Latest news with #BerthaRussell
Elle
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Elle
Mercury Retrograde Is Back. Your Ex Might Be, Too.
Life is not a dress rehearsal. But if you feel like slipping off-camera for a few weeks this summer, permission granted. Mercury turns retrograde on July 18, snoozing in theatrical Leo until August 11. During this three-week intermission, lower the cosmic curtain and tend to the backstage affairs of your life. Mercury, the messenger planet, goes retrograde three times a year. As it passes the Earth in its orbit, it appears to be moving backward through the sky. Although this is an illusion, astrologers can attest to the true impact of an M.R. During this time, everything that Mercury rules also goes in reverse: communication, transportation, scheduling, mobile devices. If we had a dollar for every cracked screen and data leak that happened during Mercury retrograde, we'd have retired to a private island long ago. Pollyanna spin: Mercury retrogrades can bring hidden blessings. This forced slowdown provides an opportunity to focus on all the 're' activities in your life: revising, revisiting, reconnection, reconfiguring. In other words, the things you generally don't make time for because you're too busy barreling ahead. Still, we aren't going to hard sell you on the idea that Mercury retrograde is a walk in the park. These three-week cycles are notorious for spinning up misunderstandings, messing with digital devices, and screwing up schedules. People from the past tend to pop back up—and often unceremoniously. This summer's retrograde comes with extra dramatic flair. Since Mercury is backing up through the Leo part of the sky, this flamboyant fire sign's energy is getting involved. First and foremost, tamp down the peacocking and performative behaviors. Life may not be a dress rehearsal, but if it starts to resemble an episode of The Gilded Age, send your inner Bertha Russell back to her trailer. As the sign of the luxurious royal, Leo can get a little bit too concerned with status, 'society', and appearances. Since passionate Leo is one of the zodiac's hopeless romantics, summer love should be approached cautiously from July 18 to August 11. Old flames may reemerge for an encore—or at least a cameo you didn't see coming. Although Mercury retrograde in Leo has a flair for rekindling old sparks, think twice before you jump back into character. Is this relationship really worth reenacting, or it better to move on to a more rewarding script? Another advisory: Steer clear of any major style updates. Mercury retrograde is never the best time to experiment with drastic haircuts or any wild aesthetic updates. But when it's backing up through vivacious Leo? Let Cardi B handle the Paris Haute Couture Week fashion and just enjoy being a spectator in your quiet luxury OOTDs. The catwalk will still be there after the retrograde. What will you have to show for yourself? Tap into the imaginative powers of Leo to polish up a project that needs some more BTS love. Pull that half-finished screenplay or painting out, and get back to work on it. Silence notifications, and turn on some music. There are better things to do with your mind and hands than furiously texting your toxic ex. ELLE Collective is a new community of fashion, beauty and culture lovers. For access to exclusive content, events, inspiring advice from our Editors and industry experts, as well the opportunity to meet designers, thought-leaders and stylists, become a member today HERE. Ophira and Tali Edut (The AstroTwins) are among the most sought-after astrologers and intuitive advisors of our times. As the longtime resident astrologers for ELLE Magazine and the authors of over 20 books, they are the advisors to a roster of CEOs, celebrities, global leaders and successful entrepreneurs. They've read charts for celebrities the likes of Beyoncé, Dua Lipa, and Emma Roberts. Their new book, The Astrology Advantage (Simon & Schuster), introduces The AstroTwins' revolutionary I*AM System, which simplifies the birth chart into three archetypes: Innovator, Authority, and Maven. On television, The AstroTwins have appeared as guest experts for Bravo, MTV, 'Good Morning America,' and the 'Today' show, and created the first streaming reality TV dating show based on astrology, Cosmic Love (Amazon Prime Video, 2022). Their work on the subject of 'spiritual technology' as an essential tool for business success has been featured in Fast Company and at leadership conferences around the world. Ophira and Tali have taught thousands of people their methods through their online platform, and at their signature retreats. Graduates of The University of Michigan, Ophira and Tali grew up in Detroit and currently live in New York and Seattle.
