Table of contents for Winter 2020 in Marie Claire

Editor in Chief “Mentorship is all around you if you just open up your eyes and are willing to receive it,” Chase Consumer Banking CEO Thasunda Brown Duckett said on a panel I moderated about empowerment a few weeks ago. It stuck with me. The idea that mentors are everywhere—to our left, to our right, below us, in addition to above us—is something that I’ve found to be true and so valuable in my own career. Just days later, the news that I would be taking on the role of editor in chief at Marie Claire, succeeding Aya Kanai—a woman who became a mentor, friend, and confidante in the months we worked together—would be announced, signaling a new chapter in my own life as well as in this magazine’s. I…

Although the show was still six months away, by November 2019 Christian Dior artistic director Maria Grazia Chiuri had already decided on the location for the maison’s Cruise 2021 collection: her home country of Italy, specifically the Puglia region, and more specifically the small city of Lecce, located in the heel of the boot. Puglia holds a place close to the designer’s heart; her father was born there, and she spent many years of her life visiting. Chiuri was inspired by the energy, the mystical beliefs, and the craftsmanship of the region, and the show was shaping up to be a homecoming of sorts. Then came the shutdowns. When Italy became a COVID-19 epicenter, Dior’s plan for a splashy Cruise presentation on May 9 filled with celebrities, clients, and international…

ANAKATARINA The four elements (earth, air, water, and fire) inspired Ana-Katarina Vinkler-Petrovic’s latest line. Each holds unique powers: Air represents vast potential, while water can purify. As the longtime humanitarian puts it, “by engaging with these connections to the natural world, we can ground our energy to enhance the abundance of our spirit and the life created around us.” ALMASIKA Chicago-based designer Catherine Sarr’s newest collection is called Sagesse, or “wisdom” in French. The designs contain symbols from ancient traditions and proverbs, as well as concentric circles, which have long signified the universe. HARWELL GODFREY Lauren Harwell Godfrey’s Hexed collection is inspired by four personality types: the visionary, the peacemaker, the adventurer, and the lover. There’s a pendant for each persona, complete with a perfectly curated set of stones. The…

CONSISTENTLY BUDGET FOR INCONSISTENT INCOME. Income highs and lows are a not-so-glamorous reality of the lifestyle. Your pay can vary each month, making it difficult to budget. Worse, the average invoice is paid 45 to 90 days after you complete your work. Start planning by listing all of your fixed expenses—monthly and once-a-year bills—to figure out your “nut,” which is the amount you’ll need to make to just break even. Jackie Lam suggests reviewing your spending plan to see where you can cut back; it’ll mean less pressure during those weeks when your paycheck is light. DON’T MIX WORK AND PLAY. Create a dedicated account for business expenditures, like the cost of maintaining your website domain, and another for rent, food, and fun. The separation will make things more seamless…

This month, Karolina, 28, shares how she and her fiancé are saving for their destination wedding in Poland, which was delayed due to the pandemic and is now taking place in October 2021. Sallie Krawcheck, founder of female-focused financial-planning service Ellevest, and Emily Forrest, in-house planning expert at wedding-service platform Zola, offer their tips for nuptial cost savings. Many couples register for money in addition to a traditional gift registry. It’s 100 percent okay to add a dream-wedding or honeymoon fund to help with those costs.—Emily Forrest Keep this money in a high-yield savings account that’s FDIC or NCUA insured. Since the wedding is about a year away, it’s risky to invest this money; if the markets were to take a downturn, you most likely wouldn’t have enough time for…

The Hint of Drama DIOR Diorific Vernis in Golden Snow, $29. The packaging for Dior’s holiday polish is so good, you could just leave it on your shelf. But this glittering topcoat looks even better on. For an understated glimmer, paint over bare nails. For more drama, layer it over a deep shade and take it into disco territory (in a good way). The New Press-Ons CHILLHOUSE Chill Tips in Wavy Baby, $16. Press-ons have gotten an upgrade with Chillhouse tips. The NYC destination for glam manis now offers no-commitment press-ons that can be easily applied and removed at home. Plus, they’re reusable. Put them on before a party, for an at-home photo shoot, or just to up your glam quotient. The No-Dry Mani MANIME Coco Lux Mani, $15. For…

Roe’s Persimmon Ginger Crisp “When you cook the persimmons, they get this creamy, almost sorbet-like texture! Mixed with the cinnamon and the crunchy crumble topping, it’s exactly what anyone would want during the winter months.” PREP THE PERSIMMONS Place a skillet on medium-high heat. Add 5 medium-size Fuyu persimmons 5 medium-size Fuyu persimmons and sauté for two minutes. Add 1 tsp. vanilla extract, 1½ tsp. cinnamon, 1 tbsp. fresh ginger, 1 tsp. vanilla extract, 1. tsp. cinnamon, 1 tbsp. fresh ginger, microplaned, 1 tbsp. maple syrup, 1 tbsp. maple syrup, and zest from 1 lemon. zest from 1 lemon. Let cook for two minutes. Add juice from 1 lemon. juice from 1 lemon. Let cook for two more minutes. Set aside. MAKE CRISP TOPPING In a bowl, combine . cup cassava (or any glutenfree) flour,…

