Banana Republic ‘San Francisco, 1978’, A Difficult Year for America

Banana Republic ‘San Francisco, 1978’, A Difficult Year for America

Banana Republic ‘San Francisco, 1978’, A Difficult Year

Banana Republic [IG] released its Fall 2025 Campaign ‘San Francisco, 1978’, with a series of images that mean more if we look under the hood of human events that year, including the brand’s founding.

The facts are that Banana Republic has been on the road most of the year. Returning to San Francisco and Mill Valley is a good resting place for the holidays.

Banana Republic ‘San Francisco 1978’ models Andreea Diaconu, David Corenswet [actor playing Superman], Giacomo Cavalli, and Paula Soares are lensed by Sonia Szostak [IG] with creative direction by Michael Scanlon. / Hair by Michal Bielecki; makeup by Dan Duran

Thumbs Up or Thumbs Down in 1978

Banana Republic was founded in 1978 by Mel and Patricia Ziegler in Mill Valley, California, 14 miles north of San Francisco. The company was originally named "Banana Republic Travel & Safari Clothing Company" before being sold to Gap Inc. in 1983. 

AOC queried whether 1978 in San Francisco-Mill Valley was a good year. The response was ‘not really’. Surely millions of Californians living in Banana Republic country would disagree. So we ran down why the response to our question was so glum.

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Michelle Yeoh on Life in Oz with Glinda and Elphaba for L'Officiel Global December 2025

Michelle Yeoh on Life in Oz with Glinda and Elphaba for L'Officiel Global December 2025

Michelle Yeoh in ‘Wicked: For Good’: The Critics Weigh In

The Oscar-winning Malaysian actor and action star known for doing her own stunts is presently making her ‘Wicked’ character terrifying to all who view her. ‘Wicked: for Good’ opened Friday [Nov 22, 2025] and Apple News decided to deliver a horror story of a review to Anne’s Saturday inbox: ‘Wicked: For Good’ Is Very, Very Bad.’ Thanks Apple. What a way to start my day.

The title alone of Justin Chang’s New Yorker review caused such consternation that AOC couldn’t believe we were so stupid as to recommend that Britain’s Mulberry brand back the symbolically-rich sisterhood-in-action vision of Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande together in their return to Oz.

What do everyday people think of the movie? The film ‘Wicked: For Good’ brought in $150 million in North America and $226 milion worldwide, over its Friday opening weekend.

The film now marks the biggest opening weekend ever for a Broadway musical adaptation, says The Hollywood Reporter.

Mid-afternoon on Monday, ‘Wicked: For Good’ had a positive critic’s score of 70% but the audience rating is 95%.

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Celebrated 'Girl' Director Shu Qi Covers Vogue China November 2025 by Nick Yang

Celebrated 'Girl' Director Shu Qi Covers Vogue China November 2025 by Nick Yang

Celebrated ‘Girl’ Director Shu Qi Covers Vogue China November 2025 by Nick Yang

2025 marks the 30th anniversary of actor Shu Qis [IG] debut in film, and her most recent directorial debut in Venice with ‘Girl’. Shu Qi is lensed by Nick Yang [IG] with creative direction by Vogue China’s Liu Xiao. Kidd Ji styled the fashion shoot with four covers Vogue China [IG] November 2025. / Hair by Johnny Ho; makeup by Xin Miao

Colors in the fashion shoot carry symbolic meaning for Shu Qi. Star, actress, director — three colors, three identities, forming the unique trio that is Shu Qi.

Blue, to Shu Qi, holds the deep sea of feelings, and through each character‘s lived experience, Shu Qi pours herself out completely.

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Adut Akech & Kiki Cover Vogue Australia November 2025 by Campbell Addy

Adut Akech & Kiki Cover Vogue Australia November 2025 by Campbell Addy

Adut Akech & Kiki Cover Vogue Australia November 2025 by Campbell Addy

Now that Anne has gotten over seeing supermodel Adut Akech wearing Jarrod Reid, reminding her of famed ballet dancer Judith Jamison on stage in ‘Cry’, she can think straight.

If only AOC could commission photographer Campbell Addy [IG], creator of these stunning images for the November 2025 issue of Vogue Australia [IG], to capture that famous, powerful and transformational American ballet with his creative eye.

Campbell Addy also takes the interview, which is really nice. You can read the convo between the creatives on Vogue Australia.

Adut’s Advice to Kiki

Artist Addy asks Adut what advice she would give to daughter Kiki when she grows up.

“I would give her the same advice I was given, and that is, no matter what you do in this life or where you go, or where your journey takes you, do your absolute best to try and remain true to your authentic self.”

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Bibi Breslin in Samarkand, A Critical Silk Road City for Holiday Magazine No.396

Bibi Breslin in Samarkand, A Critical Silk Road City for Holiday Magazine No.396

Bibi Breslin in Samarkand, A Critical Silk Road City for Holiday Magazine No.396

Holiday Magazine [IG] takes us to Samarkand, in their FW 2025 issue No.396. Bibi Breslin is dressed by Emmanuel Alt in YSL for the cover, as the creative team heads out for a holiday in a key city on the original Silk Road.

Drew Vickers [IG] captures ‘Bibi’s Eastern Reverie’ in Samarkand, a UNESCO city in Uzbekistan, founded in the 7th - 8th centuries as the ancient city of Afrasiab.

For centuries, ancient trade routes - from Siberia to India, from China to Egypt - converged on this international oasis, now known as Samarkand. Greeks, Persians, Turks, Mongols and Arabs all made their way to the city in hopes of making good business.

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