On the weekend our Winter Issue was being readied to go live, our nation witnessed the peaceful transfer of power from one administration to another at the inauguration of a new President. The next day I marched in Washington in the women’s protest. I found myself in an ocean of people moving as one body, speaking in one voice, spreading one message: women’s rights are human rights. That message rang resoundingly across our cities and towns and beyond, across the whole world, where it is under attack by small minds, zealots and despots seeking to silence it.
In a departure for Felix, our Winter issue explores the political implications of populism and the rising specter of authoritarianism in America. Writer Sunil Dasgupta, who teaches Political Science at the University of Maryland Baltimore County, addresses the subject in his article “The Threat to Democracy from Populism”.
Our striking black and white cover portrait of actress Virginia Madsen by Photographer Nick Holmes directs your attention to the article inside where she discusses women and power with our Cultural Affairs Editor Leonora Francesca Flores. Throughout the magazine you will encounter eye-popping photography by Alissa Pagels, Michele Arazi, Madeline Northway and other prominent photographers.
The expanded editorial on Spring/Summer Fashion Week features fresh fashion looks from London and New York.
There are two stories from Chicago which will whet your gustatory senses. Sommelier Ryan Arnold from the EMA restaurant speaks about the joys of wine. Hidden treasures are to be found in the Cajun offerings of Wicker Park’s Fifolet Cajun and Cocktails Restaurant.
We especially call your attention to the celebrated artistry of Esther Mahlangu and her collaboration with musician John Legend in creating a one-of-a-kind bottle for the luxury vodka “Belvedere”. They’ve teamed up with RED, an organization leading the charge to eliminate Aids in our generation.
On our BookShelf you’ll find an essay from Chicago writer Lawrence Brown on waking up to the “morning after” of the election and another from Curt Milburn of Munich, Germany sharing his discovery of the “Palace of Corn” here in America. As we embark upon this New Year of 2017, the Staff of Felix Magazine and I wish all of you all the best of everything, everywhere.
Elaine Madsen Editor-in-Chief
Creative Credits
- Written by
- Elaine Madsen
- Photography
- Alissa Pagels
