…this passage about Marie Antoinette strikes me as poignant:
She sported towering bouffant hairdos, including the “inoculation pouf,” a forbidding confection that featured a club striking a snake in an olive tree (representing the triumph of science over evil) to celebrate her success in persuading the king to be vaccinated against smallpox.
And that wasn’t all:
Later, while in mourning for her father-in-law, Louis XV, the new queen wore a pouf garnished with a tiny cypress tree rooted by a black tangle of ribbons, as well as a sheaf of wheat and a fruit-filled cornucopia, promising a bountiful new reign. Topping all previous efforts, in 1778 she wore an exact replica of La Belle Poule, a French battleship that had just sunk an English frigate, riding the swelling sea of her hair. “Behold the coiffure of our Queen, whose perfect taste is therein seen,” began one poem of the day.
The whole bit reminds me of something Lady Gaga might do. I searched and, sure enough, Gaga has taken a leaf out of Marie A.’s stylebook, although I don’t think she can compare:
Previously a lifelong Democrat, born in New York and living in New England, surrounded by liberals on all sides, I've found myself slowly but surely 
August 25th, 2012 at 11:31 am
Bless her heart. Looks like Lady Gaga is trying to get her some Texas Big Hair. Even though she’s a Noo Yawka, she has earned herself the designation of honorary Texan. All she has to do now is sing her some San Antonio Rose.
August 25th, 2012 at 11:53 am
While San Antonio Rose will always be identified with Bob Wills, current bands also play the song, such as The Quebe Sisters Band and Cow Bop.
Sorry for hijacking the thread to push Western Swing.
August 26th, 2012 at 2:21 am
I feel pity for Lady Gaga. All she really has is “Look at Me”! Which is not a recipie for a long career.
August 26th, 2012 at 9:04 am
Marie would have needed excellent balance to wear such things – not to mention a very strong neck.
August 26th, 2012 at 6:13 pm
What do you mean
???
Look at the Kardashians.
Oh. Wait.
August 26th, 2012 at 6:16 pm
her last one featured the snake eating the Monarchy.