“Luxury is not a necessity to me, but beautiful and good things are.”
— “Henry and June”, Anaïs Nin
The word “boudoir” comes from the French verb “bouder” which translates to “to sulk”. It is used to denote a woman’s private space, her sanctuary of beautification and glamour that the outer world does not see. In that space, everything is hers and herself — a temple, a grotto to her fascinations, her inspirations and visions. Velvets, silks, candlelight, art, the make up brushes and clothes scattered around the space during one of the dressing or make up rituals are the images we associate with it. Or perhaps we imagine a glamorous woman lounging, sipping a drink, listening to the music from her gramophone as she takes a little break from the “tiresome and stressful” process of applying eyeshadows and pulling the hold-ups up her thighs.
To have her own space into which she gets to retreat from the outer world is something that most women desire and need. How often the modern women’s complaints about motherhood or other family obligations include: “I just do not have any time to myself”, which usually means that she does not feel that there is any part of her being that is not occupied by the outer obligations and duties. This can be heavy for anyone, but it is especially heavy for women, as it annihilates the inner life completely; and the interior is where a woman dwells or at least, desires to dwell in.
Nowadays, most women have their make up and skin care rituals in the bathroom, and their creams and mascaras stand right next to the toilet — it doesn’t translate to the most glamorous or sensuous experience. The boudoir asserts these acts as not yet another chore to complete before heading out into the world, but as a way to create a space in which only you exist. Perhaps a room or a vanity isn’t accessible or an option, but you can always dedicate a corner in your home or space that is “only yours.”