Le Sphinx

2011-10-27T13:19:00.001+11:00

Let us.

2011-10-27T06:17:00.001+11:00

You run your index finger along the length of me as though you were ruining the icing on an uncut birthday cake. I claw at you like a kitten swiping at dancing sheets on the washing line, the warmth of your pavement on my paws.

“Sometimes it’s possible to be too inspired”. I breathe the words out in ribbons of steam. You comment on how with each passing day, you see a new colour in my spectrum, even after all this time. I wonder whether you’ve been carefully unfurling me or if perhaps I’ve been letting myself ripen, dropping leaves and opening up to you. Then I remember it takes two to tango. And I know that I can make your eyes sparkle with my smile. That helps.

Then, I’m up against a hardwood door, a faceted glass doorknob pressed into my spine. Then I'm flat on the floor, legs being wind-milled around. I take it hard, for a while. Throwing my arms around your neck, I climb you and ride you into the sunset.

The I Ching says I’m a mountain and you’re a tree. I think about you perched on top of me, digging your roots in to my soil. I nourish you. I like it that way. I like that you let me. You bring me a cup of tea and we sit and stare at each other.

Two of our alter egos are traveling the world right now. They send us postcards and emails from Budapest, Bucharest, Berlin, Brussels, Bombay. They’re doing a world tour of cities that start with the letter B, playing concerts featuring they’re B-sides. These two, a kid goat and a llama baby playing conceptual electronic pop, collaborating with Cornelius and the ghost of Tim Buckley – they’re paving the way for the adventures we know we need to go on. It’s funny how these characters emerge from us. They help us. They teach us lessons. It’s romantic.

Darkness has fallen on our small room. We can’t make out the big tree outside our window anymore but we can hear that magpie sharpening its beak on the balcony rail again. We crawl off the floor up into bed. I lie on my side and you place the book I left on your pillow on the curve of my hip. It balances there. I reach for you and it’s all on again. All this. This is what it’s all about.

Woman: Pamela Colman Smith

2011-10-12T18:16:00.000+11:00

This beautiful artist, illustrator and writer Pamela Colman Smith was responsible for the illustrations on the famous Waite-Smith tarot deck. They're a truly magnetic set of cards because of her gorgeous illustrations and the captivating narratives she has created in them. I just recently bought a deck of my own and have been dabbling in some basic spreads.

When I first read about Pamela, I felt an affinity because by all accounts, the process through which she designed the tarot images seems so much like my own design process. In my mind this is a process of listening to a client's desires, goals and needs; anticipating trends through pattern recognition; making sure you still stay true to your own creative style; and most importantly - following your intuition!

Women: Vali Myers 2

2011-10-11T12:50:00.000+11:00

I just needed a little bit more Vali.

Woman: Vali Myers

2011-10-03T10:57:00.000+11:00

Bohemian queen, shamaness, artist, animal spirit.

Oh là!

2011-03-06T00:38:00.006+11:00

Here are some outrageously beautiful French ladies that have been living in my scrapbook folder for some time.

I make no secret of the fact that at the moment I am obsessed with the fabulous blog, European Film Star Postcards. Perhaps my constant posting of these stunning postcards will become tired (or perhaps eventually I will have reposted their entire collection).

Obviously I'm attracted to the quality of the photographs, the vintage charm, the variety of lovely neutral, aged paper tones that you get when juxtaposing them. I love that these are not images of our everyday landscape, they're not the Hollywood brands that we've become so familiar with.

What I'm really taken by (and this is actually the whole point of all my posts on Women) is the endless inspiration of style I'm getting from the faces, the expressions and of course the fashion. There's always that hint of a gorgeous floral print, a few folds of perfectly pleated silk or a chapeau so elegantly perched to the side of a stunning hairstyle. And every so often there will be a face that just knocks the breath out of me, or a smile that makes me smile. I'm sure that everyone will have a different face that is breathtaking to them. For me it's the sexy sophistication of Simone Signoret (I'm smitten), the cute, playful antics of Paulette Dubost and the sheer magnetism of Michèle Mercier (pictured bottom right).

So, tell me, what inspiration do you take from all this?

From the Heart

2011-01-08T16:26:00.000+11:00

I'm sending a cheery hello, a big hug and a sincere sorry (for the long, long absence) out into the ether right now. With a plethora of huge deadlines, a horrid two week sickness before Xmas in which I could do nothing but listen to audio books, followed by a lovely vacation with Leon Thomas and our super friends, I have been kept away from my beloved activity of finding treats and posting them for you.

