Candice Swanepoel's Tropic of C x Agua Bendita Swim in Mushrooms Lovefest

Candice Swanepoel's Tropic of C x Agua Bendita Swim in Mushrooms Lovefest

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.

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Imaan Hammam for Zara Swimwear | Even Stone Age Humans Loved Swimming

Imaan Hammam for Zara Swimwear | Even Stone Age Humans Loved Swimming

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.

These paintings in Egypt’s Al Wahat Al Dakhla Desert depict figures swimming in a naturalistic style, suggesting that swimming was already a part of human culture at that time.

Additionally, 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.

In Christianity, water plays a central role in rituals such as baptism, symbolizing spiritual purification, rebirth, and the washing away of sins. It is viewed as a medium through which believers are cleansed and enter into a new life of faith.

Read on about the role of water in Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and indigenous cultures.

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Gisele Bündchen's Balmain Spring 2024 Campaign by Rafael Pavarotti

Gisele Bündchen's Balmain Spring 2024 Campaign by Rafael Pavarotti

If you believe in the dopamine dressing effects of bold colors on the brain, the new Gisele Bündchen Balmain Spring 2024 campaign is better than a 90% bioavailability liquid infusion of vitamin B.

Gisele, you can use your brain-activation talents in a patriotic way for your second-home country.

Gisele, how about joining forces with Taylor Swift in an American 2024 presidential election get-out-the-vote campaign? No choosing sides; just get folks to register in their states and vote for their preferred candidate.

As Trump bears down on Taylor Swift in the coming months, she could use a shoulder to lean on. Don’t worry, yummy mummy. Just show off your Jiu-Jitsu moves, Gisele, and MAGA will stand down. PS: they say nasty things about you, girl.

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Gisele Bundchen's Bright Red Lips Glam Drop in Alaïa’s Spring 2024 Campaign

Gisele Bundchen's Bright Red Lips Glam Drop in Alaïa’s Spring 2024 Campaign

Supermodel Earth Mother Gisele Bundchen headlines Alaïa’s Spring 2024 campaign with bright red lips and a mile-wide smile. Now, THIS is a glam drop.

The red lipstick blew Anne away — with a big smile. Just two days ago she was saddened by a group of women — ones Anne regards as strong women’s rights activists and people she’s worked with on political campaigns — just crucifying Taylor Swift over her red lipstick.

Lulu, AOC’s AI assistant, reminded her that red lipstick has long been associated with the suffragettes and women’s rights.

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8 of Fashion's Biggest Names Honor Donna Karan Relaunch Lensed by Annie Leibovitz

8 of Fashion's Biggest Names Honor Donna Karan Relaunch Lensed by Annie Leibovitz

In 1992 American designer Donna Karan launched her campaign “In Women We Trust” shot by Peter Lindbergh. That fashion maverick statement about female leadership and competence was celebrated again today — not with America’s first woman president which we’ve all hoped for — but with photographer legend Annie Leibovitz gathering eight models so famous that they can go by their first names without confusion.

Featured in the Donna Karan revival campaign are Amber Valletta, Carolyn Murphy, Cindy Crawford, Imaan Hammam, Karlie Kloss, Linda Evangelista, Liya Kebede and Shalom Harlow.

Photographer Leibovitz shot the campaign in a Brooklyn warehouse, with video by Barbara Leibovitz Hellman and styling by Jessica Diehl.

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EmRata Loves the Beachy Vibe of Victor & Rolf's Flowerbomb Tiger Lily Solar Fragrance

EmRata Loves the Beachy Vibe of Victor & Rolf's Flowerbomb Tiger Lily Solar Fragrance

Netflix announced on Wednesday that Emily Ratajkowski will join the new Lena Dunham series ‘Too Much’, a romantic comedy series created by Dunham and husband Luis Felber.

The announcement is perfect timing for EmRata, who returns as the face of the latest Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Tiger Lily perfume campaign, lensed by Anthony Arquier [IG].

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Barbara Palvin in For Love and Lemons Valentine's Day 2024 Collection

Barbara Palvin in For Love and Lemons Valentine's Day 2024 Collection

Top model Barbara Palvin brings her sensual mix of femininity and seductive, innocent coquette to For Love & Lemons Valentine’s Day 2024 collection, lensed by Carin Backoff [IG].

The History of Valentine’s Day

AOC embarked on a brief history of Valentine’s Day to support these images. It became so complicated with historical data that resonates with 2023 politics in America, that we are backing off and issuing it separately ‘next-door’ to this page.

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Usher's V-Day 2024 SKIMS Mens Campaign Hits on New NBA Alliance

Usher's V-Day 2024 SKIMS Mens Campaign Hits on New NBA Alliance

In advance of his NFL Super Bowl Sunday halftime show, Usher fronts a new campaign for SKIMS Stretch and SKIMS Cotton mens collections.

