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It was a relationship that, for me, had been a disappointing one: Id been shafted.
Getty Images; Bella Geraci/Allure
Last fall, I was asked to writea storyabout Andersons decision to attend Paris Fashion Weekwithout makeup.
The resulting brouhaha about her choice you remember?
Pamela for Sonsie Skin.
Pamela for Sonsie Skin.
I also suggested that maybe just maybe the move was a stunt.
Though I found Andersons message laudable, I was skeptical of her intention.
Which was, obviously, the exact opposite of what happened.
Pamela Anderson at Paris Fashion Week in fall 2023.
), but also something of a well-calculated publicity move.
No big deal, right?
Performers, they perform.
Pamela Anderson on the red carpet at the Fashion Awards in London in December 2023
Pamela Anderson at Paris Fashion Week in fall 2023.
Also, I couldnt help but notice a kind of name-calling to which Id never been subjected.
(Think of the worst thing you could call someone.
Pamela Anderson at a Playboy Party in 1994
Then think of things youdnevercall someone.
All those things.)
In other words,betrayed?
Whats the big deal?So: Was Andersons no-makeup look a big con?
Her most recent incarnation portrays her as a back-to-basics kind of gal, aiming for simplicity and clean-living.
My name gives [even]mea false impression of myself, she said, on our recent call.
Without context my name [suggests] a wrong image.
I tend to ramble, Anderson says.
That monster, I ask, what is its name?
Its just like, little me, says Anderson.
Little Pamela Anderson thats always been very mischievous and creative and lived in her imagination.
[That feeling] its just volcanic.
I was painfully shy…I wouldnt [even] wear a bathing suit…
I knew I had to jump off a bridge to get to… [release it].
(In 2022, Anderson appeared for two months as Roxie Hart in the Broadway musical,Chicago.)
At fashion week, I did that for myself, she continues, referring to her bare face.
So in Paris, when you went without makeup, did you think no one was going to notice?
Ididntthink anyone was going to notice…
But everybody took what you did as a statement about beauty culture, I pointed out.
But as I noticed it was resonating, I thought, this is really great.
I dont like that look on your face, I said.
That look: Concern, maybe offense.
Then, a graceful response.
Thats funny, because you know Ive been offered beauty campaigns my whole career and nothing really resonated.
This happened very organically and it was divine timing.
But the timing and the stars aligned.
Okay, I thought.
Whatever, thats a lovely idea.
And I love working with my kids, she said.
My intention is to accept where you are in your beauty journey.
Because you mentioned it earlier, I asked, can you define your purpose?
There is a long silence.
My purpose is about love and if its animals, people, ourselves, that is my purpose.
Its about loving others and myself the best I can.
Do you have any mentors in that regard?
I live in my kind of little fairy world, maybe…
Anais Nin?
Interesting idea of a purpose-defining mentor, I thought, but didnt say.
And my grandfather… was a huge influence on me… he was my mentor, Anderson says.
I lost him when I was 11 years old.
As she talked about her grandfather, Anderson seemed a little tired and even fragile.
But I wonder if her journey might not be particularly fraught.
Who wouldnt want her flawless complexion at 56?
Which prompted me to ask her if shes availed herself of any dermatologic or surgical treatments.
Ive triedBotox, Ive triedfiller, but I havent had anything like that for over three or four years.
Has she been throughmenopause?
Is she on hormone replacement therapy (which can help keep a womans skin youthful-looking as she ages)?
Yes, I have, and no, Im not a candidate for HRT, Anderson says.
Did you feel sexier as a vamp?
Do you feel sexy now?
Its almost sexier, I think.
So you feel sexier now, unadorned, than you did as a sex object?
Yes, says Anderson.
If you might accept this [gesturing to herself] then all the rest is just playtime.
If youre living authentically, you dont have to explain yourself.
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