Read the story of Renate, breast cancer survivor
Cancer is a horrifying ordeal and really puts you to the test. But it also awakened my inner power. I had expected to feel less feminine with each step, but I actually learned: my beauty is not in my hair or my breasts; it’s in my strength! From day one I’ve tried to put a positive spin on the experience. Sharing my journey on social media, connecting with women all over the world, was very much part of that. But also the way I kept expressing my femininity in my looks. The first time I went outside with a shaved head, for example, I wore my reddest lipstick and a gorgeous long dress. And I refused to wear the ugly ‘chemo caps’ they suggested to me at the hospital. I tapped into my creativity – another ‘gift’ from cancer – borrowed my mom’s sewing machine and started making beautiful, comfortable turbans and headbands. Things took off from there, and now I have my own brand! The name says it all: The Head Up Club. Looking back, I can honestly say that I wouldn’t have wanted to miss this journey of growth and self-discovery, as painful as it has been at times. My hair is quite long again, and I just sent a message to my hairdresser: “Help! Please take it all off!” I miss my GI Jane power cut. Who would have thought that?”
Marlies Says
I AM A FEMINIST.
You know I’m a self-made woman who has made it my purpose to challenge women to dare. It’s an achievement I am immensely proud of, and for that reason, I am equally proud to label myself a feminist. But looking back more than a hundred years, I’m even prouder of the progress women have made together.
MD Friends
FEARLESS fly GIRL
Niatia (pronounce: ‘naah-tee-yah), also known by her stage name Lil Mama (28), is a fearless rapper, singer, dancer and actress from Brooklyn, New York. Her breakout hit ‘Lip Gloss’ came out in 2007, and since then she has been a celebrity judge on America’s Best Dance Crew, played Lisa “Left Eye” Lopez in VH1’s CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story, and was most recently the lead actress in a movie called ‘When love kills; The Falicia Blakely story’. But it hasn’t always been a smooth ride…
MD Friends
GUTS & GLORY
Meet Viktoriya Isakova (41), a stunningly beautiful Russian actress who is not afraid to get down and dirty for her brave performances. Her film credits include ‘Tochka’ (2006), a movie about human trafficking and prostitution and ‘Mirrors’ (2013), in which she plays the tragic Marina Tsvetaeva, one of the greatest Russian poets of the 20th century. I talked to the winner of many (international) awards about ageing, lingerie, and the need to always stay true to yourself.
Marlies Says
Women’s Day 2019
Happy Women’s Day! I am extra excited about this edition, because wow, what a year it’s been for feminism! This is the year that we went global; that we showed up with our money, our bodies, our time and our voices to show the world: this is OUR time!