Charlize Theron Launches J’Adore Absolu Lady Squad Sensual Goddesses Campaign

THEN: The dazzling Charlize Theron continues in her relationship with Dior Parfums as the face of J’Adore Absolu fragrance.

The film was directed by Romain Gavras, and is a true tribute to the beauty and community of women. Over the song “Flashing Lights” by Kanye West, the new-look lady squad shows off their proud prowess. 

Carmen Kass J’Adore 1999

The new Dior J'adore L’absolu campaign, where Theron is seen bathing in a pool of gold, reminds us of the famous 1999 campaign featuring the supermodel Carmen Kass.

This time, though, the sensual-yet-powerful character Theron portrays is not alone, as she was in the 2011 campaign below — Anne’s favorite. Theron is surrounded by a diverse array of women who share an ethereal quality.

The scene is inspired by the painting ‘The Turkish Bath’ by Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres. Both the campaign and artwork integrate the eroticism of the naked female form into the relaxed sensual communion that women share apart from the male gaze.

"I think the diversity in the Dior campaign represents what is real in the world today," continues Theron. "As I’ve got older I’ve come to understand that beauty is not what I saw when I was 15 years old in adverts. It is not just this one face, this one look, this one skin colour. It's way more diverse and interesting than that. South Africa, where I was raised, was a cultural melting pot and I can remember walking down the street and being the minority. That gave me an awareness that I'm part of something bigger. I've travelled to different places and spent time with people who are different from those I was raised around, too. I think that experience has truly led me to understand that we can’t just be that one picture and we have to be able to find a way to show that life is more than that."

J’adore Charlize Theron 2011

This remains my favorite Charlize Theron Dior fragrance commercial, but I agree that her new one makes a larger statement on women’s values and identities as a collective statement. In this 2011 film, I loved Charlize’s message that sensuality is not grounded in expensive jewelry, but a woman’s self image and inner mindset. At the time, its message was unique in saying that a woman’s identity is not the summation of her possessions, and I found it so timely. ~ Anne