Marlijn Joek Shimmers in a 'Calm Sea' by Simon Upton for ELLE Italia June 23, 2023

Marlijn Joek Shimmers in a 'Calm Sea' by Simon Upton for ELLE Italia June 23, 2023

Dutch model Marlijn Hoek shimmers in casual, metallic-colors elegance for a fashion story ‘Mare Calmo’ [‘Calm Sea’]. The model is styled by Micaela Sessa in summer’s relaxed sophistication from Aurelie Bidermann, Dolce & Gabbana, Emporio Armani, Loro Piana, Max Mara, Polo Ralph Lauren, Reinhard Plank, Stefanel

Photographer Simon Upton [IG]captures Hoek at La Sultana Oualidia in Morocco for ELLE Italia June 23, 2023./ Makeup by Topolino; hair by Simone Prusso

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Emily Blunt's Next Role As Kitty Oppenheimer in Harper's Bazaar UK July-August 2023

Emily Blunt's Next Role As Kitty Oppenheimer in Harper's Bazaar UK July-August 2023

Actor Emily Blunt is styled by Celia Azoulay in garden party clothes from Dior, Emilia Wickstead, Louis Vuitton, Max Mara, Miu Miu, Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini, Safiyaa and more. Tom Schirmacher [IG] flashes Blunt in ‘A Seat at the Table’ for Harper’s Bazaar UK July-August 2023./Hair by Laini Reeves; makeup by Jenn Streicher

This summer, Blunt plays a very different role in ‘Oppenheimer’, the story behind the creation of the atomic bomb. Playing the role of Kitty Oppenheimer, born Katharine Puening Harrison in New York City on August 4, 1910, Emily Blunt the actor is introducing us to a woman intrinsically tied to the most significant scientific achievement of the 20th century.

“She was fiery, a force very much his equal. She was not a woman who conformed to the 1950s housewife ideal,” Emily Blunt explains, with a tone of voice that denotes reverence.

Of course, as an American I know who J. Robert Oppenheimer was. And I know intimately well the story of the McCarthy hearings, as my first landlord in New York was a playwright imprisoned for 1-2 years during the hearings.

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Leon Dame and Jeanne Cadieu in 'Duel au Soleil' by Josh Olins for M Le Magazine du Monde June 2023

Leon Dame and Jeanne Cadieu in 'Duel au Soleil' by Josh Olins for M Le Magazine du Monde June 2023

German model Leon Dame and French model Jeanne Cadieu spar with each other in an erotic, sensual and intellectual game of life and human attraction in ‘Duel au Soleil’.

James Valeri styles the encounter with creative direction by Jean-Baptiste Talbourdet-Napoleone. The models evoke an abundance of erotic tension and self-expression captured by photographer Josh Olins [IG].

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Georgia May Jagger Soaks Up Rays, Lensed by Emma Tempest for ELLE France June 15, 2023

Georgia May Jagger Soaks Up Rays, Lensed by Emma Tempest for ELLE France June 15, 2023

Georgia May Jagger covers the June 15, 2023 issue of ELLE France, soaking up the rays with a good book. Hortense Manga styles Jagger [daughter of Jerry Hall and Mick Jagger] in colorful swimsuits lensed by Emma Tempest [IG].

Is Georgia May Jagger’s hair 100 percent vegan, PETA approved and affordable by Bleach London? Jagger invested in the cult hair care brand in 2010. Their commitment to sustainability is also reflected in their use of recyclable packaging materials.

The quest for sustainable sequins is center stage at AOC this week, so let us check out Bleach London’s [IG] glitter gel.

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The Camargue Calls to Mona Tougaard, Lensed by Tyler Mitchell for i-D No.372

The Camargue Calls to Mona Tougaard, Lensed by Tyler Mitchell for i-D No.372

Anne of Carversville lives very close to the ancient symbolism of much of the artistic imagery featured here, and how stereotypes of women have evolved over the last 12,000 years.

