This month, AnOther magazine has picked the perfect person to grace its cover and be the focus of the issue: Marion Cotillard. The Oscar-winning actress, the current face of Dior, has been shot by Craig McDean for an amazing fashion spread and also a short film (which can be viewed HERE). The shoot itself has a little more going on than the average celebrity photo shoot.

Inspired by the Fluxus Movement’s instruction-based art, Cotillard was told to bring three items with her on the day of the shoot. She was first instructed to bring something she loved — for this she chose a Polaroid SX70, which she uses to document her adventures around the world. Next she brought a piece of writing that had taught her something: Freedom From the Unknown, a collection of teachings from philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurti. Finally, Cotillard was told to bring a photo that made her smile. Unable to choose, she bought three. All depicted tranquil safe havens that seem to be the antithesis of the hectic life she now leads since being thrust into the spotlight. These items all played a part in, and inspired, the shoot.

The result is AnOther’s best issue in a long time, and an exquisite shoot that will be hard to top. You can read the full in-depth interview with Cotillard in the issue out now.

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Ever since the tragic events in Haiti, people seem to be doing anything they can to help, and the generosity has been astounding. There are so many charities you can donate to that will help those in need, and hopefully you’ve already given to support the cause. George Clooney led the way; his telethon (which aired on MTV recently) raised $57 million, breaking all records for such events. Often you see these fundraisers and wonder if celebrities are actually giving their own money, or if their agenda is more suspicious. Maybe they’re just doing it for publicity, perhaps? Well, Clooney gave $1 million; Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt did the same. And it’s not just major celebrities doing their part — Renzo Rosso, the founder of Diesel, recently donated $250,000 to the cause.

The important thing to remember, though, is that every cent helps. When President Obama ran for office, he raised the largest sum of money ever brought in by a campaign. People weren’t donating hundreds of thousands of dollars; what made up the bulk of the contributions were donations of $5 or $10. So if you’re sitting at home and haven’t yet given because you think your money won’t make a difference, think again. 

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