Though we’re not faceto-face when we meet, I can still feel Welch’s presence—ethereal and warm, like a benevolent ghost that tidies your kitchen while you’re at the grocery store. We’re in separate time zones: me in New York City and she at home in London, but the divide matters less than ever. “Time is a weird, swishy blob right now. I’m naturally hermitty, but this is even a lot for me. It feels so fruitless. Structure? Why? Time is meaningless!” she declares. I can’t help but agree: This call is taking place in June, when social distancing due to COVID-19 is still in full effect. But despite isolation, Welch has found purpose within the time vacuum. She’s coordinated a collective poem with fans worldwide through Instagram, connected virtually yet deeply…

Christian Serratos’s hand cascades down the screen. “You can just—” she explains over Zoom, twisting and turning her wrists to demonstrate one of Selena Quintanilla’s signature moves. “As long as you do it with confidence.” The flamenco hand gesture seems to drip from Serratos’s fingertips. But it didn’t come naturally to the 30-year-old actress who portrays the Tejano icon in the two-part Netflix show Selena: The Series, which premieres December 4. “I’m not a professional pop star, you know?” Serratos muses. “I had to trust myself and do [the dance steps] the way that I felt she was doing them. It made me more confident, which in turn made it not matter if it was right or wrong. Because the thing that Selena had, that was so special, was her confidence.”…

BOOKS Winter Reading Cheat Sheet IF YOU LIKE Starz’s Vida, the 2002 film Frida starring Salma Hayek, bold beauty statements In this book—part biography, part self-help—Arianna Davis dives into the culture-shifting, vibrant world of Frida Kahlo and the lessons on resilience we can adopt from the Mexican artist. WHAT WOULD FRIDA DO? A GUIDE TO LIVING BOLDLY by Arianna Davis (Seal Press, October 20) IF YOU LIKE Michelle Obama’s memoir, Becoming, or her thought-provoking podcast In the first of two volumes, POTUS 44 provides an honest account of the lows and highs during his years in office, from inheriting the presidency during a global financial crisis to securing the passage of the Affordable Care Act, all while emphasizing the importance of preserving our democracy amid challenging times. A PROMISED LAND…

The Expert: Kristina Buckley Kayel, managing director of the Natural Diamond Council MARIE CLAIRE: How have you seen diamonds make the shift from a special-occasion stone to an everyday accessory? KRISTINA BUCKLEY KAYEL: Designers are using diamonds in unconventional ways, which has naturally encouraged more wear. With so many of us operating through Zoom, a great diamond earring or necklace is also the perfect way to express a sense of individual style. MC: Have you seen an uptick in women treating themselves to diamond jewelry? KBK: Yes! They’re a timeless symbol of personal accomplishment and self-love. MC: What makes diamond jewelry such a great investment? KBK: People can take diamonds with them wherever they go, and they can be passed down for generations. MC: How should people care for their…

The snuggle struggle is real—you’re firing on all cylinders by day; getting your body relaxed and ready to sleep at night can seem impossible. Your best ally in the quest to rest may just be your bedroom—with a few soothing design tweaks. “An ideal bedroom provides an environment for rest, positivity, and relaxation,” says interior designer Natalie Kraiem. From going all-in on a Stearns & Foster mattress to ditching the screens, here are four easy updates you can make with your eyes closed. THE REST IS EASY Follow these simple principles to prep your room for maximum zzz’s. INVEST IN A QUALITY MATTRESS When it comes to getting a good night’s sleep, “the mattress is the most important element,” says Kraiem. “My key recommendation is to source one from a…

The pandemic has catapulted capitalism into a future unknown—and the gig market into center focus. Pandemic-related layoffs have created intense need and competition for contract jobs, and women especially are on the market: During March and April in the U.S., 11.7 million women lost their jobs, compared with 9.6 million men. But the freelance space, one of the few sectors to thrive as a result of the national crisis, saw a surge of openings. Freelancer, an online marketplace for such work, reported a 41 percent increase in jobs posted in the second quarter of 2020, compared with the same period in 2019. This past year, two million people have joined the nearly 57 million Americans who already called themselves freelancers. And the shift doesn’t show signs of slowing. So if…

