René Lalique's 1936 perfume bottle design for Trésor de la Mer

Alphonse Mucha's Four Seasons

The Art Deco door. Entrance of a building in Paris, by Léon Tissie, the ironwork made by Adalbert Szabo Photo by Claude Abron

Detail from the painting Iris (1886) by John Atkinson Grimshaw (1836-1893)

Dawnridge. The house overlooks a ravine filled with pagodas, fantasy pavilions, and junglelike foliage.

The Los Angeles House, 1995

11-eyed blue glass flacon from Canarina, designed by Rene Lalique, 1928

"Have you ever heard of flash blindness?"

"Boss, I'm demisexual AND genderfluid." for Ro

"That's the word I've been trying to remember," she hums pleasantly. "Demisexual. Yes, that was what I was trying to remember the other day. Isn't it wonderful that there's so much verbiage you can use to describe yourself? Yes," Ro nods. "Demisexual, I subscribe to that as well but ah. What do you prefer me to use to refer to you then as? Here, hold on." Digging through her desk, she pulls out her journal. "I want to make sure I don't forget. You know my memory. Feh!"

"Babe, I'm demisexual AND genderfluid." for Lu

He smiles warmly, it reaching his eyes. "It sounds like you've found what fits you best, yes? So, pray tell then, what would you prefer I refer to you as? My partner? The love of my life? Keeper of all my secrets?" He smiles more. "As long as you're still fine with my dear, of course."

"Watch your blood pressure dear." "Lucifer, God so help me I will bury you alive."

Sony FH-7 red & silver (1984)

"And just when I thought my night was over here you are. I suppose I have you to thank for the ambush?"

"Strange," she drawls. "And here I thought I was something of a welcomed sight. Message received, darling." Her left hand twitches over her thigh, waiting to reach for her Barretta. Flashing a wide grin, "Would you believe that, believe it or not, for the first time, this has nothing to do with me?" It would be almost convincing, if she didn't have such a naturally devious smile.