Women’s News, Interviews and Analysis
/ Anne Enke
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Malala Yousafzai Brings Wit and Grit to GQ Hero Interview, Lensed by Elizaveta Porodina
Shot-in-the head while sitting on her school-bus in 2012, Taliban gunman survivor Malala Yousafzai was among the British GQ Heroes 2025 honored in early July. AOC notes that Brunello Cucinelli was also among the artists, activists and radical thinkers at the two-day event and on the cover of British GQ’s special issue. We must track him down.
GQ’s interview by Adam Baidawi launches on a private practice golf range an hour southeast of London. And she is giving him instructions.
The Uncomfortable Truths for Activists
Much of the interview is devoted to all the back-sliding happening around the world on women’s rights — and especially in Afghanistan, where Malala is deeply involved in girl’s education. And how activism has gone lukewarm in many countries around the world.
Badawai asks a critical question:
What’s an uncomfortable truth about the work that you do?
Nicole Kidman News: Clé de Peau Beauté Ambassador, Portugal Residency, 2015 Playing Gertrude Bell
Actor Nicole Kidman made news last week with her skincare routine under scrutiny, now that the ‘Moulin Rouge’ actor became a new global ambassador for Clé de Peau Beauté [IG].
Clé de Peau Beauté has never pursued a superficial, external approach to physical beauty and the appointment emphasizes the shared values between the beauty brand and Nicole Kidman’s actions as a humanist.
Intelligent, Intentional, Illuminating Beauty
As a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador, the actor dedicates herself to advancing gender equality, supporting education, and combating violence against women. Her humanitarian work echoes Clé de Peau Beauté’s core mission: to empower individuals and transform beauty into a vehicle for confidence, purpose, and positive impact.
Comparing the Cretan and Mediterranean Diets, Dorit Revelis Style in Harper’s Bazaar France June 2025
Israeli model Dorit Revelis is among the most naturally-sensual of our young models; and the beauty industry has embraced her sensual DNA as well. Authenticity is a buzzword of the decade, but Dorit projects a beauty that is both ancient and modern, traits that make it authentic and not contrived.
These images by her ‘love’ Dudi Hasson [IG] for Harper’s Bazaar France [IG] June 2025 issue belong to a beauty story called ‘Le Nouveau Régime Crétois’.
Crete and The Dawn of Minoan Civilization
The Minoan civilization represents the dawn of Crete's history, flourishing during the Bronze Age from approximately 2600 to 1100 BCE. This civilization, named after the legendary King Minos, is considered Europe's first advanced society, showcasing a high degree of sophistication and complexity.
Crete was largely conquered by the Myceneans around around 1450 BCE. And while their diets were compatible in many ways, one distinctive feature is that the Cretans ate fish and the Myceneans were heavy meat eaters.
Doechii Covers British Vogue August 2025 Issue, Lensed by Elizaveta Porodina
I’ll not derail this spectacular British Vogue [IG] August 2025 issue cover story starring Doechii, with the origin of the expression ‘hell on wheels’. Or how it morphed into a gender-specific phrase applied to women.
Stella Greenspan styles Doechii in regal clothes from top luxury houses, lensed by Elizaveta Porodina.
Vogue writer Jazmine Hughes, author of Doechii’s cover story ‘“I Was Born To Do This”: Hip-Hop Disruptor Doechii On The Year She Entered The Stratosphere’ covers a wide berth in the interview.
Life is good for Florida’s self-described Swamp Princess, who grew up in Tampa, Fla. Here we get a taste of Doechii’s sound.
Sharon Stone Is Modern Goddess with Ancient Roots in Vogue Adria June 2025
Actor, activist, humanist and hardcore ballbreaker Sharon Stone is the cover star of Vogue Adria [IG] June 2025. Stone is joined by models Gabriel Aubry and Adam Senn in a provocative fashion story styled by Paris Libby.