I think I'm back now. And here is some work from the end of 2010. I hope you like it. You can have a look at the ever-growing collection on the Le Sphinx Tumblr, buy some cute postcards from our newly launched Paper Boutique on Etsy or if you're in Melbourne you can pop in to Metropolis to peruse and purchase.

Here's wishing every little lovely soul out there all the best for a spectacular 2011!

With love, Kathy x

Monday Morning...

2010-11-29T01:21:00.000+11:00

2010-11-24T10:31:00.000+11:00

I stretch the elastic, hitch the tiny metal hook through shiny silk. Poised, dressed and ready. I perch on the edge of the bed, try to still my expression, try to look comfortable. I can hear the softness of her breath and though she's a few feet away I swear I can feel her inhale and exhale, smell the sweetness of it all. Her wrist bends elegantly as she winds a switch, rotates a barrel and peers through the lens. Never, have I felt so naked. The soft flesh on my thighs quivers ever slightly and a warmth spreads over them. I'm sure she can see. A hot prickling blush creeps over my neck and up through my cheeks. I turn my head away, hiding behind cropped curls. And then, white light, a snap, the picture is taken.

Joie de Vivre

2010-11-20T23:02:00.000+11:00

Just some ladies that have been swanning around on my desktop for a while now. They put a smile on my dial <3

Bombshells

2010-11-15T20:17:00.000+11:00

Leon Thomas

2010-11-05T23:54:00.000+11:00

This here is Leon Thomas. Handsome, no? He happens to be my lover, confidante, playmate, accomplice. He's also responsible for these fine posts featuring Gentlemen, that appear on Le Sphinx sometimes.

Earlier this year, in the chilliest part of Winter, we road-tripped to a farm over in Mount Gambier and made home in an old wool-shed for a few days to record his new EP. These are some shots taken during the process of hot, dirty, divine takes by candlelight in the night, or by twinkle lights at dawn.

You can listen to some of the tracks here, see him in action here and 'like' him here. Please do! And let us know what you think.

I don't usually post pictures from my personal life because, well, I'm really quite shy. Real shy. One day, maybe one day, a picture of little ol' me might just make it up. For now, shoving my true love into the limelight doesn't seem so scary - he's already admired by so many anyway and I wanted those of you who haven't seen him yet to check him out. Hope you like.

xo

Nagymama és Nagypapa

2010-11-05T23:05:00.001+11:00

My maternal grandparents in the 40s, a while before they embarked on a ship to Australia. I love their poses, they look so at ease with each other.

Happy Hallowe'en

2010-11-01T21:41:00.000+11:00

You know, on this side of the planet, at this time of year, Halloween doesn't make all that much sense. Our Cherry Blossoms have just exploded, our deciduous trees are showing signs of luscious greenery and the weather is slowly starting to hot up. Apples aren't in abundance now, prime pumpkin time is a while off, so being the sort of purist that I am, there was no bobbing to be had, no carving to be done - it just doesn't feel right here. What I find lovely about a Northern Hemisphere Halloween is that nature is moving through its waning phase toward Winter, it goes with the theme.

And though there were stands in the supermarket full of orange and black sweets, cardboard masks of cartoon cats and monsters - not a single trick-or-treater knocked on my door. There were no pranks, there was no guising.

Yet, the whole idea of Halloween appeals to both my curiosity in wonderful celebrations and rituals based around the seasons and my leaning towards dark culture, witchy women, the supernatural and the spooky.

I got so excited this morning perusing all the amazing blog posts dedicated to the day. Have a look here, here and here.

And so, this is my own little belated Halloween post. We've decided to have our own little celebration here tonight, with good people, some creativity and old films.

Woman: Britt Eckland

2010-10-31T16:36:00.001+11:00

Allen Company Inc.

2010-10-18T17:53:00.000+11:00

You must have a peruse of the listings in this stunning Etsy store.

I could really have collected every single image from the current offerings, each piece is so very special.

I also just found an interview with the seller so have a little read here.

This posts goes out to a partner in Etsy appreciation. We often exchange such gleeful discoveries and coveted items. Jenna, for you xo

Happy Birthday John

2010-10-10T10:09:00.000+11:00

Monday

2010-10-04T16:01:00.002+11:00

John Lee Hooker.