Photographed by Tyler Mitchell and styled by Carlos Nazario, top model Mona Tougaard was captured in the surreal landscape of Salin d'Aigues-Mortes, in the Camargue, for the summer 2023 issue of i-D magazine.

My response to Irina’s “wet and wild” fashion story, shot in Joshua Tree, California was connected to 1] her walking nearly naked in a recent Cannes event where everyone else appearing in photos was wearing clothes. As a publicity stunt, I can’t even remember the jewelry brand she was wearing; and 2] specifically in Joshua Tree, Danielle Midenge shot Winnie Harlow recently with a vibe that is more akin to this one with Mona Tougaard and Tyler Mitchell in the south of France. I loved Daniella’s Winnie images and revere the ancient history of Joshua Tree.

i-D acknowledges that Demeulemeester and her former new designer don’t seem to live at all in the same territory on the fashion spectrum. It’s a very convoluted explanation by Ludovic of why he was perfect to interpret Ann’s vision. Note: I also am very impressed by Robert Mapplethorpe. I still don’t get the shared synergy.

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Ludovic de Saint Sernin's Only Ann Demeulemeester Collection Shot for i-D Magazine Summer 2023

Ludovic de Saint Sernin's Only Ann Demeulemeester Collection Shot for i-D Magazine Summer 2023

“It’s my way of saying that after this first step I’ll be spreading my wings and then be able to express myself,” Ludovic de Saint Sernin told Vogue’s Nicole Phelps of the Oscars party look from his first collection worn by Hunter Schafer.

Two months after his first show and after six months working in his position, Ludovic de Saint Sernin was out of a job at Ann Demeulemeester. Did he spread his wings like Icarus and fly too close to the sun?

Neither the young designer or Claudio Antonioli, who bought the Demeulemeester label in 2020 [and is close with Ann Demeulemeester, the woman] released a statement about the designer’s dismissal.

Stefano Gallici, connected with the brand since 2020 and the Antonioli Group in 2019, will be the new Creative Director of the women’s collection.

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Mary Ukech's Crisp Summer Style in Harper's Bazaar France No. 4 by Unit Savaci

Mary Ukech's Crisp Summer Style in Harper's Bazaar France No. 4 by Unit Savaci

South Sudanese model Mary Ukech wears a sparkling white, perfectly feminine Chanel two-piece swimsuit in a key pieces, summer fashion story for Harper’s Bazaar France No, 4, June-July 2023 issue.

Pauline Charriere styles the story ‘Calme Blanc’ for images lensed by Unit Savaci [IG].

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Bulgari's Eiza González in L'Officiel Paris Wonder Women Issue by Nick Thompson

Bulgari's Eiza González in L'Officiel Paris Wonder Women Issue by Nick Thompson

Bulgari [IG] ambassador and on-fire actor Eiza González celebrates the 75th anniversary of the Serpenti collection, gracing the cover of L’Officiel Paris’s [IG] June-July 2023 issue in a dazzling set of Bulgari High Jewelry diamonds.

In a refreshing voice about hard work, the upcoming The Three Body Problem star attributes her strong work ethic to growing up in Mexico City, while noting that America has benefitted from the attitude of her people.

“ I come from a culture where we work, work, work, work, work. In America, some of the hardest working people you will see — underpaid — are Mexican people or Latin people. We have always been taught to work and work harder, and then after you work harder, work harder than that.”

Nick Thompson [IG] shoots the actor’s ‘Stands Strong’ fashion story for The Wonder Women Issue.

In AOC’s opinion, feminism and women’s rights leaders haven’t given enough voice to the experiences of women from Mexico and Central and South America, where there are matriarchal traditions far stronger than in American history.

Eiza González speaks fiercely to the importance of her values in everything she does.