Photographer Branislav Simoncik [IG] captures the visual narrative that reminds us of 90s Gianni Versace, Dolce & Gabbana and even Valentino. It intrigues me to review French luxury brands and Italian brands historically on this idea.
In its simplest form, Sharon Stone is a glass half full person. And she is the consummate ballbreaker.
Right wingers insist that ballbreakers are narcissistic women consumed with our own self-image and self-contained universe. In fact, ballbreakers are more likely to be exactly the opposite.
Sydney Sweeney Talks New Films 'Eden' and 'Echo Valley' for W Magazine Summer 2025
With a short but punchy interview Lynn Hirschberg runs a trifecta with the actor about her upcoming 2025 releases.
Professionally, Sweeney appears this summer in ‘Eden’, a survival thriller set in the Galápagos Islands. She also plays Claire, a devious and compelling character drug addict in Apple TV+’s new thriller ‘Echo Valley’.
Sydney Sweeney Plays Boxer Christy Martin
In her third upcoming 2025 release this fall, Sweeney gained more than 30 pounds to play breakthrough female 90s boxer Christy Martin.
The real story of the rise to welterweight champion of the coal miner’s daughter from West Virginia — is much more complicated than previously told.
Will Sydney Sweeney tell the entire story?
A Dual Hyperbaric Chamber Meetup
The irrepressible, uber-talent Nicole Kidman rolls on with life, inviting Allure Magazine Summer 2025 to meet her for am atypical bodyshop tuneup.
There’s a reason why fashion story interviews typically happen separately from the fashion shoot. Can you imagine photographer Dan Beleiu [IG] getting a message that he will be shooting Nicole Kidman [IG] for the May 2025 issue of Allure Magazine’s beauty issue in a hyperbaric chamber in Nashville?
In NK’s case, her career just does not slow down. Ever since she wore the MiuMiu mini skirt, remaining oblivious to the morality-infused angst of younger women that Kidman should act her age, the red head with bangs staring back at us has been on fire.
For Sagrada Feminidad, Jewelry Is an Act of Resistance Lensed by Alina Gross
Sagrada Feminidad [IG] is a Mexican jewelry brand that reclaims and celebrates sacred femininity through bold, handcrafted designs.
Founded over 5 years ago by Cynthia Cortes, each piece — or amulet — is a tribute to the female body, created to honor its power, sensuality, and mystery. Using atypical words to describe jewelry DNA, Cortes’ creations also honor “autonomy, joy and endurance”.
In these images for Sagrada Feminidad, photographer Alina Gross features the tattooed, sun-baked skin of an older woman, a gesture that acknowledges the life experiences and likely-held values of she who embraces and expresses a deep sensuality at an advanced age.
Actor Jodie Comer Knows Quite a Lot About Rage in GQ UK June 2025 Heroes Issue
Actor Jodie Comer is among the British GQ’s Heroes cover stars, lensed by Scandelbergs [IG] for the June 2025 issue and styled by Gerry O’Kane and more for the fashion story ‘How Jodie Comer focused the fury.
Rage in Play ‘Prima Facia’
Rage is not confined to her next film ‘28 Years Later’. Comer’s ‘Prima Facie’, the one-woman play that won her a Tony when it transferred to Broadway in 2023, has been a game-changer for her. The play has also helped her to confront this severe contradiction of inner peace between many men and women.
The play has been so emotionally draining for Comer as an actor, that she prepared for her West End run by sitting and waiting, drowning out the raw negativity about to consume her for 100 minutes with music. Absorbed in the sound and messages of artists Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Alison Goldfrapp and Florence Welch, Comer would steady herself until someone tapped her on the shoulder to tell her it was time to go on. That’s quite a story.
Bella Hadid's Memorable British Vogue June 2025 Interview with Giles Hattersley
In her British Vogue cover interview and fashion shoot, Bella is styled by IB Kamara in chain-mail from Etro and Balmain and embellished tulle from Dolce & Gabbana. Her silk crepe cover dress is Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello.
