BEHIND THE ISSUE
1. Brooklyn-based illustrator BLACK POWER BARBIE is exploring the dark side of tech in her stunning artwork that accompanies our story about artificial intelligence (page 60). And, like most of us, she’s all too familiar with the time suck that is the internet. “I have a contentious relationship with social media, so the only one I use is Instagram,” says the Toronto native. “It’s not so much my favourite as it is a necessary evil that I can’t seem to keep awayfrom.”
2. For our playful “Match Point” shoot (page 74), model RACHELLE HARRIS channelled the ultimate inspo: Jane Fonda in Barbarella. The Montrealer—who was scouted when she was just 15 years old—had a hard time choosing her favourite on-set look but ultimately settled on an eye-catching Paco Rabanne dress. “It made me feel like I was at the disco,” she says. “I wish I could wear it every day.”
3. Frequent ELLE Canada contributor KATHRYN HUDSON may still be working from home like the rest of us, but getting to have frank and honest convos with celebs like Jodie Turner-Smith about the newest Gucci fragrance (“Queen of Change,” page 36) isn’t a bad way to pass the time. When she isn’t chatting with Hollywood’s A-list, the writer has her hands full keeping up with her two little ones. “There have been mid-week lake swims and impromptu picnics and long, aimless strolls,” she says. “There have also been tears and stress and frustration, but watching a threeyear-old see a shooting star for the first time outshines those feelings ... mostly .”
4. Writer MELISSA VINCENT is diving in deep on ethical AI. In her own life, the Torontonian is careful to be mindful of how she spends her screen time. “I try to be intentional about what tasks I’m pulling out my phone or laptop for—am I replying to a message or am I idly scrolling?” she says. “If it’s the latter, I’ll get some fresh air or update my journal.” To read her story, head to page 60.