Gene as the Marquise de Merteuil
from ``Les Dangerous Liaisons"
This is a quote spoken by Glen Close who plays the Marquis de Merteuil in the 1989 version of the film 'Dangerous Liaisons' based on the scandalous18th Century novel by Choderlos de Laclos:
" When I came out into society I was 15. I already knew then what role I wascondemned too.Namely, to keep quiet and do what I was told, which gave me the perfect opportunity to listen and observe. Not to what people told me, whichnaturally was of no interest to me, but to whatever it was they were tryingto hide. I practised detachment. I learned how to look cheerful while underthe table I stuck a fork into the back of my hand. I became a virtuoso ofdeceit. I consulted the strictest moralists to learn how to appear,philosophers to find out what to think, and novelists to see what I could get away with, and in the end, it all came down to one wonderfully simple principle, that happiness and vanity are incompatible"
The Marquise is a restyled 'Priceless' Gene, wearing a typical 18th C. 'robe-de-anglais', or sack dress, which comprises of a richly trimmed petticoat, and brocade over-dress.
On the front of the petticoat are layers of Nottingham lace which are threaded with liquid silver beads, whilst beaded flowers of apricot and silver and coral droplets embellish the soft oyster satin fabric.
The main dress is made from oyster brocade with a profusion of sateen leaves, and the stomacher which is richly beaded, is enhanced with cinnamon silk bows. The sleeves are edged with the obligatory flounced lace cuffs, and a variety of fine trims and pearls further enhance the body of the dress.
Under the dress she wears heavy cream stockings secured by lace garters, and a pannier, or 'false bottom' which supports the fullness of the skirt at each side .
Her hair is threaded with stranded pearls and tiny silk bows, and the large picture hat is decorated with tiny flowers on top and below, and ties to the back with cinnamon chiffon beaded ties.
Her other accessories comprise of a three strand pearl choker, pearl drop earrings, a tiny beaded 'guinea purse', a fan, beribboned floral apricot shoes, and finally of course.... the key to her boudoir.