Elle
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Elle
Mercury Retrograde Is Coming—and Old Flames Might Resurface
Life is not a dress rehearsal. But if you feel like slipping off-camera for a few weeks this summer, permission granted. Mercury turns retrograde on July 18, snoozing in theatrical Leo until August 11. During this three-week intermission, lower the cosmic curtain and tend to the backstage affairs of your life. Mercury, the messenger planet, goes retrograde three times a year. As it passes the Earth in its orbit, it appears to be moving backward through the sky. Although this is an illusion, astrologers can attest to the true impact of an M.R. During this time, everything that Mercury rules also goes in reverse: communication, transportation, scheduling, mobile devices. If we had a dollar for every cracked screen and data leak that happened during Mercury retrograde, we'd have retired to a private island long ago. Pollyanna spin: Mercury retrogrades can bring hidden blessings. This forced slowdown provides an opportunity to focus on all the 're' activities in your life: revising, revisiting, reconnection, reconfiguring. In other words, the things you generally don't make time for because you're too busy barreling ahead. Still, we aren't going to hard sell you on the idea that Mercury retrograde is a walk in the park. These three-week cycles are notorious for spinning up misunderstandings, messing with digital devices, and screwing up schedules. People from the past tend to pop back up—and often unceremoniously. This summer's retrograde comes with extra dramatic flair. Since Mercury is backing up through the Leo part of the sky, this flamboyant fire sign's energy is getting involved. First and foremost, tamp down the peacocking and performative behaviors. Life may not be a dress rehearsal, but if it starts to resemble an episode of The Gilded Age, send your inner Bertha Russell back to her trailer. As the sign of the luxurious royal, Leo can get a little bit too concerned with status, 'society,' and appearances. Since passionate Leo is one of the zodiac's hopeless romantics, summer love should be approached cautiously from July 18 to August 11. Old flames may reemerge for an encore—or at least a cameo you didn't see coming. Although Mercury retrograde in Leo has a flair for rekindling old sparks, think twice before you jump back into character. Is this relationship really worth reenacting, or it better to move on to a more rewarding script? Another advisory: Steer clear of any major style updates. Mercury retrograde is never the best time to experiment with drastic haircuts or any wild aesthetic updates. But when it's backing up through vivacious Leo? Let Cardi B handle the Paris Haute Couture Week fashion and just enjoy being a spectator in your quiet luxury OOTDs. The catwalk will still be there after the retrograde. What will you have to show for yourself? Tap into the imaginative powers of Leo to polish up a project that needs some more BTS love. Pull that half-finished screenplay or painting out, and get back to work on it. Silence notifications, and turn on some music. There are better things to do with your mind and hands than furiously texting your toxic ex.
Vogue
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Vogue
The Disastrous, Society-Shifting Divorce of William K. and Alva Vanderbilt
In The Gilded Age season three, tensions are high between George and Bertha Russell. While in past seasons, George has been tolerant of Bertha's social schemings, he seems to have hit his limit after Bertha forced their daughter Gladys to marry the Duke of Buckingham for his title—despite her being in love with another man. The fate of their union will unfold over the next several episodes. However, if Fellowes follows the real-life story of William K. and Alva Vanderbilt—the historical inspiration for the fictional George and Bertha—there's unlikely to be a happy ending. Alva Vanderbilt married William 'Willie' K. Vanderbilt in 1875. They met months earlier at a party his father, William H. Vanderbilt, threw for one of his daughters in New York City. Alva's best friend, Consuelo Yznaga, introduced her to the wealthy scion. It was something of a lifeline for Alva: her family had lost their fortune, and she needed an advantageous marriage to provide economic stability. Willie, whom she found handsome and charming, fit the bill—both figuratively and literally. Yet Alva was a woman subject to her times: in the Gilded Age, women were viewed as inferior to men, relegated to the domestic sphere and mostly valued for their beauty. As their marriage progressed, Willie's eye began to wander. "Given the circumstances, she could not have been surprised when her husband began to spend more time at his club, the racetrack, and the gaming table than he did at home,' wrote Sylvia Hoffert in her book Alva Vanderbilt Belmont: Unlikely Champion of Women's Rights. 'Experience had shown her that, like many of his friends, he was a man easily flattered by women who wished to benefit from a relationship with him.' In other words, Willie began to have affairs. One with a woman in Paris, Nellie Neustretter, became particularly egregious. William regularly took her out in public to the theater, or drove with her through the streets of Paris. It was Alva's last straw: 'Alva was not prepared to play second fiddle to anyone, let alone her husband's mistresses,' Hoffert wrote. 'And she certainly was not willing to suffer public humiliation at his hands.' In December 1894, Alva filed for divorce. This was explosive news: divorce meant ostracization from upper class society, who prided themselves on a stable family life—or, perhaps more importantly, the appearance of a stable family life. Her lawyer even begged her to reconsider, as it would air the dirty laundry of the family: at the time, no-fault divorces did not exist… meaning you had to prove fault, which, in this case, was adultery. ('I think now we take divorce for granted, whereas back then it was almost like a death sentence. They were trapped,' The Gilded Age executive producer Sonja Warfield tells Vogue.) Still, she went forth.