High jewelry comes from Chopard — for whom Bella is a global ambassador. Earrings and super bangles are from Alexis Bittar.
Clearly, Bella Hadid and photographer Steven Meisel [IG] have excellent chemistry.
British Vogue’s IG descriptor of Bella also resonates. Bella Hadid “gives a riveting glimpse into her complex inner self.”
It’s an indisputable fact that a peculiarity of constitution or temperament surrounds the process of interviewing Bella Hadid. She is an idiosyncratic human being, which is not a negative comment.
Journalist Giles Hattersley is superb in how he handled Bella. In one moment of the interview, Bella really stepped in it with Anne — who still can’t believe how Hadid played right into the hands of the Trump Administration trying to get rid of women in high places.
I beg her mother Yolanda not to let Bella go to Washington with her controversial views, as she suggested she wanted to do.
Dior Ambassador Anna Sawai for Vogue Japan | Dior Pre-Fall 2025 Show in Kyoto
New Zealand-born Japanese actor Anna Sawai [IG] became a Dior ambassador in early February, wearing a custom look designed by Maria Grazia Chiuri to the 2025 Golden Globes. Sawai is best known for her major awards-winning role as Toda Mariko in the "Shōgun" series.
Today Anna Sawai covers the July 2025 issue of Vogue Japan [IG], wearing key pieces from Dior’s Pre-Fall 2025 collection, shown at Kyoto’s Toji Temple in April. The kimono shape used extensively in the Dior collection reflects the Japanese philosophy of understated elegance and harmony with the surrounding environment.
Maria Grazia Chiuri is known for her collaborations with local artisanal communities. In the Kyoto show, she partnered with the historic Tatsumura Textile atelier to produce what Vogue Runway called “craftsmanship nothing short of couture”.
With her commitment to understanding better the design architecture of the kimono — including its unisex modernity — Chiuri created another of her timeless investment-worthy collections, inspiring a word not common among fashion shows to describe the Kyoto experience.
Dior delivered an evening of ‘Grace’. Nice. ~ Anne
Yilhan Hua in Valentino 520 Campaign 2025 and a Look at China's Independent Women
Rising Chinese model Yilhan Hua fronted the Valentino 520 Campaign 2025. Francesca Cefis styled the young woman considered to be a future fashion superstar in images by Liv Liberg [IG].
Standing at 5’11” tall, Hua very much represents modern women in China: accomplished women who aren’t in any hurry to get married.
Many women are choosing to prioritize education and careers over traditional marriage and motherhood, and they are also contributing significantly to China's economy through their spending power. Read the details.
Kaia in Vogue Spain June 2025: "Why did I try so hard not be like someone I admire so much?”
Kaia Gerber covers the June 2025 issue of Vogue Spain, lensed by Amy Troost. Max Ortega styles the ‘Overcompensating’ [Amazon Prime] series actor in Altuzarra, Gabriela Hearst, Mango, Phoebe Philo, Prada, Sportmax and more. The extensive Mango selects are from Gerber’s current collabwith the Spanish brand.
Kaia is lit: she’s lit on literature, learning, her Library Science [IG] bookclub and loving fellow humans very different from herself. The mega-talent in-the-making won AOC over in the i-D Spring 2020 Icons Issue, where Kaia Gerber chatted with her new friend and ‘Slave Play’ playwright Jeremy O. Harris.
The actor, literature lover and top model talent shares very unique insights into her relationship with mom Cindy Crawford. They are very much worth the read.
Rosamund Pike in 'Rare Bloom' Lensed by Emma Summerton for Harper's Bazaar UK June 2025
English actor and producer Rosamund Pike is styled by Leith Clark in Dior fashion, beauty and high jewelry, in advance of her performance this summer in ‘Inter Alia’. Photographer Emma Summerton [IG] captures Pike in ‘Rare Bloom’ for Harper’s Bazaar UK [IG] June 2025.
Pike plays the role of a London Crown Court Judge Jessica Parks, at the top of her successful career, also navigating professional demands and family life. Outside her courtroom, Parks is a karaoke fanatic, a loving wife and good mom. Life is idyllic.
