The Infinite Matrix | Michael Swanwick & Francisco Goya | The Sleep Of

Reason 60

05.01.03

the sleep of reason

by Michael Swanwick

with illustrations by

Francisco JosÉ de Goya y Lucientes

Click image to enlarge

Digital image © copyright

Davison Art Center,

Wesleyan University

DAC permission required

for any other use.

60. [Plate 26]

Haute Couture

Ooh-la-la! Last year's underwear-as-outerwear is out. This year,

femininity is in.

Not last year's femininity, of course. No, no, no. Maison des Filles has

rethought women from the tops of their gorgeous little heads to the tips

of their irresistible little toes. This season's line is designed

specifically for the confident, unaffected, ravishing creature that is

this season's you!

Traditionally, women's clothing has no pockets. Women don't need them! If

you want something ? a third martini, say, or a mink stole, or an

abortion ? why, there's always a man around to pay for it, isn't there?

You know there is. Well, we've taken that thought one step further, and

eliminated the arms altogether. Why should a women need arms? To do

things? Don't make us laugh.

like swanwick?

like goya?

so do we.

keep 'em sparring!

send money.

More options on the Contributions page.

T H A N K S !

Note as well the saucy cut of our new micro-minidress. When you sit, it

provides your admirers with a naughty flash of? well, everything,

basically. The fact that it's worn without underwear or shoes sends a

message that says: I'm flirty, but down-to-earth. I'm natural, but

obsessed with fashion. I'm skeptical, but easily mislead. And I don't

have any pockets.

Examine the needlework. Exquisite! This caliber of craftsmanship can only

be done by Third World war widows whose lives probably don't bear

thinking about. Run a hand over the fringe surrounding the cowl. So soft!

It's made of hand-pieced owl feathers from a bird freshly removed from

the endangered species list - so your conscience is clean! - and yet

still rare enough that only you will be able to afford it.

And the rattan hats? They're the crowning touch! They create a look that

says: Be proud of what you are. If your brains are in your butt and your

head is full of shit? Why, then, put your chair where it belongs!

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This is the 60th of 80 stories by Michael Swanwick written to accompany

Francisco Goya's Los Caprichos. For a listing of the most recently

available stories, go to The Sleep of Reason.

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