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
What Would Dorian Gray Wear?
I’m a little rusty on Dorian Gray, so forgive any errors up in this piece. It centers on the idea of selling your soul, or exchanging it for something. It’s a common theme, I believe it was first seen in Faust or Faustus. The protagonist sells his soul for a life he thinks would be better. Things go on and he lives a fantastic, pleasure-seeking life and then goes to Hell. Yay, Hell! Of course, this theme is everywhere from Billy Joel to Elizabeth Hurley and to Dorian Gray. In Dorian Gray, the lead trades a normal life for an eternal youth. Through the influence of others he lives a hedonistic life. It must be tough to have tons of sex and be really really ridiculously good looking. Trouble is, as Dorian’s sins mount, his true self is revealed in the portrait. His once handsome image is ravaged by his actions. Slowly, he comes to see that his life is a farce, a farce I say! However, despite his attempts at repenting and redemption, he couldn’t change it back. Frustrated with rage, he stabs the painting, killing himself and restoring the original work. Heavy shit.
1. Wow, I am so damn good looking, everybody thinks so. Like OMG, look at me.
Jacket by Roland Mouret, shirt and scarf by Maison Martin Margiela, pants by Prada, shoes by Acne
2. Hold on, I gotta sit for this portrait yo.
Suit by Dolce & Gabbana, shoes by Paul Smith
3. Stop looking at me, portrait Dorian!
Jacket by Salvatore Ferragamo, sweater by Maison Martin Margiela, pants by Bottega Veneta, shoes by Dries van Noten
