Gracing Pages: MADONNA Graces The Pages of Interview Magazine

MAGAZINE: Interview
NEWSTANDS: May 2010
MODELS: Madonna
PHOTOGRAPHER: Marcus Piggott, Mert Alas
WEBSITE: http://www.interviewmagazine.com/
NOTES: ‘Like a prayer’, Madonna shot by Mert + Marcus for Interview May 2010. Love her or hate her, the queen of pop nabs the cover of this month’s Interview photographed by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott. Taking on ensembles from the likes of Versace, L’wren Scott and Givenchy, the musician gets rebellious with the help of lace, leather and a few dangerous accessories styled by Karl Templer.

How has Madonna the singer, dancer, actress, writer, activist, shape-shifting re-inventor eternal controversialist, fashion icon, newly minted film director, and toned single mother of four, managed to become one of the most influential artists of multiple generations? By choosing “dare” every single time.

Here are some highlights from his interview.

GUS VAN SANT: Hey, Madonna.

MADONNA: Gus, is that you?

VAN SANT: Yes. I’m at my house in L.A., just reading the paper.

MADONNA: Are you living in L.A. now?

VAN SANT: I still live in Portland [Oregon], but I have a place in L.A., and I’m starting to work on this film down here.

MADONNA: You’re always working on a film.

VAN SANT: Usually.

MADONNA: But that’s what you do.

VAN SANT: It’s my habit. [laughs] I heard you’re going to Africa.

MADONNA: Yeah. I go to Malawi twice a year. It’s where two of my children were adopted from, and I have a lot of projects there that I go and check up on and children who I look after. It’s sort of a commitment that I’ve made to this country and the hundreds of thousands of children there who have been orphaned by AIDS. I made a documentary about it [I Am Because We Are, 2008], and it’s just become part of my life. I’m going to meet with Jeffrey Sachs [the economist]. I’m sure you’ve heard of him. He’s starting a global education initiative, and I’m going to be his Girl Friday, so to speak. We’re going to hold a press conference to talk about the school for girls that I’m building in Malawi. It’s kind of our way of making sure that every kid has a chance to have an education-more specifically girls, but boys as well. Girls, though, in a lot of developing countries don’t have the opportunity to go to school, nor are they encouraged to go to school, so what we’re doing is the beginning of a dream. But I’m going to Malawi for lots of reasons.

“I think it’s good to get into arguments with people and have them say, “That sucks” or “You’re crazy” or “That’s cheesy” or “What do you think of this?” If anything, it helps you understand what you believe. —Madonna

“Seymour Stein is the person who signed me and gave me my first record deal, which was my only record deal… He was in the hospital, and he had me come in to visit him… He made me bring my boom box and play my music for him. He was laying there in bed in his boxer shorts and a wife-beater.—Madonna”

For more on MADONNA, check out the rest of her interview + watch the video at Interview Magazine.

Check out some more photos of Madonna below….

Photo Credit: Interview

Gracing Pages: Justin Timberlake Graces Elle US

Magazine: ELLE US
Newstands: September 2009
Gracing  Star: Justin Timberlake
Stylist: Joe Zee
Photographed by: Carter Smith
Website: www.elle.com
Notes: Justin Timberlake in a fashion spotlight for the September issue of American Elle Magazine, photographed by Carter Smith. Log on to elle.com for more info.

All On The Cover: Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett Cover Vanity Fair

Magazine: Vanity Fair
Published: September 2009
Cover: Farrah Fawcett / Michael Jackson
Photography by Annie Leibovitz and Bruce McBroom
Website: http://www.vanityfair.com

With the September issue Vanity Fair gives tribute to two modern day legends lost in the same day, Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett. Jackson cover includes a photo of the superstar by Annie Leibovitz, with an interview retrospective by contributing editor Lisa Robinson.

In her article “The Boy Who Would Be King,” one of two cover stories in the September 2009 issue, Robinson recounts numerous interviews with Jackson, beginning with their first meeting at his family’s home in Encino, California, in 1972, when Michael was 14.

Farrah‘s cover was photograped by Bruce McBroom taken in 1976 on the same day she was photographed in her famous red bathing suit.

