Anna Murphy's Critical Insights in 'Body Beautiful' for Harper's Bazaar UK

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Anna Murphy's Critical Insights in 'Body Beautiful' for Harper's Bazaar UK AOC Fashion

Models Molly Constable and Seynabou [Zeyna] Cissé cover Harper’s Bazaar UK’s August 2021 ‘The Body Issue’. Shibon Kennedy styles the duo in ‘Body Beautiful’, a visual and written-word reflection on curves lensed by Pamela Hanson [IG] with words by Anna Murphy.

Murphy is fashion director of The Times and The Sunday Times [UK] since 2015. Previously she launched ‘Stella’ at The Sunday Telegraph, also London-based. She is unusually honest in sharing her thoughts about curves and female ‘flesh’ generally-speaking.

All women have paid a high price over body management by religious zealots, but women of color have paid the highest price. In every dialogue of this nature, we must take the experiences of white women and double-triple them for women of color.

Murphy only has a one-pager in Harper’s UK, but hopefully she intends to use her platform to amplify her message going forward on this topic.

Anna Murphy considers the origin of the so-called ‘thin ideal’ that has been in ascendancy over the last century.

In her book ‘Unbearable Weight: Feminism, Western Culture, and the Body’, Susan Bordo argues that it’s about 'the tantalising ideal of a well-managed self in which all is kept in order'. That this has had a greater hold over women than men is because "throughout dominant Western religious and philosophical traditions, the capacity for self-management is decisively coded as male. By contrast, all those bodily spontaneities – hunger, sexuality, the emotions – seen as needful of containment and control have been culturally constructed... as female." Golly.

And so, to follow Bordo’s argument, modern women – or at least those in "late modern Western societies" – have used their bodies to demonstrate to others that they can do, be, live as men do; that they can subjugate their "domestic, reproductive destiny".

I told you the essay is provocative!! ~ Anne

Critical Race Theory Does NOT Focus on Individual Racist Actions of White People

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Explaining Critical Race Theory: What It Is and What It Is Not AOC Blackness

A June-release study from left-leaning Media Matters for America totaled up nearly 1,300 mentions of the term ‘critical race theory’ on Fox News in 4.5 months.

In academia, critical race theorists focus on how America's history of racism and discrimination continues to impact the country today, particularly in how racism may have been brushed aside in previous historical accounts.

Few Americans — including the folks on Fox News — can actually explain critical race theory, but its focus is institutional, systemic racism in government, businesses, and even religion.

Despite being the total boogeyman that Fox News, RT News and other right-wing media say — CRT does not focus at all on the individual actions of white people.

Kimberlé Crenshaw, a law professor and central figure in the development of critical race theory, said in a recent interview that critical race theory “just says, let’s pay attention to what has happened in this country, and how what has happened in this country is continuing to create differential outcomes. … Critical Race Theory … is more patriotic than those who are opposed to it because … we believe in the promises of equality. And we know we can’t get there if we can’t confront and talk honestly about inequality.”

Anne of Carversville has a long history of writing about race, religion and political activism. From the moment we saw a YouTube video in President Obama’s 2012 presidential reelection campaign calling him the Devil and featuring the KKK in Colorado, with torches blazing denouncing him as Satan, AOC saw clearly where America is headed.

Media Matters doesn’t have the video either, but their article In 2012, Breitbart tried to use ‘critical race theory’ to take down Obama. It failed miserably’ recaps the situation as AOC remembers it.

Trust Anne of Carversville

The battle is on. I’ve moved to Virginia to be closely involved in the fight for America’s multicultural democracy. AOC’s main focus is first and foremost the facts. The alt-right bullseye in Virginia is Loudoun county outside of Washington, DC and an area that has gone blue in recent years.

It’s hell in Loudoun County.

Children’s school books are being delivered today, so that I can understand precisely what is being taught in schools. AOC will share our learnings with readers, to help them make informed decisions about ‘critical race theory’ in a post-Jan. 6 alt-right, militia movement insurrection to overturn the 2020 presidential election world.

As a young girl in Minnesota, who wept when singing ‘America the Beautiful’, I never though I would see this America in 2021. My own American experiences have taught me that the US is a far more complex country than my first-grade vision

America is in a very, very serious place in our ability to continue on as a democracy. The Trump-voters assault on every political institution is epic, imo, and I’m not wearing rose-colored glasses.

Regular readers of AOC know that I do not hesitate to criticize progressives even though I am one. For this reason, AOC has always enjoyed a solid following and significant personal support for me, among educated, suburban Republican women.

