Wednesday 16 March 2011

Memories Halle Berry x8 Photos Sexiest Woman Alive Esquire 2008










Memories Halle Berry is the Sexiest Woman Alive Esquire 2008

October 10, 2008, 9:01 AM

Halle Berry Is the Sexiest Woman Alive, 2008

As the culmination of our anniversary celebration, Halle Berry -- who just had a baby, like, six months ago -- presents the final re-creations of classic Esquire covers. Here, she delivers her acceptance speech.
By Halle Berry
<p>I've been in the business for more than twenty years, and you decide now, at this particular time, that I'm the sexiest woman alive? Come on. I mean, you couldn't go with the Bond-girl year? You didn't like the orange bikini? I liked the orange bikini. That would have been a pretty good year. Or what about the <i>Monster's Ball</i> year? That was a sexy moment. Couldn't you have packaged that up with some list of the best movie sex scenes ever? That would have been very easy, very magaziney. But 2008? Well, I don't know exactly what it means, but being forty-two and having just had a baby, I think I'll take it. There are billions of women on the planet, but let's just say for shits and giggles that I <i>am</i> the sexiest woman alive. </p>
1 of 9  Photograph by Cliff Watts

Wow. Sexiest woman alive, huh?

I've been in the business for more than twenty years, and you decide now, at this particular time, that I'm the sexiest woman alive? Come on. I mean, you couldn't go with the Bond-girl year? You didn't like the orange bikini? I liked the orange bikini. That would have been a pretty good year. Or what about the Monster's Ball year? That was a sexy moment. Couldn't you have packaged that up with some list of the best movie sex scenes ever? That would have been very easy, very magaziney. But 2008? Well, I don't know exactly what it means, but being forty-two and having just had a baby, I think I'll take it. There are billions of women on the planet, but let's just say for shits and giggles that I am the sexiest woman alive. First, I would have to thank all the people who made it happen. I would thank the good folks at Esquire for thinking outside the box -- even if those folks are just eight editors wearing competing seventy-five-dollar button-down shirts, swinging themselves around in cheap desk chairs in some windowless conference room somewhere above Manhattan. I'd also have to thank my "team," the ones who make the magic happen -- my hair designer, my stylist, my makeup artist, and my beloved trainer. And I would absolutely have to thank the photographer, because without him, the camera is all lies of a different sort. I mean, look at the pictures. That takes a lot of work. I'm lucky to have these people. Don't think I don't know it.

Does being the sexiest woman alive imply that I know a thing or two about what's sexy and, possibly, about sex itself? I'm not sure, but here's what I do know: I know damned well I'm sexier now than I used to be. Let me make an argument here -- not so much for me, or even for my age being sexy, but for what I've learned. I've picked up a little over the years. Sexy is not about wearing sexy clothes or shaking your booty until you damn near get hip dysplasia; it's about knowing that sexiness is a state of mind -- a comfortable state of being. It's about loving yourself even in your most unlovable moments. I know a little bit about that.
Sexiness is also about knowing what's sexy to you. To me, spaghetti is sexy, especially when it's served off the tips of a man's fingers. I like that. And I think wine is sexy, just before sex. It relaxes me. But if I want to get a serious groove on -- if I want an out-of-body experience -- I'm all about the sloe-gin fizz.

I think lingerie is sexy, and I'll wear it, sure. But truth is, I'm good-to-go in a tank top and bare feet -- although every woman should own at least one good pair of pumps. That's really the only wardrobe you need for sex: a tank top and pumps.

When it comes to what I think is sexy about men, I like forearms. That's my body part. They're generally exposed, available, a little bit vulnerable. A forearm is different with every man, and when it comes to forearms, size matters. I don't like them slight.

Ask me what's the sexiest car in the world and I'll just say my man's car, because it smells like him, because his shape is pressed into the seat, because it's littered with little bits of his life -- his golf balls or his chocolate-bar wrappers -- and it's ripe with the smells of him. That's the car I most want to ride in.