Subscribers are already randomly receiving the covers, while others can pick up a copy of the September 2009 issue of Vanity Fair, available on newsstands in New York and Los Angeles on August 5 and nationwide on August 11.

Source: Vanity Fair

All On The Cover: Kate Winslet Covers Harper’s Bazaar

Harper’s Bazaar August 2009 issue is covered by Oscar winner, Kate Winslet, photographed by Peter Lindbergh in New York City.

That’s not her first pics for this magazine. During her fashion life she has booked more than 5 various Harper’s Bazaar covers. This is her 6th cover girl photosession for this magazine.

On the cover pic she wears a white wool crepe dress, $1,795, by Michael Kors, Chopard earrings. In the pics where Kate is on the tower above NY she wears Ralph Lauren Collection silk dress $8,000, Cartier Bracelet (left), $3,850, Chopard Bracelet (right).

In the interview she speaks about her parents, Oscar winning, about her weight and style.

About her body:

“I’ve heard, ‘Oh, she’s toned and she’s lost weight,’ but I am exactly the same as I’ve always been. The one thing that had to go during awards season was exercise. People would say to me, ‘Oh, come on …’ like I was lying about it!”

“Some may find it hard to believe it, but I don’t care about that stuff.”

About her favorite beauty products:

Renergie is really, really fantastic. Resolution eye cream — excellent for puffiness! Pink Parfait Magic Blush, which I just love … and Absolute Rouge is spectacular. Sam and I went out to the theater one night, and I double kissed everyone and it didn’t come off!” Pause. “Actually, I don’t double kiss. Just one will do, thank you.”

About being Lancome face:

I really thought, me?” she says. Lest she seem disingenuous, she insists, “Seriously. Because I think what you feel like as a teenager never really goes away. If you were teased for being fat or thin or having bad teeth, you’re always insecure about that particular area of yourself. So I’ve never thought of myself as any kind of beauty, iconic or otherwise.”

About growing up:

The growing-up-fast part weirdly happened between the ages of 15 and 22. When everyone was out getting plastered, I didn’t do all of that. I was working. I was doing life. Now that I look back, I feel very lucky. I’ve never taken drugs, never been offered cocaine. And I’ve done a heck of a lot
of traveling: India, Australia, Morocco, New Zealand. You have to rely on your resources when you’re away; you have to think quickly [and] grow up quickly.”

Read more in Harper’s Bazaar

CLICK THROUGH TO SEE MORE IMAGES OF KATE!

“What do you think of Kate Winslet‘s shoot?”

All On The Cover: Lindsay Lohan Covers Vogue España

Lindsay Lohan as Marylin Monroe for Spanish Vogue August 2009…

Vogue is always hot and when it comes to summer Vogue is always promises a number of surprises. As to me there is the only one interesting Vogue August 2009 cover that presents one of the most exciting photoshoots of this month. I am talking about Lindsay Lohan as Marilyn Monroe for Spanish Vogue. These shots can be named everything but boring!

From reenacting Marilyn Monroe’s 1962 nude photo shoot for New York Magazine to inking herself with a famous Monroe quote, it’s no secret that Lindsay Lohan idolizes the iconic blonde bombshell. And she’s at it again! The starlet recently channeled Marilyn Monroe for a Spanish Vogue pictorial shot by photographer Alix Malka in the Hollywood Hills to run in the magazine’s August issue.

Andy LeCompte, who styled Lohan’s blonde wig for the shoot, told PEOPLE at the time, “Putting on a character is very inspiring for her. She loved it. She was putting on such a character. She’s always game to experiment with that.”

CLICK THROUGH TO SEE MORE IMAGES OF LINDSAY!

“What do you think of Lindsay Lohan’s Marilyn Monroe shoot?”

All On The Cover: Lindsay Lohan Covers Elle UK

Lindsay Lohan Sparkles in Photoshoot with Stolen Diamonds…

Lindsay Lohan graces the cover of UK ELLE magazine’s September 2009 issue. The photo shoot took place in London and received a huge amount of media attention when it was discovered that some of the designer jewels from the shoot went missing.

Lindsay is looking sexy in this photosession for Elle. However, her sexuality doesn’t bedazzled the thieves and they managed to steal the Dior diamond jewelery. The only gems left for Lindsay were a couple of bracelets.

