Seven real-life wonder women who have achieved phenomenal success
As the newest Wonder Woman film broke box-office records, STYLE takes a look at the wonder women of our time, including Anna Wintour, Michelle Obama, J.K. Rowling and Donatella Versace
There’s a reason behind Wonder Woman’s time-tested popularity – and it’s not because of her gorgeous looks or hour-glass figure. Diana Prince succeeds where her male counterparts fail – in her honesty, belief in justice, and general kick-ass abilities.
As the newest Wonder Woman film opened in theatres worldwide to raving reviews and reports of record-breaking domestic box office hit (it raked in US$103.1 million over its opening weekend in the US, beating fellow superhero movies like Iron Man, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Thor).
We take a look at some real-life wonder women who have made their mark in the world and have become role models for girls and women alike.
Anna Wintour
Also known as one of the most powerful women in the media industry, her words can influence even the most powerful fashion labels. Since she joined Condé Nast in 1983, she has directed the American Vogue through the often tumultuous waters of fashion journalism and led it to its position as the leading women’s fashion magazine. She also helped the magazine reach that sweet spot of achieving both commercial and editorial success. In early May, she was made Dame Commander by Queen Elizabeth II for her contribution to fashion and journalism. The event was, as we like to imagine it, a meeting of two queens.
Michelle Obama
Not only is Michelle Obama one of our favourite FLOTUS of all time, she is also a smart, highly educated (she graduated from Princeton and earned her J.D. at Harvard Law School) and independent woman. As first lady, she founded multiple programmes and initiatives that focused on empowering communities, young people and girls to live healthier, richer lives. Her Let’s Move! Campaign has been lauded for combatting childhood obesity; Joining Forces puts the needs of war veterans first; the Reach Higher Initiative encourages young people to complete studies above high school level; and the Let Girls Learn initiative empowers girls to continue their education.
J.K. Rowling
She gained financial and cultural success that no other author had achieved – a widely successful seven-part series, a movie franchise and multiple themed attractions including ones inside Universal Studios. So enchanting was the wickedly engaging world of Harry Potter that it also led to multiple spin-offs that added more depth to the world of wizards. Apart from focusing on the world of witchcraft and wizardry, Rowling found critical success writing mystery novels under the pen name Robert Galbraith. Her sharp, witty and always on-point tweets are also a joy to read.