French singer, model and actor Vanessa Paradis covers the November 2023 issue of Harper’s Bazaar France, presenting herself in a fashion story and accompanying interview with Olivier Lalanne for ‘A taste of Paradise: one-on-one with Vanessa’.

Elodie David-Touboul styles Paradis in almost exclusively Chanel Haute Couture, Chanel Joaillerie, and Chanel ready-to-wear in images by Alasdair McLellan [IG]./ Hair by Anthony Turner; makeup by Khela

One interview passage got my attention as being very French woman, and it was a discussion about people — mostly men — who meant a great deal to Paradis in a personal/intellectual sense. People who prompted self-discovery and personal growth.

The multi-talents singer named Samuel Benchetrit as someone very influential on her, especially when he persuaded her to do theater, which held very little interest for Paradis.

Samuel offered me a hard-edged text about feminism that speaks to me. I was overwhelmed to have the chance to say those words, to embody this heart that bleeds every evening in front of the public. He is a complete man and artist. I love his way of thinking, his writing so much. It is true.

Not once does Vanessa Paradise refer to her husband of five years in any way that lays claim to him in a primary way. She discusses him and their relationship in a similar vein to her other male relationships, highlighting what they share that makes the relationship special. Obviously, there is a strong bond. But this is not the story Paradise is telling.

With all my years in Europe I found this approach to feminism to be the most liberating. The true Parisian spirit woman also has much to say about #MeToo in a supportive way. But again she digs much more deeply into her answers than most people, which is a reflection of just how well she understands herself. ~ Anne