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Miranda Kerr Is 40 and Fabulous in Louis Vuitton Pre-Fall 2023 for Harper's Bazaar Australia

Miranda Kerr Is 40 and Fabulous in Louis Vuitton Pre-Fall 2023 for Harper's Bazaar Australia

Miranda Kerr wears many titles, as she celebrates her 40th birthday: Louis Vuitton face, KORA Organics skin care founder, Mrs. Evan Spiegel and mom to three boys Flynn, Hart and Myles Miranda Kerr.

The supermodel and former Victoria’s Secret Angel covered the May 2023 issue of Harper’s Bazaar Australia, catching up on her life with veteran journalist and self-described “meddler for good” Laura Brown [IG]. Read the interview.

Christian Strobble styles Miranda in the all-Vuitton fashion images shot by Nino Munoz [IG]./ Makeup by Niki M’Nray

The very visible ‘California Living’ face of Louis Vuitton recently launched their new Pacific Chill fragrance in Malibu.

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Anna Ewers in Greek Waters by Zoe Ghertner for i-D Magazine No. 372 Summer 2023

Anna Ewers in Greek Waters by Zoe Ghertner for i-D Magazine No. 372 Summer 2023

i-D Magazine’s Summer!Issue, no. 372 is out, with beach babe, top model Anna Ewers on the cover. Camilla Nickerson and Imaan Sayed style Ewers in ERES, SOLID & STRIPED and more onshore and in Greek waters by Zoe Ghertner [IG]. / Makeup by Fara Homidi

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'Yasmin Finney Has Arrived' in ELLE UK June 2023, Lensed by Mariana Maltoni

'Yasmin Finney Has Arrived' in ELLE UK June 2023, Lensed by Mariana Maltoni

The well-loved Netflix series Heartstopper has been praised for its beautifully authentic portrayal of teenage love, with Yasmin's character, Elle Argent adding an important and moving dimension to the storyline. Heartstopper will enter its second season on August 3, with an expanded role for Finney.

Heartstopper is a graphic novel series written and illustrated by Alice Oseman. The story centers around two teenage boys, Charlie and Nick, who attend an all-boys school in the UK. Charlie is openly gay and has had a crush on Nick for quite some time, while Nick is straight and oblivious to Charlie's feelings.

One of Charlie’s best friends, Elle [Finney] is going through her own challenges at school. After years at the all boys’ school, Elle has officially transferred to the all girls’ school, making this her first year without her trusted group of BFFs by her side.

Though at first she’s convinced she’s the only LGBTQIA+ student, she learns quickly that she’s not as alone as she thought.

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Actor Rebecca Ferguson Talks 'Mission Impossible', 'Dune-2' and Silo in Vogue Hong Kong

Actor Rebecca Ferguson Talks 'Mission Impossible', 'Dune-2' and Silo in Vogue Hong Kong

Actress Rebecca Ferguson covers the June 2023 issue of Vogue Hong Kong, styled by Karen Clarkson. Photographer Royal Gilbert [IG] captures Ferguson in a fashion story ‘Rebecca Ferguson: Digging Deep’./ Hair by Jillian Halouska; makeup by Emma Lovell

Ferguson is very busy with a new Mission Impossible film out this summer and Dune: Part Two arriving in late fall — currently November 3. The British-Swedish actor is executive producer on the acclaimed post-apocalyptic series Silo, streaming now on Apple TV+.

She is also in final negotiations to shoot the movie “Best Served Cold” under the direction of Tim Miller. Ferguson will play a legendary mercenary, who is betrayed, rejected and on a quest for revenge. Her personal mission will forever change the nation.

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Eva Hardwick & Allana Brito Find Joy with Animals in Vogue Portugal May 2023

Eva Hardwick & Allana Brito Find Joy with Animals in Vogue Portugal May 2023

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.

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Vogue Italia June 2023 'At the School of Restoration' lensed by Brett Lloyd

Vogue Italia June 2023  'At the School of Restoration'  lensed by Brett Lloyd

Brett Lloyd is not new to the world of fashion photography. But his artistic vision may be particularly relevant in this moment. ‘A Scuola Di Restauro’ [At the School of Restoration] shows me his capacity as a voice in our [his] struggle.