Marie Claire: What was your early impression of Chanel No. 5? Marion Cotillard: The first time I smelled it, I was kind of mesmerized right away by the mystery, the complexity. It was intimidating at first when I was a kid, but then pretty quickly, I started to wear it. I thought it was so amazing that a perfume could become unique on each person. MC: How do you wear it today? Cotillard: I love the sensuality of the gesture, of having the bottle upside down and just putting some on the cap. Then I put it behind my ears and on my wrists, and I am the first person to smell it in the morning. Quite simple. MC: Care to share some other scent memories? Cotillard: The sense of…

RISE & SHINE When I’m doing a movie, sometimes call times can be really early. When I’m writing and recording music, I usually don’t even start until the evening, so I can sleep in later. The first thing I always do is drink a giant glass of water. MORNING MAINTENANCE I’ve never been the person to spend too much time getting ready unless it’s for work or if a makeup artist is helping me get ready. I am notorious for driving my makeup artist crazy because he always wants more time than I give him. For skincare, I keep it pretty simple, with a good moisturizer and sunscreen. A.M. HAIR SITUATION Big and messy. I am kind of into it, though. POWER START Usually some version of an iced coffee…

The holidays are here, which means it’s time to treat yourself to a festive fragrance. Meet your new signature scent: Pegasus Exclusif by Parfums de Marly. The woody winter release is the epitome of easy elegance. Featuring rare essences and sophisticated extractions, Pegasus Exclusif is an exquisite evolution of the original Pegasus scent. With opening notes of pink pepper and bergamot, and a deep base of guaiac wood and natural oud, it’s the scent of the season.…

1. Social media has a neutral impact on my sense of well-being. 2. My definition of a mental-health day is one when I am completely disconnected from technology. 3. I unwind with activities like cooking, running, and reading. 4. My happy place is wherever my family is or when I am somewhere I’ve never been. 5. The not-so-great coping mechanism I had to abandon is smoking. I was a smoker until my mid-20s. 6. When I’m being pulled in many directions, I need to be still. 7. I do breathwork every day to help me feel grounded. 8. If I’m stressed before bed, I stretch; if I’m stressed when I wake up, I go for a run. 9. When I started traveling and seeing the world, it really put things…

The Black Lives Matter protests that swept across America after the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 25, 2020, were the largest in the country’s long history of mass movements for civil rights and racial justice. At least 15 million Americans demonstrated in 2,500 towns and cities, setting off a tidal wave of support. Hundreds of thousands of people in London, Sydney, Cape Town, Rio de Janeiro, Stockholm, Tokyo, and many other communities took to the streets in solidarity. Captured on video, the raw power of Floyd’s horrifying death brought to the surface local issues of racial violence and inequality, inspiring people to rise up against what was happening in their home countries too. Racial and gender inequality often negatively reinforce each other, which makes being both…

COVERS On Johansson cover: Chanel top, $2,800, pants, $3,900, earrings, $925, and belt, $2,300; (800) 550-0005. On Pugh cover: Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello dress, $3,990; (212) 980-2970. Shared cover, on Johansson: Dior top, $1,200, corset, price upon request, and skirt, $9,400; (800) 929-DIOR. Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello shoes, $995; (212) 980-2970. Shared cover, on Pugh: Miu Miu dress, price upon request; miumiu.com. Chanel earrings, $8,150; (800) 550-0005. Cornelia James gloves, $139; corneliajames.com. MARVELOUS WOMEN! 74–75, on Johansson: Versace dress, versace.com. On Pugh: Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello dress and shoes, (212) 980-2970. 77: Giambattista Valli dress, giambattistavalli.com. 78: Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello top and sunglasses, (212) 980-2970. Chanel earrings, (800) 550-0005. Maison Michel hat, michel-paris.com. 79: Dolce & Gabbana jacket, (877) 70-DGUSA. Versace dress, versace.com. Gigi Burris…

Uncertainty appears to be the only certainty in 2020, yet nothing has slowed down Gabrielle Union, an indefatigable one-woman cottage industry with ambition and moxie to burn. Here, the actress talks about emptying out her “basket of fucks” and choosing to speak truth to power.—Lola Ogunnaike On dealing with racism on set: “I should be able to exist however the fuck I want to exist, because if you’re hiring Gabrielle Union for my talent, then my talent is going to come out of my body in every way, shape, and incarnation that I can imagine.” On people who have dismissed her trauma: “That very sentiment is how all of this has been allowed to go on for centuries; that kind of gaslighting, I categorically reject.” On turning 40 and choosing…

Attaining a salon -worthy style at home is easier than ever. Introducing the InfinitiPro by Conair with The Knot Dr. All-in-One Dryer Brush: Bolstered with a powerful ion generator and tourmaline ceramic, it delivers a brilliantly shiny and flawlessly frizz-free look in a matter of moments. Its secrets to success? Its large oval barrel features Flexalite bristles for painless detangling and the bonus volume pik attachment adds extra body at the roots. At long last, you can detangle, dry, style, and volumize your hair all at once. We know what’s at the top of your wish list this holiday season.…