“Kim’s been a longtime friend of mine who’s always been so supportive of my work, so the opportunity to collaborate together on a campaign that supports both of our highly anticipated launches made total sense,” Usher told the press about his Skims debut. “Launching this campaign ahead of multiple career milestones feels like a full circle moment, with SKIMS.”

The brand will be offering an exclusive version of Usher’s new album, ‘Coming Home’, featuring a bonus track. The Skims product drops on Monday, February 12, noon EST.

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Gucci Resort 2024 Campaign Essentials Lensed by Davit Giorgadze

Gucci Resort 2024 Campaign Essentials Lensed by Davit Giorgadze

Gucci releases images for its Gucci Resort 2024 campaign, styled by Luca Galasso. Models include Abas Abdirazaq, Ellis Ahn, Nyakong Chan, Rayssa Mediros and Seunghoo Kim posing in Gucci essentials.

Photographer Davit Giorgadze [IG] is behind the lens with creative direction by Cedric Murac./ Hair by Claire Grech; makeup by Lucy Bridge

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Cora, Blanca and Georgina Chase a Lauren Ralph Lauren Jamaica Resort 2024 Breeze

Cora, Blanca and Georgina Chase a Lauren Ralph Lauren Jamaica Resort 2024 Breeze

Lauren Ralph Lauren is chasing a Palm Beach breeze or going further south to the Ralph Lauren home High Rock in Jamaica. Set on the highest point of the Round Hill resort which consists of a small hotel and 29 villas on a peninsula, it’s a place of total serenity for Ralph and Ricky and their expanding family.

Models Cora Emmanuel, Blanca Padilla and Georgina Burke are born to embrace the Ralph Lauren spirit. This collection and more treasures coming are revealed on the Lauren Ralph Lauren IG. And if you want to armchair travel to High Rock, Ralph is waiting your arrival.

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Chaumet's Coco Rocha Takes Flight in 'Un Air de Chaumet High Jewellery' Collection

Chaumet's Coco Rocha Takes Flight in 'Un Air de Chaumet High Jewellery' Collection

Chaumet [IG] ambassador and top model Coco Rocha takes flight in Un Air de Chaumet High Jewellery, a new collection capturing the grace of birds with a daring and original approach to design.

Four design concepts anchor the new collection: Ballet, Parade, Flight and Golden Feathers

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Tory Burch SS2024 Campaign Starts a Ruckus in Marfa, Texas with Grace, Ida and Selena

Tory Burch SS2024 Campaign Starts a Ruckus in Marfa, Texas with Grace, Ida and Selena

Tory Burch [IG] strikes up the band, taking her Spring-Summer 2024 Campaign to Marfa, Texas, a small desert town in west Texas. population 1,748. Marfa has a very big reach both east and west as an arts center. Those damn liberals keep showing up in Marfa, trying to wreck the whole state of Texas, from the point of view of Governor Greg Abbott.

In fact, the arrival of this great campaign starring Grace Elizabeth, Ida Heiner and Selena Forrest is deeply political — perfectly timed as a clapback to the freakin’ absurd MAGA meltdown over Taylor Swift this week.

Only Taylor Swift appearing on horseback, disguised as a member of the Texas Rangers, but then jumping off her stallion and into the street guns blazing [in the air] to save Grace, Ida and Selena from an impending arrest would make this advert any better. What is their crime? Disturbing the peace.

Photographer Jamie Hawkesworth [IG] would be stupified over the entire scene but covering all the action from every angle. Meanwhile Brian Molloy does an excellent job styling this production, with hair by Jimmy Paul and makeup by Dick Page.

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Lana Del Ray Fronts SKIMS 2024 Valentine's Day Collection by Nadia Lee Cohen

Lana Del Ray Fronts SKIMS 2024 Valentine's Day Collection by Nadia Lee Cohen

SKIMS is now fearless about firing one volley after another into the prized territory of the once-great Victoria’s Secret lingerie brand.

SKIMS co-ounder Kim Kardashian has broken the Internet more than once, and it happened again this week. SKIMS said in a statement on Tuesday morning, January 23:

"Due to record breaking traffic and unprecedented demand for our Valentine’s Day launch, our Skims site has crashed. Shopify is working to resolve the issue asap.”

Kim Kardashian may be considering the outrageous possibility of suiting up for battle with Victoria’s Secret — as in an aggressive move to buy Victoria’s Secret with backing of the largest VS stockholders.

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Kendall Jenner and A$AP Rocky Stage Bottega 'Viral' Pre-Spring 2024 Campaign

Kendall Jenner and A$AP Rocky Stage Bottega 'Viral' Pre-Spring 2024 Campaign

Bottega Veneta launches the ‘Readymade’ Pre-Spring 2024 campaign, with A$AP Rocky and Kendall Jenner featured in ‘paparazzi style’ images.