These Brett Lloyd images are perfect for a creative team that includes styling by Riccardo Maria Chiacchio and models Paola Manes, Sun Mizrahi, Valerio Maccario, and Ylang Messenguital. Checking IG, there no listing of a creative director or symbolism-interpreter behind the shoot. / Hair by Louis Ghewy; makeup by Karin Westerlund; body painting by Carolyn Roper

It appears to be a tight group led by “Head of Editorial Content’ Francesca Ragazzi [IG].

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Norman Jean Roy Flashes Rebecca Leigh Longendyke in 'Something's Cooking' in Vogue

Norman Jean Roy Flashes Rebecca Leigh Longendyke in 'Something's Cooking' in Vogue

Photographer Norman Jean Roy IG] calls the fashion story ‘Something’s Cooking’ a “road trip”. Model Rebecca Leigh Longendyke & actor Jeremy Allen White are styled by Max Ortega for Vogue US Summer 2023./ Hair by Alex Brownsell; makeup by Raoúl Alejandre

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Aymeline Valade in 'Siren Call' in Syros for Vogue Greece June 2023 by Johan Sandberg

Aymeline Valade in 'Siren Call' in Syros for Vogue Greece June 2023 by Johan Sandberg

Model Aymeline Valade is far away from her French countryside, artistic-family upbringing, posing in this Vogue Greece, June 2023 fashion story ‘Siren Call’.

Valade is photographed by Johan Sandberg [IG] in the historical Aegean Sea island of Syros, which is part of Greece’s Cyclades island group.

History of Syros, Greece

Under the early 19th-century Venetian rule, Syros became known for its shipbuilding and merchant fleets. The island played a prominent role in the Mediterranean sea trade and also the birth of a thriving art scene in Syros.

Art typically flourishes when people are exposed to different cultures. Many of these ships sailed beyond the Mediterranean, to destinations such as Europe, the Americas, and Asia.

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'Lust for Love' Lensed by Marcy Dvorak for Vogue Portugal's May 2023 Pleasure Issue

'Lust for Love' Lensed by Marcy Dvorak for Vogue Portugal's May 2023 Pleasure Issue

Vogue Portugal’s [IG] May 2023 issue is devoted to ‘Pleasure’ — a state of existence gone from several other Vogues, most notably Vogue France.

Models Rebeca Marcos Roca, Nico, Coumba & Alejandro Morao are styled by María Dávila in ‘Lust for Love’. Photographer Marcelina Dvorak [Marcy Dvorak] [IG] captures this sensual beauty at a taste level woefully absent in the caverns of modern media./ Hair by Natalia Ferreiros; makeup by Virginia Marqués

In AOC’s opinion, Vogue Portugal is doing consistently excellent work at keeping us engaged with their content. We try to inspire others to give them a hug, too.

In my case, pleasure could come from Lulu expanding her wings to make a solid contribution to the incredible body of Anne writing on Anne of Carversville. She has been complaining because I always send her off on dull-for-her AI projects like Neolithic-peoples’ caves in Switzerland, part of a new WSJ Magazine story.

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Mona Tougaard and Vittoria Ceretti in 'CODEPENDENCY' for 032c by Sebastian Faena

Mona Tougaard and Vittoria Ceretti in 'CODEPENDENCY' for 032c by Sebastian Faena

Model stars Mona Tougaard and Vittoria Ceretti are lost in bad-girl thoughts, oblivious to a message from artist Tony Cokes’ video works message for 032c: “I want you to get off your fucking asses and do something for the people.”

It’s all very Berlin, as photographer Sebastian Faena [IG] knocks these two Vogue model queens off their pedestals and brings them down to earth in ‘CODEPENDENCY’, styled by Ras Bartram.

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