I wrote back in 2013 about my meeting BB in London, but seeing this photo recently took me right back to the day of our encounter. This must have been taken a few days before we 'met'.
She came into my antique shop in Chelsea in about 1966, looked around a bit, then said something like 'Zat iz bootyfool', and left. She didn't buy anything.
Bardot had just married the wealthy Gunter Sachs, and unbeknown to the world's press, part of her honeymoon was spent in London. You can imagine my surprise when she walked into my shop. But that wasn't the most interesting thing.
She came in with her chauffeur; a stunningly handsome and tanned Frenchman, dressed in classic black chauffeur's livery with long leather knee-high boots. Sachs was in the background and seemed totally disinterested in her. Maybe he didn't speak French?
I thought at the time that it would have been more understandable had the chauffeur been wearing a Saville Row suit, and Sachs the chauffeur's outfit.
It came as no surprise that their marriage lasted only two years. I hope she did well 'financially' out of him; and I'm sure that he enjoyed dining out on having been married to BB. Cash for her; kudos for him.
Never mind Bardot. The chauffeur sounds very interesting.
ReplyDeleteNaughty naughty!
DeleteBardot was bootyfool too and had a nice booty as they say in da hood.
ReplyDeleteShe was stunning; one of the world's great beauties!
DeleteYou almost met her! Lucky you. She certainly was beautiful, although all that sunbathing hasn't done her any favours all these years later.
ReplyDeleteWe didn't speak to each other, but I could see she was dying to approach me!
DeleteWonderful memory. Quite an experience. She was young and beautiful, with a handsome chauffeur
ReplyDeleteAnd a very inattentive brand new husband.
DeleteI was always mesmerised by her beauty when I was young. So envious.
ReplyDeleteIt was quite a shock suddenly seeing her there.
DeleteShe sounds bored. What a pity she was with GS and chauffeur.
ReplyDeleteShe probably only married GS because she had nothing better to do.
DeleteSerge Gainsbourg was terrified of her big boobs!!xx
ReplyDeleteMaybe that's why he lived with my wife's old school friend, Jane.
DeleteIn previous comment I meant to ask whether you had seen the film Notting Hill.
ReplyDeleteYes, I think so. Was it about a book shop?
DeleteFamous actress walks into book shop.
DeleteYes, I have seen it, but can't remember much about it, other than the female lead role was VERY ANNOYING.
DeleteBeautiful French woman. Handsome young chauffeur. Wealthy older man. All consenting adults...playing the game. What a thrill to have them in your antique shop.
ReplyDeleteAlmost the subject for a steamy novel!
DeleteIs she still alive? Last I heard I think she was keeping a home for stray dogs or something like that.
ReplyDeleteI think she's still going strong. She had become very involved in animal welfare, and has led several campaigns.
DeleteI'm surprised she didn't leave him--or both of them--for you.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie