Body activist, entrepreneur, TV host and mom to three young boys with husband Justin Ervin, supermodel Ashley Graham covers the July 2024 issue of Vogue Czechoslovakia [IG]. Rising photographer Luka Booth [IG] — whose IG is worth a serious look — captures the Nebraska-born and raised Graham, in fresh and poetic images.
Not mentioned in her introductory list of adjectives is Graham’s Roku reality series, ‘Side Hustlers’ with cohost Emma Grede and renewed for a second season.
A Beauty Primer for Kids
Ashley Graham also has a new children’s book ‘A Kids Book About Beauty’, published by a new division of Penguin enabling kids to explore big topics in a new and engaging way. It’s called A Kids Co.
The Spring/Summer 2024 Isa Boulder campaign that got our attention just now, featuring models Komomo Nakazono and Michiko Foy.
SJ Todd, art director of AnOther Magazine provides art direction for the campaign, with styling by Morgane Camille Nicolas. Talented photographer Guen Fiore [IG], who promotes herself as based in Paris but very Italian, captures the raw but sophisticated spirit of Isa Boulder. / Hair by Akemi Kishida; makeup by Anthony Preel
The summer 2024 issue of Harper’s Bazaar Netherlands [IG] invites us to ‘get naked’, inspired by the sensual vision of water-inspired bliss expressed by model Zoe Bernard photographed by David Roemer [IG] and the sensual, art-gallery photography of Neeltje de Vries [IG].
The word ‘naked’ speaks figuratively to the tip-of-the-tongue marketing word ‘authenticity’, which also has a deeper meaning about personal behavior and expressed values to humans seeking more earnest conversation on the subject.
Authentic woman of the hour Pamela Anderson is featured in the issue ‘getting naked’ as is artist Lenny Kravitz.
There’s no person in fashion who has contributed more art imagery to the topic of sexual healing and body positivity — defined as embracing your body with love, including your sexual energy — than supermodel Anja Rubik.
In these images Rubik covers the pages of Poland’s K Magazine [IG],working in concert with Anja’s nonprofit foundation devoted to sexuality. Karolina Gruszecka styled Rubik in artful, modern images by Marcin Kempski [IG].
When a resort-focus fashion story opens with model Devyn Garcia styled by Verity Parker in classic, white swimsuits from sustainable brand Jade Swim and queen of rich understatement Loro Piana, we know that a hot Pucci print is probably not waiting in our digital scroll.
Today, photographer Ina Levy [IG], who is also editor-in-chief of Vogue Poland, captures Devyn Garcia in classic swimwear and coverups that will “suit everyone”, writes The Sunday Times Style [IG] section.
Rising model Chloe Magno covers Vogue Thailand Beauty [IG] April 2024 issue, devoted to emerging, holistic trends in wellness and beauty.
Magno’s fashion story ‘Wellness Wisdom’ is styled by Holly Gorst with images by Amie Milne [IG] and the editorial eye of Vogue Thailand EIC Kullawit Laosuksri.
The Mekong Basin: Ancient Wisdom and Water Reverence
In the heart of Southeast Asia, the Mekong Basin unfurls as a testament to the ancient wisdom and reverence for water held by the peoples living in this region. Their differing histories and customs are united by their respect for the region’s waterways. This region considers its rivers and springs not merely as sources of sustenance but as sacred entities that cradle life and civilization.
Top model Vivienne Rohner docks in Palma De Mallorca, Spain, luxuriating in warm waters lapping over the capital city of the Balearic Islands in Spain. Rohner is styled by Katie Burnett in Zara’s new Spring 2024 beachwear arrivals, lensed by Carlijn Jacobs.
Photographer Fernando Sippel [IG] brings his poetic and sensual photographic vision to Rio De Janeiro for a fashion story ‘Rainforest’, shared in the February 2024 digital issue of Numéro Netherlands [IG]. / Hair and makeup by Claudio Belizario
Jose Camarano styles model and rainforest activist Emilly Nunes in images that express the deep relevance and symbolism of the rainforest in human life on planet Earth.
Today, supermodel Candice Swanepoel and Carolina Sanchez [IG] deliver divine new images lensed by Jerome Duran [IG] for the Tropic of C x Agua Bendita swimwear collaboration.
A Gaia Love Letter
Respect and joy over the gifts of the natural world are center stage for both brands: Tropic of C and Agua Bendita. Sustainability and a deep-seeded respect for Gaia are key brand planks.
