Sunday, August 31, 2025

Feet / Ana de Armas 1

FEET

Ana de Armas 1

BARBARA PALVIN

Born in Budapest, Hungary, on October 8, 1993, Barbara Palvin emerged as one of the most captivating figures in modern fashion. Discovered at the age of 13 while walking the streets of Budapest, her journey from a local schoolgirl to an international supermodel is a story of remarkable determination and charisma. By 2006, she had already appeared in editorials for Spur Magazine, leading to her debut on the global runway for Prada in Milan Fashion Week in 2010. Her fresh beauty and confident presence soon caught the attention of industry giants, with brands like Chanel, Miu Miu, and Louis Vuitton placing her at the forefront of high-fashion campaigns.

ANGIE DICKINSON

Angie Dickinson emerged as one of Hollywood’s most captivating actresses during the golden age of cinema, with her career flourishing notably in the 1960s and 1970s. Born in 1931 in Kulm, North Dakota, Dickinson’s early foray into acting led her to the bright lights of Los Angeles, where she quickly garnered attention for her striking presence and versatile talent. Circa 1964, Dickinson solidified her status with a critically acclaimed role in Rio Conchos, a western that showcased her ability to command the screen alongside stars like Richard Boone. Her versatility shone brightly again in the iconic 1967 film Point Blank, directed by John Boorman, where she played the complex character Lynne, further cementing her reputation in Hollywood’s evolving landscape.

‘Literature can be a form of resistance’: Lea Ypi talks to Elif Shafak about writing in the age of demagogues

Interview

‘Literature can be a form of resistance’: Lea Ypi talks to Elif Shafak about writing in the age of demagogues

The Albanian author of Free and the Turkish novelist discuss the rise of populism, censorship – and how today’s conflicts all come from the unresolved trauma of the past

Alex Clark
Saturday 30 August 2025

Natasha Poly

by Daniel Jackson

Harper’s Bazaar US September 2014
Photographer: Daniel Jackson
Stylist: Clare Richardson
Model: Natasha Poly

TWO WEEKS IN QUARANTINE WITH PHOTOGRAPHER WING SHYA

CHRISTOPHER DEWOLF

OCTOBER 9, 2020

It’s nine o’clock in the evening when Wing Shya answers the phone. The time is no bother for the acclaimed photographer, who has worked with just about every Hong Kong celebrity in existence. “I usually stay up very late,” he says. Besides, there isn’t much else to do: he is on day eleven of a two-week quarantine in Shanghai.

Venom Queen / The Victoria’s Secret Fantasy Bra

THE VICTORIA’S SECRET FANTASY BRA

The Victoria’s Secret Fantasy Bra has long been the pinnacle of luxury and glamour within the fashion world, captivating audiences with its breathtaking craftsmanship and celebrity allure. Circa 1996, the first Fantasy Bra was introduced, worn by model Stephanie Seymour and valued at $1 million. This groundbreaking moment set the stage for what would become an annual tradition, showcasing extravagantly designed bras adorned with precious gems like diamonds, rubies, and sapphires. Over the decades, the Fantasy Bra has become a symbol of opulence, worn by legendary Angels such as Gisele Bündchen, Heidi Klum, and Adriana Lima during the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Shows held in iconic locations including New York City, London, and Shanghai.

Each Fantasy Bra carries a unique story, reflecting the creativity and vision of master jewelers and designers. Circa 2005, Heidi Klum stunned audiences with the $12.5 million “Heavenly Star” bra, encrusted with diamonds, sapphires, and rubies, showcasing an extraordinary level of artistry and detail. These pieces are not just lingerie but wearable art, blending fashion and fine jewelry in a way that epitomizes Victoria’s Secret’s lavish aesthetic. The selection of the model to wear the Fantasy Bra is a coveted honor, symbolizing her status as a leading figure within the brand and the fashion industry at large. This tradition continues to generate excitement and anticipation each year, as fans debate which bra they would choose to wear.

As the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show evolves, the Fantasy Bra remains a timeless highlight, representing both innovation and heritage. Whether opting for a classic diamond-studded design or a bold, colorful gemstone creation, the Fantasy Bra symbolizes the fusion of glamour, craftsmanship, and storytelling. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to inspire dreams of luxury and elegance, captivating generations of fashion enthusiasts around the world. This iconic piece continues to define the mystique and allure of Victoria’s Secret’s runway legacy.

