‘WOMEN EMBODY RESILIENCE IN MANY DIFFERENT WAYS’

This issue has become something of an ode to resilience, and the countless ways, big and small, that women exhibit it throughout their lives. Tamara Mellon’s story, for instance, is quite awe-inspiring. Over the course of her life she has conquered the emotional and physical baggage of a tough childhood and the addiction demons that plagued her young adult years, and still made a global success story of the Jimmy Choo empire – and now her new eponymous shoe label. That strength faced an even harsher test this year with the sudden death of her ex-husband, and daughter’s father, Matthew Mellon. Her palpable sorrow is undercut with the steeliness needed to be there for her daughter and the result is an incredibly moving, exclusive interview with YOU magazine on page 42.

A different kind of resolve is shown by our intrepid writer Jane Alexander. You might not think it’s particularly resilient to go with strangers to something called a ‘tantric sex retreat’, but I think it shows incredible bravery! More importantly, I think you’ll find her piece on page 38 a moving read about the ongoing battle most of us face to truly accept our bodies and be happy within our own skins. The way Jane pushed through her own insecurities on that for this riveting piece is the kind of resilience I wish I could buy in a bottle at Boots.

Or what about Louise Pentland? When the author and YouTube star was dumped in a particularly cruel and sudden way, she didn’t lose all faith in dating, men or love. She kept her heart open to other possibilities and tried again, as you will find on page 28. I think most of us can relate to how tough that can be.

But I can’t end without mentioning what a special day it is and honouring the memory of some of the most resilient people in history. On this, the 11th of November 2018, we commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War – it’s something The Mail on Sunday newspaper is honouring with a beautiful glossy poster. We wanted to pay a YOU magazine tribute in our own way, so on page 52 we’re featuring a special collection of treasured retro bakes whose popularity has stood the test of time. It’s a small nod to the ultimate resilience of so many women who kept the home fires burning.

Enjoy the issue.