It sounds amazing and unbelievable, but police is still investigating the case. Elle magazine has no intention of blaming Lohan for this theft. Lindsay in her turn is furious since she is fed up of being a scapegoat.

The magazine hits newsstands in Britain on Wednesday and in addition to photos, carries a story about the chaotic few days that it took to get the shoot and story completed.

So they say….Lohan IS known to be high maintenance. The ELLE design team gave her high praise for her work on the project.

CLICK THROUGH TO SEE MORE IMAGES OF LINDSAY!

Source: chicstories/bittenandbound

“What do you think of her shoot?”

All On The Cover: Vanessa Hudgens Covers InStyle Makeover

Vanessa Hudgens strikes a pose on the cover of InStyle’s special makeover issue wearing a Salvatore Ferragamo dress and Tom Binns necklace. 

Check out this interview Vanessa Hudgens did with InStyle to find out about her style icons, hair horrors, and more! 

How has your style changed since you’ve been in the spotlight?
When I was younger I wasn’t into fashion or taking big risks. Then I started paying attention to Nicole Richie and Mary-Kate Olsen and all their different looks. That inspired me. And also you learn about your body; it takes a while to know what looks good on you.

Most important lesson?
I’ve learned that short-short skirts are not the way to go. I went through that phase at 13, so I never need to go there again! I did my Hollister bell-bottom thing; then I couldn’t live without my Frankie B. jeans, little ballet flats, and T-shirts. That was cute, fun and easy.

Does Zac [Efron, Hudgens’s boyfriend] have any opinions about what you wear?
Well, truthfully, I wear what I want. It’s not about a guy, really — no disrespect — I’m just saying that I dress for myself. My style has evolved into something I’m proud of. Of course, I’m still changing and my style will too. That’s the fun of fashion!

The “Bandslam” star looks cute and casual in a Forever 21 tank.

Let me guess: Drawer full of hair tools?
Oh yeah. I’ve got a Chi ceramic flattening iron, four curling irons in different sizes, and at least two blow-dryers. One stays in the suitcase.

So if this Hollywood thing doesn’t work out, you could always be a stylist…
I’m pretty good, but my hair is always better when someone else does it! My arms get tired, and I don’t have the patience.

When you straighten your hair, you look so different.
I know! It’s weird. I’ll walk into a room and my friends don’t recognize me. It’s fun to feel so transformed by changing something so simple.

Have you always had long hair?
I had short hair only once in my life. When I was 7, I cut it myself, which I think every girl does — once. I gave myself a bob and bangs. It was really sad. I looked like I had worms on my head.

Vanessa goes glam in a Emanuel Ungaro silk top.

Any other hair disasters?
I went through a stage where I had burgundy hair, which was frightening. And I had light brown hair with light blond highlights. My friend said it looked like I’d dipped my hair in ashes. It looked so bad.

When it comes to beauty, who do you look up to?
Jennifer Lopez is downright gorgeous. She’s mastered her glow. I got kind of lucky with the glow too. It’s the Filipino in me from my mom, who has got the most amazing skin. I’m crossing my fingers that I’ll take after her.

Is the gym part of your morning routine?
It changes constantly, but recently I’ve been working out with a trainer at home. I’m doing an action movie called “Sucker Punch,” which is going to be a lot of hard work, so I have to be ready for it. We do weights and a lot of cardio. She makes me run up and down my stairs 10 times. I have a three-story house, so it’s definitely tiring.

Read More of Vanessa’s Exclusive Interview Here!

Source: OMG!

All On The Cover: Usher Covers Vegas

Usher covers Vegas Magazine and from the looks of it, it seems like he’s back to the way his fans love him.

The magazine quoted him saying, In time I’m going to grow older, but I hope that I can be remembered for being a great father to my sons, a gentleman, and a renaissance man.”

Trying to pin down what Usher has been up to lately could take hours of interviews and a river of ink. At the moment, he’s set to release his sixth studio album, “Monster”, as well as the third fragrance in his collection, VIP. Then there’s his philanthropy work and his eponymous foundation (through which 20 teens will get to direct the first video off Monster). On top of all that, he’s the father of two young sons, one-and-a-half-year-old Usher Raymond V and seven-month-old Naviyd Ely Raymond. (“That’s all I need, a daughter to make me superweak,” he jokes about adding to his brood.) In June, he announced his separation from his wife of two years, Tameka Foster.

