Let's dig in, soil sister
Thanks to third-wave feminist pioneers such as Madonna and yours truly, we now know that a woman can kick ass in heels and lead a country in bright red lipstick. M|D was born out of the realization that femininity can be our superpower, as long as we can explore it on our own terms. Building on the efforts of our dungarees-wearing, feminist godmothers, I came up with the term 'Feminine Feminism', the name of the magazine you're holding. Since then, I never stopped looking for ways to empower women through their femininity. And yes, that sometimes meant reclaiming traditional ways - from the ancient Japanese art of seduction to the joy of cooking - raising a few 'old-school' feminist eyebrows in the process. ''When I chose Julia Child* as my muse a few seasons ago, you said I was 'sending women back to the kitchen'. And now, you can't stop making your own jam", I remind my friend, pouring her another cup of tea. "You helped me discover that cooking gives me joy." she admits. "Well, finding your joy is power. Who knows, you may be shopping for a garden hoe soon," I tease. "Or even better: become one myself!", she laughs as she takes off her top to catch some rays amidst my lavender bushes.
Joy is one of the many things I hope to unearth with you this season in my garden. Joy, beauty, creativity and lots of great stories. Together with British gardener and bestselling author Alice Vincent, I explore why gardening is so hot amongst young women right now, while sharing ways to 'rewild your own secret garden' in a juicy how-to article. We get inspired by phenomenal female gardeners from the past, from unlikely garden fanatic Marie Antoinette to Victorian horticulturist Gertrude Jekyll, known as the most influential gardener of all time - male or female. And to be able to get our fingers dirty in style, I designed a fabulous 'Gardenista' Couture Collection, my twist on the iconic denim dungarees worn by gardeners and feminists alike. Yes, the female gardener and (feminine) feminist have more in common than you might think. Both dare to dream. Both claim their space to grow. Both are planting seeds for a better, more beautiful world. Are you ready to join our garden party? Let's dig in, soil sister! I promise it will be 'plantastic'.
* Legendary American chef
MD Friends
Building bridges
From the Erasmus Bridge and the Mercedes-Benz Museum to Qatar’s metro network; Ben van Berkel’s iconic landmarks bring people together in rapturous beauty, again and again. I talked with the Dutch architect and educator about sensuality, ‘healthy’ buildings and the remarkable parallels between our designs.
MD Friends
More than a feeling
Don’t ignore your emotions; they are much more powerful than you can imagine. By linking the magical world of emotions with hard science, Dutch scientist Pierre Capel, professor emeritus in experimental immunology, shows us the consequences of our feelings and the power of our minds. The message: we can do much more than we think. “Meditate. It’s the single best thing you can do for your health.”
Marlies Says
Keto curious?
The fact that I feel bikini-confident all year round is, of course, a nice bonus. But for me, the biggest payoff of following the keto diet is the way it optimizes my health and gives me tons of energy.
Marlies Says
Super (skin) food
‘If you can’t eat it, why put it on your skin?’. I pretty much live by this beauty adage. After all, with your skin being one of your body’s largest organs, anything – and I mean anything! – you put onto your skin will end up in your bloodstream.