The Body, Without Benefit of Stylists
Jamie Lee Curtis, whose celebrated bod starred in such films as “Perfect,” is doing what few actresses would dare: She’s showing the world how she really looks.
In the September issue of More magazine, on newsstands next week, the 43-year-old poses with no makeup, no manicure, no professional coif, no diamond jewelry and no designer duds--wearing nothing but a sports bra and her skivvies.
Reached by phone in L.A. on Thursday, Curtis said her forthcoming children’s book, “I’m Gonna Like Me: Letting Off a Little Self-Esteem” (Joanna Cotler Books), inspired her to suggest the unflattering shot, paired with a second one that illustrates the transformative power of 12 stylists, a $1,000 dress and photo touch-ups.
“I figured if I was putting this message out for children, I had better practice what I preach,” she said. “I’m not a weight activist; if anything, I’m just trying to shed a little light on what I think is a lack of self-esteem that a lot of people have. The best way I can approach this is by writing books for children and starting a dialogue, because body-image issues start in your youth.”
Curtis has had liposuction and Botox. She diets and exercises, though not obsessively, and has sworn off alcohol since admitting past substance abuse. Friends call her the Energizer Bunny.
“The photo I challenge any paparazzo to get is of me hanging out on a couch somewhere,” she quipped. Still, despite the feverish pace, attention to health, nips and tucks, she insists she’s not perfect and wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I spend a lot of time with my kids.... If I chose to spend five hours a day on my body, I’d look great. I’d look amazing. But I’m trying to live a real life.” The standard of beauty perpetuated by the media is set by women who have personal trainers and chefs, she added.
Until recently a TV pitchwoman for wireless provider VoiceStream, Curtis doubts she would have been able to pose for the revealing shot if she still held the position. “It’s not what they hired me to do. I’m not saying they hired me to walk around in my underwear, but they hired me to rep a youth-oriented market.”
Before posing, she considered how the photo would affect the prospect of future acting roles. “I am hoping that I can continue to do all kinds of work being who I am today. I’m very lucky ... although I’m not financially independent, I’m comfortable. I’m not sure I would have been able to do this when I was younger.”
Fashion magazines benefit from the same larger-than-life glamour as Hollywood. But More editor in chief Susan Crandell said she wasn’t worried about Curtis upsetting the beauty mystique. “I don’t see why fantasy and reality can’t coexist. ... I think it’s courageous of Jamie to say that reality is different but it’s not worse.... I can imagine women looking at the picture and saying, ‘Boy, Jamie Lee Curtis’ stomach and thighs look like mine.’ ”
A Photographer’s
Hip-Hop History
When Jamel Shabazz was snapping pictures of African American men and women dressed in Jordache jeans, Adidas sneakers with fat shoelaces, and oversized rectangular eyeglasses in 1980s New York City, he had no inkling that what he was documenting would grow into the cultural behemoth that is hip-hop style. Or that Dior’s John Galliano would show boombox-shaped purses on a Paris runway, that kids from Tokyo to Torrance would adopt “old school” Pumas and track suits as their everyday uniforms, or that Samuel L. Jackson and other celebs would one day wear felt Kangol hats to glitzy Hollywood premieres.
Shabazz’s book of photos, “Back in the Days” (Powerhouse Books, 2001), has become a cult favorite of those nostalgic for the fashion innovation that preceded today’s wholesale “bling-bling” world. After stops in London and New York, an exhibit of the stylish shots will be on view for the next three weeks at the gallery at Les Deux Cafes in Hollywood.
To mark the event, Urban Outfitters has teamed up with exhibit sponsors Dazed & Confused magazine and Kangol to showcase images from the book in store windows beginning Monday. For a limited time the chain also will offer the “Bermuda Casual” hat popularized by LL Cool J. The toppers come with a free CD of “Uptown Sounds” chosen by Shabazz and Fab 5 Freddy.
