"the" Mrs. Astor

Wednesday, August 10, 2005

Catherine


Catherine (I won't give her full name as she lives and conducts business under it) was one of my special girlfriends, like Lady Barbara. They weren't girlfriends in a sexual way, but in a social way. These women, for it is the only way I ever thought of them, were my dates to events of all sorts. They exuded class, taste, and--most of all--illusion. On one hand, they were flattered to be accorded the dignity and fun they deserved. On the other, I adored having them with me; the laughter and fun seemed endless. And, how they loved the camera!

I guess I was "the other side's" version of A Walker. Usually A Walker is a single man who escorts ancient, society women to social events since their husbands couldn't be bothered by the nonsense. I watched a documentary once on a Palm Beach Walker who made his living that way; Walker's are invariably gay. Mine weren't ancient, society women, but they weren't women, either.

There aren't many of these women down here. Everything is either over-the-top or Cha-cha-Babes; it is a non-stop freak show that, while entertaining, leaves me remembering the class that was New York. But I won't turn on any smaltzy music, Mikevil, and wax nostalgic again.

4 Comments:

At 10:06 AM, Blogger Ian Gutierrez said...

A D O R A B L E!

 
At 6:27 PM, Blogger Jesse said...

She is fabulous! Her and the Lady Barbara are true Diva's. Did you enjoy walking them? I never heard of that profession before, I must try that at some point in my life! :)

Love Always,
Jesse :)

 
At 6:51 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Is it the geography? Or is it just a generational thing? I don't think those old-school glamour girls even exist in New York anymore. It's changed a lot since we were there.

 
At 10:18 PM, Blogger Alexis du Bois said...

My dear, baby Jesse, I don't think "walker" would even be found on Google, but I haven't tried.

JSJ, I believe I know who you are, and--yes--I believe the era is over. But, then, YOU were the Edith Warton of our time. Thank God people like you survived, too.

 

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