Queens at Arms

Queens at Arms

by marlies|dekkers

Of all the splendid performances in the movie ‘Elizabeth’ (1998), Fanny Ardant’s brief, but wickedly sexy portrayal of Mary of Guise is amongst my very favorites. In real life too, this French vixen may not have been as legendary as Elizabeth, but she was a feminist power house in her own right.

Born in 1515 into the ambitious Lorraine family, Mary was tall and strikingly beautiful. She was briefly courted by the recently widowed Henry VIII, but instead married his nephew, James V of Scotland, in 1538. When Henry insisted that he, as a big person, needed a big wife, Mary famously replied: “I may be a big woman, but I have a very little neck,” referring to Henry’s beheading of his second wife Anne Boleyn. Initially, Mary was content with a life in the shadows. But James’ premature death left their 6-day-old daughter, Mary, as Queen of Scotland, and Mary of Guise would spend the next 18 years safeguarding her daughter’s throne like a lioness. In the process, she effectively governed Scotland with a sensual mixture of guile, determination and tolerance. ‘God knows… what a life I lead,” Mary wrote to her brother. “It is no small matter to bring a young nation to a state of perfection”. In the end, her daughter’s life as Queen Elizabeth’s tragic archenemy would eclipse Mary’s, but in my (history-)book, Mary of Guise will always be one of 16th century’s formidable female rulers.

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fall|winter 20 preview

Marlies Says

fall|winter 20 preview

by marlies|dekkers

In January, I presented my newest FW20 collection during a show full of dance and entertainment in Rotterdam. All my work as a feminist designer is inspired by muses, powerful female icons from past and present. And for FW20, my muse will be crime writer Agatha Christie. A few months from now, you will get to discover the collections, and see how they tell stories like Agatha’s thrilling books do..

Running for your life

MD Friends

Running for your life

by marlies|dekkers

Dr. Bram Bakker is a psychiatrist, a writer, a runner and a provocateur. With his many bestselling books and columns – and yes, even his own theatre show – he urges us to think outside the box when it comes to our mental health. Not crazy about popping pills? Bram shared some interesting alternatives with me, from throwing out our phones to running ‘till we puke’.

Peas & peppers instead of pills

MD Friends

Peas & peppers instead of pills

by marlies|dekkers

General practitioner Tamara de Weijer believes that we would feel a lot better if we hit the produce stand before we visited the pharmacy. “On a massive scale, we have been putting the wrong kind of fuel in our bodies.”

Singles Day – You’ve Got this!

Marlies Says

Singles Day – You’ve Got this!

by marlies|dekkers

All the single ladies, listen up! With single women rapidly becoming the majority, it is high time to stop feeling singled out. This Singles Day, let’s celebrate our freedom and independence by sharing all those solo milestones that make us go: ‘You’ve got this!’.