Diane Kruger Talks New 'Merteuil' Film with Madame Figaro FR April 25, 2025
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Jacquemus 'GOING BANANAS FOR JON' April 2025 Campaign by Andrew Jacobs
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Jacquemus 'GOING BANANAS FOR JON' in LA April 2025
American actor Jon Gries, presently playing the role of Greg on ‘The White Lotus’, has gone bananas in the new Jacquemus [IG] campaign, inspired by the color yellow.
Cheekily titled ‘GOING BANANAS FOR JON’, Jacquemus is being subversive but in such a delightful way to celbrate its new flagship store in LA.
Located at 8804 Melrose Avenue, on the corner of Robertson Boulevard, the flagship celebrates the beloved, south-of-France-inspired Jacquemus ethos.
AOC recalls Pharrell Williams trying to park his Tesla cybertruck in front of the Louis Vuitton store in Miami in January 2024 and failed. The moment was only the beginning of Tesla’s problems.
Jacquemus took a much simpler route for a grand-entrance vehicle in LA. Check it out.
Read MoreA History of Courtesans Thru the Lens of Louboutin Beauty's 2025 Rouge Stiletto Vinyl Gloss Campaign
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A Global History of Courtesans Thru the Lens of Louboutin Beauty
Today we return to Mesopotamia, asking about the rise of courtesans. Was it a worldwide role for select women, a role crossing many different global cultures but with compatible definitions?
In Mesopotamia Temple priestesses, often referred to as "sacred prostitutes," were involved in religious rites, highlighting a blend of the sacred and the secular that involved sexual service as part of worship. . . These practices are mentioned in the Code of Hammurabi, which provides one of the earliest written references to women who engaged in such roles.
In Greece The concept of the courtesan emerged more distinctly in Greece. . . In India Ancient texts in India also offer early textual evidence of courtesans, with references in ancient texts such as the Arthashastra and the Kamasutra . . . In China The origins of courtesans can be traced back to the Zhou Dynasty, which lasted from approximately 1046 to 256 BC . . . In Italy The origins of courtesanship can be traced back to a complex interplay of social, economic, and cultural factors that emerged during the Renaissance.
In America Yes, there is a record of courtesans in America. But AOC needs to catch up with the facts. After reading about white women courtesans in urban cities like New York and Chicago, we queried the story in New Orleans.
The findings were borderline extraordinary, and we will explain in our next deep dive into red lips women.
Read MoreZara Introduces World to Chinese Artist Fanglu Lin in Her First Commercial Project
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Zara Taps Chinese Artist Fanglu Lin in Her First Commercial Project
The commercial alliance covers women, men, kids and home categories and represents the first time the artist has affiliated herself in a commercial venture.
In these Zara campaign images, models Chu Wong and David Yang are lensed by Chris Rhodes [IG] in Yangshuo, Builin [China], considered among the most beautiful locations in China.
Gaia’s Influence Dominates Fanglu Lin’s Artistic Universe
Fanglu Lin is known for her commitment to preserving and reinterpreting traditional textile craftsmanship through the ‘female’ [‘feminist’] eye and goddesses, especially Gaia.
Honoring the Yunnan-based Bai Minority
Lin’s artwork, ‘SHE’ [2016], spotlighting the sewing traditions of women from the Yunnan-based Bai minority ethnic group in China, earned Fanglu Lin first prize and a €50,000 purse in the Loewe Foundation’s Craft Prize 2021.
Zara is firing on all cylinders with this 5-stars collaboration. Learn more about it and Fanglu Lin’s artistry.
Read MoreLinda Evangelista Wants to Live, As Told to Linda Wells for Harper's Bazaar US May 2025
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Linda Evangelista Wants to Live, As Told to Linda Wells for Harper's Bazaar US May 2025
Supermodel Linda Evangelista covers the May 2025 issue of Harper’s Bazaar US May 2025 as she faces her 60th birthday on May 10th. Evangelista is styled by Carlos Nazario wearing Cartier, Givenchy, Jacquemus, Maison Alaia, Tiffany and more, lensed by Anthony Seklaoui [IG]./ Hair by Mustafa Yanaz; makeup by Dick Page
Evangelista’s relationship with her trauma over a CoolSculpting procedure gone rogue continues to dominate her life. One must process this reality knowing that the 90s superstar has experienced a host of health challenges. CoolSculpting aside, Linda has a 2018 double mastectomy behind her.
