Bimbette

I save a ton of images.  They're everywhere, and I'm drowning in them— strewn about my room, in stacks, in folders, in books, on my computer, in my desk, under my bed, taking over my head and occupying valuable brain space...

Attempts at organization have been futile, but sifting through the collection has provided (at times, frightening) insight into the things that catch my attention.  Evidently, one of these things is UNAPOLOGETICALLY EXTREME FEMININITY.  Feel free to turn your head now if pastels and polka dots induce feelings of nausea.

Above, Villa Sommi Picenardi. Photo: Christopher Simon Sykes. From World of Interiors, March 2009.

Above, 'Pearl', costume for the dancer Matthew Hawkins, late 1980s.  From Baroque Baroque, by Stephen Calloway.

Above, ceiling by Robert Adam, painted by Antonio Zucchi, c. 1771. Via the Victoria & Albert Museum.

Above, from "It's a Matter of Glam" by Craig McDean, Vogue Italia, October 2009.

Above, The Alexander Hall, detail of the fan vaults.  Hermitage Museum (formerly the Winter Palace), St. Petersburg, Russia.  From The Hermitage: The History of the Building and Halls.

 

Above, Mme. Emile Straus, upon whom Proust's character Oriane, the Duchesse de Guermantes was based. Photograph by Paul Nader. From Art & Antiques, May 1984. 

Above, "muted pinks make a pretty table." Photograph by Horst. From House & Garden's New Complete Guide to Interior Decoration, 1953.

Above, Chili Williams.  Photograph by Ewing Krainin, 1943. Reprinted in LIFE magazine, Fall 1986. 

Above, Etruscan Room, Osterley Park, designed by Robert Adam, 1775-76. Victoria and Albert Museum, London. Scan from The Best of Painted Furniture.

Above, from "Last Vision" by Mario Sorrenti, Vogue Italia, December 2007.