Mary, Mary

2010-10-03T22:42:00.001+11:00

The other day I caught the second half of an Italian film that a friend was watching. The name of the film escapes me now but I was inspired by the incredible images of Mary and was prompted to look for more.

this one moulds you, holds you...

2010-09-26T20:49:00.001+10:00

Wanting new play outfits. Wishing for these ones! <3

Paper Moon Love

2010-09-22T21:52:00.000+10:00

Tomorrow night the moon will swell into full bloom, which means time to start waning. Release all your hang-ups and inhibitions, jettison bad habits, drop unwanted memories. Let it all go. And use the cycle into the new moon to finish off projects that have been lingering, relax down, take a breath.

2010-09-21T15:31:00.000+10:00

He always called her the ghost. He was bad with remembering names. Now she hangs over us, haunting us wherever we travel.

Ziegfeld Girls

2010-09-17T08:00:00.021+10:00

Early Broadway glamour! Beautiful women in their stage finery, brought to us by famed impresario Florenz Ziegfeld.

Kate Holden

2010-09-16T16:24:00.002+10:00

Yesterday I had the absolute pleasure of seeing my favourite Australian writer speak - at a small suburban library, right near where I grew up.

Returning some books to the Vermont South library for a friend a few weeks ago, I chanced upon a flyer for Kate Holden's upcoming talk. It was the library of my childhood and I hadn't been there for at least ten years. As I scurried through the doors to get out of the pouring rain, with my friend's library books sheltered under my coat, memories of life as a littler me came flooding in.

Kate's first memoir In My Skin struck a chord with me because her childhood and adolescence so closely mirrored my own. She grew up in a Melbournian suburb with a loving family and her nose always planted in a book. After high school she undertook a degree in a creative field. She had a stable base, as did I, yet somewhere along the line, Kate reached a fork in the road that led her down a path of heroin addiction, then prostitution. Throughout the whole book I puzzled over the fact that this story could have so easily been my own had I made a few different choices, met a few different people.

Each time I pick up a book that turns out to be epiphanic, the very first page gives me a hint as to what my epiphany might be. The words on the first page of In My Skin detail small recollections of being a prostitute and for me, a light switched on. Now, I've read many books much more controversial, graphic and confronting than In My Skin. And perhaps it was the common ground of a similar upbringing that I shared with Kate but this was the book that allowed me to feel OK about writing erotica. I had written about sex for some time and even though to this day, my writing hides mostly unseen on my laptop, I remember that moment of feeling relieved, that I should keep letting the words flow out of me as they needed.

In My Skin is honest, confident, utterly gripping, beautifully written. Talking about her experiences in the little library, Kate was just as honest, confident, gripping but also humble, charming and really lovely. I'm grateful for having had the chance to see her speak and thankful that she has come out the other side of difficult experiences to share them with us.

Her follow-up to In My Skin, The Romantic will be released in a few weeks and I can hardly wait to get my mittens on it.

Buy In My Skin and pre-order The Romantic right here.

She has also written what is one of my favourite pieces of contemporary erotica Under Wraps, which you can read in this anthology compiled for breast cancer fundraising.

Ok, I think that's enough swooning from me, except to say, how gorgeous is the cover art for In My Skin? The typography! The illustration! The colours!

Do have a look at Kate Holden's website for more writings and info too.

Derrière

2010-09-14T15:56:00.000+10:00

Perfectly Neutral

2010-09-03T08:00:00.011+10:00

Peach, Crème Caramel & Coffee. Who isn't smitten with neutral tones right now? Get yourself into an entirely neutral, layered up outfit, then paint your lips red - so lovely.

I snaffled these images from Yeh Yeh Grace, a divine little Tumblr.

Gentleman: B.B. King

2010-09-01T15:50:00.007+10:00

In my humble opinion, it's pretty hard not to like B.B. As an artist, he is so powerful that I find myself sucked into the music like a bird into a thunderstorm. One of the things I admire most about the man though is his manners. Given that he is such a formidable performer I find it beautiful that he has just as much restraint as he does flair which in my mind speaks volumes about his longevity as an artist.

One of my favourite albums of all time is B.B. King - Live at the Regal. The band is cooking, the crowd is screaming, B.B. is wailing. Sounds like my idea of a good night. Have a listen.

