At The Lindy Charm School for Girls, we strive to honour and recapture the strength of our foremothers acknowledging the hardships and successes they had, particularly during World War II. Presenting themselves with pride, being strong while literally under fire, they demonstrated courage and self-worth every time they walked outside the door. Every time I have presented our “Vintage V-Rolls & Power Suits through Tough Times” at the Love Vintage fairs, I am reminded and moved by the conditions women were forced to endure during the war years. As I was born in the 70s, it can be difficult for me to exactly imagine the 40s. But I can remember 1992. My ‘problems’ included juggling study for school exams and what to wear to the end of term disco. Yet a little over 2,000km away from my home in Dublin, war was raging in Bosnia and Herzegovina. With the same bravery and strength of our foremothers, Meliha Varesanovic walked tall and proud to her job as a secretary. The Bosnian War for Independence was remembered in this month’s Marie Claire magazine, with the iconic pictures from the 90s recreated today. Please read in Meliha words, how she did not allow her spirit to be broken by snipers and how she made every last drop of her makeup last. The war prompted U2 (under the pseudonym Passengers) to write the song “Miss Sarajevo” and Angelina Jolie to write and direct the movie “In the Land of Milk and Honey”. Can you remember what was happening in your life from 1992-1995? What difficulties are you facing today? Can you give yourself the few moments it takes to present yourself how you want the world to see you?
Meliha Varesanovic – We Salute You.
You can read the full article about Meliha in this months (MAY) issue of Marie Claire: https://marieclaire.com/world-reports/inspirational-women/
From the Desk of Miss Kelley Mc xx
“I don’t understand how a woman can leave the house without fixing herself up a little – if only out of politeness. And then, you never know, maybe that’s the day she has a date with destiny. And it’s best to be as pretty as possible for destiny.”
― Coco Chanel