What else? Ah, yes: the big O. You know that stuff they say about a woman being responsible for her own orgasms? That's all true. And in my case, that makes me responsible for pretty damned good orgasms these days. Much better orgasms than when I was twenty-two. And I wouldn't let a man control that. Not anymore. Now I'd invite him to participate. I'll tell you this: I've learned my tricks. I know what I like. I do not wait around. I initiate. And I'm not all about frequency. I favor intensity.

There have been some men in my life who have been wickedly sexy and have taught me much about sexual pleasure. There are a few men I should thank, and others I need to forget. But I don't regret. To hell with regret. I like what I am now. I like being a mother. I like my body better since I became a mother. I feel sexier as a result of becoming a mother.

You see, the years go by and you learn, and that just deepens your understanding of every experience. And then sex is better -- it feels like you're in control, and you're sort of not in control at the same time, and that is completely satisfying.

So, yes, there are times when I feel like the sexiest woman alive, but would I ever argue that I am the sexiest woman alive? Of course not. I figure at one moment the sexiest woman alive is a waitress in Abilene, Texas. And in the very next second, it's a woman in the bush of Vanuatu. Then, right away, somewhere else. Sex and sexiness. It's all about the moment; it's about what you know as much as it is what you offer. That's why I share this title with every woman, because every woman is a nominee for it at any moment. Maybe that's why there are so many women these guys love.

If there were a real event where they gave an award for this title, I would wave the trophy here. I would thank everyone all over again, then I'd probably blow a kiss to Tom Chiarella for helping me write this. I would turn my head and say, "You can start the music now, I'm done." I'd be wearing pumps. I'd be just a little breathless. And I admit I would not rush off the stage.

Memories The Making of the Halle Berry Cover Esquire 2008

October 10, 2008, 8:30 AM

The Making of the Halle Berry Cover

In November 2008, Esquire's Sexiest Woman Alive, Halle Berry, recreated a classic Esquire cover from December 2000, featuring Bill Clinton. An inside breakdown of how this image came together.
So here it is, our final re-creation of a classic Esquire cover in celebration of our seventy-fifth anniversary. After the first three -- Victoria's Secret models in Angie Dickinson sweaters (February), Jessica Simpson in shaving cream (May), and Stephen Colbert in martyrdom (August) -- we knew we needed a worthy finale. So we turned to one of our most iconic covers, the valedictory December 2000 image of President Bill Clinton taken by the photographer Platon. We wanted to recapture the confidence, charm, and power of that image, but with an even handsomer subject: 2008's Sexiest Woman Alive, Halle Berry.

The Photographer

Having already shot one of Esquire's Sexiest Women Alive, Jessica Biel, photographer Cliff Watts was familiar with the concept. He was also familiar with Halle Berry -- not only did he photograph her for us in May 2007, the two have been friends for ten years. Acknowledging his bias (Watts is the godfather of Berry's first child), we asked his opinion on this year's winner.
On the Shot: "When I first looked at the image, I thought, Are we really gonna do this with Halle? But after I talked to her about it, it just seemed right. She's a powerful woman; he's a powerful man. It's basically the female equivalent of the Clinton cover. There's a sensitivity and a sexuality there, but also the strength."
On Berry's New Title: "I've been around a lot of beautiful women, and Halle is truly a sexy, beautiful woman. I've seen guys who aren't really attracted to many women be attracted to her. I've seen women be attracted to her. She's so likable. Her sexiness goes beyond her good body and beautiful skin. There's some warmth about her. It's contagious."
On Who Looks Better in That Tie: "Bill Clinton, he's a cool cat. I was always a fan of his, but Halle, she's ruling that tie. I think Bill's going to be a little sorry when he sees that."