Also catch a nice TV performance on Ralph Gleason's Jazz Casual here.

Long live The King.

Keeping Abreast

2010-08-30T18:00:00.000+10:00

I often take myself off to the State Library here in Melbourne and nose around the dusty aisles for a while. Well, more than a while, usually several hours when I allow myself the pleasure. One night near closing time, I happened upon a book called 'History of the Breast', a cultural and political exploration of the breast as symbolism and ideology, written by Marilyn Yalom. Upon snaffling it away to a nook in a corner of the library somewhere, I found I just couldn't put it down.

I haven't been able to find it in bookstores but I've just found it here. I'm about to order it. If you can get your mits on it, it's a fascinating, well written, sometimes liberating and sometimes enraging must read.

Killer Bee-hives!

2010-08-28T22:00:00.003+10:00

There has been a flurry of piled-up hair, bee-hives and bouffants throughout the latest fashion editorials all around the globe. Have a look at this and this and this for example.

So, I thought I'd gather some 60s favourites to share. You'll notice that the ultimate bee-hive bombshell, the queen of the bee-hive, Bridge Bardot features a few times - boy did she wear it well!

This little post goes out to some darling hearts with high hair and hot moves, Clairy Browne & the Bangin' Rackettes. They created a shrine to big hair at one of their recent shows! Check them out here and have a shimmy in your living room. They're touring nationally right now too xo

Woman: Minnie Mouse

2010-08-26T14:59:00.001+10:00

Cute and sassy, this little lady first frolicked onscreen back in 1928. Mickey has been head over heels with her for decades and they seem to have a ball together - tango in the park, picnics, ragtime duets on the piano. Theirs is a romance full of posies and candy hearts.

It's my little sister's birthday today, we've always loved watching vintage Minnie together. So, Julie - for you! x

Romance is on the Rise

2010-08-24T14:00:00.003+10:00

Romance is on the rise! I'm smitten with Richard Avedon's cover art for Geneviève Waïte's 1977 album, produced by her then husband, John Phillips.

Have a listen to one of her cute-candy-pop-trash hits right here.

Woman: Marisa Berenson

2010-08-23T18:30:00.001+10:00

Here is the bright eyed, doe-like 60s model and actress, Marisa Berenson.

This post goes out to the Skull Dunnery boys, with love.

On another note, it has been a while between posts and I'm so grateful for the lovely little emails I've been sent about the blog recently. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Sometimes inspiration wanes and time flies but your small sentiments are a big deal to me. Back on the blogging horse! x

1940s Chic

2010-07-15T14:58:00.000+10:00

I'm dreaming of classic 40s tailoring at the moment, suits with nipped waists and a warm, rich palette. I adore the thick woollen overcoats and patterned, wrist-length gloves. For me this look is so complete and divine. And the hair! The hair is to die for.

Here comes the bride!

2010-07-14T15:07:00.004+10:00

I'm planning a wedding at the moment and it sure does take up a lot of headspace! Between that and my lovely design projects and having just been away for the recording of Leon Thomas' new EP, I've been quite a busy Sphinx. Here's some vintage bride lovin' to share around.

Nouveau Parfum Grace

2010-07-06T23:30:00.004+10:00

Blush-pinks and elegant, elongated forms. An explosion of pretty.

2010-06-15T23:41:00.001+10:00

Follow my blog with bloglovin

Pretty Petal

2010-06-15T22:50:00.005+10:00

Of petal-soft skin and rosy lips. This coquettish (and brunette!) Brigitte Bardot inspired me to go on a hunt for pieces of sugary blush and grey skies. And where better to hunt than my favourite Etsy store Dear Golden. Yes, I have featured Dear Golden before. But not only is each piece completely covet worthy, the lady to whom the store belongs (Lauren) is a lovely lady indeed. Now, go snaffle a treasure from her and let me know what you buy so I can live vicariously!

Gentleman: Humphrey Bogart

2010-06-13T15:22:00.003+10:00

Here is a man who always seems to get himself into trouble, who's presence on the screen is undeniably commanding and who manages to make anybody cast alongside him seem remarkably ordinary.

Going to see a double tonight at the Astor with my gal. Maybe I can learn a thing or two from him.

Zhōngwén Pin-ups

2010-06-10T16:20:00.000+10:00

Gushing over the colours in these Chinese pinups that I found on this site.

