I met Brigitte Bardot in 1966 (I think). She had just married the German industrialist Gunter Sachs (above), and must have been in London (secretly) as part of her honeymoon.
BB came into my Chelsea antique shop and looked admiringly at a few bits and pieces; one she held up and declared "Zat iz boootifool". However, she left without buying anything. The only words between us being Good morning, and Goodbye.
It goes without saying that she was an extremely beautiful woman (very much 'my type'), but that wasn't my first observation. She was accompanied by her very tanned and handsome Chauffeur. He was in full livery with jodhpurs, cap, and black leather boots. Mr Sachs was hanging around elsewhere; totally ignoring her. Had I been asked at the time who she found the more attractive, I would certainly have said the Chauffeur.
Having finished with her singing and film careers, BB became an Animal Activist. I remember that she was responsible for French electricity and telephone pylons being altered. Previously they had been hollow aluminium with holes up the length of the poles. BB had discovered that birds built nests in the holes but the nests either collapsed inside, or the baby chicks couldn't escape, and a huge number were dying. Both the EDF and France Telecom changed their designs, and countless baby birds were saved. Well done BB.
We met all too briefly, but she left a lasting impression.
BB was an icon. She epitomised the 60's look.
The expression 'Sex Kitten' was perfect for her. RIP.
"Sex kitten" was a "perfect description" for her? Bloody hell. No wonder she was so screwed up, trying to commit suicide a few times. She called the son she was carrying a "tumour".
ReplyDeleteShe didn't take care of him, did estrange herself from him; and, later, took up animals as her "cause".
May she rest in peace, indeed. But then that is what the dead do so well - leaving the damage behind.
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Personally I blame the paparazzi and the media in general. They never left her alone. That would turn anyone's head!
DeleteBB is known in the foreign community here for her work with animals. Many of us older women also cheered because she embraced growing old and didn't mind being seen with her wrinkles
ReplyDeleteSo she's another personality you've met. Another tale for your grandchildren.
As for her life story, her foibles were all laid bare by the endless publicity.
We however can hide our flaws and pretend to be better than we are
She was beyond 'famous' and was followed everywhere. Worse even than being a 'Royal' here in the UK.
DeleteIf she was "Sex Kitten", who were you? "Sex Ferret"? Incredible that you met her - not many ordinary English people can say that.
ReplyDeleteAt my age at the time, I was probably 'sex-smitten'. In those days in Chelsea you really never knew who you might bump into next!
DeleteOr "Sex Mitten" - a learning aid for adolescent boys.
DeleteGreat beauty can often be a burden. Thankfully I never had that worry!
ReplyDeleteNor have I. Plain-ness has always suited me well.
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