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘The Gilded Age' Star Taissa Farmiga Explains Why Gladys Agrees to Marry the Duke of Buckingham: 'She Was Just Sick of Feeling Sh*tty'
The Gilded Age Season 3 Episode 3 'Love is Never Easy' ends in turmoil for young Gladys Russell (Taissa Farmiga). Sure, the latest episode of the HBO hit ends with the reveal of the heiress's gorgeous portrait by real life painter John Singer Sargent (Bobby Steggert), but it also ends with Gladys sadly accepting her fate. **Spoilers for Season 3 Episode 3 'Love is Never Easy,' now streaming on MAX** At the end of The Gilded Age Season 3 Episode 3, Gladys Russell agrees to marry the Duke of Buckingham (Ben Lamb). After years of watching Gladys chafe against her mother Bertha's (Carrie Coon) schemes, pining after sweet boys like Billy Carlton (Matt Walker), and even securing the support of her father (Morgan Spector) to ensure she'll get a love match, our girl finally folds. But why? 'I think, at the end of the day, it was just the pressure of everybody,' The Gilded Age star Taissa Farmiga told DECIDER. 'I think she was dealing with the heartbreak of Billy. She's dealing with the fear of the future because she feels like she's being forced into a future she's not choosing,' she added. 'There's a numbness that comes with that and you can't make a decision when you're in such an emotionally depleted place, I think. Because there was so much pressure. You have to choose.' 'She just sort of doesn't want the stress anymore?' Farmiga wondered aloud. Of course, for much of The Gilded Age Season 3 Episode 3 'Love is Never Easy,' it seems as though Gladys has actually avoided the Duke. The episode picks up where last week's left off, with the Duke's lawyer hashing out a marriage contract with George Russell. Bertha has apparently promised the English noble a huge chuck of her robber baron husband's fortune and George is not happy about that. Eventually, the Duke leaves, hoping to find an heiress elsewhere. Gladys hopes that maybe she will be reunited with Billy Carlton, but it's not to be. Ultimately, no one in New York City has the kind of money George Russell has. That means the Duke circles back to 61st Street, willing to compromise with the railroad tycoon. In an interesting twist, Gladys ultimately gets a chance to agree to the match herself. She gets a small, private audience with Hector, as the Duke is actually named. While it's hardly the stuff of romance novels or happily ever afters, Farmiga still called it a 'beautiful moment.' 'There's a brief moment of connection with her and the Duke. You know, she thinks him for not being fake,' Farmiga said. 'So I think maybe it's like a tiny little sparkle of a lightning bug in the dark. It's kind of like a light guiding you.' 'But I really think that she was just sick of feeling shitty. So she's like, 'Let's just move on.'' The Gilded Age Season 3 Episode 3 'Love is Never Easy' ends with the Duke and Gladys announcing their engagement in front of all the society heads assembled to view the new painting. Bertha gets her victory lap, but the moment of triumph is undercut by a perfect moment of soap opera drama. Feeling the pressure close in on her, Gladys begins fiddling with her long string of pearls. The necklace snaps and soon white beads are scattering like marbles on the floor. This ominous ending teases that although Gladys has agreed to the engagement, getting her down the aisle to the actual marriage ceremony might be a different battle for Bertha. returns next Sunday, July 13 at 9 PM ET on HBO and MAX.
