My friend Sylvie asked me this weekend what I thought of the cover and spread in September W magazine - the one with Kristen Stewart. And for once I had to admit that I hadn't seen it. It wasn't that I didn't know about it or come across it on my daily feeds. I just have so little interest in the child of Twilight that I simply couldn't be bothered. I know, I know. Sloppy, lazy blogger that I am. And so I was guilted into going back to the feeds and having a look. And here it is.
Yes, Kristen looks lovely. So very pretty and soft and clean. Almost the opposite of how she likes to portray herself in real life. Of course there are the gormless looks to camera - all pretty much the same face - which doesn't exactly make for an exciting photo story. There is the slightly awkward body and the shyness about being looked at, that we are so familiar with. But there is no stress in her face. I am not sure what they did, but for once she looks calm and serene and lovely. Also, props must go to the hair and make-up peeps for it is they that have made this shoot work. And work particularly and surprisingly well. And it sends a message to all the nice, normal girls out there - magazine covers are not about flawless beauty. They are absolutely about great hair and make-up, incredible lighting and clever styling. With all that, you too can look this amazing. And that for me is a very positive message.