The Empress of Fashion - The Duchess

We haven't been this excited about a movie with fashion splendor since Marie Antoinette. The Duchess, set at the end of 18th century, is a heart-wrenching and utterly marvelous masterpiece which promises to be a big hit. The movie concentrates on Lady Georgiana Spencer, (played by Keira Knightley) a young glamorous woman, who at 17 became a political mover and shaker, after marrying the Duke of Devonshire. She became a great success, a fashion icon and was indeed the most fascinating woman of her time. She married into power like Princess Diana who is her direct descendant (she's her great great great great niece) endured a loveless marriage. The parallel between the two women is quite extraordinary. They were both rebellious and of great influence in society and they were much loved by the nation. At the center of the story the movie concentrates on her desperate need for love, fame and notoriety. She was a woman who gained greater importance by using her beauty and charisma to make a name for herself and in turn she was celebrated by everyone. She became famous not only for sense of style, but was also revered like Diana as they were victims of their husband's extra-marital affairs. -Desiree Masiela The Factio team is seeing The Duchess in a private screening in Chicago courtesy of Gilt Groupe and then attending a fab party, so we'll be sure to tell you all about it.