online dolla: August 2017

Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Carolina Herrera Challenges The nice girls Dress Trend

This year's Met Gala red carpet was much more bare than usual—literally—with celebrities fully embracing the naked dress trend. Following Rihanna's now-iconic CFDA Awards red carpet appearance in a see-through dress by Adam Selman, barely there-gowns have been on the rise and worn by almost all of Hollywood's A-listers, from Kim Kardashian to Beyoncé. Not everyone is on board with the daring trend, however; Carolina Herrera is speaking out against fashion's latest obsession with with exposure.

In an interview with The Washington Post, the 76-year-old designer opened up about her distaste for the naked dress, posing the question, "how can you be a fashion icon if you're not wearing clothes?" Commenting on the naked dress's dominance at this year's Met Gala, Herrera said:

"[Some designers think] it's so modern to be naked or almost naked. They think it's going to attract younger people if they do those dresses. No! The almost naked! Oh God! They're trying to get people to pay attention to them. In life, there should be a little mystery."

Herrera is not against showing some skin—she loves a plunging neckline—but says one of her major issues with the trend is in the disproportion: "If it's open so much, the [breasts] look like fried eggs."

The designer's aversion to the skin-baring look isn't all that surprising; Herrera is known for her classic and ladylike design aesthetic, which falls on the opposite end of the naked dress spectrum—all while making just as bold of a red carpet statement.

Miley Cyrus Is Barely Recognizable as a Naked Fairy for David LaChapelle's New Book

TASCHEN / DAVID LACHAPELLE / Miley Cyrus

We've seen Miley Cyrus naked on a wrecking ball, covered in giant smarties, and clad in nude latex underwear—but we've never seen her as a naked pixie covered in crystals before.

Until now, obviously.

The Malibu singer sports a sheer bodysuit embellished with pink Swarovski protecting her modesty in the cover image of iconic photographer David LaChapelle's new coffee table book, Lost + Found.

Monday, August 28, 2017

See Who's Confirmed to Walk in the 2017 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show

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By Chrissy Rutherford

Aug 23, 2017

It's that time of year again! Victoria's Secret Fashion Show castings are complete, and while the location has yet to be announced—all the lucky girls are taking to social media to announce their spot on the runway come November. We know we can expect the 14 Angels: Adriana, Alessandra, Candice, Behati, Lily, Elsa, Josephine, Sara, Martha, Stella, Lais, Jasmine, Romee and Taylor to claim their rightful spots—below see the returning girls and newcomers to the VS Fashion Show...

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Nearly three years ago I hash tagged a selfie on Instagram #WLYG @weloveyourgenes and since that day I could never imagine how much that would change my life. I sent this picture to @imgmodels.development.jenirose and @davidcunningham not knowing I would meet with @lisadiruocco who worked as my booker to develop me and transition to women's board with @ethanmiller71 you two are amazing beyond words @imgmodels is a powerhouse with the best of the best helping to make dreams like this possible. Now nearly three years later I am so incredibly grateful and proud to announce that once again my dreams are coming true. For the second time I will be walking in the @victoriassecret show in 2017 and I couldn't be more ecstatic. This means so much to me, more than I can even put in words. I wouldn't be where I am today without the guidance from my management, the support from my friends and family and of course my #foxys I love each and every one of you so much and I am so incredibly thankful for your support. On my best days and on my worst you're always there and your messages remind me what I'm striving for. So thank you all so much and thank you @johndavidpfeiffer @ed_razek @monica.mitro @10magazine and everyone on the @victoriassecret team for believing in me and once again giving me this incredible opportunity I love you. Thank you thank you thank you.!!! I couldn't be more happy in this moment. ❤️🙏🏽

Taylor Swift Debuts "Look What You Made Me Do" Video At The VMAs

By Lauren Alexis Fisher

Aug 27, 2017

After premiering "Look What You Made Me Do," her first single in years, on Friday, Taylor Swift unveiled the accompanying music video at tonight's MTV VMAs.

The video begins with Swift rising from a grave that reads "Here Lies Taylor Swift's Reputation" (subtle).

