In the 1960s, Japanese photographer Masahisa Fukase fell deeply — almost obsessively — in love with a woman named Yōko. She became the center of his world… and of his camera.
In his early photos, Yōko is laughing, playful, full of life — a muse he couldn’t stop capturing. But over the years, something haunting happened…
1960 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL
Introduced at the 1954 New York Auto Show as a more attainable companion to the 300 SL, the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL combined elegant styling with refined touring manners. While it echoed its famous sibling’s design, the 190 SL was built on a modified W121 sedan platform, offering greater comfort and practicality.
Charlize Theron, born August 7, 1975, in Benoni, South Africa, emerged from a tumultuous childhood to become one of Hollywood’s most versatile and compelling actresses. Circa 1995, she moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in acting after training as a ballet dancer in Johannesburg. Early appearances in films such as “2 Days in the Valley” (1996) and “The Devil’s Advocate” (1997) showcased her unique ability to balance elegance with raw intensity, quickly earning her recognition from filmmakers and critics alike. Collaborations with directors like Ridley Scott and David Fincher during the late 1990s positioned her as a rising star capable of commanding both dramatic and action-oriented roles.
Amanda Seyfried, born on December 3, 1985, in Allentown, Pennsylvania, began her journey in the entertainment industry as a child model before transitioning to acting in the late 1990s. Her early television work in “As the World Turns” and “All My Children” honed her craft, but it was her breakout role as Karen Smith in the 2004 comedy “Mean Girls” that introduced her to global audiences. Her blend of comedic timing and natural charm captured Hollywood’s attention, propelling her into a series of acclaimed projects that showcased her ability to balance innocence with emotional depth. By the mid-2000s, she had emerged as one of the most promising young actresses of her generation, seamlessly navigating between independent films and major studio productions.
THE VICTORIA’S SECRET FASHION SHOW
The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, a hallmark of global runway spectacles, returned in 2025 with breathtaking energy, showcasing the evolution of fashion, glamour, and brand legacy. Since its inception in 1995, the show has become a symbol of high-profile modeling, combining cutting-edge design with theatrical presentation. This year’s event, held in New York City circa late September, featured top models from around the world, seamlessly blending iconic Victoria’s Secret Angels with emerging talent, capturing the attention of fashion enthusiasts and media outlets alike. Designers, stylists, and creative directors collaborated to create visually stunning segments that highlighted couture lingerie, elaborate wings, and intricate accessories, demonstrating the meticulous artistry behind the show.
Barbara Palvin, born in Budapest, Hungary, in 1993, rose from the streets of her hometown to the luminous stages of international fashion. Discovered at the age of thirteen while walking with her mother, her natural beauty and captivating blue eyes quickly drew attention across Europe. By 2008, she had already signed with IMG Models, making her Paris Fashion Week debut for Prada at just sixteen. This marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey through the elite corridors of high fashion, where she modeled for global powerhouses including Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Valentino, and Miu Miu. Her combination of youthful innocence and timeless allure redefined the standard of modern beauty in the fashion world.
CANDICE SWANEPOEL II
Candice Swanepoel, born on October 20, 1988, in Mooi River, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, emerged as one of the most recognizable faces in modern fashion history. Her journey began when she was discovered at a local flea market at the age of fifteen, leading to an extraordinary career that bridged continents and cultures. By the late 2000s, she had captivated the international fashion scene, gracing the runways of Milan, Paris, and New York for brands such as Fendi, Dolce & Gabbana, and Givenchy. Her ethereal beauty, defined by piercing blue eyes and golden hair, quickly established her as the embodiment of elegance and allure in the modeling world.
CANDICE SWANEPOEL
Candice Swanepoel, born in Mooi River, South Africa, on October 20, 1988, rose from rural beginnings to become one of the most recognizable supermodels of her generation. Discovered at a Durban flea market circa 2003, her journey from a small farming town to the world’s top fashion capitals reflected not just beauty but resilience and ambition. By the late 2000s, she had become a central figure in New York’s high-fashion scene, walking for global houses such as Fendi, Dolce & Gabbana, and Givenchy. Her collaboration with Victoria’s Secret began in 2007, marking the start of an illustrious chapter that would define her legacy as one of the most iconic Angels in the brand’s history.
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| Candice Swanepol |
MONICA BELLUCCI
Monica Bellucci, born in Città di Castello, Italy, in 1964, rose from the Umbrian countryside to become one of the most recognizable actresses and models in the world. By circa 1988, after beginning her career as a fashion model in Milan, she quickly became a fixture in European fashion houses, working with Dolce & Gabbana and French Elle. Her transition to film began in the early 1990s, with roles in Italian cinema that highlighted both her Mediterranean beauty and her ability to embody deeply emotional characters, setting the stage for an international career that would flourish over the next three decades.
CANDICE SWANEPOEL
Candice Swanepoel, born circa 1988 in Mooi River, South Africa, rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most iconic figures in the world of high fashion and modeling. Discovered as a teenager, her career took off circa 2003 when she moved to Europe to pursue modeling full-time. By 2007, Swanepoel was walking major runways and gracing international magazine covers, quickly gaining recognition for her ethereal beauty, striking features, and signature blonde hair. Her South African roots brought a unique global appeal, bridging diverse fashion capitals such as Paris, Milan, and New York City, where she made a lasting impact in the competitive world of luxury fashion.
