Androgynous Accessories Abound
Karl Lagerfeld© Abbas/Magnum
It is interesting to look back across history at the timeless beauty of accessories. The fan was to the woman what he cane was to the man; not only an object of use but a work of art and a way of giving full reign to the imagination and desire – providing, of course, that one had the means to modify the mundane to the magnificent.
‘Actions speak louder than words’; perhaps, but volumes are told by the gesture of elegance and assurance that a cane can give when gracing the man, the woman and the dandy – as much as the shepherd, the mountain hiker and other Toms Dicks and Harrys. That’s the whole point. If you sport the cane as a fashion accessory – you are not one of the crowd, but one of the In-Crowd.
Paris at present hosts the magnificent Louvre des Antiquaires. One can tour the imagination of past artisans’ and their masters’ imaginations on the web site, if not finding one’s self amidst the Parisian throng in person.
This week, an auction of hand fans, also in the French capital, brought a feast to the eyes at the House of Deburaux. Just as one can relish the beauty and imagination of canes at the exhibition, so can one be inspired by the viewing of countless riches in decoration and artistry.
Blue Angel starring Marlène Dietrich.
Yet, who is to say the fan is for the woman? Karl Lagerfeld was a great contemporary advertisement for its use as an accessory. Lola Lola of ‘The Blue Angel’ (played by Marlene Dietrich 1930/1) clings to the aura of Madonna (Louise Veronica Ciccone) in her ‘Sticky & Sweet’ tour of 2008. The cane gives them both the air of confidence and superiority –ambiguous yet sexy.
Madonna with cane.
The fan, too, has an air of mystery, but unless in the hands of Karl Lagerfeld, it’s more likely to be in those of an India coolie. As an accessory it can indeed be glamorous and mysterious but much less androgynous.
For the partner who has everything – there can be nothing as full of wonder as starting one’s own collection of canes.