Venom Queen / Hailey Bieber

HAILEY BIEBER

Hailey Bieber, born Hailey Rhode Baldwin on November 22, 1996, in Tucson, Arizona, is a prominent figure in contemporary fashion and entertainment. Emerging from a family deeply rooted in the arts and modeling—her father, Stephen Baldwin, being part of the famed Baldwin acting dynasty—Hailey’s path into modeling began circa 2014 when she signed with IMG Models. Her early career was marked by campaigns for major brands like Ralph Lauren and Guess, establishing her as a fresh face with a distinct blend of elegance and youthful energy. By 2016, Hailey was walking the runway at New York Fashion Week and gaining international attention, showcasing collections for designers such as Tommy Hilfiger and Dolce & Gabbana.

Pink Floyd were my landscape. I was a hippy’ Pierce Brosnan revisits his old London haunts

The former 007 and current star of The Thursday Murder Club goes for a stroll in London’s Camden Town and Primrose Hill. Can he get past the security guard at the Roundhouse, where he once walked a tipsy Tennessee Williams to his car?

By Ryan Gilbey

Friday 29 August 2025

It is a weekday morning and I am standing beside Pierce Brosnan on a deserted backstreet, watching a woman in a hairnet and white wellies hosing down the entrance to a fishmarket. The former James Bond is in full flow. “You know the scene in MobLand where I’ve got my foot on that guy’s throat and Tom Hardy is shooting the shit out of everyone?” He is talking in his rich, buttery burr about the recent series in which he and Helen Mirren play the heads of an Irish crime family. “We shot that right here!” He waves at the woman, who silences her hose temporarily. “Hi, hello,” he calls out. “I shot a television show here called MobLand.” She smiles back at him. “Yes,” she replies sweetly, as though indulging a confused uncle. “No idea, has she?” he chuckles. The hose springs back to life with a hiss.

Cats

CATS

I Don’t Need Anything from Here by László Krasznahorkai

Flash Fiction

I Don’t Need

Anything

From Here

by László Krasznahorkai

July 12, 2017

I would leave everything here: the valleys, the hills, the paths, and the jaybirds from the gardens, I would leave here the petcocks and the padres, heaven and earth, spring and fall, I would leave here the exit routes, the evenings in the kitchen, the last amorous gaze, and all of the city-bound directions that make you shudder, I would leave here the thick twilight falling upon the land, gravity, hope, enchantment, and tranquillity, I would leave here those beloved and those close to me, everything that touched me, everything that shocked me, fascinated and uplifted me, I would leave here the noble, the benevolent, the pleasant, and the demonically beautiful, I would leave here the budding sprout, every birth and existence, I would leave here incantation, enigma, distances, inexhaustibility, and the intoxication of eternity; for here I would leave this earth and these stars, because I would take nothing with me from here, because I’ve looked into what’s coming, and I don’t need anything from here.

Translated, from the Hungarian, by Ottilie Mulzet.

László Krasznahorkai is the author of “Seiobo There Below,” “Satantango,” and the collection of stories “The World Goes On.” In 2015, he won the Man Booker International Prize.

THE NEW YORKER

The Door Between Us By Mieko Kawakami

Flash Fiction

The Door Between U.S.

by Mieko Kawakami

My apartment’s in an old wooden building, built who knows how many years ago, just one story, with two separate units, side by side, stuck between dilapidated houses no one lives in anymore. Imagine three old shacks that would have fallen down already if they weren’t holding one another up, and you’ll get the idea. My living space consists of one tatami room, a tiny kitchen with a single-burner stove, a leaky shower. There’s no storage. Out back, the space for drying clothes is all but taken up by the A.C., and it feels as though the wall of the house behind me is closing in.

Häri Ren II

Häri Ren I

Venom Queen / Megan Fox

MEGAN FOX

Megan Fox was born in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, in 1986, growing up in a small town before moving to Los Angeles in her early teens to pursue acting. Circa 2001, Megan began her career with minor television roles and appearances in independent films, gradually attracting attention for her striking looks and on-screen presence. Her breakthrough came in the mid-2000s with the blockbuster Transformers series, directed by Michael Bay and filmed in locations including California and Australia. Released in 2007, Transformers catapulted Megan to international fame, establishing her as a leading actress in action films and making her a symbol of boldness and charisma. This role not only showcased her ability to handle physically demanding performances but also cemented her place in the modern Hollywood action genre.

Throughout the 2010s, Megan Fox diversified her portfolio by embracing both action-packed and dramatic roles. She starred in films such as Jennifer’s Body (2009), filmed in Toronto, which gained cult status for its unique blend of horror and dark comedy. Despite early typecasting as an action heroine, Megan pursued varied projects to display her range, including independent films and television appearances. Alongside her acting career, she became known for her candidness and outspoken personality, traits that resonated with fans and media alike. Megan’s advocacy for animal rights and vegan lifestyle also became a significant part of her public persona, aligning her with growing social and environmental movements of the 2020s.