On January 18, 2024, Natalie Portman graced the cover of Elle France in a stunning visual collaboration with renowned fashion photographer Felix Cooper, capturing the essence of modern elegance fused with timeless cinematic mystique. Shot in Paris, the editorial was a sophisticated reflection of Portman’s evolving persona—rooted in her dual identity as both a Hollywood icon and a vocal advocate for women’s empowerment. Wearing pieces from Dior, the maison she has long represented as a global ambassador since circa 2010, the shoot unfolded across vintage hotel suites and Haussmannian balconies, echoing the grandeur of French cinema from the 1960s.
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| Monica Belluci |
Alessandra Ambrosio’s legacy as one of Victoria’s Secret’s most iconic Angels began in the early 2000s, firmly establishing her as a defining figure in the world of fashion and modeling. Born in 1981 in Erechim, Brazil, Alessandra’s journey to supermodel status began when she was just a teenager, entering local modeling contests circa 1996 before catching the eye of international scouts. By 2000, she was walking the runway for Victoria’s Secret, quickly ascending to the coveted title of Angel in 2004. Her signature runway walk, poised elegance, and charismatic presence made her a favorite not only among designers but also millions of fans worldwide. Her role in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show became a yearly highlight, symbolizing the blend of high fashion glamour with accessible sensuality.
BARBARA PALVIN
Barbara Palvin, born October 8, 1993, in Budapest, Hungary, quickly ascended from a promising newcomer to an established Victoria’s Secret Angel, captivating the fashion world with her striking beauty and relatable charm. Circa 2012, Palvin began gaining international attention through her work with renowned designers and brands across Europe, before her breakthrough came with the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. By 2018, she had secured her status as a key figure within the VS family, appearing alongside legendary Angels such as Adriana Lima and Candice Swanepoel. Her presence at VSFS castings became highly anticipated, reflecting her growing influence and the brand’s commitment to embracing fresh, diverse talent.
Natalie Portman
and Scarlett Johansson
Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johansson stand as two of the most compelling actresses of their generation, whose careers have intertwined with Hollywood’s evolving landscape since the late 1990s and early 2000s. Natalie Portman, born in Jerusalem in 1981, gained early acclaim with her breakout role in Léon: The Professional (1994), and by circa 1999, she was captivating global audiences with her work in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace. Balancing a rigorous academic path at Harvard University with a flourishing acting career, Portman’s refined talent led her to iconic roles such as in Black Swan (2010), earning her an Academy Award. Meanwhile, Scarlett Johansson, born in 1984 in New York City, entered the scene as a child actress before skyrocketing to fame with Lost in Translation (2003), a film that showcased her rare emotional depth. By circa 2010, Johansson cemented her status as a versatile star through roles in The Avengers series, becoming a global icon with her portrayal of Black Widow.
ANGIE DICKINSON
Angie Dickinson emerged as one of Hollywood’s most captivating actresses during the golden age of cinema, with her career flourishing notably in the 1960s and 1970s. Born in 1931 in Kulm, North Dakota, Dickinson’s early foray into acting led her to the bright lights of Los Angeles, where she quickly garnered attention for her striking presence and versatile talent. Circa 1964, Dickinson solidified her status with a critically acclaimed role in Rio Conchos, a western that showcased her ability to command the screen alongside stars like Richard Boone. Her versatility shone brightly again in the iconic 1967 film Point Blank, directed by John Boorman, where she played the complex character Lynne, further cementing her reputation in Hollywood’s evolving landscape.
THE VICTORIA’S SECRET FANTASY BRA
The Victoria’s Secret Fantasy Bra has long been the pinnacle of luxury and glamour within the fashion world, captivating audiences with its breathtaking craftsmanship and celebrity allure. Circa 1996, the first Fantasy Bra was introduced, worn by model Stephanie Seymour and valued at $1 million. This groundbreaking moment set the stage for what would become an annual tradition, showcasing extravagantly designed bras adorned with precious gems like diamonds, rubies, and sapphires. Over the decades, the Fantasy Bra has become a symbol of opulence, worn by legendary Angels such as Gisele Bündchen, Heidi Klum, and Adriana Lima during the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Shows held in iconic locations including New York City, London, and Shanghai.
Each Fantasy Bra carries a unique story, reflecting the creativity and vision of master jewelers and designers. Circa 2005, Heidi Klum stunned audiences with the $12.5 million “Heavenly Star” bra, encrusted with diamonds, sapphires, and rubies, showcasing an extraordinary level of artistry and detail. These pieces are not just lingerie but wearable art, blending fashion and fine jewelry in a way that epitomizes Victoria’s Secret’s lavish aesthetic. The selection of the model to wear the Fantasy Bra is a coveted honor, symbolizing her status as a leading figure within the brand and the fashion industry at large. This tradition continues to generate excitement and anticipation each year, as fans debate which bra they would choose to wear.
As the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show evolves, the Fantasy Bra remains a timeless highlight, representing both innovation and heritage. Whether opting for a classic diamond-studded design or a bold, colorful gemstone creation, the Fantasy Bra symbolizes the fusion of glamour, craftsmanship, and storytelling. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to inspire dreams of luxury and elegance, captivating generations of fashion enthusiasts around the world. This iconic piece continues to define the mystique and allure of Victoria’s Secret’s runway legacy.
