Cleopatra
Here are women who defied all the odds to become what they are. They all are beautiful in their own ways and made their mark on the world in the most unique ways. They all had nerves of steel and were successful in carving their niche in this patriarchal world.
It has been centuries, but Cleopatra still beguiles the world. Roman consul Cassius Dio called her a ‘woman of surpassing beauty’. Truth be told, her beauty is the greatest myth which defines her legacy and undermines her actual power. Unlike her peers, Cleopatra didn’t strike Caesar and Antony with her beauty but rather her charm, wit, and intellect. She could influence the men of power and change the course of history. She was the essential femme fatale.
Nora Ephron
Nora Ephron was the quintessential example of a woman with beauty and brains. She was a one-in-all woman who was a journalist, essayist, novelist, playwright, screenwriter, director, producer. Phew. She portrayed the eccentricities of women (in films like Sleepless in Seattle, Julie and Julia, the iconic When Harry Met Sally) with utmost care and sensitivity and she herself was a woman who could accept her flaws. She had a rare genius for rom-coms, the maligned genre one loves to hate. She in accordance with her beliefs famously quoted ”above all, be the heroine of your life, not a victim”.
Elizabeth Taylor
Elizabeth Taylor was legendary. Her lauding acting talent, va-va-voom curves, violet eyes and cherry-on-top wit made her a trailblazer. She was one of the most talented and highest paid actresses in a male-dominated industry. Apart from all this, she was business-savvy too and an average person can benefit from her financial philosophies. The woman was always surrounded by controversies but she shut out tabloid critics with her pithy one-liners.
Frida Kahlo
Frida Kahlo’s flamboyant beauty could leave a passerby spellbound, but that’s not the only characteristic which could mesmerize everyone. The Mexican painter left a lasting impression through her art. She survived an accident which leads to leg amputation, despite that, she was an example of spirit and courage. She was the perfect idea of femininity with a streak of feminism.
So, up your game and make these beautiful and brilliant icons your role models. And don’t forget beauty is as beauty does.