Satin & Lace

2010-06-08T19:00:00.000+10:00

I'm really loving shiny, lacy slips, french knickers and camisoles in neutral shades from ivory and cream through to peach and beige at the moment. I picked up a few darling pieces at an op-shop recently and got all inspired snoop around for some images of lovely women in their frillies.

Podcast: Women's Hour

2010-06-06T12:00:00.000+10:00

For quite some time now I've been enjoying a daily dose of Women's Hour, BBC's radio program, which aims to celebrate, inform and entertain women.

Click here to have a listen.

13bees

2010-06-04T16:00:00.000+10:00

Etsy seller 13bees has an absolute knack for finding gorgeous vintage pieces. I love the mannequins she uses and the care she takes in presenting these treasures. These are some of my favourites from her recent offerings.

日本 Nippon

2010-06-02T21:00:00.002+10:00

I've been having very vivid dreams about Japan. Of amazing grocery stores, which we peruse for hours. Of enjoying hot soup and fresh ramen on my own in a small, smokey, late night eatery - where Leon Thomas comes to find me after he has finished a show. We've never been to Japan though these astral visits are exciting. I'm hoping this post somehow helps manifest a real trip.

Pretty Things: American Burlesque Queens

2010-05-30T12:00:00.001+10:00

These lovely women are from a beautiful book by Liz Goldwyn, Pretty Things: The Last Generation of American Burlesque Queens. So much sass!

Small Things

2010-05-28T15:00:00.000+10:00

Her 'Do you remember what happened last night'?

Him 'Very fondly'.

Gentleman: Clark Gable

2010-05-27T19:00:00.001+10:00

Chances are your grandpappy wasn't even born when Clark Gable debuted on the silent screen.

Born in 1901 (Year of the Rat), his performance career was so distinguished that they dubbed him The King of Hollywood, staring alongside the greatest starlets of the era. His most famous role was as Rhet Butler in the four hour epic Gone with the Wind.

His career also took him to service as a Major in the airforce during World War II, flying several combat missions. During this time he was still top of the pops - even in Germany; his live capture attracting top bounty on Hitler's wanted 'Stars of the Enemy' list.

Aside from being a poster boy for trichological societies worldwide, if look up dashing in any pre 1950's dictionary I'm quite definite you'll find a picture of the man.

The Magyars

2010-05-25T14:30:00.002+10:00

Here are some lovely faces that share my ancestry, Hungarian film stars of yesteryear.

The images are from a truly amazing blog called European Film Star Postcards. I've spent hours just browsing through this incredible collection. My desktop is covered in piles of images sorted into my own categories to share with you very soon.

For all four of my late grandparents (Nagymama és Nagypapa), the Zsambokys and the Kalans, whose style and creativity inspires and influences me more than they could have ever known. Sok szeretettel, Katika.

Illustrations in Vogue

2010-05-23T00:00:00.000+10:00

These illustrations have such beautiful sweeping lines. And the colours warm my heart.

Woman: Aretha Franklin

2010-05-21T21:00:00.004+10:00

Every time I put my headphones on to listen to this Memphis born lady, I am blown away by her soul-shaking, earth-moving vocals. A self-taught piano prodigy, how to describe Aretha other than a true Queen of Soul? Her albums Sparkle and Young, Gifted & Black are on high rotation over here.

Watch and listen to her in action right here.

From Paris with Love...

2010-05-19T06:30:00.004+10:00

French post-cards I've been squirrelling away for a while.

Small Things: From Paris with Love...

2010-05-19T06:20:00.001+10:00

In the dead of night I stirred. Lips pressed to my breast, your body curved over mine. Together we bloomed, like Winter into Spring. Tangled in lace and cotton, I wake to morning birds. The taste of tarte au citron on my tongue.

We Listen to the Radio

2010-05-17T22:00:00.000+10:00

Woman: Agatha Christie

2010-05-15T18:30:00.001+10:00

The glorious stories of this Brtitish crime writer have been the subject of countless television and film series. Agatha Christie wrote no less than 80 whodunit novels. And what many people do not know, is that she also wrote romance novels under the name 'Mary Westmacott'.

Pop in to your local secondhand bookstore and you'll be sure to find some vintage Agatha Christie gems with marvellous cover designs, perfect for a winter night's read. I love Death on the Nile and The Mirror Crack'd from Side to Side.

