Fashion

We Keep the Dead Close Author on the Unsolved 1969 Murder at Harvard

Becky Cooper, author of We Keep the Dead Close, spent 10 years researching the murder of Jane Britton….

Becky Cooper was a junior at Harvard University when she first heard the story, though it had been campus lore for decades: a female student in Harvard’s graduate archaeology program was murdered by a professor with whom she was having an affair. But the police never couldn’t pin the professor down, so he walked free—and remained teaching—to this day. Cooper’s fascination with the story sparked her own 10-year investigation into the tragic, unsolved murder of Jane Britton in 1969.

Cooper’s findings have culminated in a new book, We Keep the Dead Close, out today. While it’s easy to chalk this up to just another work in the true crime canon, the author takes great care not to sensationalize Britton’s story, or bludgeon it into tidy, conclusive narratives. Instead, she painstakingly chases down every lead, source, and tip—which, more often than not, are inconclusive. (“You need to make sure you are not wielding it to modern ends,” Cooper says of her exhaustive research process.) The result is a both an honest portrait of the victim and those who loved her, as well as the cryptic, archaic world of academia.

Vogue spoke with Cooper about own time at Harvard, the true-crime exposure in pop-culture, and separating fiction from reality.

What was your own experience like at Harvard?

I had a very wonderful lucky time at Harvard. I think I was made to feel like my past—I grew up in a household where ordering a drink with dinner was an unnecessary indulgence—didn’t matter at all. Only later did I realize what some of my friends had.

It was only coming back, when my friends were the graduate students, that I realized the structural voicelessness that puts people in a position to feel powerless.

When you were there, Jane’s story had become almost a myth—a tale that represented the dangers of being female in academia rather than being a factual event.

There’s a quote in the book: “Some realities need to be fictionalized in order to be apprehended.” The version of it that I had inherited, the version that stayed alive before the case was solved—was that her advisor had killed her because they had an affair.

As I get deeper into the investigation, I don’t think at all that he’s the murderer. And so my question is both who killed Jane—but also why is this the story that has such a hold on this community? What is it trying to gesture at? [What’s] contained within this myth? I was reverse engineering that quote, where it’s like, “All right, here’s the fiction, what’s the reality?” Here’s reality for me. There’s a 2018 study that was done by the National Academy of Sciences that shows that 50% of female faculty have experienced sexual harassment in the last three decades of the archeology program in the anthropology department. Of the withdrawals from the program, 87% were female. If you look at the distant, the past is not that distant.

This book is mainly about Jane, her life, and her untimely death, but you also interweave your own view into it. When writing Jane’s story, why did you decide to interweave your own?

Tweet LinkedIn PinShares0

Fashion

Hailey Bieber’s Pregnancy Glow at Paris Fashion Week

When Hailey Bieber showed up at Paris Fashion Week, she effortlessly drew the attention of fashion lovers and industry insiders. Her beautiful pregnancy glow made her appearance even more special, which highlighted her radiant skin and confidence, paired with her unique style that has become her trademark. This year, Hailey’s maternity outfits at this famous fashion event showcased her talent for mixing classy with trendy, challenging traditional ideas about how pregnant women should dress.

Typically, people expect pregnancy fashion to be more conservative and focused on comfort. However, Hailey used this opportunity to change the game. With her thoughtfully chosen outfits, she made bold fashion statements throughout Paris Fashion Week, showing that pregnant women can embrace high-fashion trends while celebrating their bodies.

Check out this article: Hailey Bieber Reveals The Moisturizing Eye Masks She Uses To Look So Bright-Eyed

One of the standout features of Hailey’s style was her daring choice of bold shapes. Instead of wearing typical flowing dresses or loose outfits, she chose structured clothing that highlighted her figure and made a statement. Oversized blazers became a key part of her wardrobe, often paired with tailored pants or skirts. These blazers had unique designs with big shoulders or sharp lines, adding a modern twist to her looks.

She combined a sleek, oversized blazer with high-waisted trousers and a sheer lace top in one of her most memorable outfits, giving a chic and daring spin to classic fashion. The mix of strong styles with soft, feminine touches like lace showed her ability to balance powerful dressing with grace, proving that pregnancy fashion can be stylish and flattering.

Another exciting part of Hailey’s pregnancy style was her love for bold fabrics like sheer lace and sequins, often not seen in maternity wear. In one outfit that caught everyone’s eye, she wore a sheer lace ensemble that offered a glimpse of her baby bump while still keeping an air of sophistication. Layered with a sequined bralette underneath, this outfit struck a perfect balance between edgy and elegant. The sequins sparkled under the light, adding a touch of glamour to her black and white outfit and highlighting her confidence in embracing her pregnant body.