The rapper is fresh off becoming PUMA x Formula 1’s new creative director. Note that the new father of son #2 knows the inside business strategies of PUMA, due to partner Rihanna’s longstanding FENTY X PUMA relationship.

The Bottega Veneta campaign was actually shot by paparazzi who license images through Getty Images and Backgrid. The stars are always pursued by street-style photographers, so Kendall Jenner and A$AP Rocky just dressed in the new Bottega Veneta Pre-Spring [Resort] collection and hit the streets — knowing that the images would go viral.

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Sabato De Sarno’s Gucci Ancora Campaign Lensed by David Sims

Sabato De Sarno’s Gucci Ancora Campaign Lensed by David Sims

Gucci Ancora is creative director Sabato De Sarno’s ad campaign for his debut Gucci collection. The director’s choice of the word Ancora is an Italian terms that translates “again” in English.

Gucci Ancora is creative director Sabato De Sarno’s ad campaign for his debut Gucci collection. The director’s choice of the word Ancora is an Italian terms that translates “again” in English.

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Birgit Kos Wears Mermaids in Sergio Rossi's SS 2024 Campaign by Claire Rothstein

Birgit Kos Wears Mermaids in Sergio Rossi's SS 2024 Campaign by Claire Rothstein

Top model Birgit Kos fronts Italian shoemaker Sergio Rossi’s [IG] Spring-Summer 2024 campaign, where all-white leather Mermaid sandals deliver a seductive twist.

Photographer Claire Rothstein [IG] shot the campaign in Sorrento, a coastal town in southwestern Italy. CRothstein also has a long commitment to imagery of strong, sensual, confident women and is the genesis of Girls, Girls, Girls Magazine [IG].

Mermaids have captivated human imagination for centuries, touching ancient civilizations from Mesopotamia to Africa to China.

In ancient civilizations, tales of mermaids emerged as a way to explain the mysteries that lay beneath the vast expanses of water. They should not be confused with sirens, who are half human and half-birds.

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Candice Swanepoel Promotes Hailey Bieber's Rhode Skin Pineapple Refresh Cleanser

Candice Swanepoel Promotes Hailey Bieber's Rhode Skin Pineapple Refresh Cleanser

Candice Swanepoel and Hailey Bieber are two of the smartest women in the fashion and beauty sectors. Now they are teaming up in the launch of Bieber’s Rhode Skin calendar girls, with Swanepoel owning January and July.

Low-Key Cross Promotion

As of this moment, Candice has her @Rhode images on her personal IG, not Tropic of C. That may change in a few days, but Monday, this is Swanepoel’s only action. The sequence of three images and one video has 255,000 likes in 3-4 days.

No fanfare, no endorsements. Just the two women together as the friends they are in real life. Moving over to Rhode [IG], Candice appears again as Miss July and this time she’s carrying a big tube of the new Rhode Pineapple Refresh Cleanser.

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Dolce & Gabbana Spring-Summer 2024 Campaign by Steven Meisel

Dolce & Gabbana Spring-Summer 2024 Campaign by Steven Meisel

Designers Domenico Dolce & Stefano Gabbana work with art director Fabien Baron and stylist Karl Templer to create a Spring-Summer 2024 campaign rich with high-class swagger, penetrating eye confidence, and an attitude that says “judge me at your own risk — because I will take you down.”

With Steven Meisel [IG] on photography, the images will have these ingredients because Meisel often plays high-low with his human subjects. As a result, there are layers of meaning and interpretation that seep out of the images and into our own minds. They are created to be mildly disruptive, another characteristic that makes them interesting and one that Meisel understands deeply.

What AOC loves about Dolce & Gabbana is that their garden is an Italian garden in the same way Loro Piana and Brunello Cucinelli are Italian gardens. But they are planting different crops growing in different parts of Italy and Sicily and Sardinia — from Rome to Milan to Florence and Venice.

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Candice Swanepoel's Business Savvy Takes Tropic of C Henna into Art Basel Miami

Candice Swanepoel's Business Savvy Takes  Tropic of C Henna into Art Basel Miami

Candice Swanepoel’s Tropic of C swimwear shares a new henna pattern, giving us a light touch different from typical swimwear prints and patterns. The henna pattern also sits well against the weathered surfaces of Villa Parodi Delfino [IG], available for rental on the Amalfi coast, a 50-kilometer stretch of coastline along the southern edge of Italy’s Sorrentine Peninsula, in the Campania region.

Swanepoel also lives in Miami, and she launched the Tropic of C henna collection with curator Kimberly Drew, and Vogue's Elise Taylor.

The trio gathered an intimate group of friends for a luncheon with Vogue100, hosted at Jason Wright’s private residence.

Kimberly Drew is best known as the former social media manager for the Metropolitan Museum of Art and her use of the social media handle MuseumMammy [IG].

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