"I’ve had all those lung surgeries, oh my God, and my keloids and all the chest-tube scars and my C-section scar. There were a lot of surgeries. I’m cool. I’m fine with those. I won. I’m here. I won.”
This is an usually candid interview with the supermodel, who says she still can’t look at herself in the mirror but — even more important — she is grateful to be alive. Evangelista is in therapy to confront that issue of the mirror, and she also wants to be a grandmother. Just not right now.
Read MoreThe ‘Prada Days of Summer 2025 Campaign’ Finds Wisdom in Calm Waters
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The ‘Prada Days of Summer 2025 Campaign’ Finds Wisdom in Calm Waters
Prada [IG] releases its ‘Prada Days of Summer 2025 Campaign’ lensed by Oliver Hadlee Pearch [IG] with creative direction by Ferdinando Verderi and designers Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons.
Prada is known for being one of fashion world’s most intellectual brands.
Pearch’s calm waters are distinctive in the summer campaign images. Of course, AOC turns to the lessons of history to consider not only the waters, but also the faces of the campaign traveling in small boats.
The symbolism and mythology of calm waters have been the source of contemplation and meaning across all continents and religions in the history of humankind.
A Lesson from Icarus for Elon Musk
In the Greek myth Icarus likely saw his reflection in the calm waters of the sea — as he plunged to his death. Ignoring the advice of Daedalus that he not fly too close to the sun — or his wings would become dysfunctional as the wax holding them together melted — Icarus could not resist separating himself from the rest of humanity as a sun god.
Read MoreThe Jacquemus x Timberland 'La Bateau' Is Perfect for Rowing to a Fight Oligarchy Rally
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The Jacquemus x Timberland 'La Bateau' Is Perfect for Rowing to a Fight Oligarchy Rally
Timberland calls it “a new shade of iconic”. Too bad that ‘iconic’ is now the most overused word in fashion, because this New Hampshire wilderness meets Jacquemus south of France ‘La Bateau’ 3-Eye boat shoe just might live up to the meaning of the word ‘iconic’.
Or as the AOC/Bernie Sanders ‘Fight Oligarchy’ tour around America would say “a Riviera-looking AOC joins forces with New England workwear Bernie Sanders” and the crowds are losing their damn minds.
Read MoreVersace La Vacanza 2025 Campaign by Zoë Ghertner Brings Medusa to Mind
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How Will Medusa Express Herself As Prada’s Versace Deal Moves Towards the Finish Line?
Luxury brand Versace has often taken its inspiration from Mediterranean mythology, particularly Greek mythology, as evidenced by its iconic Medusa logo.
Making Medusa the symbol of Versace was a daring act, deeply embedded in ancient history and the takedown of women by a rising patriarchy, who sought to control every aspect of women’s lives.
Like Lilith, Medusa was portrayed as demonic — and that was a purposeful act by the ancient-world men in charge.
Donatella Versace’s ongoing involvement with Versace as a brand ambassador, post Prada’s acquisition, is a living — not archived — critical resource. Medusa sits atop the Versace story, and we hope to hear from her soon.
Read MoreUrsula Corberó Covers Vogue España May 2025 in Elizaveta Porodina Excavation
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Ursula Corberó Covers Vogue España May 2025 in Elizaveta Porodina Excavation
Ursula Corberó covers the May 2025 issue of Vogue Espana [IG], styled by Helena Tejedor in layered images that project her status as a female action hero player.
In her latest performance as Nuria, the unknowing wife of the mysterious assassin, ‘The Jackal’ [played by Eddie Redmayne], Corberó shifts from her usual intense-characters portfolio to one that is more delicate and emotional.
The type of intensity has transformed. Dare we say this reflection of women is more ‘complex’?