With this much going on in his life, it’s no wonder that Usher sequestered himself and his crew in Las Vegas to produce Monster. Usher and his team, including music superstars Pharrell, Jermaine Dupri and Bryan-Michael Cox, rented out the third floor of the Palms Resort Casino, then made a daily commute to the resort’s in-house recording studio, where everyone from Elton John to Mary J Blige to Axl Rose has laid down tracks. “Vegas is good livin’, a product of positive energy, upward thinking,” Usher says. “Every time we’d go out to a club, there would be motivation there. [Recording in Vegas] allowed me to open my mind and just be creative and think outside the box.”

He even discusses how he plans on being back real lovemaking music for the masses:

“The sex in music, the good sex in music, the lovemaking in music, we’ve begun to depart from it. Right now it’s all about hitting it and quitting it. I think there are a ton of women out there who want to be made love to and want to have that song going that they really want to make love to.”

Check out more photos and a video of the photoshoot below.

Source: Upscaleswagger/Stuff Fly People Like/Roc4Life

“What do you think of his cover shot?”

Gracing Pages: Glamour Magazine Honors American Icons

Paula Patton as Billie Holiday

As an aspiring singer, Holiday suffered sexual abuse, struggled with a drug habit and encountered racism everywhere. But the late Lady Day—one of the first African American women to sing with an all-white orchestra—translated all of that pain into some of the most achingly personal songs ever recorded. (Download “Strange Fruit,” which she sang at her 1948 Carnegie Hall concert, and listen for yourself.)

“You can imagine that women at home hearing her songs on the radio felt her vocalizing their emotions and their struggles.”—Paula Patton, 33, of the upcoming drama Push, wearing Holiday’s trademark gardenia in her hair

Chanel Iman as Althea Gibson

After years of playing segregated tennis, the late Althea Gibson tore down the color barrier of competition in 1950, when, at age 23, she became the first African American to compete in major U.S. championships—and, in 1957, the first to win Wimbledon. In her crisp whites, “the Jackie Robinson of tennis,” as she was known, won 11 major titles.

“She showed women…you can be sweaty, be gorgeous and do a great job.”—Chanel Iman, 19, cohost of MTV’s House of Style.

America Ferrera as Dolores Huerta

A fierce advocate for migrant farmers, Huerta cofounded, with César Chávez, what became the United Farm Workers of America. In 1975 she played a critical role in enacting policies that allowed workers to bargain for better wages and conditions. Today, at age 79, Huerta continues to be active—last year she campaigned for Hillary Clinton’s presidential run.

“She saw her own opinion and voice as [something as] powerful as any man’s.”—America Ferrera, 25, of ABC’s Ugly Betty, holding a sign that reads “strike” in Spanish

Lindsay Lohan as Madonna

In 1984 Madonna told American Bandstand host Dick Clark that her dream was to “rule the world.” Months later she was on her way—her album Like a Virgin skyrocketed to number one on the Billboard charts. She’s been a pop-culture powerhouse ever since, and last year, Sticky & Sweet was the highest-grossing tour by a solo artist ever.

“When I was little, every day after school I would come home and put in her The Immaculate Collection disc and karaoke to it around the whole house.”—Lindsay Lohan, 22, of the upcoming film Labor Pains, re-creating Madonna’s 1984 MTV Video Music Awards performance of “Like a Virgin”

Alicia Keys as First Lady Michelle Obama

Not only is Obama the first African American filling the position, but she’s already making best-dressed headlines for a style that ranges from couture to J.Crew. Raised in Chicago, Obama, 45, powered on to Princeton and Harvard Law School before beginning a career during which she met, mentored and married our current President. Hail to our newest smart, opinionated, chic First Lady!

“She has worked hard for everything she’s accomplished, and done so with grace and humility. So many women and girls can identify with her story.”—Alicia Keys, 28, whose most recent album is As I Am.

Source: Glamour Magazine

“These images are amazing!” I’m going outt o buy this issue. This is going to be one-of-a-kind.” For more on the magazine check out Glamour.com.