“You only see what I want you to see”: Doris Hobbs shares her art of glamour

Glamour is an illusion, a form of mystery revealing a fragile state that changes with time.

Glamour, from my perspective, is defined as recreation from all facets of our lives. Perhaps the best way to describe it is with a ravishing red lipstick, a sensual hourglass silhouette, and style inspiration from such mavens as Rita Hayworth, Ava Gardner, and Jayne Mansfield. While many may attempt to aim for class or sophistication, many will miss the mark, for there are so many ways we can make unknowing missteps. Glamour is the feeling of beauty, with an undertone of femininity, while looking like a lady for all occasions.

From a sense of seduction that cannot be afforded, I find it to be inherited by one’s genetic makeup rather than being perceived in any other form. My grammarian persona exudes through my vintage style and writing, which I use as a visual platform to embrace glamour as an inspiration. Both grammar and glamour embody a set of rules that assist people to articulate themselves and be understood as a form of confidence – which is the goal.

In many cases, I am seen by the public as a glamorous Hollywood scarlet who possesses many European attributes, often being referenced to Australian actress, Cate Blanchett. That’s not to say I am always glamorous; few can be, and certainly I constantly aim to maintain such an appearance but can’t say I awake in such awe. I find one of my preferred moments of glamour is when I am walking down the street, particularly Market Street in San Francisco, surrounded by a historical archive of landmarks that to this day carry such glamour and enrichment. I’m garnished in a vintage-inspired dress say, a bias-cut black sheath that hugs at the hips, the donning of rhinestone earrings, a millinery design, and (of course) the reddest lipstick I own. When I’ve achieved such a level of glamour, it’s an immensely satisfying spot between the public and private spheres.

The trick to glamour is quite like black magic; you see me, and yet you don’t. You only see what I bring to my outer self or how I create it as my own. You only see what I want you to see.

The beauty of glamour is that I actually control how much you witness, and I promise to not cast any spells on you.