Gentleman: Fred Astaire

2010-05-11T18:30:00.001+10:00

What isn't there to admire about a man who can sing, dance and wear a suit with such grace and style?

Fred started his career as a Vaudeville act at the age of 6 with his sister Adele. His career spanned 76 years and his influence on dance, film and style is vast.

See him in action with the beautiful Rita Hayworth in the film So Near and Yet So Far.

Podcast: Naomi Wolf - The Beauty Myth Revisited

2010-05-09T12:00:00.003+10:00

You must, must, must listen to this podcast from Radio National's Life Matters program. A few days ago, Naomi Wolf opened the Happiness and It's Causes Conference in Sydney. It was twenty years ago that her influential book, The Beauty Myth graced our culture.

Click here to listen.

Thanks to Dannielle, a very special woman and life-long friend, for bursting through my studio door last night and alerting me of this podcast. She is the purveyor of so many valuable resources. And I appreciate it so.

Dear Golden

2010-05-07T00:04:00.004+10:00

A daily delight of mine involves swooning over one (actually, make that many) of the stunning vintage pieces on offer from charming Etsy seller, Dear Golden. And see the gorgeous, peach lace number on the second row down? It now hangs proudly in my wardrobe.

Woman: Anais Nin

2010-04-29T06:45:00.004+10:00

"Sensuality is a secret power in my body".

Here she is, French eroticist & famous diarist Anais Nin, pillar of female erotica and aficionado of passion.

The stories in Artists & Models (pictured top right) are taken from two of her most celebrated works, The Delta of Venus and Little Birds. As in most of Anais' writings, weavings of sensual experiences are heftily peppered throughout though they always manage to melt into each other rather than dislocating. Beautifully eloquent tales of assertion and submission, this little pocket book is one worth coveting (even the cover design is right up my alley).

This little post is dedicated to my dear friend Juleiaah, who has lead me to several of my most epiphanic literary findings.

Nicholas Murray

2010-03-23T06:00:00.002+11:00

Outstanding technicolor-esque photographs by Nickolas Murray.

Woman: Jean Harlow

2010-02-26T05:57:00.004+11:00

With a comedic flair and wild laugh, this platinum bombshell was MGM's most famous 30's film star.

Woman: Gloria Swanson

2010-02-22T05:59:00.000+11:00

Woman: Dorothy Dandridge

2010-02-14T06:09:00.000+11:00

Woman: Mary Astor

2010-02-10T05:50:00.000+11:00

Woman: Doris Day

2010-02-07T06:11:00.000+11:00

Woman: Ann Margaret

2010-02-04T06:13:00.000+11:00

Woman: Anita Ekberg

2010-02-01T06:19:00.000+11:00

Woman: Lauren Baccall

2010-01-26T08:30:00.002+11:00

With her famously sultry, husky voice and sweeping noir waves, Lauren Bacall is one of the most recognisable vixens of the genre.

Vintage Covers

2010-01-12T09:00:00.001+11:00

Woman: Ursula Andress

2009-12-20T08:00:00.000+11:00

Woman: Ginger Rogers

2009-12-17T15:44:00.000+11:00

Swim

2009-12-14T01:05:00.003+11:00

Woman: Frida Kahlo

2009-12-06T14:23:00.001+11:00

Kelp-a-Malt

2009-11-23T21:27:00.008+11:00

It's not every day you see an ad quite like this. Yes, this 1934 campaign for Kelp-a-Malt represents the ever-preyed-upon self image of womankind but I caught myself feeling shocked, mouth agape, that the product being pushed promises to add 5lb. of solid flesh in 1 week. For so long we've been dominated by the social and cultural shove to be slim through media and advertising. Pretty interesting. This ad would have been in print during The Great Depression, so unlike our current climate of excess, people wouldn't have had very much to live on. It's not very comforting to know that no matter what our environment, our sense of body image is skewed and manipulated for the cause of making a penny.

Woman: Hattie McDaniel

2009-11-22T07:30:00.000+11:00

The wonderful Hattie McDaniel.

I searched her name to find out a bit more about her and read the Wiki entry - what an amazing woman and an amazing life.

Watch her Oscar acceptance speech here.

