Simone Biles Bends Excellence to Her Will in WSJ Magazine by Rahim Fortune

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Simone Biles Bends Excellence to Her Will in WSJ Magazine by Rahim Fortune AOC Fashion

At 4’8” tall, Simone Arianne Biles is called “the most powerful gymnast in history”, by WSJ Magazine. Biles is headed to the 2021 Summer Olympics in Tokyo — the goddesses willing — where she will continue her head-spinning ascent in a sport where she already holds a combined total of 30 Olympic and World Championship medals.

Globally, Biles is widely considered to be among the greatest and most dominant female gymnasts of all time.

As WSJ Magazine’s August 2021 cover star, Biles is styled by Jessica Willis in luxury ready-to-wear looks from Chanel (cover), Del Core, Fendi, Jil Sander, Kwaidan Editions, Y/Project and more.  Austin, Texas born, New York-based photographer Rahim Fortune captures Biles in Houston. / Hair by Tylaria Thomas; makeup by Cinthia Moore

Louise Radnofsky interviews the superstar gymnast and activist about defying all expectations as she becomes even stronger after “surviving abuse, enduring a family ordeal and overcoming her own doubts.”

AOC shares the interview highlights.

Related:

Christopher John Rogers Resort 2022 Collection Is Color-Saturated Optimism

Christopher John Rogers Resort 2022 Collection Is Color-Saturated Optimism AOC Fashion

“I wanted it to be visceral and come from my heart. I felt like we’ve developed so many house signatures we didn’t need to reference a specific era or themes. This was more about cutting clothes and providing people with opportunities to enjoy dressing up,” Christopher John Rogers said about his Resort 2022 Collection . “Last year, as I was designing it, I thought if I’m only going to make one more collection, what would it look like? And the answer wasn’t informed by the past or what I thought buyers might want. I love fashion, and I’m a fan of fashion, so that came through in the clothes.”

Related: The Story Behind The Epic Christopher John Rogers Show In ‘Gossip Girl’ British Vogue

60% of Etro Acquired by LVMH-Backed L Catterton | Etro Resort 2022 Collection

60% of Etro Acquired by LVMH-Backed L Catterton | Etro Resort 2022 Collection AOC Fashion

Etro shares its Resort 2022 Lookbook, styled by Geraldine Saglio. Models Adit Priscilla, Ash Foo. Olivia Vinten and Rolf are lensed by Ferry van der Nat [IG] with creative direction by Macs Iotti./ Hair by Marco Braca; Luciano Chiarello

On Sunday, the Italian fashion company Etro made an announcement about its future.

Lorena Rae Wears Modern Luxury Tailoring for ELLE Germany August 2021

Lorena Rae Wears Modern Luxury Tailoring for ELLE Germany August 2021

Model Lorena Rae wears modern luxury looks styled by Pia Léonie Knoll in a fashion story ‘Gut In Schwung’ [in good shape]. Photographer Alex Walti [IG] captures Rae for ELLE Germany August 2021.

Joshua Woods' 'Semi-Precious' Statement Jewelry for M Le Magazine du Monde June

Joshua Woods' 'Semi-Precious' Statement Jewelry for M Le Magazine du Monde June AOC Jewelry News

AOC shares a second Joshua Woods [IG] fashion story for the June 2021 issue of M Le Magazine du Monde. Arriving in concert with a Pan African fashion story ‘Fières Allures’, shot in Jamaica, the photographer captured ‘Semi-Precious’, a statement jewelry fashion story featuring model Ylang, with styling by Haley Wollens./ Hair by Christian Eberhard; makeup by Aurore Gibrien

Jill Kortleve Soaks Up Italian Sun in Nervi for WSJ Magazine August 2021

Jill Korlieve Soaks Up Italian Sun in Nervi for WSJ Magazine August 2021 AOC Fashion

Dutch model Jill Kortleve soaks up Italian sun in Nervi, a former fishing village now a seaside resort 12 miles northwest of Portofino. Brilliant hues and beach holiday prints from Burberry, Celine by Hedi Slimane, Chanel, Michael Kors, Missoni, Stella Mccartney, Tory Burch and more are as artistically intoxicating as the colorful houses dominating the Italian Riviera.

“Hemlines rise higher than the tides” writes Kevin Huynh about stylist Anastasia Barbieri choices for the fashion story shot by Angelo Pennetta [IG] for WSJ Magazine [link]. . So grab a sequined minidress from Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello and board a flight to our beloved Italia. Yes, it does rain in Nervi, reminding smart women to grab a Balenciaga nylon tulip-printed raincoat for good measure.

