E
ver seen the erotic-camp drama Showgirls? No? Don’t. It’s widely regarded as one of the worst movies of all time. Those two hours would be better spent cleaning your living room, lighting a candle, and comprehensively poring over this issue starring the l ove l y A m b e r H e a rd i n f u l l Showgirls-inspired regalia. The NC-17 flick was the chief reference for Allure’s cover shoot. Staged way up in the Los Angeles hills, the set was more of a party than not, and in the middle of it was Heard, decked out in Swarovski crystals from eyelid to temple. “My face is bedazzled right now. I’m not sure how much eye I can give you,” she shot back when photographer Daniel Jackson directed her to look toward the California sun. The crew laughed and the camera clicked. And maybe, just maybe, that’s what makes Heard the perfect showgirl: so utterly entertaining and so utterly herself. Cultish, yes, but also an instant classic. —BRENNAN KILBANE
AMBER HEARD Behind the scenes at Allure’s cover shoot.
Above: An array of craft-store crystals. Top right: Norma Kamali coat. Earrings from New York Vintage and Heard’s own. Right: Heard with makeup artist Romy Soleimani. Vintage Dolce & Gabbana bra top. Thom Browne pants. Heard’s own earrings. Far right: Pop Matte Lip Colour + Primer in Peppermint Pop and High Impact Mascara by Clinique. Details, see Shopping Guide.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: DANIEL JACKSON; JOSEPHINE SCHIELE (2); GRACE PICKERING (2)
COVER LOOK