Then an event occurs that throws Judge Parks’ life into chaos, leaving her family life fissured by this searing examination of modern motherhood and masculinity.
Natalie Portman in 'Leading Light' for Vogue Australia May 2025
Natalie Portman is Vogue Australia’s [IG] May 2025 cover star eager to discuss her upcoming movie ‘Fountain of Youth’, which Vogue calls a “globe-trotting extravaganza” that looks like it was fun to make. The movie opens May 23 on AppleTV.
“It was so fun. It was really a dream offer when I got it. Wait, I get to work with Guy Ritchie and John Krasinski? And all these other actors, between Domhnall [Gleeson] and Eiza [González] and Arian [Moayed] and Carmen [Ejogo], who I love so much. . . Vienna was extraordinary and Cairo was a dream. It’s so rare these days to go to the real places.”
Portman pushes back on the issue of aging in ‘The Fountain of Youth’, although she affirms that her beautiful, aging-naturally mother inspires her not to be afraid of physical aging.
Diane Kruger Talks New 'Merteuil' Film with Madame Figaro
Today we find Kruger covering the April 25, 2025 issue of Madame Figaro [IG], where the actor has just finished filming the six episodes of ‘Merteuil’, by Jessica Palud, freely adapted from ‘Dangerous Liaisons’ [1988], which was adapted from ‘Les Liaisons Dangereuses’ [1959], directed by Roger Vadim.
Kruger is styled by Barbara Baumel in images by Thiemo Sander [IG].
Kruger plays Madame de Rosemonde, in the ‘Merteuil’ series, and here we share synchronicity. Just today I wrote about the ancient, global history of courtesans, inspired by a Louboutin Beauty campaign with Daphne Groeneveld.
Her character excels in the art of seduction, Kruger explains. “But she uses her beauty for the sole purpose of being the equal of men, or even their superior. She is a strategist and a manipulator determined not to be locked up in the shackles of the patriarchal society of the time.”
A Global History of Courtesans Thru the Lens of Louboutin Beauty
Today we return to Mesopotamia, asking about the rise of courtesans. Was it a worldwide role for select women, a role crossing many different global cultures but with compatible definitions?
In Mesopotamia Temple priestesses, often referred to as "sacred prostitutes," were involved in religious rites, highlighting a blend of the sacred and the secular that involved sexual service as part of worship. . . These practices are mentioned in the Code of Hammurabi, which provides one of the earliest written references to women who engaged in such roles.
In Greece The concept of the courtesan emerged more distinctly in Greece. . . In India Ancient texts in India also offer early textual evidence of courtesans, with references in ancient texts such as the Arthashastra and the Kamasutra . . . In China The origins of courtesans can be traced back to the Zhou Dynasty, which lasted from approximately 1046 to 256 BC . . . In Italy The origins of courtesanship can be traced back to a complex interplay of social, economic, and cultural factors that emerged during the Renaissance.
In America Yes, there is a record of courtesans in America. But AOC needs to catch up with the facts. After reading about white women courtesans in urban cities like New York and Chicago, we queried the story in New Orleans.
The findings were borderline extraordinary, and we will explain in our next deep dive into red lips women.
Linda Evangelista Wants to Live, As Told to Linda Wells for Harper's Bazaar US May 2025
Supermodel Linda Evangelista covers the May 2025 issue of Harper’s Bazaar US May 2025 as she faces her 60th birthday on May 10th. Evangelista is styled by Carlos Nazario wearing Cartier, Givenchy, Jacquemus, Maison Alaia, Tiffany and more, lensed by Anthony Seklaoui [IG]./ Hair by Mustafa Yanaz; makeup by Dick Page
Evangelista’s relationship with her trauma over a CoolSculpting procedure gone rogue continues to dominate her life. One must process this reality knowing that the 90s superstar has experienced a host of health challenges. CoolSculpting aside, Linda has a 2018 double mastectomy behind her.
