The Muse of Marchesa

Marchesa Luisa Casati influenced legions of artists, designers, and writers during her life and continues to inspire a whole new generation today. Georgina Chapman, head designer for Marchesa, has given the ultimate tribute to this decadent lady by naming her clothing line after her. The Marchesa lived a life of excess that eventually took it's toll by placing her in debt to the tune of 25 million. But her persona has outlived her and she has achieved the one thing she seemed to be seeking the most: immortality.

Although she appeared to be raven haired in black and white photos from her day, she was actually a carrot colored red head, as you can tell from the portrait below, one of many she had commissioned.



This photo was reenacted by Georgina for a photoshoot that she did in homage to the Marchesa:



Georgina Chapman as Marchesa Luisa Casati:



{All images via Flickr}