Even Republican conservative women trust AOC’s telling of the facts. We may not agree on certain values-driven topics like Planned Parenthood. But no one has ever accused AOC of making up the facts. We are complimented for being accurate and fair. And we run on no-drama Obama type writing.

AOC hopes to earn that support all over again in the coming months, as America faces its biggest challenge to our imperfect democratic institutions since the Civil War. It’s a painful time in our country, and AOC seeks to be part of the positive solution of protecting our democracy. ~ Anne

Willow Smith's Rock Revival Interview and Valentino Fashion Story in V Magazine

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Willow Smith's Rock Revival Interview and Valentino Fashion Story in V Magazine AOC Fashion Style

American singer, rapper, actor, dancer and songwriter Willow Smith is interviewed by Dania Curvy, digital editor at V Magazine and VMAN about forging the path for Black women in punk rock. Willow is styled by Nicola Formichetti in Valentino’s Roman Palazzo Collection and Cartier’s emblematic hardware.

Photographed by Domen / Van de Velde [IG], the multi-hyphenate creative blasts through the “lazy stereotype that associates Black female singers with R&B and soul”, making it clear that Black women intend to stay strong in a punk rock music genre dominated by white men.

V Magazine is quick to remind us that Smith’s mother Jada Pinkett Smith was the lead singer in a punk rock band Wicked Wisdom. Smith introduced Willow to Tennessee-based metal band Straight Line Stitch, led by a Black woman, Alexis Brown, now Alexis White.

Willow Smith was “super young’ age when ‘Whip My Hair’, her debut single released by Jay-Z’s Roc Nation came out in 2010. "I feel like I lost my sanity at one point," Smith said in 2018 of the time surrounding her song's release. "I had just stopped doing singing lessons and I was kind of just in this gray area of 'Who am I? Do I have a purpose? Is there anything I can do besides this?' "

In the 2018 interview words of Willow’s father Will Smith: “Willow was really the first person during 'Whip My Hair' that decided she didn’t want to do what I said . . . Because she was the baby girl, she really had the most power over me. As a man – if your daughter says no, there’s really nothing you can do.”

AOC says tell that to authoritarian right-wingers, who fight every day to control women’s bodies through shame and laws. Read Willow Smith’s entire new digital cover interview “Willow’s Rock Revival” at V Magazine.

Tavi Gevinson Reflects the Moment in 'XOXO Tavi' for Vanity Fair by Nick Riley Bentham

Tavi Gevinson Reflects the Moment in 'XOXO Tavi' for Vanity Fair by Nick Riley Bentham

Tavi Gevinson is an American writer, magazine editor, and actor. And ‘no’, she’s not skinnying into a pair of jeans, heading off to Vogue Paris. Tavi won’t be adopting former Vogue EIC Emmanuelle Alt’s trademark style, to the best of AOC’s knowledge.

Now 25, Tavi has a superb set of images by Nick Riley Bentham [IG] in the July/August 2021 issue of Vanity Fair. Nicole Chapoteau styles the founder of an incredibly popular, fashion and feminism blog ‘Style Rookie’ at age 12 in eccentric artistry from Alessandra Rich, Chanel, Collina Strada, Dior, Emilio Pucci, Wales Bonner and more./ Hair by Roberto Di Cuia; makeup by Akiko Owada

Jessica Chastain Will Present Trophée Chopard at Cannes Film Festival July 9

Jessica Chastain in Cannes; Since 1998, Chopard is official partner with the Cannes International Film Festival. Courtesy Chopard.

Jessica Chastain Will Present Trophée Chopard at Cannes Film Festival July 9

Actor and two-time Oscar nominee Jessica Chastain will return to the 2021 Cannes International Film Festival to announce the winner of the Trophée Chopard on the 20th anniversary of the award. The male and female winners of the “revelation” prize for emerging talent will be announced at a dinner Thursday, July 9 in Cannes, hosted by Chopard co-president and artistic director Caroline Scheufele.

Chopard is a leader in the Journey to Sustainable Luxury since 2013. Anne of Carversville has written about Chopard’s ethical jewelry efforts for years. The company outlines its sustainability efforts in an extensive explanation of its philosophy and operations on its website.

How Ape Cousins Reveal Human History and Our Common Story of Evolution

How Ape Cousins Reveal Human History and Our Common Story of Evolution

Looking at the numbers, there are approximately 7.67 billion people on the Earth today. In contrast, according to the World Wildlife Fund, the wild chimpanzee population is under 300,000, wild orangutans are fewer than 120,000, and although gorillas are notoriously hard to count, it is estimated there are some 100,000–200,000. Every great ape is endangered—except us.