Woman: Theda Bara

2009-11-20T07:50:00.001+11:00

The original 'Vamp', Theda Bara was one of the earliest femme fatales to grace the silent screen, often appearing in intricately beautiful sheer and risque costumes. Sadly, many of her films have been lost including the 1917 version of 'Cleopatra' however we still have some amazing photographs showing off her character.

“The reason good women like me and flock to my pictures is that there is a little bit of vampire instinct in every woman.”

Woman:Bettie Page

2009-11-18T07:30:00.002+11:00

The ubiquitous pin-up, Bettie Page, recognised all over by her iconic black bangs and lovely curves. She starred in several underground (and illegal) fetish films during the 50s.

See her on film here.

Woman: Josephine Baker

2009-11-16T14:43:00.002+11:00

She is 'The Bronze Venus', 'The Black Pearl', 'The Créole Goddess' - she is 'La Baker'!

A singing, dancing sensation of the 20s & 30s, this Sphinx was an American Civil Rights activist, 'honourable correspondent' for the French government during WWII and the first African American woman to star in a major motion picture.

“The things we truly love stay with us always, locked in our hearts as long as life remains.”

I love it when...

2009-11-09T17:34:00.001+11:00

I love it when your eyes narrow, looking not so much at me as into me. Right into me. With your rhythm and strength, I’m helpless.

Smokin'

2009-11-01T01:01:00.002+11:00

Small Things

2009-10-30T20:50:00.000+11:00

He's staring right into me.

I tell him, 'I can see you. I've known you for such a long time'.

He knows that I mean at least 5000 years. Our connection is an ancient one.

Woman: Ruth St. Denis

2009-10-28T07:30:00.000+11:00

Heavily inspired by Indian, Egyptian and Japanese dance, American modern dance pioneer, Ruth St. Denis (born in 1879) was the first performer to incorporate traditional practices of the eastern world and the vaudevillian stage into the realm of serious concert dance.

Woman: Marilyn Monroe

2009-10-26T00:59:00.003+11:00

Norma Jean. The quintessential sex symbol known for her curves. Her first film role was in 1947 and by 1956 she had started her own production company.

Woman: Katharine Hepburn

2009-10-24T00:59:00.005+11:00

I'm not sure that there has been, or ever will be, a human who matches the pizazz, charisma and unique style of Katharine Hepburn.

See her in 'Holiday' here.

"Love has nothing to do with what you are expecting to get - only with what you are expecting to give - which is everything.”

Cary Grant

2009-10-22T07:49:00.003+11:00

In amidst all the female heroines I thought there might be room for a special masculine style icon...

Of this charismatic gent Alfred Hitchock said, '[he's] the only actor I ever loved in my whole life'.

Archibald Leech became Cary Grant in the early 30s and rose to be one of the most recognised male actors of all time. With his elusive mid-atlantic accent and quick-witted character, he is irresistible.

“I pretended to be somebody I wanted to be until finally I became that person. Or he became me.”

Woman: Ava Gardener

2009-10-20T07:30:00.000+11:00

She's a raven-haired, MGM Noir beauty. With killer smile and killer acting ability - check out a snippet of Ava Gardner in 'The Killers'.

"I wish to live until 150 years old but the day I die, I wish it to be with a cigarette in one hand and a glass of whiskey in the other".

Woman: France Gall

2009-10-18T08:00:00.000+11:00

French pop sensation, France Gall was a pivotal player in the Yé-Yé movement during the 60s.

Check her out in action here and here.

Maidenform

2009-10-16T08:00:00.001+11:00

This long-running advertising concept for Maidenform bras had people amused for decades. The company was founded in 1922 and aimed to create undergarments that showed off a woman's natural shape.

Woman: Grace Jones

2009-10-14T00:40:00.001+11:00

She's an absolute style icon of the 80s - Jamaican born model, singer and actress, Grace Jones wowed and shocked with her underground, conceptual music, famous androgyny and powerful severity.

"I wasn't born this way. One creates oneself. I believe whatever I dream. Whatever I dream, I want to do".

Woman: Grace Kelly

2009-10-12T00:19:00.000+11:00

Her name was certainly apt - Grace swanned elegantly across the 50s silver screen, sun-kissed or peachy skinned and in New York's finest fashion of the moment. With her cool blue eyes and neat blonde waves (sounds like paradise), she became "Her Serene Highness The Princess of Monaco" at age 26.

"I don't want to be married to someone who feels inferior to my success or because I make more money than he does".