It then follows the singer as she takes a bath in a tub full of diamonds, sips tea on a gold throne, and crashes a gold car in-front of the paparazzi.

As the video comes to an end, Swift then assembles a lineup of all her personas over the years (country cutie, "You Belong With Me" video nerd, 2009 VMAs Taylor, and her current "Reputation" Taylor).

Friday, August 25, 2017

The 17 Best Places to Travel in 2017

From Africa and Asia's hottest beachfronts to the most underrated U.S. cities...

In 2017, you're going to need your passport–and your sense of adventure. Our top destinations to visit this year will have you heading out on safari, exploring historic Eastern Europe and South America, tapping into Scandinavia's natural wonders, sunbathing on the beaches of Asia and Africa and discovering hidden gems both at home and abroad. We tapped our bucket lists, insider knowledge and industry experts for the 17 destinations to have on your radar when planning this year's getaways, adventures and retreats. Here, the best places to escape to in 2017. Ready, set, jet.

1 New Zealand

There is far more to New Zealand than the set of Lord of the Rings. Yes, the landscape is beautiful—the beaches are pristine, the mountains are dramatic, the countryside is idyllic—but it's the food, wine, under-the-radar shopping, and quirky culture that keeps repeat visitors (and locals) coming back for more. We highly recommend spending a week in the spring traveling down the country's truly magical wine trail. Starting in Napier, you can either drive yourself or take a tour down the North Island before crossing the Cook Straight on a car ferry to Picton, where you'll pass through the famous Marlborough Sounds to end in Blenheim.
If you're a nature lover, The Queen Charlotte Trackis one of New Zealand's best hiking spots. For those who don't like camping, there is a variety of luxury accommodationand dining available along the track, complete with water transport services that will transfer your luggage each day. For skiing, head straight to the South Island and marvel at the mountains in Queenstown and Wanaka. Cosmopolitans and country-lovers alike will adore Auckland. While there, shop Karangahape Road (K' Road to locals and those in the know), Grey Lynn and Ponsonby.
Where to Stay: Many of the wineries have accommodation on site—we recommend [link href="https://www.blackbarn.com/retreats" target="_blank" 0="data-tracking-id="recirc-text-link"" link_updater_label="external"]Black Barn Luxury Retreats and Craggy Range Vineyard Cottages in the Hawkes Bay area, Vynfields in Martinborough, and French Fields in Marlborough. If you're on the Queen Charlotte Track, don't miss staying at the Bay of Many Coves, only accessible by boat or walking the track. While skiing, we recommend a stay at Matakauri Lodge. Simply love finding unique places to stay? Take your pick from Treetops Lodge and Estate, The Boatshed on Waiheke Island, Hapuku Lodge and Treehouses, or Minaret Station. While in Auckland, stay at Hotel DeBrett or choose an interesting AirBnb just outside the city. In Wellington, try Ohtel and take in the harbor views and world-renowned museums, like Te Papa, before shopping and eating along Cuba Street.
When to Go: The time of year you visit (June-September is winter; December-February is summer) will determine the kind of trip you take, so think ahead to what excites you most. – Olivia Fleming, BAZAAR.com Senior Features Editor