Accessories played a big role in enhancing her looks at Paris Fashion Week. Hailey didn’t hold back when adding glamorous jewelry and stylish bags to her ensembles. Oversized earrings and chunky necklaces brought a luxurious feel to her outfits, elevating them even further. She paired her outfits with high-end handbags and chic shoes that added to the overall elegance, showcasing that every detail mattered. Her stylish sunglasses, especially her beloved aviators, added a cool, confident vibe, blending her relaxed California roots with the high-fashion setting in Paris.

Also check this: Future & Lil Baby Just Dropped the Hardest Collab of this year 2025

Hailey Bieber’s appearance at Paris Fashion Week marked a significant moment for maternity fashion. Pregnant women were often pushed toward baggy dresses and comfortable shoes for years. While comfort is important, her choices demonstrated that pregnant women can feel powerful and stylish. She redefined maternity fashion by showing that pregnancy can be a time to celebrate one’s style. Her presence at the event also inspired many who might have felt pressured to tone down their fashion during pregnancy, encouraging them to embrace their style and confidence.

Tweet LinkedIn PinShares0

Business

Kanye West’s Yeezy Brand Boosts Net Worth to $1.2 Billion

Kanye West, who now goes by Ye, is a well-known artist and entrepreneur who has recently reclaimed his status as a billionaire, with a net worth estimated at $1.2 billion. Much of his wealth comes from his music, but the biggest boost has come from his brand, Yeezy, which has changed the sneaker and fashion landscape. His journey from a famous rapper to a major player in the fashion world showcases his business talent and unique ability to connect with culture, allowing him to create a brand that holds significant financial value.

1. The Rise of Yeezy

Kanye started the Yeezy brand in 2009 through a partnership with Adidas. Over the years, it has become one of the most desirable and trendy sneaker and streetwear brands globally. What sets Yeezy apart is Kanye’s choice to take full ownership of the brand, allowing him to direct its creative vision completely. Unlike many other celebrities who collaborate with existing brands, he aimed to build something new that challenges the fashion industry’s norms.

Yeezy’s designs are noted for their simple yet modern look, and items like the Yeezy Boost 350, Yeezy 700, and Yeezy Foam Runner are now considered iconic. The brand’s success can be attributed to its scarcity, limited releases, and Kanye’s powerful presence on social media. These elements have helped Yeezy reach mainstream popularity, turning it into a symbol of luxury and style.

Check out this article: Kanye West Wants “Wizards Only” For His Yeezy AI Team

2. The Financial Growth of Yeezy

Kanye has achieved a net worth of $1.2 billion mainly because of Yeezy’s impressive profits. After teaming up with Adidas, Kanye struck a deal that allowed him to keep a large slice of the profits, a rare arrangement in celebrity collaborations. As Yeezy has thrived, so has Kanye’s wealth.

In recent years, Yeezy has been valued at around $3 billion, and Kanye is believed to own anywhere from 80% to 100% of the brand. His decision to end his partnership with Adidas solidified his control, ensuring that all profits from Yeezy’s sales go directly to him. The brand’s global popularity, high prices, and limited releases have helped Yeezy dominate the sneaker market and attract wealthy customers.

Yeezy’s shoe collection brings in hundreds of millions of dollars annually, and the clothing line, including oversized jackets and sweatshirts, adds even more value. Fans of the brand, including many celebrities, keep demand high for these stylish and premium-priced items. Yeezy’s success has caught the eye of not just fashion fans but also investors and market experts. Despite some controversies surrounding Kanye’s behavior, Yeezy has consistently generated large amounts of revenue, making it a key part of his wealth.

Check out this article: Kim Kardashian Reportedly Weighing Legal Action to Strip Kanye West of Joint Custody

3. Other Sources of Wealth

While Yeezy is the main contributor to Kanye’s fortune, it’s not his only source of income. His music catalog, which includes influential albums, also plays a significant role. He earns money through licensing deals, royalties from his music, and live performances, providing him with a steady income that complements his profits from Yeezy and other ventures.

Kanye has also invested in real estate and technology, adding to his financial portfolio. Other business projects, like his Donda brand and his earlier work with Gap, have contributed to his wealth, although they haven’t been as successful as Yeezy. His ventures into technology, particularly in artificial intelligence and digital media, could also provide substantial returns in the future.

4. The Power of Kanye’s Personal Brand

A vital aspect of Kanye West’s financial success is the strength of his brand. Known for his bold creativity, outspoken personality, and often controversial statements, he has created an image that resonates with many supporters and critics. This unique presence has only enhanced his cultural influence, making him an important figure in music and fashion.