Woman: Katy Keene

2009-10-10T12:00:00.000+11:00

While perusing a vintage comic book search on Flickr a while back, I rediscovered 'America's Queen of Pin-ups and Fashions', Katy Keene. Bill Woggon, creator of the delightful Archie comics introduced this drawn dolly in 1945. Readers were encouraged to send in their own illustrations of outfits for Katy, which were then credited in the comic!

Read a little more about Katy here.

"Now what kind of a big surprise do you suppose Randy has this time?"

Woman: Greta Garbo

2009-10-08T23:05:00.003+11:00

Thank you to the lovely women who have emailed such beautiful encouraging messages and those who have asked where the posts have gotten to - I really appreciate your support. Le Sphinx is ready and excited to get back on track with a new look, a new luscious image size and regular posts to come, so stay tuned!

Let's start with none other than goddess of both the silent and golden age screen, with her seductive wide eyed stare, Greta Garbo.

"Is there anything better than to be longing for something, when you know it is within reach?”

Test Post

2009-09-13T21:07:00.001+10:00

This is a test post for the new Le Sphinx blog layout.

New Moon

2009-06-24T14:34:00.005+10:00

This morning I woke with the purest feeling of serenity in my heart.

Last night I snuffed out my fears, my anxieties and my inhibitions and for this I felt able to appreciate just being. I felt able to take pleasure in the sunshine pouring through my window pane, letting me know that now is a time for nurturance and growth. I was able to take pleasure in watching a dove hopping about her business on the aged roof of the neighboring house. I was able to hold my true love's hand and see that this morning, he had woken with all the excitement of a child in his eyes and know that he needed the space and time to run freely with his inspiration today.

Last night I witnessed beautiful souls who reside in the bodies of women, as they let go of their own negative thought processes, their own fears, expectations and pressures.

I was brought to tears by the understanding of a woman who gave me the opportunity to receive. I affirmed in my heart that to truly give, you have to be able to receive. I watched the pupils in her blue eyes breathe as she took in what I expressed.

I was brought to tears by hearing a woman who is very dear to me release all that she was felt afraid of with such bravery and honesty, to hear the raw joy in her voice for what her future holds and her commitment to being present with herself.

I embrace my voice, my body, my sensuality.

I embrace action, challenge and love. I feel an intense need to accept, to step forward, to appreciate, to express and above all - to give. To live. Let’s live.

Dolls: Power & Passion

2009-06-13T13:38:00.007+10:00

Watch these clips of two amazing women, with all their power, passion, emotion, magic: Nina Simone and Odetta.

Scrapbook: Frilly Bits

2009-06-04T12:00:00.006+10:00

Came across a nice little Flickr Group, Frilly Bits featuring all things vintage lingerie. Love the soft palette, svelte silhouettes and that recognisable illustrative style. Have a look at the fabulous associated blog here.

You can.

2009-05-16T03:11:00.004+10:00

Save us from extinction.

With our waxing-waning sensibilities,

we serve a purpose in this ecology

that you don't even get.

We aren't afraid to pick the carcasses

of our ones of love & lust,

licking our lips, stripping away at flesh.

Devouring & peeling at you

til you don't know who you are anymore

because you've never felt such pleasure yet.

Small Things

2009-04-19T15:48:00.001+10:00

In bed. Our feet rock and roll to a rhythm only we can feel.

Francoise Hardy

2009-04-13T22:32:00.006+10:00

Long chestnut locks and smoky, feline eyes. That silky-smooth voice and classic 60s style. French singer, actress and astrologer, Francoise Hardy is this weeks featured doll.

Small Things

2009-04-11T15:06:00.001+10:00

Dreams pass into the reality of action. From the actions stems the dream again; and this interdependence produces the highest form of living - Anais Nin

Frankly Darling

2009-04-09T23:02:00.001+10:00

Frankly Darling has released this gorgeous new line of intimate apparel. I particularly like this emerald hued selection and the way it contrasts with skin-tone.

I would most certainly pack this in my little overnight suitcase to meet a lover at a faraway hotel. Alternatively, she would pack it in her overnight case and meet me at a faraway hotel.

I love it when...

2009-04-07T17:01:00.001+10:00

I love it when I am awoken in the morning by my own pulsing pleasure, in a state of blissful lucidity, having had a delicious dream of you, of us.