Reese Witherspoon, the multi-talented Hollywood actress, producer, and media tycoon, graces the August 2023 issue of Harper’s Bazaar US. With a splendid photoshoot, Witherspoon proves once again that she’s not just a powerhouse in Hollywood but a style icon too. The eminent photographer, Cass Bird, skillfully captures the radiant and sophisticated Witherspoon, adorning the cover in a classy Louis Vuitton ensemble, complete with a belted jacket and dress. The Tiffany & Co. jewelry added a further dash of elegance to her aura.
Throughout the exclusive cover story, Witherspoon elegantly personifies an eclectic mix of fashion statements, underscoring her versatility and impeccable taste. Whether it’s the romantic floral separates, audacious jackets harmoniously paired with chic boots, or the simple yet profound statement of elegance and style, “The Morning Show” star exudes a fashion-forward aura. An array of fashion giants such as Chanel, Carolina Herrera, Dolce & Gabbana, Valentino, Bottega Veneta, Prada, and Dior contributed to the wardrobe, demonstrating Witherspoon’s diverse sartorial choices.
The enchanting photoshoot is artfully styled by Harper’s Bazaar’s Editor-in-Chief, Samira Nasr, whose creative direction seamlessly integrates Witherspoon’s vivacious personality and the fashion aesthetic.
At 47, Reese Witherspoon has an impressive repertoire of over 60 acting credits, including iconic roles such as Elle Woods in “Legally Blonde” and Tracy Flick in “Election“. Her portrayal of June Carter Cash in “Walk the Line” won her an Academy Award. But acting is just one facet of her multifaceted career. Witherspoon has also made her mark as a producer, with more than three dozen credits under her belt, most of them under the banner of Hello Sunshine, a media and production company she co-founded in 2016.
Her co-stars and friends, Jennifer Aniston and Julianna Margulies, marvel at her productivity and leadership skills. Aniston, who works with Witherspoon on the Apple TV+ drama “The Morning Show“, described her as “one of the most highly productive human beings I’ve ever encountered“. Margulies echoed this sentiment, praising Witherspoon’s ability to compartmentalize and take charge.
But what truly sets Witherspoon apart is her mission: to center women’s stories. Over the past decade, she has become a crusader for correcting or upending the entrenched Hollywood systems that have excluded and exploited women. Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine was born out of the idea that media was largely dominated by male voices and perspectives. The company’s success is a testament to the power of women’s narratives, with its sale to Candle Media in 2021 fetching a staggering $900 million.
Despite her professional triumphs, Witherspoon remains grounded and introspective. She’s a mother of three, an influential book club runner, and the mind behind the Southern-inflected lifestyle brand, Draper James. She’s also a woman navigating a personal transition, having recently announced her plans to divorce her second husband, Jim Toth.
Witherspoon’s journey is a testament to her resilience and her commitment to authenticity. She’s learned to control her narrative, sharing her experiences in her own voice rather than letting others dictate her story. This authenticity extends to her work, where she’s committed to telling stories from a female perspective, challenging the male gaze that has long dominated Hollywood.
Witherspoon’s influence is felt not only in the roles she plays and the stories she produces but also in the way she supports and uplifts other women in the industry. Her peers, like Laura Dern and Kerry Washington, speak of her with admiration and respect, acknowledging her efforts to create space for women’s voices in Hollywood.
As she navigates her 40s, Witherspoon is embracing a sense of liberation. She’s learned to let go of others’ opinions and focus on her own narrative. She’s also leaning back into feel-good rom-com roles, providing the world with a dose of much-needed levity.
Witherspoon opens up about her recent divorce and how her perspective towards personal turmoil has shifted. Unlike her previous divorce, which was commandeered by the intrusive tabloid media, this time, she feels more in control. She acknowledges, “When I was divorced before, the tabloid media got to tell people how I was feeling or how I was processing, and it felt very out of control. To be able to talk to people directly about what’s going on in my life and just share it in the way that I share great professional experiences or personal experiences, it feels much more authentic…”.
Hair: Bob Recine
Make-up: Romy Soleimani
Manicure: Lisa Phan Hall
Prop styling: Jenna Winn
Production: LOLA Production
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