Lauren Wasser by Daniella Midenge for Glamour Germany

Lauren Wasser [IG], the courageous, striking, sexy woman who emerged as a symbol of strength and resilience after surviving toxic shock syndrome, is the “Model of the Year 2023” for Glamour Germany. We know Wasser for her golden legs, captured in these images by Daniella Midenge [IG] in Paris.

Theresa Pichler styled Wasser in a Max Mara pant suit with Cartier jewelry; Louis Vuitton dress and jewelry on the cover; and a Chanel spider web knit dress with earrings from Pomellato and rings from Bulgari. Lauren Wasser wears the best shoes — here from Miu Miu.

As Wasser reaches wide recognition in fashion world, she is to AOC a public representation of the ancient myth of a phoenix rising from the ashes.

And with her golden blades, Wasser’s phoenix identity is now transformed into the Greek goddess Nike. Double Greek metaphors in one paragraph is a brain-buster. I’ve never done it ever, so let me break it down.

The Phoenix in Ancient Mythology

The phoenix is a mythical bird that has appeared in various cultures throughout history, including Egyptian, Greek, and Roman civilizations. In Egyptian mythology, the phoenix was known as the "Bennu bird," a symbol of the sun god, Ra. According to ancient texts, the phoenix had vibrant golden and red feathers, along with the ability to cause itself to burst into flames and be reborn from its own ashes.

The metaphor gained widespread popularity through the Greek and Roman tales of the phoenix. According to these legends, the phoenix would live for hundreds of years before building a nest and setting it ablaze. As the fire consumed its body, the phoenix would be reduced to ashes, only to emerge from the ashes as a new, rejuvenated bird.

A Near-Death Experience

In 2012, Lauren Wasser was a 24-year-old model who saw herself as an ace on the basketball court, when she fell victim to TSS, a rare but life-threatening condition often associated with the use of super-absorbent tampons.

A severe malaise quickly became a 107° fever. With a total collapse of her human body operating systems in play, doctors gave Wasser a one percent chance of survival. Then they placed her into a life-saving, medically-induced coma.

While statistically rare, TSS is very deadly. The more serious streptococcal toxic shock syndrome carries a fatality rate of over 50%.

TSS can be contracted in other ways, but tampon usage became the most common way of contracting the condition. In the US, the current estimate of TSS is fewer than 20,000 cases annually, but the mortality rate is high.

The severity of her illness resulted in the amputation of both of Lauren's legs, forever altering her life. That reality is even more complicated, considering that Wasser lost her first leg at the knee when she went into shock. Amputating her other leg was a willful, quality-of-life decision made late in 2017.

“I don’t have toes, and I have to go to wound care every Monday for my heel. I’m in so much pain. It’s a hard decision, but my only way to freedom,” the former basketball player told People magazine in December 2017 after deciding to go forward with a second amputation. “I can’t wait to have two gold blades, to run and feel the wind on my face again.”

With this radical decision, a new dawn rose in Lauren Wasser’s life and consciousness. The Greek goddess Nike took note of a young, determined woman laying claim to a vision of personal triumph and victory over her demons and her disability. Lauren Wasser wanted to be a free woman.

Lauren’s Freedom Came with Two Golden Blades

The image often associated with Lauren, depicting her radiant golden prosthetic legs, has become a powerful symbol of resilience, empowerment, and the ability to overcome adversity.

Yes, Wasser has shattered beauty norms but also while enbracing them. This is an angle on her well-reported story that’s in AOC’s DNA.

In no way do I want to minimize the devastating impact of TSS on Lauren Wasser’s physical life and also her psychological and emotional journey. But this woman is a serious fashion model, who has made her golden legs glamorous — and dare I say — a little bit sexy.

It’s all in the imagery, I suppose. But Daniella’s images tell the story of the phoenix rising from the ashes, perhaps more effectively than my words.

Glamour Germany gave Lauren Wasser a Model of the Year Award, not because she survived. The award is for her being a talented model with a totally-unique, personal aesthetic.

Daniella’s photo of Wasser sitting on the mirrored surface is one I find beautiful and magnetic; it’s a summation of all the thoughts I’ve had thinking about Lauren. This is probably the sixth time I’ve written about her, and I’m pressing myself to go deeper into her story.

Lauren Wasser’s Luxury Brand Legs

The challenge with beauty standards is not to jam them down people’s throats. And to keep them wide and varied. In her presentations, Wasser is quick to name multiple personal attributes that are far more important than physical beauty.

In her case, Lauren Wasser has shattered societal beauty norms with a pair of luxury brand legs.

Daniella said “Those are Schiaparelli legs” and I responded “YES!” The visual reference was perfect.

Thinking about Lauren Wasser’s Schiaparelli legs, she became Nike in my mind, the Greek goddess of victory, another female deity in ancient mythology.

Depicted as a winged figure holding a laurel wreath, Nike personified triumph, success, and the spirit of competition. And Lauren will tell you that modeling is a hyper-competitive business.

With her graceful presence and commanding stature, Nike symbolized the [then] idealized female form, embodying strength, agility, and grace.

In this moment when Wasser truly is the phoenix rising from the ashes, imbuing her with the second transformational metaphor of Nike seems like a gift of joy and respect Daniella and I can give her. In my long life, I never compared anyone to Nike, the goddess of victory.

Lauren Wasser is a complex, intellectual, beautiful, warm and funny [I’ve watched her videos], sexy, empathetic, true-grit woman, Greek goddess.

Today, Lauren Wasser continues to inspire people around the world, challenging misconceptions and advocating for menstrual health. Her commitment to using her platform to raise awareness and promote change is an integral part of her journey.

Lauren's story reminds us that even in the face of unimaginable difficulties, the human spirit can persevere, and beauty can emerge from the darkest of circumstances. She stands as a living testament to the power of resilience and serves as an inspiration for us all to cherish life, embrace our own uniqueness, and make a positive impact on the world around us. AND, she’s got a great pair of legs. ~ Anne

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