Last Laugh

“W” magazine is edited for affluent, educated women. Its articles include a blend of the best in fashion, lifestyle, travel and social commentary. The back of every monthly issue includes a witty column by a Hungarian Countess Louise J. Esterhazy titled “Last Laugh.” Each article is saturated with juicy details of her travels. She investigates politics, landscape, and the occasional high society gossip. Esterhazy incorporates many strategies to reel the reader in and keep them entertained. Her witty prose is uplifting and a bit prestigious and self-celebrated. She is after all, a Hungarian Countess. Her feeling of superiority, gives her writing a confident glow. The main factor in this column is its satire. Although the column is signed Louise J. Esterhazy in reality it is none other than the sharp and often bitter fashion critic John Fairchild doing drag. With that piece of information, the column instantly changes tone and transforms. I am a personal addict to this column. It is incredibly satirical and I enjoy reading it. John Fairchild is known to dissect an outfit and criticize it until tears are shed. He is normally looked at as cold. But he revives himself with “Last Laugh”. He has the mindset of a Countess down to a tee. Although he has the intention to create ripples of laughter, he makes his points clear. I was struck with the reality that many of us do stay with our grudges. It is often hard to acknowledge when someone or something has changed. I personally can usually not adapt to that and keep my previous mindset. However after reading Fairchild’s article I feel less judgmental. I was also enlightened to France’s depression. I was disappointed with my ignorance and lack of knowledge on France’s current events. “W” has always proved to provide savvy articles boasting with both substance and style. “Last Laugh” is an example of that.