nasser came to power, with two suitcases and a few piasters in his pocket.

What most of this diasporah shares, is their love for their 'native' country. My father raved about Egypt until his last day on earth. The sun had bored into his skin, as was evident, when I visited his body in the morgue and realised that even in death, the sun's life never had left him. The song 'Helwa ya Balady' (my sweet country) was a fixture of Dalida's repertoire until her death, of suicide.

When I asked my father about life in Alexandria (Claude François country) and Cairo, his eyes tended to glaze over. He would tell stories about how the rabbi from the synagogue would ply the children in the street with chocolate when he needed the necessary minyan to be present to start the service. My grandfather, an Italian Jew, lays buried in the Jewish cemetery in Alexandria. My grandmother, an Irish Catholic, was laid to rest in a Catholic cemetery in Antwerp. My three uncles, respectively a Catholic, a Jew and a Muslim, went to the French Collège des Frères and were taught by a Greek orthodox priest.

We were all raised on the principle of respect and multiculturalism. And our family has continued along these principles. A family reunion of the last three generations means up to 12 different nationalities at the table, and three different religions. I credit this spirit for my family's acceptance of my gayness, and our choice to have a child.

Finally, yesteryear's Cairenes and Alexandrians still search for and meet one another all over the world in an effort to recreate what they have lost.

So why is it that the rest of the world cannot follow our example?

oh they were gorgeous - the Ladies of Burlesque

These days the charming figure of Dita von Teese seems to be omnipresent, whether at a Dior store opening or as the face of a new MAC lipstick.

But in effect, Ms von Teese is not doing anything new.

Doreen Lord was the original girl in the champagne glass.

Sally Rand pioneered the feather dance.


And of course, who could forget about the bold and brash Gipsy Rose Lee and her legendary memoirs? Her mother allegedly run a lesbian boarding house and ended up killing her lover who is alleged to have made a pass at Gipsy...

Other Ladies of Burlesque include the pioneer of the genre, Little Egypt, who danced at the 1893 World Fair; Mae West, the madam of double entendres (is that a pistol in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?); Lili St Cyr who is said to have inspired Norma Jean's makeover and of course Bettie Page.

What these women have in common, is that they all conveyed sophistication and mystery. A voyeur's delight, shall we say?

Enjoy!

oh she was gorgeous - Tilda Swinton

Where do I start with my homage to Katherine Mathilda Swinton? Is it that beautiful elongated thin frame, or the flaming mane on top of that otherworldly white skin, or those penetrating green eyes? The quirky fashion statements she makes (the all-white suit in Cannes, where she couldn't help but stand out next to a bunch of ravishing men, including George Clooney, all clad in blacks and blues, that bee-like contraption at the Baftas, the black velvet sheath at the Oscars). Or maybe it is simply her arresting presence?

Tilda Swinton had me captivated as the young Orlando in Sally Potter's eponymous movie, based on the book by Virginia Woolf, composing a poem under a tree. Le sigh. What a tale, what an actress.
Then she went on to become a live piece of sleeping art, in a display case in a London gallery, as the epitome of stillness, barely breathing behind a sheet of glass.
She also made several films with Derek Jarman, whose house stands in lonely Dungeness.
And what about her incarnation of that white, evil witch Jadis, in the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (coincidentally, also my favourite childhood book)? So you see, I have a very long-standing love affair with Ms. Swinton.

Among the trivia of her life are such interesting facts as her classmate, Princess Diana, or the fact that she is living with the father of her twins, while maintaining a relationship with a New Zealand artist, somewhere in remote Scotland. And now she can even take an Oscar home, even though she has already said that she will be giving it to her hard-working agent.

At any rate, to me she will always be Orlando.

Oh she was gorgeous - Diana Rigg!

Before I tell you more about the hotness that is Diana Rigg DBE, I have to confess to a childhood sin. At a tender young age, my mother (and I) watched The Avengers. Needless to say that I understood half of the banter, not much of the covert sexual tension, but I was hopelessly and head over heels in love with Emma Peel, she of the tight outfits. For many of you, the name will not ring a bell, and I will admit that it is a 1960s series and that television in Belgium was hopelessly outdated at the time. But ah, how I used to look forward to Emma's karate chops. For a short demo, please do not hesitate to click below.



I mean, wowza. Look at that. And she can knit too! As the years went on, and I grew older, the soft spot in my heart never faded and I continued to squeal contentedly every time a film listed the sexy avenger, now slowly morphing into a silver fox, among its cast. As Rigg went on to carve out a comprehensive stage career, I had to content myself with her rare appearances on the Beeb.

But there's something about her, something that I can't quite put my finger on, that I find hopelessly, addictively attractive.

And let's face it, how can you not love a woman whose middle name is Enid?

oh she was gorgeous - Dawn French!

Time for some gorgeousness... It's been a while since I've updated the gallery. Our last incumbent, you might remember, was the Madonna with child by Fouquet and her extremely eye-catching ogleable breast. So, in that vein, I thought that Dawn French would make a suitable successor. Let's face it, she could never star in an ad for an LVMH brand (size 0 is the standard), but you have to admit that there is something arresting about her face.