2 Canada

You may have jokingly (or perhaps, literally) considered a move here as of late–but as it turns out, there are many reasons to escape to the Great White North. The country celebrates its 150^th birthday this year, and is full of exciting perks as a result. Montréal (which turns 375 this year) is flexing its muscles as one of the world's most exciting culinary scenes, influenced by its European roots and infused with flavors from its diverse, multi-cultural population. Don't miss out on a visit to Le Filet or Les 400 Coups while you're in town, and look out for Marconi and Joël Robuchon's new Canadian outpost that are both set to open this year. If you're more of a nature lover, head to Banff for one of the most epic bike trails you'll ever ride. Before you venture out, be sure to pick up a Discovery Pass, which gives visitors free access to any of the vast country's national parks (there are over 200 of them!) including Banff and Prince Edward Island. If it's art you're after, Toronto's Museum of Contemporary Art will open the doors to its expanded location this year, along with the unveiling of The Bentway, their answer to Manhattan's High Line.
Where to Stay: Fairmont boasts 18 hotels across the country with one soon to open in Montréal, and each is more impressive than the next. Montréal is home to a Ritz Carlton as well as Hotel Le St. James and the St. Paul Hotel, which are both boutique in size, but the former boasts a grander feel while the latter is sleek and contemporary. In Toronto, the Park Hyatt, Four Seasons and Shangri-La are pretty much foolproof.
When to Go: Summertime promises the best climate to comfortably explore and enjoy the outdoors. Fall's vibrant colors will amaze you, and its balmy temperatures may be your preference for hiking and biking. Early September is for art lovers–that's when the Toronto International Film Festival takes place. The dead of winter and springtime will likely be too cold for most, but those who are open to braving borderline negative temperatures will no doubt enjoy cozying up in Montréal's chicest dining spots and cocktail lounges.

3 Finland

Finland is an astounding natural beauty. Explore its snow-covered landscape in the winter and marvel at the Northern Lights, great lake views and its green forestry in the summer. With tourism initiatives (like FinRelax) aimed at getting you to chill out and unwind in its lush landscapes, visitors are encouraged to enjoy the country's jaw-dropping natural wonders and refreshing saunas. Beauty fiends will love this country's obsession with health and wellness–trust us, the Finnish sense of calm could rival Indonesian zen. If you are looking to tour Helsinki (as you should, it's marvelous) this is the year to do it; Finland celebrates 100 years of independence on December 6^th and the capital city will be partying all year long. Take a day to enjoy its unique costal geography punctuated by glistening bays and sharp inlets. A visit here places you right in the heart of Scandinavia, which means quick, easy visits to bustling neighboring must-sees like Stockholm and Oslo. Not yet as popular as its cohorts (but its place on many a must-visit list will change that soon), Finland benefits from far fewer crowds but just as many delights.
Where to Stay: Stay at the friendly HavsVidden hotel–you won't be disappointed with the incredible Baltic Sea views at this stylish and chic eco-friendly property. While there, you can sail down from various Scandi seaports or board a super short flight from Stockholm or Helsinki into Mariehamn, where you'll be driven a scenic 45 minutes up to HavsVidden, just off the Havsviddsvägen trail. Bursting with open-air activities both on and off shore, the HavsVidden is prepared for everything from incredible wreck-diving to unforgettable wildlife and nature experiences. If you're planning a visit in summertime, book a room at the buzzy St. George, which plans to open in Helsinki this year, or at its sister property Hotel Lilla Roberts.
When to Go: Depends on what you're into, this country has something to offer year-round. – Tom Marchant, Founder of Black Tomato

4 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

We've gone as far as to dub the 'Burgh America's Most Underrated City–and for good reason. It's not the first thing you think of when dreaming of a weekend getaway, innovative food scene or art hub, but it delivers on all accounts in droves. If it's an arts and culture scene you're after, you're in luck. Pittsburgh is the birthplace of Andy Warhol, and the Andy Warhol Museum features the largest collection of his work. Foodies will likely not be able to get through this city in one weekend, but highlights include Umami, an unexpected Izakaya spot in Lawrenceville, located right near Pittsburgh culinary star Justin Severino's Cure and Morcilla. In downtown Pittsburgh, Mexican hotspot täkō, and new-American standouts like Meat & Potatoes and Butcher and The Rye are also highlights. To work off your one-too-many bites, walk and shop around Shadyside, where Pittsburgh's designer boutique, Choices and top-notch vintage shops like Eons and Hey Betty! are located.
Where to Stay: Hotel Monaco in Pittsburgh's downtown area is our go-to, and reliable considering it bears the Kimpton name. If you're on the hunt for something a little more indie, the Ace Hotel in East Liberty based out of a landmark building that once was a YMCA (its gymnasium is just as it was back in the day) fits the bill and has a chic restaurant and a Stumptown-brewing coffee shop on its ground floor.
When to Go: Spring, summer and fall are the best times to spend a long weekend in town, and the warmer months offer options to frequent the city's rooftop bars and biergartens. Winter here, like most of the East Coast, is brutal.