Who better to photograph a talented, female actor playing a ‘psychologically complex’ woman than Elizaveta Porodina? [IG] The uber-talented creator of wide-ranging visual portraits of women is comfortable describing the female terrain called ‘dark sorcery’, a term that takes many of us to the historical reality of ‘witch-burning’ — or hanging witches in America — directed primarily against women.
Anne asks: As humans, don’t we create some kind of storyline around the simplest observation we have of another person? What’s our storytelling accuracy rate with the real story behind actors and the life dramas they play out before our eyes? Perhaps 10%?
Porodina and her fellow players explore women’s layered selves with eyes wide open.
Read MoreApolline Rocco Fohrer Explores Dadaism As Art in Fashion for W Magazine China
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Apolline Rocco Fohrer Explores Dadaism As Art in Fashion for W Magazine China AOC Fashion
The January 2025 issue of W Magazine China Vol.1 The Art Issue, carried a story focused on Dadaism, with French model Apolline Rocco Fohrer styled by Austin Feng and lensed by photographer Nick Yang [IG].
Designers influenced by Dadaism began experimenting with deconstruction, tearing apart established shapes and reconstructing garments in playful, unexpected ways. They favored collage techniques, layering fabrics, textures, and prints in an almost haphazard manner, creating multidimensional garments that defied logic and expectation.
This transformative approach allowed fashion to become a canvas for political and social commentary, breaking down the barriers between high art and everyday wear.
Read MoreGisele Bundchen: The Early Years 1996 - 2007 and a Victoria’s Secret, Career-Changing Angel Contract
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Gisele Bundchen: The Early Years 1996 - 2007 and a Victoria’s Secret Career-Making Contract
Gisele was a rising star model with plenty of work in 1999. It’s almost impossible to believe, but Gisele appeared on 37 international and US covers of ‘Vogue’ alone in 2000.
Then all hell broke loose in a change that put Gisele Bündchen in the financial stratosphere of models.
In 2000, the Brazilian powerhouse signed a five-year contract with Victoria’s Secret, estimated by People Magazine to be worth $25 million. This deal made Bündchen an early member of the Angels sorority and the highest-paid model on the Forbes list for 14 straight years.
Read MoreBrunello Cucinelli BC Duo Bag Campaign
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Brunello Cucinelli BC Duo Bag Campaign Shares a New Vision for a Feminine Ideal
The Brunello Cucinelli fashion business is built on the Italian values of humanism — a philosophy that AOC embraces fully now and always in my life. I am now clear in my own mind what other Italian-origin forces exist in opposition to humanism and are running wild across the US federal government.
I keep reading about alleged brilliance at work, but these beliefs run scarily close to the Italian poet Filippo Tommaso Marinetti, who published the "Manifesto of Futurism" in 1909.
AOC first wrote about the Manifesto in the 2016 Democratic primary, and it’s now thriving in the Trump administration, where it unites the far left and far right far closer than we want to admit.
The house’s ‘BC Duo’ handbag represents a bit of a torch-passing moment, as the first bag to be designed by the Cucinelli daughters. The softly-structured tote might be the quintessential ‘ladies’ bag, especially the largest of the four sizes, which appeals to our own ‘throw in anything I might need today’ mentality.
Models Rim Tekle and Tara Halliwell together symbolize the purity of the feminine ideal in Brunello Cucinelli’s world. I will leave that statement hanging to give it oxygen, rather than death by asphyxiation. ~ Anne
Read MoreLe Monde d’Hermès 86 Magazine SS-2025 Lensed by Osma Harvilahti in Lisbon
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Le Monde d’Hermès 86 Magazine SS-2025 Lensed by Osma Harvilahti in Lisbon
AOC shares images shot in Lisbon by Osma Harvilahti [IG] for LeMonde d’Hermès 86 magazine, edited by Olivier Wicker [IG]. Models Io Sekine and Tass Sarr are styled by Rae Boxer in key pieces from the spring collection. /Hair by Pawel Solis;makeup by Karin Westerlund
Hermès’ creative director of women's ready-to-wear Nadège Vanhée expressed a not-often used phrase to describe her approach to the Spring 2025 season: “What I want to convey as the message is the idea of an assertive sensuality,” she said. “You know, it’s about the summer, a feel-good summer, and, really, this relationship you have with your skin.”
