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Hello. Welcome to a blog post I wrote. This post is about Queen Sibylla of Jerusalem. For most, she’s an unfamiliar name because high school history classes tend not to delve to deeply into the Crusades, but take my word for it when I say she was very interesting. Sibylla was the sister of King Baldwin IV of Jerusalem, famously known as “The Leper King” because, you guessed it, he had Leprosy. Eventually, the disease claimed his life and in his stead, Sibylla’s son ascended throne during his minority. However, the young king didn’t outlive his regents and Sibylla then became Queen. Once crowned, she took the French Guy of Lusignan as her husband, known for his brutish and war-hungry attitude. The immediate concern of Sibylla was to protect Jersusalem from the encroaching armies of Saladin, who was making moves to capture Jerusalem in the name . In an attempt to stave off the warriors, Sibylla’s husband rode out to meet them in battle but was defeated and taken prisoner. Now, nothing stood between the armies of Saladin and the holy city. In a last ditch attempt, Sibylla led the remains of her defenses against Saladin, but was forced to concede and was allowed safe passage from the city with her children. You can’t deny that Sibylla was pretty badass, she has a little bit of the Eleanor of Aquitane vibe about her, admirable for somebody who was stuck in a fairly oppressive time.
1. I am awesome because I am great.
Dress by Manish Arora, shoes by Altuzarra
2. I’m the Queen of Jerusalem, yo.
Dress by Altuzarra, shoes by Marchesa
3. Fine Saladin, you win all the things.
Dress by Marchesa, shoes by Dior
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Still not over this little Egyptian pantheon kick. Isis, the goddess of children, nature and magic and the title of my favorite Bob Dylan song was worshiped as the ideal wife and mother. According to myth, the tears she shed for her brother/husband Osiris’ murder were what caused the Nile to flood every year. In her spare time, she enjoyed protecting and watching over the dead. Her headdress, includes a small throne which associates her with the ruling Pharaohs of the time who were often depicted as her child. I’m a little hazy on all the Isis details, but that’s the gist.
1. Do your thing, Isis.
Dress by Peter Pilotto, shoes by Balenciaga
2. I said brrrrrr
Dress by Balenciaga, shoes by Balmain
3. It’s cold in hurrrr
Dress by Christopher Kane, shoes by Altuzarra
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Joan of Arc was a serious mutha. In medieval France, you were lucky if circumstances didn’t kill you, impoverish you (more than normal) or leave you with a horrible life. Multiply those things by 10 if you were a woman. In Joan’s case, she managed to outlast the world and also managed to change it. After experiencing what she believed to be a divine intervention, Joan went on to lead the people of France in the Hundred Years’ War. Ultimately, she helped crown Charles VII of France. However valiant she was, Joan was eventually captured by the British and burned as a witch. Better luck next time, Joan.
1. I’m just a poor girl from a poor family
Dress by Rag & Bone, boots by Altuzarra
2. BITCH did not just call me a heretic
Shirt by Balmain, pants and boots by Altuzarra
3. I’m dressed like a man so I can disguise myself
Suit and shirt by Derek Lam, coat by Dries van Noten, shoes by Rachel Comey
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Phoebe Caulfield is one of the more underappreciated characters in literature. Although Catcher in the Rye focuses on the exploits and development of Holden, much of his character is based on his relationship with his younger sister. In fact, his entire fantasy about catching children “in the rye” is centered around his desire to protect her and childlike innocence in general. Phoebe, when contrasted with her older brother, is far more mature than he and sees him as an idealistic and misguided young adult. Eventually, Holden learns from her judgement of him as he reluctantly grapples with adulthood. They’re both well-born kids of Manhattan, but the strike me as cooler than your average Dalton or Spence student. Phoebe definitely would’ve grown up to run shit, and been more into The Bell Jar than Gossip Girl. In conclusion, the Caulfields dominate.
1. Buffalo plaid is big in this crowd.
Coat by Michael Kors, dress by Chloe, shoes by Derek Lam
2. Holden, you’re crazy, I like you, but you’re crazy.
Coat and skirt by by Altuzarra, shirt by Band of Outsiders, boots by Fendi
3. Hanging out on a cliff, near that rye.
Coat by Billy Reid, shirt by Creatures of the Wind, skirt by Carven, shoes by Altuzarra
CATHERINE THE GREAT
Russian history is the best history, that’s what I always say. Actually, I’ve never said that and I don’t even think it. It’s a fairly gruesome chapter of historical texts out there, but who cares? Russia had its fair share of monarchs over the years and after the Romanovs, Catherine the Great is probably the most widely known. She served as the Empress of Russia, with an irregular path to the top. She became the Empress Consort after the death of Empress Elizabeth and the ascension of her husband, Peter III. I wouldn’t say they had a happy marriage and nobody else would either since she was a major player in his deposition as Tsar. Once he was out of the picture, Catherine became the Empress of Russia. Get yours, Catherine. During her reign, Russia became one of the great western powers and enjoyed a golden age of strength, culture and prosperity. Her tenure as Empress was very complicated, but interesting, take a look if you can.
1. I’m the Empress Consort.
Coat by Valentino, suit by Balmain, shoes by Altuzarra
2. PSYCH! I’m the Empress.
Coat by Roland Mouret, dress by Dries Van Noten, shoes by Derek Lam
3. Has anybody seen my horse?
Coat by Rag & Bone, skirt by Rodarte, shoes by Ferragamo