There's a renaissance happening in Portugal, a land made famous by explorers–and modern-day, well-heeled travelers are taking notice. Despite its cultural riches, Portugal never reached the same level of tourism popularity that its neighbor Spain has enjoyed for decades. But the westernmost country of continental Europe has everything a traveler could want: great food, fabulous art, robust history, sensational wine and a bustling contemporary culture scene that's reshaping the country's international reputation as a hotbed for creativity. Highlights of time in Portugal include exploring the cities of Lisbon and Porto, which beautifully marry their ancient histories and contemporary cultures; the lush, vineyard-filled Douro Valley; the fairytale town of Sintra and the pristine, rugged beaches of Comporta.
Where to Stay: The Six Senses Douro Valley is a game-changer of a hotel for the entire country and staying there is worth a special trip to Portugal.
When to Go: Portugal, like all of Europe, is ideal in shoulder seasons. But it is truly great all year round–it's pleasant in winter and the summer is great for exploring the beaches of the Algarve region. Fall is gorgeous for vineyard hopping, and spring, like any European city, is absolutely lovely. – Melissa Biggs Bradley, CEO & Founder of Indagare.

Janelle Monae Vacations In A $20,000 Per Week Villa In Punta Cana

It's equipped with a private pool for 14 guests, naturally.

It may only be April, but Janelle Monae has already experienced a whirlwind of a year after starring in two of the biggest feature films, "Moonlight" and "Hidden Figures." Everyone deserves a break sometimes, even celebrities, and Booking.com took note of the singer turned actress' manic schedule. To applaud her artistic accomplishments, the vacation rental company treated the star and her friends to a much needed getaway in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

Monae and her squad lounged in the Villa Sirena, which typically rents for a hefty $20,000 per week (you know, in case you're looking for a place to rent out). The glamorous thatched-roof villa houses up to 14 people and comes complete with a private L-shaped pool and a jacuzzi. Plus, it's is only a few minutes away from the beach.

If you're looking for the ultimate zen destination without lifting a finger, the 26-acre private resort includes access to a spa, personal butler and a chef. If you prefer more an active vacation, there's also a gym, kite surfing and scuba diving available.

We may not all be in college, but after a long winter, we all deserve a spring break. Take a peek at Monae's stunning vacation digs below.

Bella Hadid's Hottest Looks

Tracking the rising model's off-duty style.

Did Prince Harry Propose to Meghan Markle on Their Vacation?

There are several clues saying yes.

Earlier this month, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle embarked on a three-week trip to Botswana to celebrate the actress's 36th birthday. However, sources tell Us Weekly that it was special for another reason—Harry reportedly proposed. The info is still rumored at this point, but there are several hints to why it could actually be true.

There was an intimate celebration.

Right after they touched down in Africa, Harry and Meghan had a "small, surprise celebration" for her birthday on August 4, which the prince had apparently planned for in advance, according to a source close to the royal. The low-key party took place at a barbecue at a friend's house with plenty of local food and music. This marked the Suits star's first time meeting Harry's friends in Botswana. "Meghan was speechless and so touched," the source added. If this part was just for Markle's birthday, we can only imagine what the proposal would be like.

The month and location are important to him.

August holds a significant meaning to Harry—it is the anniversary of his mother Princess Diana's death. One of his friends told Us that he planned to propose in the same month "so he can associate August with something joyful."

Harry has previously called Botswana his "second home," because of his many trips there as part of his charity work with his organization Sentebale. In fact, Harry's first time in Africa was right after Diana passed away. "I first came in 1997, straight after my mum died. My dad told my brother and me to pack our bags—we were going to Africa to get away from it all," he told Town & Country this year. "This is where I feel more like myself than anywhere else in the world. I wish I could spend more time in Africa."

Prince William popped the question to Kate Middleton in 2010 while on a Safari in Kenya. Did Harry take notes from his older brother?

The ring has a connection to Diana.