"I’ve had all those lung surgeries, oh my God, and my keloids and all the chest-tube scars and my C-section scar. There were a lot of surgeries. I’m cool. I’m fine with those. I won. I’m here. I won.”
This is an usually candid interview with the supermodel, who says she still can’t look at herself in the mirror but — even more important — she is grateful to be alive. Evangelista is in therapy to confront that issue of the mirror, and she also wants to be a grandmother. Just not right now.
A Brief Art History of Female Sexuality and Flowers Lensed by Alina Gross
German-Ukrainian photographer Alina Gross [IG] knows that for thousands of years, flowers have been used as divine symbols in art and literature. In other eras of significant censorship, flowers thrived as unspoken symbols of erotism and sensuality.
In ancient Egypt, the white lotus was considered the original sacred lotus, existing as a transcendent symbol of creation, fertility and rebirth in the continuous cycle of life.
Similarly, in Greek and Roman mythology, goddesses like Aphrodite and Venus were frequently depicted with roses and other flowers, chosen not only to enhance their beauty but also as symbols of divine allure and sexuality.
How Will Medusa Express Herself As Prada’s Versace Deal Moves Towards the Finish Line?
Luxury brand Versace has often taken its inspiration from Mediterranean mythology, particularly Greek mythology, as evidenced by its iconic Medusa logo.
Making Medusa the symbol of Versace was a daring act, deeply embedded in ancient history and the takedown of women by a rising patriarchy, who sought to control every aspect of women’s lives.
Like Lilith, Medusa was portrayed as demonic — and that was a purposeful act by the ancient-world men in charge.
Donatella Versace’s ongoing involvement with Versace as a brand ambassador, post Prada’s acquisition, is a living — not archived — critical resource. Medusa sits atop the Versace story, and we hope to hear from her soon.
Gisele Bundchen: The Early Years 1996 - 2007 and a Victoria’s Secret Career-Making Contract
Gisele was a rising star model with plenty of work in 1999. It’s almost impossible to believe, but Gisele appeared on 37 international and US covers of ‘Vogue’ alone in 2000.
Then all hell broke loose in a change that put Gisele Bündchen in the financial stratosphere of models.
In 2000, the Brazilian powerhouse signed a five-year contract with Victoria’s Secret, estimated by People Magazine to be worth $25 million. This deal made Bündchen an early member of the Angels sorority and the highest-paid model on the Forbes list for 14 straight years.
In April 2022, Republican State Senator Lana Theis claimed in a campaign fundraising email that State Sen. Mallory McMorrow wanted to "groom and sexualize kindergartners." On April 19, 2022, McMorrow took to the senate floor to defend herself against Theis's accusations, stating:
"I am the biggest threat to your hollow, hateful scheme.”
This week State Sen. McMorrow announced her run for the open Michigan US Senate Seat created by the unexpected retirement of Democrat Senator Gary Peters.
AOC can’t imagine a better Michigan Senate candidate than the forceful, inspiring white-lady ballbreaker Mallory McMorrow, emerging as a tour de force political candidate against MAGA and for Michiganders. McMorrow is a Michigan-based nutcracker in the tradition of ‘Big Gretch’, Michigan Democratic governor Gretchen Whitmer.
Platinum-level model, influencer, businesswoman, mother, writer and proud feminist Emily Ratajkowski is styled by Sandy Armeni in sharply-tailored menswear in classic colors. Photographer Cass Bird [IG] is behind the lens, creating strong images of the platinum-level lady ballbreaker.
Looking at Ratajkowski’s images with respect, I said to myself “Emrata is a platinum level ballbreaker!”
Paris Hilton, Humanist and Brainiac, Covers Grazia Global April by Daniella Midenge
On a sun-drenched rooftop in Venice Beach, California, Paris Hilton [IG] stepped into the spotlight with photographer Daniella Midenge [IG] at her side. The glamorous Hilton was poised to create fashion magic with Midenge for 10 Grazia countries worldwide.
