In a surprising and empowering turn of events, Monica Lewinsky, the former White House intern turned anti-bullying activist, writer, and producer, has stepped into the world of modeling as the face of sustainable fashion brand Reformation. The campaign, aptly titled “You’ve Got the Power,” not only promotes voter registration but also marks a pivotal moment in Lewinsky’s journey towards self-acceptance and empowerment.
At 50 years old, Lewinsky finds herself embracing a new chapter that combines advocacy, style, and a dash of unexpected coolness. The campaign, conceptualized to encourage voter registration ahead of the 2024 election, effortlessly captures the essence of Lewinsky’s resilience and newfound confidence.
Growing up in Los Angeles, Lewinsky humorously reflects on not fitting the conventional beauty standards of the city, where beauty was often achieved “with smoke and mirrors.” In her own words, she was a “chubby” brunette with authentic features. Now, in her collaboration with Reformation, Lewinsky takes center stage, embodying self-assurance and subtle sensuality in a series of striking photographs by Zoey Grossman.
The campaign’s “work-appropriate” wardrobe, ranging from $78 to $798, is designed to appeal to a broad demographic, reflecting Reformation’s commitment to inclusivity. Hali Borenstein, Reformation’s CEO, notes that about 70% of their customers are younger than 35, showcasing the brand’s ability to resonate across generations.
The decision to feature Lewinsky in the campaign stemmed from Lauren Caris Cohan, Reformation’s Chief Creative Officer, who admired Lewinsky’s advocacy work, particularly her 2015 TED Talk titled “The Price of Shame.” Cohan recognized Lewinsky’s ability to use her voice for positive change and approached her for the campaign.
For Lewinsky, stepping into the world of fashion modeling posed challenges, given her discomfort in front of the camera. However, the Reformation marketing team provided support, offering a coach to help her pose confidently. Despite insecurities resurfacing from past experiences in the late ’90s, Lewinsky reflects on the resilience she has built over the years, stating, “I’m learning to weather the storm. I’ve found that resilience is a muscle you build.”
As a contributing editor at Vanity Fair, Lewinsky envisions a multihyphenate career that includes more activism for mental health issues. She is determined to develop film projects supportive of women, including a limited television series about Amanda Knox’s ordeal, showcasing her commitment to creating meaningful content that resonates with important social issues.
In essence, Monica Lewinsky’s foray into modeling with Reformation’s empowering campaign symbolizes not only a personal triumph over adversity but also a declaration that resilience, self-acceptance, and empowerment know no age or boundaries. Her inspiring journey serves as a testament to the strength found in embracing one’s authentic self, even in the ever-evolving world of fashion and societal expectations.
