Recently I saw a documentary on television in which it was stated that one of the glass mascots by René Lalique was chosen as the symbol for International Women’s Day. The mascot was named “Invincible”, but strangely not one of Lalique’s mascots is known by that name and I haven’t been able to find any reference. René Lalique’s most famous mascot is Victoire or “Spirit of the Wind”. Could it be that someone in connection with the International Women's Day simply referred to this mascot as “Invincible”? Another possibility might be that it’s not one of Lalique’s mascots at all. He was also famous for his fine Art Nouveau jewellery shaped as butterflies, snakes or woman’s figures. Many artistic, progressive women like actress Sarah Bernhardt fell in love with Lalique’s creations. Could there be a connection? Does anyone know?

(With thanks to Tony Wraight of Finesse Fine Art for use of the Victoire image).

March 8, 2007