CULTURE

Photos: Wild Wolfe

One of America’s first female decorators, Elsie de Wolfe was also prewar Europe’s great party animal.

by Catherine Hong

Elsie De Wolfe

1

Bernard Boutet de Monvel’s painting of de Wolfe, 1936. Bernard Boutet de Monvel, Lady Mendl (1936), Oil on canvas, Private Collection, courtesy of Stéphane-Jacques Addade, photograph ©Jacques Pépion.

2

The sunroom at Villa Trianon, 1930s, formerly the dining terrace. ©Condé Nast.

3

Arriving at Trianon for de Wolfe’s first Circus Ball: an unidentified guest, Paul Morand, Coco Chanel, and Serge Lifar (from left). Courtesy of Roger Schall ©Jean-Frédéric Schall.

4

De Wolfe practicing yoga. Courtesy of Charlotte Moss.

5

Acrobats at de Wolfe’s 1938 Circus Ball. Courtesy of Roger Schall ©Jean-Frédéric Schall.

6

William Ranken’s painting of de Wolfe’s bedroom at Trianon, 1920s. Courtesy of Charlotte Moss.

7

Bessie Marbury and de Wolfe, “the bachelors.” Courtesy of Roger Schall ©Jean-Frédéric Schall.

8

De Wolfe, relaxing at home at Villa Trianon, Versailles, 1935. © Bettmann/Corbis.