By 2025, Megan Fox remains a dynamic force in Hollywood, continuously surprising audiences with new projects that highlight her versatility and dedication. She balances roles in blockbuster franchises with more nuanced characters, proving her adaptability in an ever-evolving industry. Her quote, “You have to embrace your weirdness,” reflects her fearless approach to both life and art, inspiring many to celebrate individuality. Megan’s journey from a Tennessee teenager to a global cinema star encapsulates the transformative power of perseverance and boldness in the entertainment world.

Venom Queen / The icon pinup model style

PINUP

The iconic pinup model style, synonymous with glamour and allure, emerged prominently during the 1940s, captivating America and the world amidst the backdrop of World War II. Circa 1940, artists like Alberto Vargas and Gil Elvgren popularized the pinup girl through magazines, calendars, and posters, creating timeless images of women in playful, often suggestive poses, typically wearing minidresses, high heels, and showcasing toned, long legs. These images became symbols of hope and morale for soldiers overseas, reflecting an idealized femininity blending strength and sensuality. The pinup aesthetic was not merely about beauty but celebrated fitness and confidence, which resonated deeply in an era of uncertainty and change.

MARY-LOUISE PARKER

Mary-Louise Parker was born circa August 2, 1964, in Fort Jackson, South Carolina, a military base that set the stage for her early life of discipline and resilience. Raised in Columbia, South Carolina, Parker cultivated an early passion for the arts, leading her to study theater at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts circa early 1980s. Her formal training and dedication to craft opened doors to the New York theater scene, where she made her mark with compelling performances. By the late 1980s, Parker was establishing herself on Broadway, earning critical acclaim in productions like Prelude to a Kiss (1990) and Proof (2000), showcasing her versatility and emotional depth as an actress.

Osamu Obi II

ANNE-CHRISTINE RODA

PORTRAITS

Anne- Christine Roda is a French artist born in 1974, who defines a highly interpretation of the portrait: in her work the painting is entirely subjugated to the portrayal of man’s fragility. Her choice of subject speaks directly to our everyday lives.

Osamu Obi I

Osamu Obi

Osamu Obi I

Venom Queen / Pamela Anderson

PAMELA ANDERSON

Pamela Anderson, born circa July 1, 1967, in Ladysmith, British Columbia, Canada, rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most iconic figures in pop culture and entertainment. Her early career began with modeling, notably as a Playboy Playmate starting in 1990, which catapulted her into the international spotlight. Anderson’s breakout role came with the legendary television series Baywatch, which she joined circa 1992, portraying C.J. Parker. The show, filmed primarily in Malibu, California, became a global phenomenon throughout the 1990s, blending action, drama, and beach glamour, with Anderson’s character becoming a defining symbol of the era’s television landscape. Her captivating screen presence and distinctive blonde bombshell image solidified her status as a worldwide sex symbol, elevating her to become a household name.

ELLE FANNING

Elle Fanning’s ascent in Hollywood reflects a journey of remarkable talent and artistic evolution, establishing her as one of the most compelling young actresses of her generation. Born in 1998 in Conyers, Georgia, Elle’s early immersion in the film industry was shaped by her family, especially her older sister Dakota Fanning, a celebrated actress in her own right. Circa 2001, Elle’s first onscreen role came as an infant in I Am Sam, a film that starred Dakota, marking the beginning of a promising career. By the late 2000s, Elle was gaining recognition for her performances in films like Somewhere (2010), directed by Sofia Coppola, where her nuanced acting impressed critics and audiences alike, showcasing a maturity beyond her years.

Claudia Cardinale

Claudia Cardinale, born on April 15, 1938, in Tunis, Tunisia, is a towering figure in European cinema whose luminous career spans over six decades. Emerging from her early years in North Africa, Cardinale moved to Italy in the late 1950s, a period when Italian cinema was flourishing with neorealism transitioning to more glamorous productions. Circa 1958, she was discovered after winning a beauty contest, which led to her debut in films such as Goha (1958). Quickly capturing attention with her striking beauty and compelling presence, Claudia became one of the defining faces of Italian and French cinema throughout the 1960s. Her ability to seamlessly embody complex, sensual, and strong female characters earned her international acclaim alongside legendary directors like Luchino Visconti and Sergio Leone.