Ahh "Dalida!" Born: Iolanda Cristina Gigliotti! Je t'aime!
First, you have to understand me. My respect and love for the past. How I admire old architecture, the arts, history, music, decor touched with patina, and dreaming of the bygone era. There's something about Gina Lollobrigida, Ursula Andress, and all those curvy European women with "bullet" bras! Add Dalida to my book of desire *sigh*
"En sa beauté gît ma mort et ma vie."
In her beauty resides my death and my life. Dalida was before my time as she rose to stardom in Paris and the world over. I guess you could say I met her in a previous life as I walked the streets of Montmartre. *my shirt unbuttoned* one morning, as we sipped café latté... she told me how she loved the neighbourhood of Montmartre. The arts, the cafés, the boutiques, the centenarian buildings aged with more patina. Pablo Picasso once called Montmartre home, too. We laughed about my stories of adventures to the Moulin Rouge. How I thought it was an actual windmill when I walked in. Ahh the birds, the bees. Just the Parisian in me! We locked eyes and we kissed... *then I woke up* *le sigh*
Dalida was truly international. Born in Cairo to Italian parents. She was crowned Miss Egypt and moved to Paris to pursue an acting career. The acting never took off, but her singing was discovered and what made her an international icon. She sang in seven languages and is still considered the most successful French singer, ever. Millions of records, albums, and the next generation of adoring fans only strengthens the love for her.
"La vie m'est insupportable... Pardonnez-moi."
Sadly, Dalida committed suicide at only 54 years old. Her last words: "La vie m'est insupportable... Pardonnez-moi." Life has become unbearable... Forgive me. It was shocking news in all of Paris, and sent shockwaves across the world because she was so loved. The tragedy brought an awareness to depression and mental illness.
Today, Dalida is honoured at Place Dalida in Montmartre. A bronze bust of the French icon is the centerpiece of the square. It is located at Rue Girardon and Rue de l'Abreuvoir. A popular area for Tour de France bicyclists and day dreamers. It's also my favorite neighbourhood in all of Paris. Parisian legend say rubbing her... uh well her bust... gives you good luck. It's not a sign of disrespect, but instead a part of the Dalida myth! It's more patina! Montmartre captures the true essence of the Parisian lifestyle. Artistic, eclectic, beautiful, imperfectly perfect... in a place Dalida called home! You live on! Je t'aime! read more