What do you think of when I mention Edie Sedgwick? The Factory, Black tights, Charcoal eyeliner, Waif, Andy Warhol, Poor little rich girl, Muse?

Largely known for her family and their wealth, as well as for her association with the counterculture of the 1960’s, especially as one of Andy Warhol’s actors, Edie Sedgwick was a bright social butterfly whose candle of fame burned brightly at both ends. Born into a wealthy White Anglo-Saxon Protestant family of impressive lineage, Edie became a “celebutante” for her beauty, style, wealth and her associations with figures of the 1960s counterculture.

After researching Edie Sedgwick, I am less inclined to say that she is a personal muse (in the way Amanda Herlich is). In fact, Edie was very public muse, that is, she inspired and inspires the masses in much the same way Princess Diana did—there is something about birthright that intrigues the public. Edie’s presence at the factory gave it the reputation as a place where young trend setters would gather. Although Andy Warhol was captivated by her personality and “presence”, it is thought that he saw her largely as his ticket to Hollywood.

After leaving the factory and Andy’s crowd, Edie had a brief modeling career; it did not last long because “she was identified in the gossip columns with the drug scene, and back then there was a certain apprehension about being involved in that scene… people were really terrified by it… drugs had done so much damage to young, creative, brilliant people that we were just anti that scene as a policy” (Warhol Stars abuse and mental hospitals filled much of the rest of Edie’s life. At 28, Edie died of a drug overdose.

Ultimately, I am left with the lingering question: What was it about Edie that drew and still draws us to her? Is it the juxtaposition of her wealth and good fortune with depression and hunger for stardom? Or her beauty, personality and unique style? My opinion is that Edie’’s own personal style was wrapped up in what came to represent the fashion of the 1960’s. And so Edie, herself, is a visual queue of the youth culture that exists still today. Any thoughts or comments about Edie intrigue?