Glamour magazine, the everywoman’s bible for fashion, beauty, health, love and everything in between, celebrated its annual Women of the Year gala over the weekend at Carnegie Hall in New York City. The event, reigning in its 20th year in celebration, honors the lives of influential women around the globe, from nearly every background and all walks of life.
Film stars, rock stars, athletes, doctors, politicians, fashion designers, and yes, queens, represent only a small few who have been named over the past 20 years. Starting in 1990 with the woman who reinvented reinvention, Madonna, to Madeleine Albright in 1995, to political activist and actress Susan Sarandon, to Emme, the first plus-size supermodel in 1997, to Olympic skier Picabo Street in 1998, to Harry Potter’s mastermind J.K. Rowling in 1999, to the outspoken advocate for reproductive rights, actress Julianne Moore, to the entire female cast of Saturday Night Live in 2002, to pop princess Britney Spears in 2003, to powerhouse Venus Williams in 2005, to best actress Oscar winner Sandra Bullock in 2006, to First Lady Michelle Obama and influential poet Maya Angelou in 2009, the awards draw attention to those who have singlehandedly changed our world. These individuals, to only name a vast few, have inspired young women to follow their dreams, to love their bodies, to stand up for human rights, and to fight back, especially for those who don’t have a voice.
This year, the 10 honored women, in no particular order: The Superstar (singer Fergie), The Adventurer (competitive rower and advocate for clean drinking water, Katie Spotz), The Class Act (actress Julia Roberts), The 21st-Century Queen (advocate for education and harmony between the Muslim and Western worlds, Queen Rania), The Saints of Somalia (pillars of hope for refugees in Somalia, Dr. Hawa Abdi and her daughters), The Accidental Activist (gay rights activist Constance McMillen), The Design Diva (fashion designer Donatella Versace), The Chosen Ones (11 influential Female Heads of State who have battled against such issues as the lack of education for and the victimization of women in war zones), The Game Changers (athletic superstars Lindsey Vonn, Mia Hamm, and Lisa Leslie), and The Legend (and recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, singer and actress Cher).
From the glinting red carpet to the unforgettable moments shared throughout the evening, our thoughts were turned towards this extraordinary group of women and the countless lives they have cherished, inspired, and saved.
Posted by : Courtney O’Kane Academy of Art University Alumna at 04:27 AM (IST)