According to a royal insider, Harry worked with a jeweler to use the diamonds from a brooch he inherited from his mother to craft a ring. He's apparently been working on it for months, says the source.

They're keeping the news under wraps.

Even if he did propose, don't expect Markle to start flaunting her ring soon. "Harry said he would want to enjoy the news between the two of them before word starts spreading out," the insider added.

If the pair did get engaged during the trip, they may be holding off on announcing the news to avoid overshadowing other important family events like the 20th anniversary of Diana's death on August 31; as well as the Queen and Prince Philip's platinum wedding anniversary in November. "[In] December they can announce the engagement and they'd be free to marry next year; I think that's what's going to happen," said Darren McGrady, Princess Diana's head chef.

These Are The Wedding Colors of Fall 2017

We took inspiration from the season's runways–and our favorite travel destinations–for color palettes worth considering.

Each season's runways, must-visit travel destinations, seasonal changes, food customs and more can inspire takes on traditions and outside-the-box ideas for weddings that are as festive as they are forward-thinking. We took autumn's traditional tawny hues, jewel tones and burnished blushes and gave them a bit of a twist. Here, our favorite color schemes for your upcoming autumnal affair.

1 Pumpkin Spice

Take the most admittedly delicious yet basic indulgence of the season and turn it into the most inspired color scheme your guests have seen in a while. Extra points for brides who serve riffs on the seasonal hot drink for dessert.
Pictured: Photo by Mariano Vivanco; Mansur Gavriel clutch, $456, matchesfashion.com; Rosey West jewelry shot by Shay Platz; Christos Costarellos Resort 2018.

2 50 Shades of Gray

No–not that 50 Shades of Grey. Take this a bit more literally. Soft greys and rich charcoals topped off with a bit of silver and patinaed dove–with touches of greyish whites–pair all too well together for a soft, romantic and all around dreamy vibe.
Pictured: Photo by Christian Oth for BAZAAR.com; Aquazzura velvet pumps, $750, net-a-porter.com; Bottega Veneta earrings, $856, matchesfashion.com; Marchesa gown, $19,789, farfetch.com; Photo by Elizabeth Messina.

3 Fall Foliage

The season's changing leaves, bold red lips and rich rouge velvets inspire a palette of red in all its tones. Pair it with oatmeal-ivories and matte golds for a look that captures the essence of the time of year, without looking like a theme party.
Pictured: Saint Laurent sandal, $895, net-a-porter.com; The Ritz Paris; Flowers by Putnam & Putnam and backstage at Jason Wu Fall 2017.

4 Copper & Concorde

Ann Street Studio; Courtesy; Christian Oth; Putnam & Putnam

The richest tones feel right this time of year–especially when used to elevate a more rustic setting or offer a darker mood to a glamorous, over-the-top affair.
Pictured: Photo by Ann Street Studio; Alexandre Birman sandals, $695, net-a-porter.com; Photo by Christian Oth for BAZAAR.com; Flowers and tablescape by Putnam & Putnam
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Fall's muted hues are no reason to abandon color. Opt for a warm-weather destination to inspire your color-rich palette–like the brights of Mexico–to consistently call back to the same bold tones, and avoid your decor looking all over the place and overwrought.
Pictured: Kayu tote, $140, net-a-porter.com; Dolce & Gabbana dress, $1,995, net-a-porter.com; The Tierra Santa Healing House at Faena Miami Beach.

6 Emerald & Burnished Blush

Getty Images; Courtesy; Christian Oth

Take spring and summer's soft pink palettes and punctuate them with a rich, luxe emerald inspired by the Irish countryside. Make the romantic palette more slick with gem slices, clean lines and graphic shapes–then contrast the overall aesthetic with wild florals and wispy, draped fabrics.
Pictured: Miu Miu sandal, $790, net-a-porter.com; Photo by Christian Oth for BAZAAR.com; L'Afshar clutch, $855, modaoperandi.com
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7 Mustard & Sky Blue

Courtesy; Imaxtree; Getty Images; Camilla Akrans

An ode to the solar eclipse, perhaps, but designers this season were feeling all shades of sunny, buttery and mustard-y yellows. Ochre gets a new live with bold shades of sky blue for a palette that brings the laid-back vibes of late summer (with a bit of polish) to the cooler months.
Pictured: Coach 1961 Fall 2017; Elizabeth & James earrings, $95, net-a-porter.com; Photo by Camilla Akrans.

