Marilyn Monroe once famously stated that “Beauty and femininity are ageless and can’t be contrived, and glamour, although the manufacturers won’t like this, cannot be manufactured. Not real glamour; it’s based on femininity.” Truer words were never spoken.  It is a mode of thinking, a way of absorbing your surroundings, of taking a delicate step, of speaking with kindness, strength and softness simultaneously. Femininity is a way of life and not something which can be born through adornment with the color rose. The truth of pretense will always be revealed sooner or later.

Ruffles, today thought of as one of the most feminine perhaps almost childlike, embellishments one can wear, had their moment in the courts of queens and empresses alike. Think Queen Elizabeth 1, or the Virgin Queen as she is commonly known. Ruffles were not always thought of as traditionally female. Dukes and counts would wear them as well. This opulent garb of the monarchy signified a break from the ranks of the peasantry who could not afford to wear such frills and flounce.

Today, ruching, ruffles, and jabot are categorically ladylike.  They are associated with the art of the feminine.  And they are to be treated as such with the grace and quiet strength of the woman who is aware of her feminine wiles and has the knowledge to wield them properly.

“Femininity is not just lipstick, stylish hairdos, and trendy clothes. It is the divine adornment of humanity. It finds expression in your qualities of your capacity to love, your spirituality, delicacy, radiance, sensitivity, creativity, charm, graciousness, gentleness, dignity, and quiet strength.“

Warm Thanks to Where Art Meets Fashion, Coolspotters, She Knows, Chloe, Marchesa, Vogue