Talking feminism, work, and de Beauvoir with GOLDIE magazine editor Rebecca Weef Smith

We spoke with GOLDIE Magazine editor Rebecca Weef Smith about Feminism, conversing with the dead, and Simone de Beauvoir. Image: Rebecca Weef Smith

“Studying history is of massive importance. Elaborating on where we came from, what we did, what we succeded at, and what we terribly failed at, has helped us evolve into what we are right now and learn to never make the same mistakes again.”

There are many ways of studying history, but one of the most effective ones would surely be by hearing witnesses talking about their experiences in certain historical eras. It goes without saying that this is not possible with the only exception of recent events. However, imagine if it were doable. Try to imagine what would be possible if we could just have a coffee with some important historical figures and learn from their achievements and, most of all, from their failures. Or just try to imagine how special would it be if you could talk to a dear relative who is no longer around.

“I am awfully greedy: I want everything from life. I want to be a woman and a man, to have many friends and loneliness, to work much and write good books, to travel and enjoy myself, to be selfish and unselfish…”

When thinking about a dead person she would like to talk to, the editor of GOLDIE magazine and new member of our homesharing tribe Rebecca has a clear opinion: “I would like to sit with Simone de Beauvoir and ask her if she really lived by her “Change your life today. Don’t gamble on the future, act now, without delay” or if it was just one of those things that sounded good at the time. I would ask her if all that change is really too exhausting in real life and whether as a woman it wouldn’t have just been easier to be consistent. I would expect de Beauvoir to be annoyed at my loss of confidence in myself and my looking to her for answers as to how to proceed.

Like de Beauvoir, “I am awfully greedy: I want everything from life. I want to be a woman and a man, to have many friends and loneliness, to work much and write good books, to travel and enjoy myself, to be selfish and unselfish…” would it be possible for her to sort out the solutions to this conundrum in just fifteen minutes? I have great faith in her so I’m pretty sure she could help me out.

Photo: Rebecca Weef Smith

When asked to describe her work, she declares: “I have a problem with labels and directions. I’ve no idea who I’m supposed to be or where I should be going. Every day I write, sometimes others read those words: does it matter (should it?) if anyone pays attention to what I’m trying to say? Some days I also use a visual language to get my thoughts across – photos or fashion or film – all of this content generated to share my experience of being in this place at this time. Most of what I create is totally pointless and yet still I go about churning out reams of stuff.”

She defines herself as a “creative positive deviant who is a serial failure. But that’s okay.” and of course as the editor of GOLDIE. “What is GOLDIE? Well, it is a Positively Glossy magazine. We are shaking things up by offering an inclusive, celebratory approach to fashion, culture and travel. We’re here for people who refuse to be labelled due to age, size, gender, ethnicity or anything else. We are proud to provide a platform for intersectional conversations that aren’t being had elsewhere. We aren’t everyone’s cup of tea but we don’t aim to be!”