Game of Thrones Fans Are 61 Percent More Likely to Have Sex, Study Says

GoT and chill?

Game of Thrones viewers are well aware that the risqué HBO drama includes a heavy serving of nudity and sex scenes. But it turns out, fans of the show tend to get a lot of action, too (minus the incest and eunuchs).

Singles who are GoT fans are 61 percent more likely to have had a sex in the past year, and 81 percent more likely to have had a date, according to Match's annual Singles in America survey. They're also 29 percent more likely to have had a "friends with benefits" relationship and 26 more likely to have filmed sex.

The dating service surveyed over 5,500 singles across the U.S. for the study, beyond just GoT lovers. The survey explored people's dating habits and picked their brains on various topics ranging from where to find love, to dating apps, to dick pics.

When narrowed down to just Match members, the findings gets even more interesting. GoT watchers on Match tend to be better educated (70 percent more likely to have a PhD) and earn a higher income (83 percent more likely to make over $150k/year). They're also 42 percent more likely to be into skiing, which doesn't come as a surprise. #WinterIsComing

And if you're looking for a fellow GoT-loving single, the top cities to find them, according to Match's members, are Washington, DC, Madison, WI, Boston, MA, San Jose, CA, and Austin, TX.

Your Jon Snow is somewhere out there.

TheList: Summer Dresses That Take You From Day To Night

Get your rosé all day on in these pretty frocks…

Whether your by the beach, the vineyard or roof top these are the dresses that will take you from chic sunrise to Insta-worthy sunset.

Taylor Swift Just Released Her First Single In Years

Listen to "Look What You Made Me Do" here.

New Taylor Swift music is finally here. A day after announcing her upcoming album, Reputation, the singer released her first single from the project, titled "Look What You Made Me Do."

Taylor Swift's Lyrics Are Full of Sneaky Kanye West Disses

"Look What You Made Me Do" is no make-up ballad.

Taylor Swift's new song "Look What You Made Me Do" is anything but subtle. It's upbeat, introduces her new sound, and evokes themes of resilience, revenge, and karma. From the snake videos she used to tease the upcoming release, she was already dropping hints that her upcoming single might reference her feud with Kanye West and Kim Kardashian over his references to her in his song "Famous."

Now that Taylor's song is here, we can see her hints were right. Swift doesn't call West or Kardashian out by name, but she drops some sneaky hints at the couple even in the first few lines of the song. And it's not just Kim and Kanye she's after; apparently there's a minor allusion to Katy Perry, too.

Read through the lyrics and some of the references below:

Verse:

I don't like your little games

Don't like your tilted stage

Kanye West performed on a "floating" stage for his Saint Pablo Tour last year, which hung suspended over the audience. It moved around the arena and, at times, tilted so certain parts of the crowd could see him.

Plus, the fact that she references Kanye in the first two lines of the song mirrors the way he called her out in "Famous." The opening lines of his track are literally: "For all my Southside n***as that know me best / I feel like me and Taylor might still have sex / Why? I made that bitch famous."

Getty

The role you made me play

Of the fool

No, I don't like you

I don't like your perfect crime

How you laugh when you lie

Kanye isn't big on smiling and laughing in public, but he was in a grinning mood at last year's VMAs, when he made a major speech before introducing his new music video. He even walked out to "Famous" as he entered the stage. "That's why I called her," he said, referencing the phone call, in his speech.

Getty

You said the gun was mine

Isn't cool

No, I don't like you

Pre-chorus:

But I got smarter, I got harder in the nick of time

Honey, I rose up from the dead, I do it all the time

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40+ Logo Bag Moments from Gucci, Dior, Louis Vuitton, and More

So little time, so many monograms

By Aria Darcella and Brittany Adams

Taylor Swift's New Single Is Here and Twitter Has a Lot of Feelings

The internet cannot handle "the old Taylor is dead!"

