Creativity and imagination were central themes at last week s Speakeasy Toastmasters meeting.
Michael Cronin delivered an absorbing account of an original agent provocateur , the socialite Luisa Casati. Creator not an imitator described Luisa s unerring talent to make an impact. She was the original Lady Gaga, flamboyant, eccentric and outrageous.
Her decadent house parties in the 1920 s Europe were spectacular. Eye catching costumes which were like art installations were augmented by her grand entrances with her pet cheetahs on a leash. Pablo Picasso and Ezra Pound were enthralled by her exhibitionism.
Modern fashion designers like Alexander McQueen were influenced by her ground breaking coiture.