The third chapter of our Being Luisa narrative takes place in the historical quarters of Le Marais, where we follow the Marchesa on an imaginary afternoon in late January. Paris has always had a special place in our muses Luisa Casati’s life. Ever since her first visit during the 1900 world exposition, the city of lights had served as her private getaway from the more conservative aristocratic circles of Milan.
Close to Place des Vosges, on Rue Beautreillis, the Parisian sun cast a diffused glow on Luisa’s porcelain complexion, framed by a cascade of auburn hair. The kohl around her mesmerizingly large eyes creates an allure of a living portrait—half goddess, half phantom.
Having inspected her reflection with a languid gesture, Luisa confidently advances with her plans. Today is no ordinary afternoon, even by her standards. Her intention is to flit through the cobblestoned streets of Le Marais, trailing an air of mystery, before meeting her avant-garde circle for drinks and mischief. She has an audience to mesmerize, after all.
With her hair and face perfected, Luisa moves to the next phase of her preparations. She browses through an array of latest creations, — organic goat and lamb fur outerpieces, each a testament to her unique vision. One piece, a caramel-shaded, striped goat fur vest, catches her eye first. She drapes it over her shoulders, letting its luxurious weight emphasize her almost otherworldly elegance.
Next, Luisa finds herself choosing between a cropped Kainuu Grey lamb fur sleeved jacket and a long Kainuu Grey vest made of differently colored fur patches fading from light to dark. Pondering the best combinations, she first opts for a skinny black velvet pants and short jacket look.
Then decides to change into the lamb vest, worn over a heavy 19th-century men’s white cotton shirt. “Perfection,” she murmurs.
After indulging in her organic furs, she dismisses them all with a flick of her wrist and turns her attention to her evening attire. For drinks, she considers her options carefully. Her gaze lands on a sheer silk blouse with Edwardian puff sleeves , both bold and romantic, which she pairs with a fish-skin tuxedo-striped black skirt with a daring slit. The interplay of textures—a clash of delicacy and boldness—perfectly fits her mood.
As the clock strikes seven, she leaves her private quarters. Her boots click against the cobblestones as she walks toward the hidden courtyard where her friends await. The setting sun paints the buildings of Le Marais in shades of amber and rose. Before leaving for dinner, Luisa has changed yet again into a more revealing look. Her low-cut wool-crepe cocktail dress, also accented with shimmering fish-skin panels, feels more suited for a night out.
Marchesa Casati has done it again—made an ordinary afternoon extraordinary, leaving an indelible mark on all who cross her path. For her, it is simply life. For the rest, it is a legend in the making.
Heartfelt thanks to our team!
Photographer: Louis A. W. Sheridan @louisaws
Talent: Kateryna Mitskevych @kathie__kay
Hair: Me & Moon @memoonparis
OUR ORGANIC COUTURE STYLES ARE AVAILABLE THROUGH CUSTOM ORDERS SUBJECT TO MATERIAL AVAILABILITY
For inquiries about the design process, please contact us at contact@jasminsantanen.com