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From beyond the grave we are still being taught lessons from some of history's most ballsy and kick-arse chicks. Whether they be fact or fiction, myth or legend, take a leaf out of these great seductress’s books for an almighty, all girl power trip.
Marilyn Monroe She isn’t too far gone but Marilyn Monroe would have to be on the seductress A-list. Arguably the most famous woman of the 20th century, Marilyn Monroe wasn’t just a 50s sex goddess, she was an icon. In 1999 she was named the number one sex star of the 20th century by Playboy Magazine and also the sexiest woman of the century by People Magazine. She was even featured on a commemorative postage stamp in 1995 in the USA. All this isn’t bad for a girl who grew up in orphanages and foster homes.
At the age of 16 she faced the tough decision of whether to marry or return to an orphanage when the family friends she was living with moved and couldn’t afford to take Marilyn, then Norma Jeane, with them. She married her 21-year-old neighbour, but later down the track was forced to choose between her marriage and career, a division that came between her next marriage as well. Marilyn made 30 films during her career and left one, Something’s Got to Give, unfinished upon her death in 1962.
Today her icon status remains and she continues to teach us to overcome personal obstacles and strive for greatness. Her name is synonymous with beauty, confidence, perseverance and effervescence proving she was a great seductress, not just of her time but also of today. She teaches us about sacrifice in order to get what you want and undeniable faith in yourself that you can get it.
Cleopatra
We now take a step further back in time, to the era of the last Pharaoh - Cleopatra. Cleopatra was only 17 when she ascended the Egyptian throne reigning as Queen Philopator or Pharaoh between 51-30 BC. She died at the age of 39 but will forever be a prominent part in Egypt’s history. Ballsy and tactical Cleopatra was one of history’s greatest enchantresses. She knew the secret of fascination and therefore the key to seduction. Her powerful and smart love craft gave her control and made her desirable.
Josephine Baker "I'm not intimidated by anyone. Everyone is made with two arms, two legs, a stomach and a head. Just think about that." Josephine Baker’s strong, seductive, confident and sophisticated nature allowed her to overcome racism and to extend her celebrity status over 50 years with her energetic dance routines. Her exotic beauty generated such nicknames as ‘Black Pearl’, ‘Creole Goddess’ and ‘Black Venus’ and she received approximately 1500 marriage proposals in her lifetime.
Josephine broke onto the Paris stage in the 1920s taking Europe by storm with her sensual yet comic appeal. She endured her fair share of hardships during her lifetime, growing up cleaning houses and babysitting as well as being constantly reminded “Not to kiss the baby”. This racism only made her stronger. She faced other rejections on her way to stardom including the flop of her American tour despite her immense popularity in Europe in 1936, again because of racism.
Josephine was a fighter, both for her self and her country. She served France in World War II in several ways by performing for the troops, undercover work as well as being a sub-lieutenant in the woman’s auxiliary air-force. She even took up a media battle against racism in the 50s and 60s when she returned to America. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) named May 20 'Josephine Baker Day' for her efforts in combating racism. A Chevalier of the Legion of Honour, mother of 12 adopted children, star, seductress and fighter, Josephine Baker lived an amazing and influential life, distilling stereotypes and helping path the way for more multi-cultural accepting societies.
Aphrodite You can’t talk love and seduction without including Aphrodite, the Greek Goddess of Love herself. While she is only a myth she stands at the heart of seduction. Aphrodite is often associated with Venus the Roman Goddess of love, although they are not completely equivalent. She is the definition of love and seduction in many ways due to her power over both the mortal and immortal world. She was worshiped for her ability to grant power and invincible charm. Aphrodite was married but unfaithful, with a fair few of Gods and mortals up her sleeve and shows us the dangers of the power of seduction with lust.
There are many reoccurring themes in the traits of seduction from Cleopatra to present. If these enchantresses from the past have taught us anything it’s never to under estimate the power of confidence and fascination. They all had a sense of self worth and pride and despite obstacles were determined to come out on top, and like they say, the rest is history.