The tragedy of those numbers is apparent to anyone who cares about conservation. We lose species to extinction every day, driven by economically motivated habitat destruction or unfettered consumerism. Wherever humans go, biodiversity often suffers, and we are everywhere.

Great apes are special because they are the closest remaining threads on that web of humanity, and we can never recover the information they have to share about our origins once they are lost. Apes are uniquely impactful to the field of anthropology, where we researchers look to the past to understand our present. If the desire to preserve biodiversity isn’t enough to save the apes, then unlocking the human story should be a further impetus for their conservation.

Kate Middleton, Beekeeper, Delivers Her Own Honey to Urban Nature Project

Kate Middleton, Beekeeper, Delivers Her Own Honey to Urban Nature Project

The Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton may not be in the same league with her brother beekeeper James Middleton, but Kate fell into her own groove with a group of school children at the Urban Nature Project at London’s Natural History Museum in South Kensington, where Kate is the royal patron.

Beekeeping is a very romantic notion, especially in urban areas, where conscientious environmentalists are genuinely concerned about the dire assault of modern life on the world’s pollinators and guardians of the world’s food supply.

The Forward Thinking Museum in London — a virtual space for contemporary photography and videos —exhibited wonderful photos of urban beekeepers around the world. Images include Brian Mc Callum and his hives on the roof of Sir John Cass Primary School. Callum is a pro-bee activist trying to set up as many hives as possible in London.

What a lovely idea, we all exclaim! But wait one moment. Kate Middleton’s very patronage — London’s Natural History Museum, site of her bee honey visit with school children — issued a very alarming report in September 2020. I’ve heard this same call to action about beekeeping in other urban areas. Beekeeping in cities is harming other wildlife, writes the NHM.

Precious Lee by Tyler Mitchell Is Committed to Uplifting Us in i-D No. 363 Summer 2021

Precious Lee by Tyler Mitchell Is Committed to Uplifting Us in i-D No. 363 Summer 2021

The confident determination of Precious Lee may well be bigger than her moment. Time will tell, but reading about Atlanta-raised Precious is an exploration of self-willed self-determination.

“Revolutions have ongoing, lasting, continuous effects. And my quote-unquote ‘moment’ is historical, and because of that, it will never be just a moment. It will always be an indelible part of this industry.” ~ Precious Lee

Photographer Tyler Mitchell, also from Atlanta, captures Precious Lee, styled by Carlos Nazario in Aliette, Area Couture 21, Lanvin, Little Five Vintage, Norma Kamali and more./ Hair by Latisha Chong; makeup by Jamal Scott

Naomi Osaka Covers Vogue Japan August 2021, Saying She Will Play in Olympics

Naomi Osaka Covers Vogue Japan August 2021, Saying She Will Play in Olympics

Tennis star Naomi Osaka covers the August 2021 issue of Vogue Japan, and Naomi did appear on social media to share her cover shot and a preview of the fashion editorial.

"Hi guys. Popping out to post this @voguejapan cover, hope you’re all doing well and staying safe," she wrote.

Patti Wilson styles the shoot with Osaka wearing a Louis Vuitton bralette paired with orange pants on the cover. Vuitton is well represented in the fashion pages, with Naomi being an official ambassador for the luxury brand. Nike also gets good exposure. Zoey Grossman [IG] is behind the lens, as Naomi promises that she will play in the Tokyo Olympics starting July 24, but not on the US team. Naomi will play for Japan.

Pharrell Williams Launches Black Ambition for Black and Latinx Entrepreneurs

Pharrell Williams Launches Black Ambition for Black and Latinx Entrepreneurs AOC Eye

Black Ambition, Pharrell Williams’ newest venture dedicated to cultivating Black and Latino entrepreneurs, is the winner of the impact investing category of Fast Company’s 2021 World Changing Ideas Awards.

Williams launched Black Ambition last December 2020, with Louis Vuitton Men’s artistic director and founder of Off White Virgil Abloh is onboard as a member of the Black Ambition advisory team. Black Ambition will act as a non-profit initiative providing a bridge to success for Black and Latinx entrepreneurs who are launching start-ups in tech, design, healthcare, and consumer products.

