Mouche is French for ‘beauty spot’. In vogue during the 17th and 18th centuries, they were worn as a contrast to the popularly desired pale skin (which is still in vogue for moi). What makes them particularly intriguing is the significance of where one placed a spot on one’s wee face. For example, scandals could be created by placing on close to the lips – a sign the wearer is open for wild flirtation. A saucy mouche placed close to the eyes was a symbol of passion!
François Boucher: Une Dame à sa Toilette/A Lady applying a Beauty-spot
“Shapes, position, meanings and and names changed with fashion over the century, but the temple and décolleté remained favourite throughout. Possible shapes – growing more extravagant as the century progressed – preferably had frivolous associations, such as hearts and cupids, and could – according to rumour – be as eccentric as a carriage with four horses.” – From a glossary of 18th century dress terms.
This is fantastic, I hear you say, but this is the 21st century? Yes, well, while the mouche was traditionally made of black superfine silk, today it has been turned upside down and metamorphosed into something radical. Responsible for this is one Ms. Sabrina Dehoff! [via DailyCandy]. Using 24 karat gold, she has created a dashing series of accessories.
Her shapes include the Heart, Bow, Diamond, Point, Spade, Lips, Dove, Gun, Cat, Ghost, Catmask, Bunnymask. Masks? Yes please! There are also earring versions of the shapes available if you are a bit nervous about having a gun on your face… I understand you can acquire one (or three or five!) by emailing Sabrina, but whispers of an online ordering system are abound. While I can’t wait to try them out, maybe to send a flirtatious signal or two, is this an accessory you would ever wear? I’d love to know whether it’s just me or could this be the start of a renaissance?
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
i do so love drawing little stars or sticking tiny stickers on my face sometimes :) those little gold carat things are so precious! i’d love to get some but i wonder if i’ll freak out if they fall off.
Gilda, I don’t know how much they are yet but that would determine my worry level! Plus the disappointment of loosing one of course. I wish they came in a bow shape – imagine how cute that would be placed next to a sultry eye.