Today we return to Mesopotamia, asking about the rise of courtesans. Was it a worldwide role for select women, a role crossing many different global cultures but with compatible definitions?
In Mesopotamia Temple priestesses, often referred to as "sacred prostitutes," were involved in religious rites, highlighting a blend of the sacred and the secular that involved sexual service as part of worship. . . These practices are mentioned in the Code of Hammurabi, which provides one of the earliest written references to women who engaged in such roles.
In Greece The concept of the courtesan emerged more distinctly in Greece. . . In India Ancient texts in India also offer early textual evidence of courtesans, with references in ancient texts such as the Arthashastra and the Kamasutra . . . In China The origins of courtesans can be traced back to the Zhou Dynasty, which lasted from approximately 1046 to 256 BC . . . In Italy The origins of courtesanship can be traced back to a complex interplay of social, economic, and cultural factors that emerged during the Renaissance.
In America Yes, there is a record of courtesans in America. But AOC needs to catch up with the facts. After reading about white women courtesans in urban cities like New York and Chicago, we queried the story in New Orleans.
The findings were borderline extraordinary, and we will explain in our next deep dive into red lips women.
British model Georgia Palmer motors into her indie woman, fashion destiny in ‘Lost Highway’, styled by Joana Dacheville. Photographer Anthony Arquier [IG] is behind the lens for Numéro [IG] #251 February 2025./ Hair by Anastasiia Tymoshchuk; makeup by Lili Choi
Model Lulu Wood is lensed by Anthony Arquier [IG] in a sensual fashion story ‘Blue Velvet’ for Numéro #247./ Hair by Anastasiia Tymoshchuk; makeup by Marielle Loubet
Joana Dacheville styles Wood in ALAÏA, Balenciaga, Burberry, Guess, Max Mara, Mugler, Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello and more for the September 2024 issue devoted to body-loving fashion sensuality.
Model Nyaduola Gabriel is styled by Joana Dacheville in ‘Chlorophylle’, a botanical-inspired fashion story lensed by Anthony Arquier for Numéro 246 April-May 2024.
Netflix announced on Wednesday that Emily Ratajkowski will join the new Lena Dunham series ‘Too Much’, a romantic comedy series created by Dunham and husband Luis Felber.
The announcement is perfect timing for EmRata, who returns as the face of the latest Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Tiger Lily perfume campaign, lensed by Anthony Arquier [IG].
Victor & Rolf muse Emily Ratajkowski, aka EmRata, is interviewed by newly-named head of the culture Violaine Schütz [IG], for Numero #243out now.
Not all French women are so positive about a declared feminist like EmRata. Remember when French Vogue March 2022 ran a cover message that we’re living in a post feminist world now and there’s no need for women to be divisive any longer . . .
Schütz zeroes in on a key EmRata theme: " You thought you were a mind, but you're a body "
Christian Louboutin has been relentless and legally successful in defending not only his name but the red soles on his stilettos.
If sexy is returning to fashion, then Louboutin is on pointe with his latest additions to Louboutin Beauty, with designs so visually-compelling, competitiors would be recklessly-stupid to copy them.
Dutch model Maaike Klaasen is styled by Joana Dacheville in Emilio Pucci, Fendi, Gucci, Mugler, Versace and more for ‘Metaverse’, a futurist vibe fashion story lensed by Anthony Arquier[IG] for Numero #240 September 2023./ Hair by Yumiko Hikage; makeup by Marielle Loubet