Before Gaga, before Madonna, . . .there was Veronica Franco

The word provocative is defined as serving or tending to provoke, excite, or stimulate; stimulating discussion or exciting controversy; "a provocative remark"; "a provocative smile"; "provocative Irish tunes which...compel the hearers to dance. Those are just some of the emotions that can be evoked from viewing the hit play "Dangerous Beauty" currently at the Pasadena Playhouse now until March 13th. Before there was the edgy Lady Gaga, or the outrageous shock-and-awe of Madonna, . . .there was Veronica Franco.

Veronica Franco comes to life, played by Jenny Powers in this adaptation of the original play. Franco was a famous Italian poet and courtesan in 16th century Venice.

I had the pleasure of styling Jenny Powers for a shoot in our Spring Issue of Beverly Hills LifeStyle Magazine. We kept the fierce, provocative, and yet sexy-side of her character with a couture twist. Take a look at the magic we created!

"When we too are armed and trained, we can convince men that we have hands, feet, and a heart like yours; and although we may be delicate and soft, some men who are delicate are also strong; and others, coarse and harsh, are cowards. Women have not yet realized this, for if they should decide to do so, they would be able to fight you until death; and to prove that I speak the truth, amongst so many women, I will be the first to act, setting an example for them to follow."


—Veronica Franco