Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, better known to the world as AOC, has always had a clear idea of who she is, and what she wants. It’s just that, as often happens with women of color, the path ahead is very, very rocky. There is, however, a level of warmth and openness to the congresswoman as she graces the cover of GQ, looking stunning – as per usual. From possible presidential runs, to her relationship and yes, even her dog, the interview offers a real glimpse at the woman behind the well-spoken and knowledgeable politician.
One that might one day run for President, but for now, has the same worries as a lot of other women who are not in the public eye. “Sometimes little girls will say, ‘Oh, I want you to be president,’ or things like that,” she shared with GQ, getting emotional as she discussed a subject she has clearly given a lot of thought to.
“I hold two contradictory things [in my mind] at the same time. One is just the relentless belief that anything is possible.” But, of course, there’s the reality of how the United States, in politics or out, treats women of color, which AOC confessed weighs heavily on her. “I admit to sometimes believing that I live in a country that would never let that happen.”
But though this is a sobering and deeply sad notion, AOC – like women all over have learned – quickly switched gears to talk about the good things, like her relationship with fiancé Riley Roberts. “I feel like I won the men lottery in life,” she told GQ, referring not just to Roberts, but her father, the cousins she grew up with, and even her chief of staff. “It is the presence of good men that has shown me what kind of men are possible in this world.”
And though everything she said is much more news than this, it’s worth noting that the shoot, photographed by Cruz Valdez, styled by Dara, with hair by Matt Benns at CLM Agency, makeup by Kuma using Mac Cosmetics, and set designed by Andrea Huelse and produced by Harbinger, was stunning. Ocasio-Cortez wore earrings and a necklace by Laura Lombardi (throughout), as well as a sweatshirt (stylist’s own), watch and ring (throughout, her own), a jacket by Sportmax, turtleneck by Wolford, coat, and pants by Proenza Schouler, boots by Reike Nen.