Cherokee Jack by Richard Phibbs for Man of Metropolis | Minnesota History of Mankato Hangings

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Cherokee Jack by Richard Phibbs for Man of Metropolis | Minnesota History of Mankato Hangings AOC Fashion

Ford model Cherokee Jack [IG] — home agency Ignite Models in Minneapolis —covers the current issue of Man of Metropolis magazine, edited by Seth Travis. John Moore styles Cherokee Jack in images by Richard Phibbs [IG].

Anne is totally derailed by these images. 110% derailed.

Anne of Carversville rarely gets behind new models, except for the refugee models out of Africa. We are their biggest champion in a collective sense.

Once AOC opens the Pandora’s box of featuring new models, it’s a potential onslaught of inquiries and unsolicited portfolio links. My daily reality will be double trouble — worse than requests for free-ride posts on AOC linking out to paying clients for the writer. We deny them all.

However, within the context of this moment — how my brain is operating on July 15, 2021 — it’s impossible for me not to comment on the visceral response I’m having to the ‘take my breath away images’ of Cherokee Jack by Richard Phibbs.

1. When high-integrity images are so beautiful that they move me to tears, I must respond to the gift.

2. When through its exquisite beauty, a fashion story quietly addresses the brutal facts of American history and the suffering meted out to native peoples in America, my words cannot possibly do that fashion story justice.

3. When images prompt me to apologize on behalf of OUR [Cherokee Jack’s and mine in 2021] country to his ancestors, the pictures have impact way beyond their initial exposure in a high-quality, men’s lifestyle magazine.

The editorial serves as a reminder of how a model and a stylist and a photographer can work together in perfect synchronicity — with an editor who shares the same vision. It also helps that the photographer has the technical and artistic vision of Richard Phibbs.

Peony Girl Told Me I Was Needlessly Harsh

My three-year-old alter ego Peony Girl gave me a lecture last night — suggesting that perhaps I was needlessly harsh regarding the new Gigi Hadid editorial in the August issue of Harper’s Bazaar. To be honest, my three-year-old self had me wavering in her argument, and I considered an apology.

No more. I am moving Gigi’s editorial next to this one, and rest my case. Once I saw Hadid’s video and the joy in her eyes, I felt the emptiness of the Harper’s fashion story. These images reaffirm my written response.

Gigi Hadid and Cherokee Jack both feel to me like people of awareness. There is nobility in Cherokee Jack’s images that Gigi doesn’t exude, but I know she understands and would appreciate my commentary.

Hadid processes images like these and feels them deeply, too. In her own words, she is less overtly emotional on issues of justice than her sister Bella. But it’s always been clear to me that Gigi Hadid feels deeply, even if she is more guarded than Bella [who has also learned to button up attitudes and emotions in the glare of a public life.]

None of this human capacity for ubuntu came through in Gigi’s images. Nor did the joy she expressed in the video. The final product was dour, dour, dour, as I wrote.

Martha Hunt Poses for Greg Swales in Harper's Bazaar Greece August 2021

Model Hunt Poses for Greg Swales in Harper's Bazaar Greece August 2021 AOC Fashion

Model Martha Hunt is styled by fashion editor Rafael Linare in tailored-neutrals sophistication. Photographer Greg Swales is again behind the lens for Harper’s Bazaar Greece August issue, with the message ‘Let’s Dress Up’!.

Greg Swales Eyes Julia Van Os in 'Exotic Getaway' for Harper's Bazaar Greece

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Greg Swales Eyes Julia Van Os in 'Exotic Getaway' for Harper's Bazaar Greece AOC Fashion

Model Julia van Os is styled by fashion editor Rafael Linare in vibrant modern ‘Exotic Getaway’ style from YSL. Photographer Greg Swales captures the mellow-yellow and more sophisticated fashion story for Harper’s Bazaar Greece August issue./ Makeup by Michael Anthony; hair by Darine Sensgeevong

Gigi Hadid's Uber-Serious Fashion Mood by Collier Schorr for Harper's Bazaar US

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Gigi Hadid's Uber-Serious Fashion Mood by Collier Schorr for Harper's Bazaar US AOC Fashion

Supermodel Gigi Hadid covers the August 2021 issue of Harper’s Bazaar US. Hadid wears dour-looking clothes in a fashion story styled by Ludivine Poiblanc. “Come’on, Anne. Chin up, girl. It’s only fashion. “

Sorry. Gigi looks dour. The clothes are dour. The images by Collier Schorr are dour. Everything is dour, dour, dour. Durga Chew-Bose’s interview with Gigi is not dour.

Between the depressingly dour fashion story and the subheadline: “At 26, Gigi Hadid isn’t done playing the role of supermodel. But with a new baby , new priorities, and a new regard for her own mental health”, she’s carving out space to do it on her own terms” — Harper’s Bazaar had me genuinely worried about Hadid.

AOC has been ferociously supportive of Gigi Hadid from the first day. We don’t specialize in armchair criticism of models. I can name three situations where Gigi was in the hot seat, and we defended her. Think fortune cookies and a plane ticket cancelled for Shanghai.

