From what I gather, it is largely an American perception that they are women's bikes. I Europe I guess bicycle messengers and whatnot ride them as they are easier to mount and dismount with packages which makes sense.

But I too agree that they are attractive bikes. My wife wanted a vintage bike so I got her an '83 Bridgestone mixte to ride. She can't swing her leg over a top tube or saddle but the mixte was perfect for her. I wish she could ride drop handlebars because I have passed up two nice Univega mixtes I would have enjoyed working on.