Read MoreTod's Emerging Talent 'Italian Diaries' Campaign for Gommino Driving Shoe
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Tod's Emerging Talent 'Italian Diaries' Campaign for Gommino Driving Shoe
Tod’s unveils Italian Diaries, a campaign that honors the brand’s legendary Gommino driving shoe, embraced by five emerging talents with rich artistic backgrounds: actress and singer Ella Bleu Travolta, musician Lennon Gallagher, writer and director Stella Banderas, model and artist Roberto Rossellini, and singer and actor Leo Gassmann.
Set at Villa Talamo amidst the stunning, ancient Tuscan scenery, photographer Oliver Hadlee Pearch [IG], shoots the campaign in black and white, while the Gomminos breakout in full-color images on social media and the Tod’s website.
As a symbol of Italian culture and craftsmanship, one that represents Tod’s expertise and attention to small details, the luxury brand is part of a larger renaissance of the Italian story, one that AOC is studying in great detail.
How do we create cultures that thrive for centuries — even with an egotistical madman at the wheel and democratic ideals thrown to the curb? We’re about to find out. It’s not as if Italy — and the rest of Europe also — haven’t been down this road before.
Read MoreDeva Cassel Is Sun-Kissed in Future Dior Beauty Riviera Summer 2025 Memories
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Anne of Carversville has long-prized elegant packaging as part of the beauty experience. Dior Beauty Riviera summer 2025 delivers for the first time ever, the iconic Toile de Jouy pattern on limited-edition makeup cases and powders.
Surely this packaging belongs in a scene from Deva Cassel’s new Netflix series ‘The Leopard’. Cassel plays the role of Angelica Sedara, amid the 1860s fall of the Sicilian aristocracy, where she enjoys a high-society romance with Prince Tancredi Falconeri, played by actor Saul Nanni.
The summer 2025 Dioriviera release combines beauty’s latest modern technology against the romantic, heart-grabbing emotions of Riviera summers from Cannes to Portofino. They remain an indescribable part of Anne’s life experiences.
Read MoreMichigan's Mallory McMorrow Is a BFD Anti-MAGA Firestorm in the 2026 Michigan Senate Race
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In April 2022, Republican State Senator Lana Theis claimed in a campaign fundraising email that State Sen. Mallory McMorrow wanted to "groom and sexualize kindergartners." On April 19, 2022, McMorrow took to the senate floor to defend herself against Theis's accusations, stating:
"I am the biggest threat to your hollow, hateful scheme.”
This week State Sen. McMorrow announced her run for the open Michigan US Senate Seat created by the unexpected retirement of Democrat Senator Gary Peters.
AOC can’t imagine a better Michigan Senate candidate than the forceful, inspiring white-lady ballbreaker Mallory McMorrow, emerging as a tour de force political candidate against MAGA and for Michiganders. McMorrow is a Michigan-based nutcracker in the tradition of ‘Big Gretch’, Michigan Democratic governor Gretchen Whitmer.
Read MoreMeet the Ballbreakers: 'Corporate Cosplay' Is Serious Business for H&M
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Meet the Ballbreakers: 'Corporate Cosplay' Is Serious Business for H&M
The Zara ‘Corporate Cosplay S/S 2025’ drop for H&M, lensed Carlijn Jacobs [IG] captures the sophisticated, powerful approach to corporate dressing very popular in the 1980s.
Post-2024 election analysis shows that the biggest gulf in American politics lies between white, college-degree women and non-college degree white men. Never has a canyon like this one been so extreme.
Testosterone-dominance is fundamental to the American experience, although women had made significant progress for decades in creating a wider platform for success. In 2025, with bro culture ascending again in America, our future is filled with peril.
We were then and still are called ballbreakers, a woman, whose character and behavior may be regarded as threatening a man's sense of power. AOC has called for the rising of True Grit Women, and we are fearless ballbreakers.
Contemporary ballbreakers include Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, Gretchen Whitmer, Jasmine Crockett, and Nancy Pelosi. In my camp: WE NEED TO HUSTLE!
Read MoreThe Spring 2025 Ralph Lauren Campaign Is One Young Americans Can Trust
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