In spring 2023, Hilton responded to an outpouring of positivity and caught-off-guard understanding and support for her unknown, personal journey first revealed in the 2020 Documentary ‘This Is Paris’. Hilton’s response was a new book ‘Paris: The Memoir’.
In explaining the personal revelations in her film, one magazine summed up Paris’ point-of-view perfectly: “I’m Not a Dumb Blonde. I’m Just Really Good at Pretending to Be One.”
Meet the Ballbreakers: 'Corporate Cosplay' Is Serious Business for H&M
The Zara ‘Corporate Cosplay S/S 2025’ drop for H&M, lensed Carlijn Jacobs [IG] captures the sophisticated, powerful approach to corporate dressing very popular in the 1980s.
Post-2024 election analysis shows that the biggest gulf in American politics lies between white, college-degree women and non-college degree white men. Never has a canyon like this one been so extreme.
Testosterone-dominance is fundamental to the American experience, although women had made significant progress for decades in creating a wider platform for success. In 2025, with bro culture ascending again in America, our future is filled with peril.
We were then and still are called ballbreakers, a woman, whose character and behavior may be regarded as threatening a man's sense of power. AOC has called for the rising of True Grit Women, and we are fearless ballbreakers.
Contemporary ballbreakers include Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, Gretchen Whitmer, Jasmine Crockett, and Nancy Pelosi. In my camp: WE NEED TO HUSTLE!
Rianne Van Rompaey's 'Last Dance' As She Leaves Modeling To Be Her Real Self
The infinitely-talented Rianne Von Rompaey covers the April 2025 issue of Harper’s Bazaar France [IG], styled by Emmanuelle Alt in ‘Rianne, Last Dance’. Carlijn Jacobs [IG] photographs the aspiring actor — and perhaps future screenwriter and/or producer.
This may be one of the last times we see the Dutch model in 2024/5 campaigns for Chanel, Chloé, Louis Vuitton, Tom Ford and more. Rianne also does an unusual amount of editorial work — all on this AOC link.
Especially after completing her first short film in fall 2024, working with director David Finlay, Rianne Van Rompaey wants to plunge into this new world of creative opportunities. I watched the 8-minute film this morning —which Rianne wrote, starred in and produced — and was highly impacted by the film itself and Rianne’s superior talents.
Vittoria Ceretti Reveals She Was a Whale in Another Life in Vogue France April 2025
Vittoria Ceretti has a truly original interview in Vogue France. The top model is styled by Alastair McKimm and lensed by Carin Backoff [IG].
In fact, they made her response to an innocent question the headline, even though her response came mid-interview:
"I have always been sure that I was a whale, in a previous life."
Why a whale?
Because she lives in the ocean - I love the ocean as much as it scares me. And they are mammals, so they keep their young with them, even for very long trips.
Ceretti gave him a real opener with that answer, but Mr. Dreyfus wanted none of it. Of course, this was not the ‘end of it’ with Anne and AOC. Read our update and much more of the actual interview on top-of-page link.
'The Leopard' Star Deva Cassel for Madame Figaro March 2025
The visually-stunning, luxurious production, inspired by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa's renowned novel situated in Sicily, premiered on Netflix USA on March 5. During the initial five days, 'The Leopard' accumulated over 3 million global views and secured a spot in the platform's Top 10 across more than 30 nations such as Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Germany, Mexico, and Spain. In Italy, 'The Leopard' swiftly climbed to the No. 1 position.
Deva Cassel plays the role of Angelica Sedara, amid the 1860s fall of the Sicilian aristocracy. She enjoys a high-society romance with Prince Tancredi Falconeri, played by actor Saul Nanni, who is now her lover.
Photographer Branislav Simoncik [IG] photographed Cassel at the Italian embassy in Paris for these sumptuous images of a beautiful young woman destined to rise high in the creative world, in the footsteps of her parents Monica Bellucci and Vincent Cassel.