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘The Gilded Age' Season 3 Episode 4 Ending Explained: Morgan Spector, Taissa Farmiga, and Julian Fellowes Break Down Why Gladys Marries the Duke
The Gilded Age Season 3 Episode 4 'Marriage is a Gamble' finally reveals whether or not Gladys Russell (Taissa Farmiga) marries the Duke of Buckingham (Ben Lamb). Ever since the HBO show debuted in 2022, history nerds have noticed how much the Russell clan resembles the Vanderbilts, a real life robber baron clan of the period. Like Alva Vanderbilt, Bertha Russell (Carrie Coon) spent fortunes trying to impress and then surpass Caroline Astor (Donna Murphy), first using Mrs. Astor's own daughter's invitation to a ball as social leverage before spearheading the creation of the Metropolitan Opera House. What else was Alva Vanderbilt known for? Orchestrating her daughter Consuelo's marriage to an English Duke. So does Bertha succeed as Alva did? Does Gladys make the wedding as difficult to pull off as the real Consuelo did? Will George Russell (Morgan Spector) do anything to stop it? Here's what went down in The Gilded Age Season 3 Episode 4 'Marriage is a Gamble'… **Spoilers for Season 3 Episode 4 'Marriage is a Gamble,' now streaming on HBO MAX** For most of The Gilded Age Season 3 Episode 4 'Marriage is a Gamble,' it remains unclear if Gladys will go through with her wedding to the Duke. She keeps herself locked up in her bedroom, seemingly regretting her choice to agree to the engagement in the first place. Taissa Farmiga told DECIDER that Gladys only agreed to marry the Duke because she was 'tired of feeling shitty.' The heartbreak she suffered with Billy Carlton (Matt Walker) and the pressure she felt from society finally broke her resolve. In The Gilded Age Season 3 Episode 4, Gladys considers calling it off in a tense, but tender, scene with her father. She wonders if there's any way out of the massive society wedding, but George explains that if she does so, her reputation will be ruined. Gladys should have spoken up earlier. 'It's a very complicated moment for George because I think he wants to say to her like, 'Look if you really—'' Spector said, before stopping himself. 'Actually, I think it's unfair what he does in that scene,' Spector said. 'He's like, 'Hey, if you want, if you're willing to take the take the heat for this, I'll call it all off. I'll fix it. I'll still be, you know, Big Papa and make it all better.' 'But he's blown his opportunity to do that and now the only person who can really make that decision and also embarrass herself and incur huge social cost is Gladys. And he has not protected her from that.' Gladys reluctantly goes through with the marriage to Hector, aka the Duke. The episode ends with them sailing away for England, 'enjoying' their wedding night on a yacht. 'I think, at the end of the day, it was just the pressure of everybody,' Taissa Farmiga told DECIDER. 'Like, there's this societal expectation. There's the expectation from her mother. All her friends are coming. And they talk to me, but they're still trying to guide her along to make the decision to say, 'Yes,' to the marriage. Even her father is like, 'You should have said, 'No,' sooner.' 'I mean, he's sorrowful at having put her in that position. I think he's still trying to sort of play the good guy a little bit,' Spector said before reiterating how he really feels. 'I actually don't think it's really fair what he does in that scene.' Up until now, Gilded Age fans have safely assumed that Gladys is meant to be an avatar for the aforementioned Consuelo Vanderbilt. But while Gladys merely sequestered herself in her room before agreeing to walk down the aisle, the real Consuelo had to be locked in hers and kept on watch. She literally tried to run away to be with her preferred fiancé and was forced, crying, down the aisle to her Duke. 'There are about six hundred [American Gilded Age heiresses] who married into the British peerage. Some of them were happy, some of the were not, some were neither,' The Gilded Age creator Julian Fellowes told DECIDER. 'So I don't feel constrained to tell a 'Consuelo' story because that is the advantage of it not being Consuelo and not being Alva and not being any of them. We can use incidents of their life, but we don't have to do the whole thing.' Fellowes added that he hopes that The Gilded Age audience has 'some sympathy' with Bertha's plan. 'She knows she's giving [Gladys] a position that can make her a world figure, as many of those English American Duchesses and Marchionesses achieved,' he said. 'If you are wanting to get something done, you know, you couldn't have a better send-off.' For Farmiga, Gladys's wedding day wasn't quite a great 'send-off,' but a moment for her to move forward with her life. 'Yeah, it was emotionally exhausting, but sometimes you have to you have to move through to find peace,' she said. So what's next for Gladys and the Duke? You'll have to keep watching The Gilded Age Season 3 on Sundays on HBO and HBO MAX to find out…
