FEMINA is finishing 2009 with a bang by bagging a spectacular nearly nude calendar with its December issue. The calendar features a mix of celebrities and ‘real women’, over the age of 40, who have been photographed in various states of stylish undress by renowned photographer Merwelene van der Merwe.
Says
FEMINA Editor, Glynis O'Hara, "What do former Miss World, Anneline Kriel-Bacon; celebrity chef, Jenny Morris; and writer, Kate Sidley have in common? Simple – they are among 12 women who agreed to take off their clothes for a fun calendar photo shoot."
She goes on to say that the idea behind the
FEMINA Nearly Nude Calendar was to celebrate
FEMINA’s key drivers of affirmation; agelessness; renewed energy; vitality; and confidence. ‘We wanted to convey that while the
FEMINA reader is older, she’s definitely capable of having fun; challenging herself; and having the time of her life," added O’Hara.
The celebrities in the calendar are Anneline Kriel-Bacon (54); Amy Kleinhans-Curd (40); Marianne ‘age is a state of mind’ Fassler; Elzabé Zietsman (48); Ashley Hayden (42); and Jenny ‘you are never too old’ Morris. They are joined by six ‘real women’, including O’Hara herself.
Says Anneline Kriel-Bacon, "People have a picture in their minds of what I looked like when I was 19. I still feel the same inside – your spirit doesn’t really age – but even though my body has changed I’m comfortable with it. To me, health is the most important thing: you can’t enjoy anything in life without it."
Photographer Merwelene van der Merwe brought her inimitable style and vision to the photographs ensuring their good taste, sensitivity to the subjects and beautiful pictures.
Says Van der Merwe, "My favourite personality on the shoot was Anneline Kriel-Bacon. She is totally comfortable in her skin, and that any photographer celebrates."
The
FEMINA Nearly Nude Calendar has partnered with The Homestead, a charity for street children, and has received a R20 000 donation from the magazine.
The December issue of
FEMINA is on sale now.