From the Dawson Street to the heart of Hollywood, the appeal of glamour is universally irresistible. It is an addiction that has transcended the barriers of age and geography. This longing for larger-than-life charm, dramatic imagery, and unabashed sensuality was deeply rooted in me from an early age. Perhaps, it was my Neapolitan heritage that invoked a penchant for grandeur and audacity.
As a young girl, elements of exuberance and ostentatiousness were perhaps dormant, as I was consciously aware of avoiding a fashion blunder. The transformation in my personality didn’t occur in a jiffy. It was a carefully orchestrated evolution, triggered by the works of an author – Jackie Collins, who crafted narratives around promiscuity, grandeur, and fantasy.
The inductive phase of my journey into Ms Collins’ world was not intentional. As an ardent reader, I was scouting for an intriguing tale during a casual family vacation in Spain or Portugal when I stumbled upon my soon-to-be-beloved-author’s novel. The punchy title, ‘Thrill!’ along with an alluring leopard print cover intrigued my senses, and I was instantly tossed into an unfamiliar yet enchanting world. Hidden from my parents under the Spanish sun, my young senses were stimulated by a narrative that was bold, yet entertaining.
The appeal was amplified by Jackie’s unabashed yet exhilarating portrayal of Hollywood’s privileged life, infused with indulgence. A real-life epitome of grandeur, her narratives were accentuated by her own charismatic charm and a million-dollar aura. For a young girl from Dublin, the impact of her illustrious style and her mesmerising influence was deeply inspiring.
Discovering Jackie synergized a new perspective that paired literature and glamour satisfyingly. The notion of successful authors being effortlessly elegant and attractive while being revered and accomplished was defining in shaping my outlook. However, the perception sparked by Jackie was not limited to blinding glamour. Marian Keyes, of my native land, became another literary figure who fascinated me with her striking beauty and an equally enthralling narrative.
Like Collins, Keyes constantly upheld the realm of beauty. Her candid discussions on beauty treatments, her endearing love for good lipstick, and her secret of uplifting her mood through coloured nails profoundly influenced me. In Keyes, I found a mentor who emanated confidence by embracing her love for beauty and set an inspiring example for countless women worldwide, including me.
With admiration and a tangible connection to both Collins’ and Keyes’ modus vivendi, I learnt to view personal beauty as a suit of armour. It’s not just about how one presents themselves to the world, but an empowering ritual allowing one to face the day assertively; a character-defining practice that empowers with a sense of confidence. Living a high-powered life, centered around glamour, has greatly influenced my writing style and my approach to expressing aesthetics to the world.
In my journey as an author, I relish this self-appointed role; a platform to influence, inspire, and invigorate. Whether I’m working from home, attending a lunch meeting or stepping on a red carpet, my choices to express my unique style never change. I am an ardent patron for a winged liner, bushy brows, and sky-high hair – the higher, the closer to heaven.
My exploration of external beauty treatments are not mere choices but a testament to my appetite for glamour. Be it composite bonding on my teeth or laser hair removal, my list is endless. However, my choices never deter the attention from my meticulous professionalism. Being an author myself, my publicity looks are hugely inspired by Jackie Collins’. Her style has not only impacted my own, but she continues to be my compass for every style and glamour decision. The spirit of glamour is, after all, about confidence, a celebration of beauty, and an appreciation for aesthetics.
My debut novel, Reality Check, epitomizes my personal journey of transformation and a proclamation of my love for glamour. It’s not just a narrative it’s my testament as an Irish-American family embracing glamour as a way of life. Like Jackie and Marian once inspired me, I aim to empower countless women worldwide to break the norm, be vibrant, glamorous, and unapologetically successful together.