Wait up, here. I’m looking at a short video of the shoot, and Gigi Hadid looks delightfully happy and serene. In the video she doesn’t look dour at all.

Deciding to feature Gigi Hadid as all doom and gloom was an executive decision. It’s as if she and Collier Schor were having all kinds of fun and a voice from the heavens said “WHY ARE YOU TWO JUMPING FOR JOY IN MY PHOTO SHOOT!!!”.

In her interview, Gigi shares insights into the family dynamic, in a way I don’t remember reading. She’s reflective about her own mannerisms and way of communicating, and does differentiate between herself and sister Bella. Of course Gigi talks about race.

Some AOC readers may not know that when Gigi, Bella, and Dua Lipa took a strong stand on their support for Palestine in the recent conflict, a full-page ad ran in The New York Times condemning Gigi, Bella, and Dua Lipa [brother Anwar’s girlfriend] for that support of their own heritage.

Hadid does share an interesting psychological story of keeping multiple journals. “During my pregnancy, I had one journal that I called my good journal and one journal that I called my bad journal. They weren’t that literal, but one was more for the memories, for Khai. Maybe one day I’ll give her the bad journal just to be real about it.”

What was inside the “bad” journal?

“Anxieties and days where I felt like, ‘Am I good enough to be a mom?’” she says. “I didn’t want to feel guilty about feeling those things or writing those things down. I just liked the separation. . . . “

THOSE are the words of a thoughtful, resourceful young woman with major psychological insights about the human condition and how it works for us and against us simultaneously.

Lucrezia Vanotti Chills in Utilitarian Style for Nature Lovers in D la Repubblica

Lucrezia Vanotti Chills in Utilitarian Style for Nature Lovers in D la Repubblica AOC Fashion

Model Lucrezia Vanotti is styled by Stefania Lorini in a nature-lovers, getaway fashion story for earth girls. Photographer Gaia Bonanomi captures the serenity style for Valentin D la Repubblica’s July 10, 2021 issue. Makeup by Claudia Malavasi; hair by Davide Marrone

Kate Moss' SKIMS Campaign of Kim Kardashian's Everyday Sexy Body Confidence

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AOC Fashion Kate Moss' SKIMS Campaign of Kim Kardashian's Everyday Sexy Body Confidence

Kate Moss is the new face of SKIMS [IG] Summer 2021 campaign — an utterly brilliant decision by Kim Kardashian..

"I've been a fan of SKIMS since day one," Moss said in a press release. "What Kim is doing with the brand is so fresh and modern, making underwear women actually want and that fits perfectly."

The iconic Moss models a selection of styles from SKIMS’ bestselling Fits Everybody and Cotton collections.

Kardashian’s SKIMS also has backup from Kate’s family. "I wear it, my daughter [Lila Grace Moss, 18] wears it — even my mum [Linda Shepherd] wears it!" she said.

Kardashian, 40, is honored to have iconic supermodel Moss, 47, representing her brand. "I first met Kate in 2014 through [designer] Riccardo Tisci and was instantly struck by her cheeky humor, authentic and classic beauty — we've been friends ever since," Kardashian said.

Artist and photographer DonnaTrope [IG]captures the SKIMS campaign.

The brand — which is rockin’ in its own zone like Rihanna’s Fenty collection is rockin’ — also has key styles for the US Women’s Olympic team featured on the SKIMS [IG].

Kim Kardashian/Instagram

AOC so loves it when two sexy, independent-minded, child-loving, entrepreneurial women meet up at the Vatican. That’s exactly what happened a few weeks ago when Kardashian, Moss, and daughter Lila Grace toured the Vatican.

The SKIMS entrepreneur enjoyed more than one Sophia Loren moment, now that she is released from Yeezy bondage.

Kim no-longer receives God-given instructions on how to dress and was really feelin’ a goddess-vibe in Rome.

Just remember, Kim, women had way more power before monotheism came to the Vatican. You and Kate are well on the way to restoring some femme power in your new SKIMS campaign.

Good work, Ladies! AOC doesn’t use the work ‘flawless’, but if we did, you are in the flawless zone. ~ Anne

AOC Archives

Ajok Madel and Ash Foo by Valentin Herfray for Mugler Fragrances June 2021

Ajok Madel and Ash Foo by Valentin Herfray for Mugler Fragrances June 2021 AOC Fashion

Models Ash Foo and Ajok Madel are styled by Laetitia Gimenez in a June 2021 Mugler Fragrances Fragrances campaign lensed by Valentin Herfray. Makeup by Fanny Maurer; hair by Chiao Chenet

Adwoa Aboah Named Global Brand Activist for Rimmel London Beauty Brand

Adwoa Aboah Named Global Brand Activist for Tmmel London Beauty Brand AOC Eye

British cosmetics brand Rimmel, now owned by Coty, Inc., has tapped Adwoa Aboah as the beauty brand’s new global activist.

