Edie Sedgwick: An American Socialite

Edie Sedgwick was one of the first women to be permitted in as one of the gang at Andy Warhol's The Factory. She became his muse and constant companion soon after they met in 1965. Edie was the first to have the quintessential look that another icon from the later part of the 60s would be known for as well, Twiggy. Edie wore her hair short, her make-up distinctive, and she loved her chandeliar earrings. This look would be copied by others but Edie started it. It was this original spirit about her that Andy loved. And the fact she was a wealthy socialite. Some have claimed that without Edie in his early years opening all the right doors for him, Andy may have remained just another onscure New York artist trying to make it in the Big Apple.

However, she did open doors for Andy. Edie took him to all the right parties and introduced him to all the right people. It made his career. Some still claim he discarded her once he had gotten what he wanted from her like he did all his friends after he was finished using them. And they say the effects on her was devestating. It may not have helped that soom after Edie parted ways with Andy Warhol, she began a torrid affair with Bob Dylan, whom she called "Bobby".  He too, treated her badly by running off with another woman to get married and not telling her. Again, Edie had been used and discarded.

These events played major roles in her life and she never recovered. Edie came from a family of eight children and all had psychological issues. Two of her older brothers commited suicide within eighteen months of one another. She, herself spent the last few years of her life in and out of mental hospitals. Edie died of a drug overdose in 1971 at the age of 28. She will always be remembered as a styleblazer and the woman who put Andy Warhol on the map.

R.I.P. Edie Sedgwick!