Femme Fatale Files: Brigitte Part 2

Welcome back to "Femme Fatale Files"! I had such a fantastic response to Part 1, and I’m thrilled to dive into Part 2 featuring Brigitte Bertrand. In this installment, I’m excited to share more of my interview with her. Brigitte, with her captivating blend of charm and mystery, truly embodies the spirit of the femme fatale. oin me as I continue my intriguing conversation with her, exploring her views on sensuality, authenticity, and femininity.

Q: What role does authenticity play in your expression of self through your style? How did you cultivate that individuality?

Brigitte: "Authenticity is key to my expression; I try to be true in everything I do. Sometimes I'm hard on myself for not being more true in singular moments, but I remember I was doing my best. I like to take informed risks, which is a way of trying to grow into a more authentic version of myself. It's challenging but rewarding. I'm still a work in progress, but I don't think that ever ends. I lead by feeling. Though reason has its place, sometimes you have to follow the feeling and be unreasonable. Ultimately, what is meant for you will find you, so you might as well be yourself."

Q: How do you celebrate and embrace your femininity in a world that often undermines or commodifies it?

Brigitte: "Through being provocative in my own way, taking what is pop and making it mine, and being ultra-feminine because I don't want to hide my body, mind, or gaze. I want to be fully present, be me at the table of life, wearing an Italian-designed dress and voluptuous hair while talking philosophy in French and English. Femininity is yours to wield. I want to be true to myself and spread the joy of being alive, sometimes through wearing an all-red outfit."

Q: Share a film, show, scene, or literary work that you find particularly sensual or erotic.

Brigitte: "I couldn't sleep for three days after 'Sex, Lies, and Videotape.' James Spader has beautifully haunted my psyche ever since. I grew up loving Rita Hayworth's 'Gilda' and the film series 'Angélique Marquise des Anges,' and of course 'Amélie.' Clear communication is a big turn-on for me, so I loved the TV show 'Outlander.'"

Q: What makes you feel sexy or seductive?

Brigitte: "Being alive makes me feel sexy—feeling healthy, in a flow of surrender, curiosity, and pleasure. I try to make each day magical in some small way, whether it's a strip tease for myself to Joe Cocker or a full fashion show for my dog at 3am. What makes me feel sexy is this sort of abandonment into playfulness and discovery. It's more a way of 'savoir vivre.' When you live a certain way, each moment is sexy because it is desired. Dresses, music, and wine do help, but it's more a mindset. I seek this in my relationships and friendships, where I can abandon myself to the moment with that person and honor the full of who they are."

Q: In a society that often imposes limitations and stereotypes on aging women, how do you believe women can break free from these confines and embrace the process of aging with grace and authenticity?

Brigitte: "That's a very personal question. What truly matters is the joy in your heart. People who have taken a chance on themselves have an inexplicable vitality that lights up the room. Making your body your home and blessing it while using it fully is a gift. What may be seen as graceful is someone who has let so much go that with age, they can be even more themselves. Like most of life, it's an adventure to be explored. We won't know how we age until we have the privilege of doing so."

Q: How do you handle moments of self-doubt or insecurity in your journey towards self-discovery and empowerment?

Brigitte: "Self-doubt is a recurring theme for me. I try to remind myself of how far I've come and why I'm doing something. I try to make it simple so I don't get caught up in the rest. I have a passion for what I do but often see myself as an impostor. I try to shift that perspective to see it as an opportunity to learn more. I turn my doubt into curiosity, observing it without taking it too literally. Fear is linked to desire, and desire to truth. If fear comes up, it's often because something is ready to be released. Through doubt, I can move on from something that no longer belongs to me."

Q: What advice would you give to women who are on a journey to discovering their own sense of confidence and individuality?

Brigitte: "Be open with yourself. Go towards what makes you uncomfortable and have fun. Then return to what feels comfortable and do it a million times over. Treat yourself and others with kindness. There is no ideal way to be alive, but being alive your own way where everyone wins is pretty great. A lot of people won't like you, but that's okay. Time and water are precious resources not to be wasted on anyone who doesn't open your heart. Finding yourself is hard and easy when you start loving yourself more."

Q: Can you share a significant lesson you’ve learned through the struggles you’ve faced as a woman, and how did you overcome those challenges to emerge stronger and more empowered?

Brigitte: "I've learned to ask for help from other women. We carry so much and can learn so much from each other. Asking for help and healing with other women is essential. Also, creating space for men to heal, especially among themselves, is important. We are all in this together. When I connect with other women who inspire me to be better and bolder, I know that if I can't find the strength, I just have to look around and see a woman who is strong."

Q: In your experience, how do you believe women can support and uplift each other in navigating the complexities of femininity, societal expectations, and personal empowerment?

Brigitte: "We all have unique qualities—our essence, our smell, our je ne sais quoi. I've always believed in uplifting women in their essence and applauding their genuine nature, especially when expressed spontaneously. It's about being present and appreciating the human unfolding before you. If she's in her feminine energy, I will be quick to applaud her with my words or hands. We can all use a little encouragement."

Q: How do you envision your legacy as a woman, and what impact would you hope to leave on future generations of women?

Brigitte: "I've always admired Grace Kelly and her timeless elegance. I don't preoccupy myself with legacy. I try to be kind to people, animals, and places. Grace's elegance and whimsy inspire me. I'm more inclined to the present rather than what will happen after my life. My life is now, and I don't plan on wasting it. Legacy has never been important to me."

Q: Is there anything else you would like to share or discuss that is important to you as a woman and individual?

Brigitte: "I'd like to thank Stacie for this opportunity and this exercise in thought and reflection. One thing I'd like people to take away is that you can be kind and be a femme fatale. Being unapologetic with your sensuality as a woman doesn't mean there's only one way to do it. You can do it your way and stay rooted in unconditional love. Women are so close to life and death, we might as well have fun being ourselves in our power. You can be kind, voluptuous, and dangerous at the same time. If dangerous means the best jazz record and Burgundy combo for you, then I'm your woman."

A huge thank you to Brigitte for being a part of this series. I genuinely appreciate the time and effort she put into her thoughtful answers. Our 2 hour photo session at the studio was an absolute blast, and I can't wait to share more of the stunning images we captured that day. Stay tuned for more glimpses into our shoot and the continuation of our journey through the fascinating world of femme fatales.

Follow Brigitte on Instagram @ladamedenewyork and explore her music on her website www.bertrandbrigitte.com. Experience the magic of her artistry and be inspired by her journey of self-discovery and empowerment.