Adwoa and Rimmel London are “like-minded in advocating self-expression and believe in the freeing power of makeup, not to transform but to empower all wearers,” said the brand in a PR release.

The founder of Gurl Talk joins a long list of unique, trailblazing women who have previously been the face of Rimmel London. They include Kate Moss, Georgia May Jagger, Cara Delevingne and Rita Ora.

AOC thought of Aboah today, remembering her British Vogue September 2020 cover, shared with Britain’s Manchester United football star Marcus Rashford, one of three players of color who received savagely racist abuse after losing the Euro 2020 final to Italy on Sunday.

You may remember Sir Richard Branson talking about watching the game, after his return from the edge of space on Sunday.

AOC will revisit this story Wednesday, as British Vogue has resurrected their cover and shared many helpful links on racism for readers.

Adut Akech Electrifies in Fall 2021 Modern Luxury by Chris Colls ELLE US August

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Adut Akech Electrifies in Fall 2021 Modern Luxury by Chris Colls ELLE US August

Supermodel Adut Akech is breathtaking, posting in vibrant, modern luxury clothes for the August 2021 issue of ELLE US. Photographer Chris Colls [IG] captures Adut, who just became a global ambassador for Estee Lauder, with styling by Alex White.

In her interview Adut Akech Is Electric Roxanne Fequiere refreshes memories about Adut’s journey out of South Sudan. We’ve told that story many times on AOC in the last four years, so head-on over to ELLE to read Adut’s story of roadside birth on on Christmas Day in 1999 — somewhere between South Sudan and the Kenyan refugee camp Kakuma.

The camp Kakuma, that has birthed several successful models, was her home, until Adelaide, Australia welcomed her, her mom and five siblings. Adut’s father died in the fighting in South Sudan, and her aunt was already living in Adelaide.

In Adut’s own words:

“I was born on the way to Kenya, and I haven’t been to Sudan since.

Adut’s fashion industry success is legendary by now. At a time when models of color are rising everywhere in fashion, Adut is a superstar. Her Estee Lauder appointment makes her platinum grade in the world of modeling and will absolutely affect her bank account, Adut is also a member of the new VS Collective, joining other high-credentialed women to do what, none of us knows. They are advisers.

In another of Adut’s famous stories touched in her ELLE interview, in the car ride from the Adelaide airport to her new home, the now supermodel turned to her mother and made a vow: “Now that we’re here, I’m going to get an education. I’m going to buy you a car and a house. I’m going to make something of myself.”

That life checklist is complete for Adut Akech, who tells us something more about her character when she says: “I will always be a refugee.”

To say that there’s whole lotta love for this young woman is an understatement. Hey, Adut, how about a ride in Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic’s SpaceShip Two Unity 22? Now THAT would be memorable for a refugee model. You could raise money for your future project in [South] Sudan. ~ Anne

Read the interview and get info on all the incredible clothes at ELLE.

Thomas Cooksey's 'Sea Fever' with Bianca O'Brien for Tatler UK August 2021

Thomas Cooksey's 'Sea Fever' with Bianca O'Brien for Tatler UK August 2021 

Model Bianca O’Brien is styled by Rachel Bakewell in ‘Sea Fever’, luxury fashion elegance at water’s edge lensed by Thomas Cooksey [IG] for Tatler UK August 2021./Hair by Jamie McCormick; makeup by Elias Hove

Ling Chen in 'Midas Touch' by John-Paul Pietrus for Vogue Singapore July 2021

Ling Chen in 'Midas Touch' by John-Paul Pietrus for Vogue Singapore July 2021 

Model Ling Chen is styled by Jamie-Maree Shipton in this John-Paul Pietrus [IG] fashion story for Vogue Singapore. The images called ‘Midas Touch’ are shot in the gorgeous English countryside near Lavenham./ Makeup by Adam de Cruz; hair by Yoshitaka Miyazaki

Mame Wade Torches ELLE France July and ELLE UK June 2021 by Laurie Bartley

Mame Wade Torches ELLE France July and ELLE UK June 2021 by Laurie Bartley AOC Fashion

Mame Wade and Laurie Bartley have delivered some of the most scorching images of the 2021 summer season. Yes, red everything is a visual assist, but Wade might as well be driving a red Ferrari in these images — first in the June 2021 issue of British Elle — now in the July 2021 issue of ELLE France.

AOC shares four new images in the French ELLE July edition, and the original fashion story from British ELLE June 2021. We rarely use phrases like ‘commanding presence’ or ‘scorched earth’ but all the superlatives apply in these Mame Wade images by Laurie Bartley.