Fashion

A Personal Look at How Helena Bonham Carter Got Into Character as Princess Margaret

British actress Helena Bonham Carter talks motherhood, mental health, and seeking advice from her astrologer to assume the role of Princess Margaret in the Netflix series “The Crown.”…

What does Princess Margaret represent to you, having played her now for two seasons of The Crown?

In many ways, Margaret is about loneliness. She’s divorced, I’ve gone through that myself, and I know you have to make huge adjustments to your own identity. You have to reconstruct yourself because you are no longer part of a married couple.

Margaret wasn’t someone to be pitied, though, and she probably was tired of being seen as tragic. She was formidably intelligent—according to her hairdresser Josef Braunschweig, she could do a crossword puzzle in around 11 minutes—and she had a huge capacity for fun. I spoke to her friend Derek Deane, a former principal dancer at the Royal Ballet—Margaret was the company’s first president. He recalled, at some point in the evening, she would turn to him and say, “Can I go up?” and this was a cue to put her on his shoulders like in a ballet move. One time she disappeared over the back!

Following encouragement from Princess Anne and Prince Charles, Margaret sees a therapist in season four. Do you hope increased visibility through series like The Crown can help open up a more consistent dialogue about mental health?

When you’re playing someone real, there’s a line of respect that you must observe. The Crown never professes to be a documentary but a drama inspired by real people. It’s safe to say that Margaret suffered from depression, which perhaps she inherited from her father. She was very much her father’s daughter, and she never really recovered from losing him.

Anyone who is alive can suffer some kind of mental illness. The brain is so complicated, it’s not surprising that it gets ill, just like any other organ. My mother worked as a psychotherapist, and I was brought up to talk about it, and that’s key. A lot of people turn away because it’s not visible. Perhaps they think if you don’t talk about it, it won’t exist or in admitting vulnerability you’re weak, when in fact the opposite is true. Sadly for Margaret, she lived in a time when depression was taboo. So much of her life would have been easier had she been born later.

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Fashion

Raekwon Unveils “The Emperor’s New Clothes” With All-Star Lineup

Raekwon, a legendary rapper known for his role in the Wu-Tang Clan, has just announced his long-awaited eighth studio album, titled “The Emperor’s New Clothes,” set to be released through Mass Appeal. Although no singles have been shared yet, the album is already creating a buzz and is highly anticipated this summer. It’s been seven years since Raekwon last released a solo album, and this new project feels more like a grand return than just another release.

He’s teamed up with a mix of familiar faces from the Wu-Tang Clan and some fresh talent in hip-hop. Listeners can look forward to clever lyrics and captivating stories filled with raw emotion. Raekwon has invited his Wu-Tang brothers Ghostface Killah, Method Man, and Inspectah Deck to feature on the album, ensuring a classic blend that fans love. He’s also brought in well-respected artists outside of the Wu-Tang family, like Nas and members of the Griselda collective, Westside Gunn, Benny The Butcher, and Conway The Machine, who are known for their gritty style.

Adding to the variety, singers Stacy Barthe and Marsha Ambrosius will provide soulful vocals to complement Raekwon’s hard-hitting verses. The album’s production features talented names like Swizz Beatz, Nottz, J.U.S.T.I.C.E League, Frank G, and Roadsart, promising a rich, cinematic sound that matches Raekwon’s lyrical skills. Even with such an impressive lineup, there’s still a sense of mystery around the album. There have been no early songs or previews released, just the announcement itself, which builds even more expectation.

But for Raekwon, this is part of his journey. He has always delivered powerful lyrics and relatable street stories without much introduction. The title, The Emperor’s New Clothes, suggests a fresh start and a daring vision that might challenge the current state of rap. With his experienced flow and storytelling still sharp, Raekwon seems prepared to reestablish his place among the top artists in hip-hop.

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Fashion

Wendy Williams Makes Stylish Splash At Columbia Supporting Her Designer

In a delightful surprise for fans and fashion enthusiasts, Wendy Williams made a rare appearance at Columbia University on Tuesday, and everyone couldn’t help but notice her. The former talk show host was in high spirits as she showed up to support her longtime friend and fashion designer, Mel Maxi. Wendy looked fantastic in a stylish black-and-white outfit that included a Yankee hat and her trademark flair.

Designed by Maxi himself, her outfit was not just chic but also had a personal touch that highlighted her vibrant personality. In a heartwarming moment recorded on video, Wendy told Maxi, “This is amazing! This was specifically designed for me… this is really hand done.” Wendy came to cheer on Maxi, who was set to give a lecture about fashion design at the prestigious university. Her appearance was a meaningful moment between two creative friends who have supported each other for years. Wendy’s presence emphasized the importance of friendship and collaboration in the creative world.

As she walked by, a nearby fan shouted their love for Wendy, and she instinctively responded with her signature warmth and enthusiasm: “Thank you!” she exclaimed with a big smile. After being away from the spotlight for months, Wendy’s visit was a refreshing change for fans who have missed her lively spirit. There were no fancy events or flashing cameras, just Wendy enjoying the moment, supporting a friend, and reminding us all of the significance of showing up for the people we care about.

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