MISBEHAVE

Naomi Campbell
Magazine: Interview, October 2010
Photographer: Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott

GIVE ME

TWISTED ELEGANCE

The Velvet Rope is the sixth studio album by Janet Jackson, released October 7, 1997. She developed the record as a concept album with introspection as its theme. Its title, The Velvet Rope, relates to an individuals need to feel special—symbolic of literal velvet ropes at events where only Very Important Persons (VIPs) are allowed entry—as well as a metaphor for emotional boundaries. Lyrically, she offers her audience the opportunity to cross her own velvet rope, exploring her feelings of despondency though the course of the album. Although she introduced sexuality into her music with her previous album Janet (1993), The Velvet Rope takes the concept a step further, encompassing sadomasochism and same-sex relationships, in addition to addressing social issues, such as homophobia and domestic violence. Musically, the album blends contemporary R&B, rap, hip hop, and electronic music, with songs ranging from smooth balladry to up-tempo dance rhythms. Referred to as her masterpiece, it has been the subject of critical acclaim. It is listed by Rolling Stone magazine as one of The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.

The Velvet Rope debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, becoming her fourth consecutive album to top the chart. Although considered to be a commercial disappointment in comparison to the Janet record, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certified The Velvet Rope triple platinum, with worldwide sales exceeding ten million copies.

COMFORT ZONE

HAS TO BE

The music video for “The Power of Goodbye” was directed by Matthew Rolston, and was filmed from August 8–10, 1998 at Silvertop House in Los Angeles, California and Malibu Beach. The video shows Madonna and her lover playing chess and ultimately Madonna destroying the chess board, symbolizing an end to their relationship. Madonna also goes walking by the sea, but it is unclear whether she drowns herself in the last scene.

The video created some controversy due to its ending. It is debatable, but many Madonna’s fans believe she commits suicide at the end of the video, drowning herself in the ocean. Just before the music video ends, Madonna is shown on the beach again, happier than before. Therefore, the drowning of her character may represent the element water, which represents rebirth. The use of water-images – as well as the use of the other three elements – was an important part of the album, with the theme appearing in songs, such as “Swim”.

IRREPLACEABLE

Beyoncé
Magazine: Harper’s Bazaar UK, September 2011
Photographer: Alex Lubomirski

STROKED

Yves Saint Laurent
Mascara Singulier ($30.00, yvessaintlaurent.com)

PRODUCT 101: A multi-dimensional mascara that creates dramatically styled lashes with volume, curl, and length. This mascara creates extreme volume, length, and curl, and saturates the root of the lashes like the stroke of eyeliner—creating an intense new type of separation. At the heart of this long-lasting formula, the “Modelling Stretch Complex,” sculpts the lashes in three dimensions: Volumizing micro-spheres thicken the lashes with Pro-vitamin B5 to provide protection, nourishment, and reinforcement of the lashes’ structure; Nylon microfibers extend the lashes like hair extensions; and a high-performance curling wax, helps the brush style the fringe of the lashes for an ideal curve.

A BRIGHTER DAY

“Didn’t Cha Know?” is the second single from Erykah Badu’s 2000 album Mama’s Gun. The song was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best R&B Song for 2001. Mama’s Gun encompasses such musical styles as jazz and soul, and it contains confessional lyrics by Badu, which cover themes of insecurity, social issues and personal relationships. Rolling Stone magazine named it amongst its Top 10 Albums of 2000.

EXTRA BRIGHT

THE REAL MCQUEEN

VIOLET DUSK

Tom Ford Fall/Winter 2011
Photographer: Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott
Model: Candice Swanepoel

BABY IT’S YOU

BEAT GOES ON

The Sticky & Sweet Tour was the eighth worldwide concert tour by Madonna to promote her eleventh studio album, Hard Candy. It began in August 2008 and was Madonna’s first tour from her new recording and business deal with Live Nation. After the tour concluded in 2008, Madonna announced plans of playing a second European leg in 2009 to play in territories she either had never been to or had not played for a long time.

The tour was described as a “rock driven dancetastic journey”. It was divided into four acts: Pimp, where S&M was the main theme, Old School where Madonna’s classic songs were performed, while displaying work of deceased artist Keith Haring, Gypsy, a fusion of Romanian folk music and dance, with the performances ranging from melancholy to joyous, and Rave, where she performed eastern influences.

The Sticky & Sweet Tour broke many records in terms of its ticket sales, commercial gross and audience attendance. After the first leg, it became the highest grossing tour by a solo artist, earning $282 million, breaking the previous record Madonna herself held with her Confessions Tour. Overall, Madonna performed to over 3.5 million fans in 32 countries, grossing a total of US$408 million, making it also the fourth highest grossing tour of all time.

CATTLEYA

HARD CANDY

Yves Saint Laurent
Volupté Sheer Candy ($30.00, yvessaintlaurent.com)

PRODUCT 101: A glossy lip balm. This balm dresses your lips in a sheer veil of brilliant color boosted with vitamin- and antioxidant-rich fruit extract. Its ultra-light, sensual texture leaves lips feeling soft and hydrated for up to eight hours and is ideal for year-round use.

THE FACE

Angelina Jolie
Magazine: Vanity Fair, October 2011
Photographer: Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott

PURE LUXE

Gucci Fall/Winter 2011
Photographer: Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott

KISS ME, KATE

Kate Moss
Magazine: Vogue US, September 2011
Photographer: Mario Testino

JENNY FROM THE BLOCK

Jennifer Lopez
Magazine: Vanity Fair, September 2011
Photographer: Mario Testino

HOLIDAY, CELEBRATION

You must be my lucky star. ‘Cause you shine on me wherever you are.
Happy Birthday, Madonna!