Art Nouveau was a passion for these celebrated courtesans and they asked their many male admirers to offer them the most beautiful furniture from all over Europe. A sofa inspired by Gaudi, glittering china from the Riviera, a serving table with precious woodwork by Majorelle, everything was done to seduce. Cocteau said of these courtesans : 'It was a cluster of lace, velvet, satin, ribbon, diamonds, rubies, pearls… who ever undressed one of these ladies took on a job that needed three weeks advance notice - like moving house.