Ivan Erick Menezes Honors Florbela Espanca for Vogue Portugal June 2021

Ivan Erick Menezes Honors Florbela Espanca for Vogue Portugal June 2021

In this Vogue Portugal June 2021 issue fashion editorial dedicated to Florbela Espanca, models Camila Simões, Elson Lima, Lana Rost, and Natalia Renken are styled by fashion editor and creative director Alexandre Dornelles. Ivan Erick Menezes photographs ‘Eu quero amar, amar perdidamente’ [I want to love, love hopelessly] inspred by Florbela Espanca./ Beauty by Silvio Giorgio; hair by Silvio Giorgio

Florbela Espanca (1894-1930) is one of Portugal's most known and loved poets, an early feminist in a very turbulent period in the country’s history. Her avant-garde mind and soul were frowned upon by a conservative society, and the poet ended her early life at age 36.

'Physical' Apple Series Star Rose Byrne Covers Marie Claire Australia by Nicole Bentley

'Physical' Apple Series Star Rose Byrne Covers Marie Claire Australia by Nicole Bentley

“She’s elegance incarnate with impeccable comedic timing,” writes Marie Claire Australia about July cover star Rose Byrne. The actor talks to Rachel Sharp about family, feminism and her new role as a captivating but flawed ‘80s guru in her new Apple TV series ‘Physical’.

Byrne is styled by Naomi Smith in images by Nicole Bentley./ Hair by Koh; makeup by Kellie Stratton

Building on her role as iconic feminist Gloria Steinem in ‘Mrs. America’, the true story of how conservative activist Phyllis Schlafly (played by Cate Blanchett) derailed the Equal Rights Amendment, Byrne now plays ‘80s California exercise and lifestyle guru Sheila Rubin.

Elsa Hosk Is Yummy Mummy Covering Vogue Russia Living June 2021 by Julia Gorbachenko

Elsa Hosk Is Yummy Mummy Covering Vogue Russia Living June 2021 by Julia Gorbachenko

Swedish beauty Elsa Hosk roars back from giving birth in mid-February to her baby girl Tuulikki Joan Daly, named after Elsa’s mom and grandma-in-law. Hosk wears green Bottega Veneta on the cover of Vogue Russia Living’s June 2021 rich-imagery fashion story.

Sandy Armeni styles ‘Desert Oasis’, puttingElsa in a SoCal mood wearing Balenciaga, Etro, Isabel Marant, Louis Vuitton, Versace and more in wonderful images captured by Yulia Gorbachenko [IG]. Love, love, love. / Hair by Dennis Gots; makeup by Natasha Severino

A Fashionista's Guide to Casino Nights Wearing Ageless Flygirl Style

A Fashionista's Guide to Casino Nights Wearing Ageless Flygirl Style

Beyond the “glow up” and bronzed skin, in addition to beach waves hair with plenty of volume and bounce — whatever your age — be like Martha and own YOU on YOUR casino night. Preparation is important. Everyone from Martha Stewart to her vegan cooking protégé Snoop Dogg will tell you that preparation is key to a successful party.

After that, just imagine you are Jennifer Lopez in Vegas or Martha Stewart in her East Hampton swimming pool. Own the moment with confidence and sincerity — but also with conviction. Because we all know that wearing self confidence is your best fashion statement. And be sure you have a divine time doing it. ~ Anne

Simone Biles Claims Her GOAT Title in Gymnastics, Leaves NIKE for Athleta

Simone Biles Claims Her GOAT Title in Gymnastics, Leaves NIKE for Athleta AOC Living

"The idea was to hit back at the haters," she told the outlet. "[The haters] were joking like, 'I swear, if she put a goat on her leo, blah, blah, blah.' That would make them so angry. And then I was like, 'Oh, that's actually a good idea.' And so that's exactly what we did and why we did it."

Simone Biles may be 4’10” in stature, but she packs a power punch twice her size. In late April, the platinum athlete ended her six-year relationship with Nike to join Athleta, Gap’s female-focused activewear brand.

The GOAT gymnast did not directly criticize Nike in announcing her move to Athleta — even though the company has a rocky relationship with female athletes.

“I felt like it wasn’t just about my achievements, it’s what I stood for and how they were going to help me use my voice and also be a voice for females and kids,” she said. “I feel like they also support me, not just as an athlete, but just as an individual outside of the gym and the change that I want to create, which is so refreshing.”

Simone Biles delivered an astonishing set of images by Kennedi Carter in this weeks’ online release of her cover story and interview in the June issue of Glamour US. There’s yet more to the Simone Biles story, with Athleta backing her competitive bird dogging of USA Gymnastics over her being willing to take on permanently USA Gymnastics, the governing body of her sport — a system that ignored staggering sexual abuse by team doctors of young women in their care. Biles has been a leader in that ongoing fight.

DO check out the Simone Biles cover story for Glamour’s June 2021 issue.

Simone Biles Soars by Kennedi Carter for Glamour US June 2021 AOC Fashion