Demimonde

Updated: JUNE 1, 2020

Demimonde refers to a group of people, or commune, dedicated to the pursuit of all things pleasurable. It is defined by its hedonism and anarchy. Members of a demimonde engage in excessive drinking, drug use, and sex. Its battle cry might as well be “No Tomorrow!” Although, of course, the term came about in 1855, taking from the Alexandre Dumas comedy Le Demi-Monde. It became obsolete with the advent of looser social norms and women's suffrage.

More About Demimonde

Today, an artists' commune is what comes close to a demimonde. Artists, in general, try not to be bound by the prevailing social standards. Creativity and freedom come foremost – and not just with their art. These values can seep into their personal lives; hence, the likening to a modern-day demimonde.