Tonight, Taylor Swift released her first single since the 1989 album nearly three years ago. The track, titled "Look What You Made Me Do," teased a new era of Swift's sound—and the internet unsurprisingly had a lot of feelings about it. From the good to the mostly bad to the downright ugly, here are the funniest reactions to Swift's new single (and mostly its standout line, "the old Taylor can't come to the phone right now").

Patty Jenkins Hits Back At James Cameron's Wonder Woman Criticism

Cameron had said Gal Gadot's Wonder Woman was an "objectified icon," and the film a 'step backwards' for female characters.

Wonder Woman has exceeded expectations and broken box office records worldwide - it's the highest grossing domestic superhero origin release ever, and the highest-grossing live-action film directed by a woman.

And beyond that - we finally see a female comic icon given her own movie.

But Oscar-winning director James Cameron has slated the film for being 'a step backwards' for female characters, and that Gal Gadot's Wonder Woman is an "objectified icon."

Speaking to The Guardian, Cameron said: "All of the self-congratulatory back-patting Hollywood's been doing over Wonder Woman has been so misguided.

"She's an objectified icon, and it's just male Hollywood doing the same old thing! I'm not saying I didn't like the movie but, to me, it's a step backwards."

Cameron—who is renowned for writing strong female leads—referred to his Terminator and Terminator 2: Judgment Day character Sarah Connor as what a powerful female protagonist should be.

"Sarah Connor was not a beauty icon," Cameron continued. "She was strong, she was troubled, she was a terrible mother, and she earned the respect of the audience through pure grit.

"And to me, [the benefit of characters like Sarah] is so obvious. I mean, half the audience is female!"

Speaking to The Guardian, Cameron said: "All of the self-congratulatory back-patting Hollywood's been doing over Wonder Woman has been so misguided.

"She's an objectified icon, and it's just male Hollywood doing the same old thing! I'm not saying I didn't like the movie but, to me, it's a step backwards."

Cameron—who is renowned for writing strong female leads—referred to his Terminator and Terminator 2: Judgment Day character Sarah Connor as what a powerful female protagonist should be.

"Sarah Connor was not a beauty icon," Cameron continued. "She was strong, she was troubled, she was a terrible mother, and she earned the respect of the audience through pure grit.

"And to me, [the benefit of characters like Sarah] is so obvious. I mean, half the audience is female!"

In a post on Twitter, Jenkins wrote: 'James Cameron's inability to understand what Wonder Woman is, or stands for, to women all over the world is unsurprising as, though he is a great filmmaker, he is not a woman.

"Strong women are great. His praise for my film Monster, and our portrayal of a strong yet damaged woman was so appreciated."

Jenkins also contended that women, like men, don't always have to be damaged or troubled to be "strong."

"But if women have to always be hard, tough and troubled to be strong, and we aren't free to be multidimensional or celebrate an icon of women everywhere because she is attractive and loving, then we haven't come very far have we," she added.

"I believe women can and should be EVERYTHING just like male lead characters should be. There is no right and wrong kind of powerful woman. And the massive female audience who made the film a hit it is, can surely choose and judge their own icons of progress."

A Wonder Woman sequel has been set by Warner Bros for December 2019.

From: ELLE UK

I Am a Descendant of Slaveholders. Charlottesville Demands My Honesty About White Supremacy.

One writer opens up about her ancestor's crimes—and vows to do better.

When the white supremacists chanted “blood and soil” in honor of a Confederate general in Charlottesville this weekend, they were invoking me and people like me. On my father’s side, I’m descended from plantation families that enslaved Africans and African Americans in Mississippi and South Carolina. My second great-grandfather, Samuel Mitchell McAlister Jr., was a slaveholding Confederate private in the Mississippi State Cavalry.White supremacists have called, so I must respond. As a descendant of slaveholders and Confederate soldiers, I want to tell the truth about the evil that my ancestors and the Confederacy perpetrated, the repercussions their crimes have today, and how I and other white people still benefit from discrimination against people of color.

