Renowned for her timeless beauty and magnetic allure, the legendary Italian actress Monica Bellucci graces the cover of Madame Figaro’s September 1st, 2023 issue. Captured through the lens of Dant Studio, Bellucci exudes elegance in a Max Mara look paired with chic Sacai boots.
In the cover story, stylist Natalie Manchot curates a collection of alluring all-black ensembles from prestigious labels like Gauchère, Maison Rabih Kayrouz, Gucci and Loewe. The finesse of her appearance is further elevated by the artistry of hair maestro John Nollet and beauty virtuoso Letizia Carnevale.
Monica Bellucci, a Parisian at heart, is a woman of many facets. She’s an actress who seamlessly transitions between roles, a mother who fiercely protects her daughters, and a muse to her partner, the legendary filmmaker Tim Burton.
Their love story is the stuff of modern fairy tales. The two first crossed paths in Lyon at the Lumière Festival in the fall of 2022. From a clandestine romance, their relationship blossomed into a love story for the ages. Burton, ever the storyteller, once told Bellucci, “In my next film, there’s a key character. I’d like it to be you.” Their relationship is a harmonious blend of Mediterranean charm and Hollywood’s gothic dreaminess. As Bellucci puts it, they find moments to be together amidst their busy lives, “We meet whenever we can, quite often,” she says with a smile.
But Bellucci’s life isn’t just about love. It’s also about her passion for her craft. Recently, she wrapped up shooting for “Beetlejuice 2” in London, a sequel to the 1988 fantasy comedy. She speaks fondly of Burton’s “sensitivity” and how his films unveil his “magnificent soul.”
Her career is a testament to her versatility. From playing Maria Callas on stage to starring in films like “Mafia Mamma” and the upcoming “Diabolik,” Bellucci’s journey has been nothing short of spectacular. She describes her work ethic as unique, constantly moving from one country to another. “I move from one country to another. It makes me feel free, even if sometimes I feel uprooted,” she reflects.
Bellucci’s daughters, Deva and Léonie, have grown up in the world of cinema. While Deva is following in her mother’s footsteps, Léonie is still exploring her path. Bellucci emphasizes the importance of a strong identity, “You need to have a solid identity to open up to others. You need a backbone.”
However, with the glitz and glamour comes a darker side. In the wake of the #MeToo movement, Bellucci has been candid with her daughters about the challenges women face in the industry. “I’ve warned my daughters. They know that abuse exists everywhere, especially where there’s power,” she states firmly. When asked about her stance on feminism, she responds, “I thank all the women who have fought for our rights. Our daughters will one day speak without shouting, and they will be heard.”
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