Prostitutes as Trendsetters: Phryne
Phryne was one of the most influential women of the ancient world. She was a hetaera, an it-girl in 4th-century BCE Athens, celebrated for both her striking beauty, sharp intellect, and influence, though her beauty remained far more remembered. She was a companion and muse for several artists, while the sculptor Praxiteles was most famous of them. He modelled his statue of "Aphrodite of Knidos” after Phryne. It was the first naked statue of a woman in ancient Greece. The statue became such a popular attraction that the city of Knidos managed to pay off its entire debt.
Phryne’s confidence and charisma allowed her to navigate male-dominated spaces with ease. Women admired her style and grace, often trying to mimic her fashion choices. At the time, prostitutes were required to wear different clothing than honourable women. Phryne was possibly the richest self-made woman of ancient Greece. She became so wealthy that she offered to fund the reconstruction of Thebes’ walls, which had been destroyed by Alexander the Great, but only under one condition. The note “Destroyed by Alexander the Great, restored by Phryne the courtesan” should be inscribed into walls. The proposal was declined, but the gesture showcased her wealth and influence.
Phyrne got into legal troubles, though it remained unknown if the charges were for treason or blasphemy. She was defended by the great orator Hypereides. Helpless in her defence, when it appeared that the verdict would be unfavourable and Phyrne sentenced to death, Hypereides stripped off her robe and bared her breasts in front of the judges. Her beauty ignited superstitious fear in the judges, who believed that the beauty was an expression of God. They could not execute “a prophetess and priestess of Aphrodite” so they decided to acquit her.
Phryne was described by the Athenians as witty, clever, persistent and mysterious. She was known for her fondness for jokes and remarkable wordplay remarks. Her lover Praxiteles, the sculptor, offered her as a gift any of his sculptures. When asked which one is his favourite, he responded that he likes all of them equally. Later on, Phryne asked one of her slaves to rush into her house and say that Praxiteles’ workshop was on fire and all his work was soon to be destroyed. Desperate that he will lose his favourites, Praxiteles runs to save his statue of Satyr and sculpture of Love. Phryne told him he was tricked and chose the sculpture of Love for herself.
Branding takeaway: Cultivate a distinctive Brand voice
Phryne teaches us the power of having a unique and authentic brand voice. While her beauty was captivating, it was her wit, intellect, and confidence that set her apart. Phryne’s ability to use her words through sharp wordplays and clever strategies, gave her a unique position in a male-dominated world. Like Phryne, brands should develop a distinctive brand voice consistent in tone and authenticity. Whether through messaging, content, or customer interaction, a distinctive brand voice helps build a lasting impression. Just as Phryne developed strategy to get the Praxiteles’ sculpture she wanted, brands can use storytelling and clever narratives to influence perceptions. A well-told story, bold tagline, or witty campaign can captivate an audience and leave a lasting impression.