While conducting genealogical research in 2012, I traced my family’s line back to Enoch Grubbs, my fourth great-grandfather. As I looked through census records and other documents, I found a transcript of his will. Written in 1831 when he was about 76, it reads: “I give to my Son William my negro [woman] Lucy and her six children now in his possession.” To his grandsons, Enoch bequeathed four enslaved people, including “my negro girl Hannah 6 years of age and my negro boy George 4 years of age,” and stipulated that if his grandsons died before turning 21 and marrying, “the negro or negroes so given to him or them shall go to and belong to the survivours or survivour of them my said three grandchild, to them and their heirs forever."

I’m descended from Enoch’s daughter from his second marriage, Minerva, who was 12 when her father died. For her, her mother, and other young siblings, Enoch ordered the sale of any enslaved people he had not specifically bequeathed. He said the proceeds should pay for their maintenance and education.

From left: Samuel Mitchell McAlister Jr.; Minerva Grubbs with the author’s great-grandfather, James McAlister.

Courtesy Virgie Townsend

I was disgusted as I read Enoch’s will. He is a DAR-recognized Revolutionary War veteran who used the land he received for his service to grow rich off the backs of black men, women and children. Lucy and her children stand out in his will as the only family that appears mostly intact, suggesting they may have received different treatment. It’s possible Enoch raped Lucy and fathered her children, whom he then enslaved. Young Hannah and George were taken from their parents to live and die in labor to a stranger.

In his own words, Enoch planned for his grandchildren and their descendants, including me, to continue these crimes “forever.” In some ways, he got his wish.

"In his own words, Enoch planned for his grandchildren and their descendants, including me, to continue these crimes 'forever.' In some ways, he got his wish."

Over the past five years, I’ve tried to find out what happened to some of the people Enoch enslaved. William Grubbs, who inherited Lucy and her children, moved to a plantation in Alabama, where he listed 23 enslaved people in his will. Lucy isn’t named among them. Enoch's grandson, Enoch Lot, mostly disappears from government records, taking the fates of Hannah and George with him.

If they lived to see the Emancipation Proclamation, Hannah would have been 38 and George would have been 36. Even free, their lives would have been hard. They had already lost their families and would have had no money or education. I haven’t been able to find any photos of them, another depressing illustration of how white history erases people of color and tries to bury the lives of the people it exploits.

I do have a family photo of my second great-grandmother, Minerva's daughter and Enoch's granddaughter. This photo (she is the youngest, seated between two children I believe are her sisters) was taken in the late 1850s. In the 1860 census, her father, P.R. Thomas, is listed in the slave schedules as owning eight enslaved people, ranging from a one-year-old baby girl to a 35-year-old woman.

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From left: the photo of the author’s second great-grandmother; P.R. Thomas’s schedule of enslaved people.

Courtesy Virgie Townsend

The Union and the people it freed technically “won” the Civil War, but my ancestors had already helped build a society that would always favor them and their descendants based on the color of their skin. They had powerful connections throughout the South. They had sold fellow human beings to fund their own educations, ensuring they qualified for important jobs.

I still benefit from the generational wealth and education that my ancestors stole from black people. After fighting for the Confederacy, Samuel McAlister received a position as postmaster—a prestigious role singling him out as one of the few literate men in his town. When he died, his obituary praised him as a lifelong Christian and “a man of a strong and well-cultivated mind." Ninety-eight years after his death, many of his descendants—including my immediate family—are college-educated. I went to a well-respected undergraduate program as a legacy student and was an attorney at the age of 25.

I’m not alone in the advantages I’ve reaped from the exploitation of people of color. Although we all want to believe we come from honest, hard-working people, even the poorest of our early European American ancestors had an upper hand over their contemporaries who had dark skin, particularly for employment opportunities. After the Civil War, Robert E. Lee personally advised his son to only hire other whites, writing: “You will never prosper with blacks. … Our material, social, and political interests are naturally with the whites.”

"My ancestors helped build a society that would always favor them and their descendants based on the color of their skin."