STEP 1: FIGURE OUT YOUR HEALTH PLAN. If you can’t extend the insurance provided by your former employer via COBRA (some have the option), you have 60 days to apply in the individual marketplace; miss the window and you typically have to wait until the next open-enrollment period. With the Affordable Care Act, you might get a better deal through the federal government’s health-insurance marketplace. And you could qualify for coverage through Medicaid. STEP 2: INSURE (AND ENSURE) YOUR FUTURE. No, it’s not morbid; it’s called being prepared: You need to consider life insurance, plus disability insurance (which can help with expenses if you’re unable to work). Visit the Insurance Information Institute’s website or check out Bankrate to learn the basics. STEP 3: SAVE, SAVE, AND, OH RIGHT, SAVE. First,…

ERIN SMITH USES SELFIES TO SUSS OUT CEREBRAL SECRETS THE INSPIRATION: As a high schooler in Lenexa, Kansas, Erin Smith turned a binge-watching session into a medical innovation. She was a fan of the TV show Lie to Me, which features a scientist who reads faces to see if people are lying. In videos of Parkinson’s patients, Smith noticed that their smiles had a flat affect and wondered if facial expressions could also indicate health. THE BIG IDEA: “I became super captivated by this idea of being able to use facial expressions to externally monitor changes in the brain,” she says. She developed Faceprint, a video-based early detection system for neurological disorders. THE RESULTS: Smith, 20, is a Stanford sophomore studying computer science and neuroscience. Her latest project (in clinical…

This year may not have given us much to toast, but there’s certainly one thing to celebrate: 2021 is upon us. And why not ring it in with a splash, even if your festivities take the form of more intimate affairs this time around? The beauty world couldn’t agree more, providing plenty of glimmer and shimmer and mood-lifting material for the holidays. One of the most inspired iterations is Byredo’s dazzling new makeup—a playful collection of shadows, lipsticks, and bright Colour Sticks meant to be applied anywhere. A draw for those staying in: They look as good on your vanity as they do on your face. Beloved Kardashian makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic’s debut line provides a range of chicly wearable skin and eye beautifiers; I’m especially partial to the Secret…

While visions of reindeer and a snowy, pastel Helsinki arouse wanderlust, there’s delicious reason to dream of green Nordic summers too. Each July, a mad rush of citizens and tourists alike descend upon Lapland, in Finland’s northernmost region, to collect one of the country’s coveted exports: the cloudberry. The fruit looks as whimsical as it sounds: tiny, marmalade hued, and kind of adorable. While the fresh berry is typically a summer pleasure, Finns find ways to indulge in its taste all year round. Seeds and leaves are ground into teas, skins and juice are macerated with sugar into jams, and whole berries are steeped in alcohol to make local liqueurs. But the by-products I’m most interested in aren’t for ingesting; I want to learn about the potent skincare products and…

SHARP EDGES The evolution of iconic baby-hair looks 1925 Josephine Baker The dancer, singer, and activist poses for a portrait wearing finger waves featuring an intricately styled hairline of swirls. 1945 Ella Fitzgerald The trendsetting jazz singer always stunned in an array of pincurled looks and a pulled-back hairline. 1973 Sylvia Robinson During performances and appearances, the singer and cofounder of Sugar Hill Records showcased face-framing wispy baby hairs. 1975 Bern Nadette Stanis The actress accented her Afro puffs and braided styles with laid baby hairs while playing Thelma Evans on the hit TV series Good Times. 1988 Florence Griffith Joyner Track-and-field star FloJo displays her medals from the 1988 Olympic Games and her effortlessly laid edges. 1999 Rozonda Thomas As Chilli of the girl group TLC, Thomas was often…

• Scarlett Johansson and Florence Pugh form a superhero sisterhood.• Eight inspiring women leading the Black Lives Matter movement around the world• Fanciful fashion to carry you beyond the confines of the everyday• Willow Smith carves out her place among a new generation of disrupters.• How portraying pop icon Selena gave Christian Serratos a new outlook on her identity.…

ON THE CUSP OF the coronavirus pandemic in March, 20-year-old musician, actor, and model Willow Smith found a way to turn her own apprehensions into performance art. As one half of the music group the Anxiety, Smith, alongside Tyler Cole (who photographed this story for Marie Claire), cycled through eight different emotional states—from paranoia to rage to euphoria—acting out each in three-hour intervals over the course of 24 hours. All of it took place inside of a glass box on display at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles. “I’m a young woman of color in America. What I express [in my art] is my dismay or my sadness at the reality that I’m seeing in front of me,” she says. It’s a reality that isn’t rose tinted. “Times…