Equally important, connections among mothers and their children send precious Gaia statements about human connections on earth.
Mushrooms on Two Levels of Symbolism: Ancient Worship and a Global Mushroom Network
The creation of a charming mushroom print for the Tropic of C x Agua Bendita drop has deep roots in many ancient cultures around the world.
In particular, our focus on psilocybin or ‘magic mushrooms’ is fundamental to the much-acclaimed rise of western civilization.
Top model Imaan Hammam fronts the late February 2024 release of Zara Swimwear. The images remind us that spring is coming in to the northern hemisphere, and swimming is on our minds.
Some of the earliest examples of ancient swimmers include the frescoes in the Cave of Swimmers in Egypt, dating back to around 10,000 years ago.
Water holds immense symbolic significance in various global religions due to its powerful and transformative nature. In many belief systems, water is seen as a source of life and purification.
Read on about the role of water in Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and indigenous cultures.
The latest trends in spa treatments or relaxing getaways bring a host of scientific and technology innovations very different from spa visits past.
Technology and Science Meet Ancient Traditions
In the near future, spas are expected to embrace artificial intelligence [AI] and virtual reality [VR] to create immersive and personalized wellness journeys.
Virtual reality is set to transform the spa landscape. By transporting guests into serene virtual environments, VR experiences can enhance relaxation and provide an escape from everyday stresses. More exciting, VR can transport us back in time, so that we might join our human ancestors in community based rituals, for example.
Being whip smart, Hailey Bieber knew that a days-long worldwide birthday celebration with her it-girl, high-powered friends was the perfect moment to launch her new Rhode Peptide Lip Tint.
Bieber’s Peptide Lip Tint campaign pics by William Arcand [IG] are more sensual than anything Victoria’s Secret’s done since — whenever. Dani Michelle styled the campaign./ Makeup by Leah Darcy
Supermodel, businesswoman, mom Candice Swanepoel leads us into 2024 with a new Tropic of CSustainable Lace collection of black and white, made-to-be seen innerwear that renders lace lovers as sensual creatures who are also kind to Mother Earth.
All of Candice’s fabrics are sustainable, with this lace fabric coming out of Portugal and making its way into existing C collection styles. Note the ‘movie poster’ image with the photoshoot credentials and specific information about the fabric. Tropic of C has never veered off course in leading with sustainability.
4% of Women and 6% of Men in America Murdered by an Intimate Partner
In America, of the 4,970 female victims of murder and nonnegligent manslaughter in 2021, law enforcement agencies reported that 34% were killed by an intimate partner. By comparison, about 6% of the 17,970 males murdered that year were victims of intimate partner homicide. About 16% of female murder victims were killed by a nonintimate family member—parent, grandparent, sibling, in-law, and other family member—compared to 10% of male murder victims.
We are familiar with the absurd but widespread belief that women of color can handle greater pain. But this device deals with the very real problem of not even seeing or detecting bruising, when a doctor has the best of intentions to offer quality healthcare in communities of color.
Angelina received a demonstration of how a handheld device can highlight bruising on darker skin tones that had been previously invisible to the naked eye.
The simple, portable device directed “alternate light”—in this case violet light with a yellow lens—toward the skin. The technique is up to five times more effective at detecting bruising than white light, as much as four weeks after injury.
Model Rebecca Donaldson experiences the wellness benefits of hot rocks [or stones] massages in ‘Crystal Clear’, a fashion story in the July 2023 pages of Vogue Portugal’s [IG] ‘The Voyage’ issue.
Shima Khazel styles Donaldson in images by Christoph Klutsch [IG].
Hot Stones Are Rooted in Ancient Traditions
Hot stone or hot rock massages have gained immense popularity in modern-day spa treatments, offering clients a unique and relaxing experience. However, the roots of this soothing practice go back centuries, carrying a rich historical significance.
The process of a hot stone massage, even in ancient times, involved a precise ritual. The chosen stones would be bathed in sacred waters, whispered with blessings, and warmed near crackling fires that mirrored the sun's radiant warmth.
Model Blanca Padilla settles into old-world, Belmond hotel luxury far away from Mediterranean shores. Styled by Celia Cuervo with images by Vladimir Marti [IG], Padilla graces the pages of Harper’s Bazaar Spain’s [IG] July-August 2023 issue with a fashion story as much about glamour and fine living as it is wellness.
Today, Padilla experiences the storied past of the Belmond Copacabana Palace Hotel in Rio de Janeiro, a timeless oasis amid the hustle and bustle of Brazil's most iconic city.
What truly sets the Spa at Belmond Copacabana Palace Hotel apart is its attention to detail and personalized approach. They seamlessly blend ancient techniques with modern innovations, elevating your spa experience to new heights of relaxation.
The Amazon Rainforest Ritual, an immersive experience inspired by the rich natural heritage of Brazil, awaits you. This ritual combines indigenous ingredients like acai berries, Brazil nuts, and cocoa into a luxurious body treatment that will transport you to the depths of the exotic rainforest.
Models Eva Hardwick and Allana Brito are styled by Emmanuelle Ramos in ‘Maria dos Prazeres’, a fashion story with deep ties to nature.
Photographer Alexandra Sophie [IG] is behind the lens for Vogue Portugal’s May 2023 Pleasure Issue.
Human Brains and Nonthreatening Animals
According to recent studies, the human brain has a positive response to nonthreatening animals. When individuals come across animals that are perceived to be cute or friendly, such as puppies or kittens, their brain releases oxytocin, a hormone associated with social bonding and trust.
Much exciting new research focuses on the brains of the animals — and dogs in particular. A new study, published in the journal Evolution, investigated brain size in both modern and ancient dog breeds.
The research team found that dog brains are getting larger the further genetically that they have evolved away from a wolf. Researchers expected the exact opposite result, arguing that the larger, ancient brain was required for self-defense and hunting among ancient dogs and wolves alike.
Vogue Business estimated in March 2023 that Rhode Skin had a waitlist of over one-million SKUs across its products. Its core customer is Gen Z, probably driven by price points and Hailey’s own age. But every survey on sustainability and saving our earth indicates that Gen Z cares about ethical products more than anyone.
With the launch of Rhode’s Glazing Milk - an ultra-lightweight serum that promises to deeply hydrate and brighten the skin while protecting it from environmental stressors, London cabs are rolling and Rhode Skincare arrives at Selfridges. Most images in the campaign are by Zhong Lin [IG].
The product goes on sale in America on June 15th, at noon East Coast time.
Hailey Beiber: A Very Talented Entrepreneur
AOC will never call Hailey Bieber a nepo-baby. We’ve seen other celeb kids go nowhere and blow millions. Clearly her background helped her gain access and also the confidence that she could succeed in a super competitive beauty business.
I argue that Hailey Bieber has strong entrepreneurial and business skills. She seems to execute to perfection and is very hands-on. She’s impressively NO-BS on the topic of sustainability.
Supermodel Paloma Elsesser covers the May 19, 2023 issue of D Repubblica, styled in a wide range of sensual, dark beauty looks by Laetitia Gimenez Adam.
Luxury labels including Blumarine, Dolce & Gabbana, Maison Alaia, Niccolò Pasqualetti, Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello and more join forces with Paloma in designs that do not contain the female body.
Photographer Pablo Di Prima [IG] is in the studio./ Hair by Matt Benns; makeup by Marcelo Gutierrez
Paloma Elsesser is waging a war against fatphobia, saying:
"It's absurd that such a large percentage of people are excluded. Who can think that fashion only interests thin people?". "I want to get the message across that even if you're imperfect, you can have the life you want," she explains. And here she talks about the days on set when you don't have "that" size, the hypocrisies of the system and that time at the age of 8 in Gap's dressing room ...
The Failure of BodEquality
Non-luxury retailing is having major struggles with keeping their businesses solvent. But in the case of BodEquality, a new challenge I’ve not read before, has entered the convo. Brands should invest years of losing money to earn the trust of potential plus-size customers. I will also add, even if you are trying to achieve new sustainability goals that require major financial investment.
Our dear Edward Enninful, EIC of British Vogue, has very strong opinions on this topic. Let him take his three new supers he has crowned and his very intelligent self and become a “flying squad of larger-bodies intelligence” that is deeply-embedded in three test case brands.
Don’t just demand representation. Do something constructive.
On Friday, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito issued an administrative stay on the Texas court ruling concerning the abortion medication mifepristone. This came after the Justice Department announced on Thursday that it would seek emergency relief from the Supreme Court to defend the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) approval of the pill and protect Americans' access to safe and effective reproductive care.
Justice Samuel Alito signed the order asking both sides to file briefs by Tuesday over which parts of U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk’s April 7 Amarillo, Texas ruling should be left standing — if any — while the court considers the case.
In addition to the Biden Administration, New York-based Danco Laboratories, the maker of the pill, asked the justices to intervene.
