Anna Cleveland as Maria Callas

Model Anna Cleveland channels the spirit of opera singer Maria Callas, who would have turned 100 on December 2 in Vogue Greece’s December 2023 cover story.

Nicholas Georgiou styles Cleveland, who as Maria Callas expresses ‘La Divina’s’ appetite for a luxurious, glamorous lifestyle and fashion diva status, in addition to her global fame as an opera star. Designers include Balmain, Dior, Fendi and more.

Cleveland’s love of glamorous clothes is lensed by master photographer Richard Phibbs [IG] in ‘The Jetsetter’. / Makeup by Athina Karakitsou; hair by Christos Bairabas

Thanks to Richard’s great help with details, we know the photoshoot took place in Greece at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a remit of the Ministry of Culture, and also at the Onassis Library, contracted via the Onassis Foundation [IG]. The piano is Callas’ own, which once stood on the deck of the Onassis yacht Christina.

Phibbs calls out The Dolli Acropolis Hotel [IG] as his “new favorite hotel in the center of Athens.”

Maria Callas As a Fashion Diva

Luxury houses Valentino and Dolce & Gabbana frequently referenced Callas style after her death. The opera star worked with a Milanese dressmaker, Madame Biki, and preferred celebrated designers such as Christian Dior, Lanvin and Yves Saint-Laurent. These designers contributed to her stage costumes, as well as her personal wardrobe.

In Phibbs’ images, Anna Cleveland references Callas’ beloved miniature poodle, Toy, and also Pixie and Djeddas. Callas famously said:

“Only my dogs will not betray me.”

Just as Callas commanded the audience’s attention the moment she opened her mouth on stage, she turned heads off stage with her dramatic visual presence, supported by her extraordinary wardrobe.

Angelina Jolie as Maria Callas

Callas’ life is now the focus of Chilean auteur Pablo Larraín’s upcoming biopic ‘Maria’, starring Angelina Jolie. Early images released of Jolie as Callas bear a stunning resemblance to the opera diva, and she will wear some of Callas’ real clothes in the film.

Larrain, who is best known for the biopic films “Jackie,” about Jackie Kennedy, played by Natalie Portman, and “Spencer,” about the life of Princess Diana, played by Kristen Stewart, said about ‘Maria’: “Having the chance to combine my two most deep and personal passions, cinema and opera, has been a long-awaited dream.”

Maria Callas Biography

Maria Callas was born on December 2, 1923, in New York City, the daughter of Greek immigrants Evangelia and George Kalogeropoulos. Seventeen years later, she would launch her famous career, as arguably the greatest opera diva of all time.

Raised in a household that valued music and art, Maria's passion for singing emerged at a young age. At just thirteen years old, Maria's parents decided to move back to Greece with their two daughters.

With the guidance of her mentor, Elvira de Hidalgo, Callas honed her skills and made her professional debut in 1941. Her early career saw her performing in various European opera houses, steadily gaining recognition for her unique and powerful voice.

A Master of Expressing Raw Emotion

Maria Callas was known for her remarkable vocal range and versatility. Her ability to effortlessly transition from delicate and ethereal notes to intense and dramatic climaxes left audiences spellbound. Her interpretations of iconic roles such as Norma, Tosca, and Medea showcased her immense talent and emotional depth. Callas had a unique gift for infusing her performances with raw emotion, capturing the essence of each character she portrayed.

Beyond her vocal prowess, Callas was also recognized for her physical presence on stage. She possessed a magnetic charisma that drew audiences into her world. Her expressive face, commanding gestures, and ability to convey emotions through subtle movements added an extra layer of intensity to her performances. Callas' artistry captivated both opera aficionados and those new to the genre, transcending language barriers and touching the hearts of diverse audiences around the globe.

Callas and Personal Entanglements

Callas found herself entangled in numerous controversies that overshadowed her artistic achievements. Her tumultuous relationship with Aristotle Onassis, a Greek shipping magnate, captivated the media's attention. Their affair scandalized society as Onassis left his wife for Callas before ultimately leaving the opera star for Jacqueline Kennedy, the widow of President John F. Kennedy.

Callas' association with Onassis not only affected her personal life but also had repercussions on her career and emotional reserves. The diva faced criticism in later years for cancellations and fluctuations in her vocal abilities.

Maria Callas passed away at the age of 53 in 1977 due to heart failure.

While Angelina Jolie’s movie version of Maria Callas won’t be released until 1924, a Maria Callas Museum has opened in central Athens.

The Long Tail of a Big Impression

Despite the adversities she encountered, Maria Callas' impact on the world of opera remains indisputable. Large numbers of opera lovers consider her to be the greatest ever. Callas’ recordings and live performances continue to be revered worldwide as benchmarks of excellence.

Her influence and life story continue to inspire subsequent generations of singers to embrace the emotional depth and vulnerability that she exemplified. No one has ever suggested that this aspect of the Maria Callas persona was fake.

Through the lens of Greek history and philosophy, and the worldwide impact of Greek playwrights and writers, the Maria Callas narrative fits into a grand story about the greatness of life and also its vagaries. Maria Callas knew both — but perhaps not her own role in them. Jolie’s interpretation of events should be interesting. ~ Anne