The Cover Subjects: A Comparison

On the cover in December 2000 and December 2005. On the cover in May 2007 and November 2008.
Elected governor of Arkansas in 1978 and president in 1992. Named Miss Teen All American in 1985 and Miss Ohio in 1986.
First Caucasian elected into the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame. First African-American woman to win an Oscar for Best Actress.
Tore a tendon in his knee after slipping down Greg Norman's steps. Broke her arm while filming Gothika.
Has a street named after him in Pristina, Kosovo. Was named after a department store in Cleveland.
In 2005 was awarded the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Award for Humanitarian Contributions for his work to promote AIDS treatment and prevention. In 2005 was awarded a Golden Raspberry Award, "saluting the worst Hollywood has to offer," for her role in Catwoman.

"Platon's banter was spectacular. They were talking about their favorite Beatles. Every time Clinton would do something Platon liked, Platon would say, 'Top shot, Mr. President.' Or 'Show me the love, Mr. President.' Clinton was sort of amused and bemused at the same time. Everyone else was cracking up." -- Michael Paterniti, author of the December 2000 article accompanying the original Clinton cover, "The Last Will and Testament of William Jefferson Clinton," describing the photo session.

Nicole Scherzinger Praises Halle's Breasts

Nicole Scherzinger - Nicole Scherzinger Praises Halle's Breasts

15 March 2011 16:18:43
Nicole Scherzinger picture

Nicole Scherzinger Praises Halle's Breasts

Nicole Scherzinger thinks Halle Berry has "got a nice rack".
The Pussycat Dolls singer - who has been dating Formula 1 racing driver Lewis Hamilton for the past three years - admits she admires the bodies many fellow stars, in particular the breasts of the Oscar-winning actress and Black Eyed Peas star Fergie, who has a "tiny little bum".
In an interview with more! magazine, she said: "Do I ever get body envy? Halle Berry's got a nice rack. And Fergie's got a nice rack and she has a tiny little bum."
Despite having a curvaceous figure which is the envy of many women, Nicole is not happy with her legs and thighs - particularly after over-indulging in a range of calorific treats while on a recent trip to the UK to see Lewis.
She added: "I think you have to embrace your body and accept who you are. But I don't love my legs and thighs, I usually cover them up, especially after I've been in the UK, eating too many chips and crisps!
"I love baked beans. I love it all. I love my pasta and my chocolate. I could definitely do with toning up and eating fewer French fries."

Tuesday 15 March 2011

Halle Berry reaches custody truce with ex


Halle Berry
Backing off: Halle Berry’s ex has filed papers to drop his bid for custody of daughter Nahla, instead pursuing a paternity action. (Getty Images file photo)
The custody battle that flared up between Halle Berry and Gabriel Aubry has apparently now died down. The model has filed papers to drop his bid for custody of daughter Nahla. He will now pursue a paternity action that will legally bind him to the 2-year-old, TMZ reports, since he and his Oscar-winning ex never wed.

 “I think both sides realized how out of hand things had gotten recently,” an insider explained to Radar Online. “They both love their daughter and want to make sure her welfare comes first.”

The former couple’s battle had played out in the press, with tabloids eagerly reporting nasty words from both sides. His camp portrayed her as vindictive and out of control, while hers raised allegations that he had made racist comments toward her.

Now, however, it seems they have reached a truce. Halle has accepted a new role in “New Year’s Eve” — a film shoot she dropped out of while bracing for a custody battle with Gabriel.

On Wednesday, a judge reportedly ruled that she can travel to New York with Nahla, but must allow the child’s father visitation while she is there.

“Gabriel and Halle have spoken to each other and have committed to try and make things work, without the courts,” added the source. “Gabriel’s decision to drop his case is his way of showing Halle he’s prepared to take a leap of faith and trust her once again.”

We’re happy to hear this. All those nasty accusations flying back and forth between Mommy and Daddy could not have been good for Nahla (even if she’s not yet old enough to read).

Read more at the San Francisco Examiner: http://www.sfexaminer.com/entertainment/scoop/2011/02/halle-berry-reaches-custody-truce-ex#ixzz1GegqmZ8j