VE'I had a fling with a Frenchman… I doubt I'll see him again': MARIE HELVIN on sex at 71 and the casual hook-up that helped boost her libido
Marie Helvin, the iconic supermodel of the 1970s, opens up about her life, love, and sexuality at the age of 71. In a recent interview, she candidly discusses her journey, including a casual encounter that helped boost her libido and her reconstructed left breast after a mastectomy in 2022.
Meeting in her South London apartment, Marie Helvin exudes confidence as she shares her story. She proudly shows off her reconstructed breast, a remarkable work of art that matches perfectly with her right breast, leaving no visible scars. She explains how she meticulously guided her surgeon to recreate her breast exactly as it was before through a series of photographs.
Marie Helvin, known for her nonchalant attitude and openness, has never been one to conform to societal expectations. From her days as a bikini-clad teenager in Hawaii to her marriage to renowned photographer David Bailey and her association with Helmut Newton, she has always embraced her body and sexuality. Even at her current age, she sees no reason to change.
However, it wasn't until last summer that she truly felt comfortable enough to engage in sexual relations again, albeit with some reservations. Marie admits that her chest still aches, and she finds it challenging to communicate her needs and limitations to her partners. Therefore, she prefers anonymous encounters – not with complete strangers, but with individuals she meets through mutual acquaintances. These relationships are understood to be casual and devoid of any emotional attachments, providing a sense of freedom and liberation.
When discussing her brief affair with a Frenchman she met through a friend, Marie explains that she was able to establish her boundaries by stating that her breasts were off-limits. She believes she won't see him again, hence the choice to engage in the encounter. Safety is a priority for her, and she emphasizes the use of condoms, highlighting that she can't remember the last time she had sex without one.
For those who grew up in the early 60s and admired Marie's prominence in magazines, her influence was undeniable. It was impossible to flip through Vogue without seeing her or her close friend, Jerry Hall, gracing the covers. They were affectionately known as "the terrible twins" as they ruled the runway for renowned designers like Valentino and Kenzo. Marie reminisces about the £5,000 she earned per show, a substantial amount in those days, but humbly acknowledges that it pales in comparison to today's standards.
Marie shares that she and Jerry drifted apart primarily due to Hall's focus on motherhood. Recounting a moment at the theater in 1984, Marie felt helpless when Jerry, who had just given birth to her daughter, Elizabeth, expressed her milk leakage. She couldn't understand how to assist her friend in that situation.
Born in Tokyo to an American GI and a Japanese translator, Marie Helvin's childhood in Hawaii was idyllic. She shares captivating stories, like sitting on Marlon Brando's knee as a ten-year-old and making plumeria blossom garlands with her sister Suzon, who tragically passed away in a cycling accident. It was during a trip to Japan with her mother that she was discovered by a modeling agent, propelling her into the world of fashion at the young age of 15 as the face of Kanebo cosmetics.
Marie Helvin's life has been a captivating journey filled with remarkable experiences and personal growth. At 71 years old, she continues to embrace her sexuality and live life on her terms, unapologetically defying societal expectations.
An Extraordinary Journey of Love, Glamour, and Resilience: Marie Helvin's Story
Marie Helvin's life has been filled with unforgettable moments and remarkable encounters. From an incident involving Jackie Onassis and an unfortunate bout of sickness to a nightclub encounter in Rome, where expectations took an unexpected turn, Helvin's experiences have been nothing short of extraordinary. Yet, through it all, she has remained a sought-after figure.
In her autobiography, Helvin recalls incessant phone calls from Warren Beatty, Eric Clapton's disappointment when she initially declined his advances, and a disquieting encounter with Aristotle Onassis in St. Tropez, where she sensed the danger emanating from him.
Following her divorce from Bailey in 1985, Helvin found love once again in the arms of Mark Shand, the charismatic brother of Queen Camilla. Their relationship was an amusing clash of cultures, highlighted by Helvin's surprise when she discovered that the British upper class preferred breakfast in their shabbiest dressing gowns, unlike her glamorous morning attire.
Although Helvin never sought marriage, her romantic pursuits continued over the years, with notable names such as Peter Gabriel, Marco Pierre White, and actor Neil Pearson gracing her list of exes.
During our last meeting, Helvin was a well-established figure on the London social scenes, both in fashion and literature. She had cultivated friendships with luminaries like Tom Stoppard and Salman Rushdie, and her vivacious presence charmed those around her.
Presently, Helvin's appearance has transformed. She appears thinner, more chiseled, and undeniably beautiful, reminiscent of her stunning self from the '70s. Her face shows no signs of aging, leading many to speculate about cosmetic procedures. However, she insists that her youthful appearance is a result of a biannual Botox treatment around her eyes, diligent use of castor oil, and a small metal pebble she uses for jawline massages. She also attributes her slimmer figure to a decision she made before turning 60 to intensify her exercise routine and give up alcohol.
Yet, the challenges of recent years have left their mark on Helvin. She exudes fragility, a departure from the vibrant and radiant glamourpuss of the mid-noughties that I remember. The pandemic dealt a severe blow to her finances, as her modeling career, which had experienced a resurgence after turning 50, came to a halt during lockdown.
As work started to trickle back in before her 70th birthday in 2022, Helvin discovered a lump in her breast. Fortunately, she considers herself lucky. Her surgeon managed to preserve her nipple, a rarity in mastectomy procedures. Additionally, her cancer was diagnosed at an early stage, sparing her from radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The preservation of her looks was of utmost concern, as they are her livelihood and the means by which she sustains herself.
However, the medication prescribed by her NHS oncologist, anastrozole, left her physically and emotionally immobilized, causing excruciating pain in her joints for six months. Switching to a low dose of tamoxifen alleviated some of the discomfort but brought on constant hot flushes that disrupted her sleep.
Fortunately, Helvin's flexible schedule allows her to sleep in and cope with the side effects. She maintains a fitness routine and has access to a gym in her building. Her immediate plan is to return to Hawaii, the place she has always considered home, and perhaps find companionship there. She reflects on her battle with cancer, noting that while she went through it alone, she managed to endure. The pandemic revealed some truths about her friendships, with acquaintances fading away as lockdown restrictions lifted. Yet, she embraces solitude, especially during winter when she prefers to hibernate.
Helvin admits to having no emotional ties to London, remaining there only for the next four years due to her ongoing treatment with her NHS oncologist. If given the opportunity, she would swiftly leave the city, fulfilling her dream of returning to Hawaii. Regarding her libido, she acknowledges that it fluctuates, acknowledging the need for further physical healing. Nevertheless, she believes that one can still feel and exude sexiness even without engaging in sexual activities.
As I bid farewell to Helvin, I find myself hoping that she achieves her dream of returning to Hawaii. I envision her in her idyllic haven, relishing mangoes with their skin on, running barefoot, and effortlessly cracking sea urchins with her heels. It is there, at this stage of her life, that she belongs.
Bluebella's Valentine's campaign featuring Marie Helvin can be found on bluebella.com.
Picture director: Ester Malloy.
Fashion director: Sophie Dearden.
Styling Assistant: Jessica Carroll.
Hair: Alex Szabo AT Carol Hayes using Hair Rituel by Sisley.
Make-up: Sarah Reygate At Carol Hayes using Lisa Eldridge.
Comments
Post a Comment