This is also the woman that brought us The Vicar of Dibley, French and Saunders (including some really memorable sketches, with the giant baby, the sketch with Darcey Bussell featuring French as a prima ballerina, the Madonna send-ups, the bjork sketch, etc. A simple search on youtube will set you on your merry way!

I leave you with some memorable Dawn French quotes, that sum up her personality:

- I am not, I repeat, NOT a lesbian - even though I'd like to be one when I grow up.
- I keep my own personality in a cupboard under the stairs at home so that no one else can see it or nick it.
-I never do any television without chocolate. That's my motto and I live by it. Quite often I write the scripts and I make sure there are chocolate scenes. Actually I'm a bit of a chocolate tart and will eat anything. It's amazing I'm so slim.

oh she was gorgeous - Fouquet's Madonna

I had one of those weeks where I have been working like a dog again. But in the last two days some exciting museum-related jobs landed on my desk, which will keep me happy through February. So, reflecting on my home town's museums, I thought about the extraordinary painting of the Madonna by Jean Fouquet, which rests in the hallowed halls of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts, Antwerp.

The painting itself is striking, surreal almost, considering it was painted by the artist somewhere around 1450. The second panel of the Melun dyptich, which depicts its benefactor, resides in Berlin. It is said that the person who sat for the Madonna is Agnès Sorel, the first mistress of a French king to be officially recognized as such. Sadly, the power that Mlle Sorel amalgamated over King Charles VII and the court at Chinon did not do her much good, as she eventually died, from mercury poisoning. The order was probably given by the heir to the throne.

What is interesting about this work first and foremost, is of course the apple-like exposed breast at the centre of the painting. French kings seemed to be infatuated with their mistresses' breasts. For instance, did you know that the "coupe de champagne" apparently was modelled on the breast of Jeanne Poisson, better known as Madame de Pompadour (all I can say is, judging by our champagne coupes, that there was not much to write home about... an A cup at the most. So pour me seconds please.).

You will also notice the lack of angular shapes in this painting. Everything is curvy, or rounded, even the nude, chubby angels, who are positively glistening. The rounded shapes contrast with the angular, distant manner in which the mother holds the child on that pristine white silk.

Also, the angels are not staring adoringly at the mother and child. In fact only one gazes in their direction, and his eyes actually are oriented beyond the painting, to us, as it were.

And finally, the colour of the angels themselves. All I can think of is latex. Lots of latex. I was thinking about making a remark about the French tricolore, but that would have required Fouquet to have a glass ball to predict the Révolution... and the French flag... so I'll just leave it at that.
Anyway, I just thought to share this treasure with you, so I posted it among my gorgeous offerings.

oh she was gorgeous - Glenn Close in Dangerous Liaisons

What with all the pooha surrounding Glenn Close and her phenomenal performance as Patty Hewes in Damages, I thought it would be good to remind myself of her wonderful interpretation of the role of Madame de Merteuil in Stephen Frears' adaptation of Les Liaisons Dangereuses (1988).



The scene where she gets out of the carriage, with her derisive smile under that beautiful hat, is burnt on my retinas forever.

oh she was gorgeous - Peggy Hookham aka Dame Margot Fonteyn

Ah, the Magic of Dance. How many of you actually remember this series with dainty, tiny Dame Margot strolling through the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles regaling us with tales of Le Roi Soleil's dancing prowess? I also own the book to the series. That was the measure of my infatuation with ballet at the time.

My fascination has waned since, and has lain dormant until November last year, when I discovered Rudolf Nuryev's biography and it waxed into full-blown passion once again (at which point I also launched this blog, I think?)*. Presently, I am reading Meredith Daneman's biog of Dame Margot, one of Nureyev's preferred dance partners, and his long-standing friend.

One surprising fact that I gleaned from this book was that Dame Margot lived right around the corner from where my relatives live today. Too funny, really. So the Mitfords are temporarily on the side burner, while I remind myself about retirés, arabesques, épaulement, etc. She was referred to as 'pas belle' but somehow managed to create that stuff of legend, which means she is by rights in my 'gorgeous' gallery.

* the Nureyev nudes by Avedon have been the greatest traffic generator to my corner of the net... not, I surmise, attracting droves of balletomanes, but rather many a size queen.

oh she was gorgeous - Penelope Keith

Words completely fail me when it comes to this woman. I am and have been in love with Penelope Keith since 1979 when she first graced my parent's ridiculously large Grundig TV screen in To the Manor Born.
And now the BBC were kind enough to give us a Christmas special this year. Oh the bliss, oh the ecstasy of it all.



I never was able to figure out whether I preferred Audrey fforbes-Hamilton DeVere or Margo Leadbetter née Sturgess (from The Good Life, another BBC hit series with Paul Eddington of Yes, Minister fame).

My levels of Anglophilia are rising to new heights every day... I am pathetic, but non-apologetic.

And by the way, don't you all think that Marjorie Frobisher is a real fox for being 68???