johannadielemansblog

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Felix Yusupov and Irina Alexandrovna, 1913, 1934 and 1966

“I’m terribly in love with you. I can’t live without you. […] In a word, always know that my main desire is to be always and everywhere with you and never to part.”

- Irina to Felix, 1916

“When I am with Irina, everything is easy for me. We love each other so much that we are not afraid of anything. God, what a joy to love and be loved!”

- Felix’s diary, 1st/14th January 1923 

“Speaking of his [Felix] wife [Irina] to a magazine interviewer some years ago, the Prince said as he picked up a photograph of her: ‘Isn’t she beautiful? We live as happily together as we did the first day. This is love, true love - something I’ve felt for no one but her. When she dies, I will die’.”

- The New York Times, 12th March 1970

[johannadielemansblog]

Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die today.

[johannadielemansblog]

Ave Satanas, my father forever! 🖤

[johannadielemansblog]

Embarking on the pilgrimage to The Hotel Chelsea, residing on the same floor that once housed Sid and Nancy, unveiled a tapestry of profound contemplation. For nearly two decades, the prospect of this odyssey lingered in my thoughts, a testament to the enduring allure of cultural touchstones. In exploring the resonance of these larger-than-life figures, I discovered an unconventional wellspring of inspiration. Sid and Nancy's complex narrative, marked by rebellion and unorthodox resilience, became a source of intellectual engagement. Choosing to eschew the facile judgment of their flaws, I delved into the dichotomy of their existence. Their impact on my cognitive landscape extends beyond conscious understanding, reflecting the intricate interplay between cultural icons and personal introspection. This visit, a manifestation of patient anticipation, allowed for a nuanced appreciation of the symbiosis between the individual and the iconoclast, unraveling the threads of an extraordinary intellectual journey.

Ps: Wearing Nancy Spungen-inspired attire at The Hotel Chelsea was a concise yet powerful transaction of style, transforming the visit into an iconic dialogue with the rebellious spirit of its storied past.