Koktail Magazine
25 Jul 2024
You should know the stories of Bianca Censori and other iconic women who have made headlines not just for their famous partners, but for their own journeys and achievements.
Bianca Censori, a Melbourne-born architect, gained public attention due to her relationship with the rapper and fashion designer Kanye West. After reportedly tying the knot in a private ceremony in December 2022, she became a household name. But her story doesn’t begin or end there. She has a strong academic background with both bachelor's and master's degrees in architecture from the University of Melbourne. Censori started her career as a student architect at DP Toscano Architects and also created the Nylons Jewelry brand. Professionally, she is the Head of Architecture at Yeezy, Kanye West's clothing and apparel company. Despite the media frenzy, Censori’s architectural skills and achievements are what truly stand out.
Georgina Rodríguez made a name for herself as a model and social media influencer, charming millions with her style and business savvy. Starting out in classical ballet, she later transitioned to fashion, working as a sales assistant at a Gucci store in Madrid. She has modelled for big names including Gucci, Prada, and Chanel and is an ambassador for Save the Children. Rodríguez has appeared on major magazine covers and starred in the Netflix doc “I Am Georgina.”
Balancing her glamorous life with being a devoted mum and partner to Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo since 2016, she’s the real deal.
Jackie Kennedy Onassis, of course, is best remembered as the First Lady during JFK’s presidency. Jackie made an impact by restoring the White House and promoting American culture and history. After JFK’s assassination, Jackie became a symbol of strength for the nation. Her marriage to Aristotle Onassis brought her back into the public eye, but it was her work as a book editor that highlighted her personal achievements, influencing the literary world by bringing important works to the public.
Yoko Ono, artist, musician, and peace activist, became a household name due to her relationship with John Lennon. While their union was met with controversy, Yoko’s influence on Lennon and her contributions to the art world are undeniable. Born in Tokyo in 1933, Ono moved to New York City in the early 1960s, where she became a key figure in the avant-garde art movement and met John Lennon. Ono’s artistic approach spans various media, including performance and conceptual art, and experimental music. Her 1964 work "Cut Piece" is a notable example of her interactive art, where she invited audience members to cut pieces of her clothing, highlighting themes of vulnerability and the viewer's role in the art experience. In music, her experimental albums, such as "Yoko Ono/Plastic Ono Band," pushed the boundaries of traditional sound and structure, influencing a new wave of avant-garde music.
Monica Lewinsky became a global figure due to her involvement in a scandal with President Bill Clinton during the 1990s. Despite the intense media scrutiny and public backlash that followed, Lewinsky has since transformed her experience into a platform for advocacy and social change. She has become a vocal advocate against cyberbullying and public shaming, using her personal experiences to highlight the issues of online harassment and the impact of media sensationalism. She has also been involved in various projects and campaigns that address mental health and the importance of compassion in public discourse.
Kate Middleton, now known as Catherine, Princess of Wales, is a key figure in the British royal family. Born in 1982, she became widely known for her marriage to Prince William in 2011. Kate is known for her dedication to a range of charitable causes, including mental health, early childhood development, and addiction recovery. Her work in these areas is often highlighted through her involvement with organisation Place2Be, a children's mental health charity, and the Early Years Foundation. Kate has worked to modernise the monarchy’s image while maintaining its traditions. Kate balances her royal duties with her personal values. This makes her a popular and influential figure both in the UK and around the world.
Born in 1953, Brigitte Macron is the First Lady of France and the wife of President Emmanuel Macron whom she met when he was a student and she was his teacher. Their relationship, which began when he was 15 and she was 24 years his senior, has been a subject of public interest and media scrutiny.
As First Lady, Brigitte Macron has focused on several key areas, including education, culture, and social issues. She has been particularly involved in initiatives to promote literacy and support for vulnerable populations. Her work often highlights her dedication to improving educational opportunities and advocating for social causes. Brigitte Macron is also known for her sophisticated sense of style and her role in representing France on various state visits and public occasions.
Melania Trump gained worldwide recognition as the wife of Donald Trump, the 45th President of the United States. She served as the First Lady from January 20, 2017, to January 20, 2021. Born Melania Knauss in 1970 in Slovenia, she began her career as a model before moving to the United States in the 1990s. As First Lady, Melania focused on several initiatives, including her "Be Best" campaign, which aimed to promote well-being, kindness, and the prevention of bullying among children. Her campaign also addressed issues related to opioid abuse and the overall health and safety of children.
Melania was known for her fashion choices and maintained a personal style throughout her time in the White House.