Getting naked in the fight against HIV/Aids

"Some of the celebrities we approached to pose naked declined right off," says Kate Wilson, editor of Marie Claire SA

Nerve and selflessness

"Others who had agreed to be photographed with strategically-placed props later changed their minds and withdrew permission for their pictures to appear, which only goes to demonstrate the nerve and selflessness of those who went all the way. It's exactly that kind of unconditional commitment that is needed to fight AIDS."

Each celebrity was asked to describe how HIV/AIDS has touched their lives personally in an attempt to diffuse the stigma surrounding the disease and urge readers to inform themselves.

Auction

Each of the beautiful black and white portraits, taken by well-known SA photographer Richard Keppel-Smith, will be auctioned and the money raised donated to the Treatment Action Campaign. Readers can bid through the magazine and the portraits will be auctioned at an event to be attended by the celebrities.

"Our intention with the naked project was to raise eyebrows in order to raise awareness and funds," says Wilson. "With so much exposure to the effects of poverty, South Africans can become inured to these issues, so we wanted to do something that would attract attention and inspire people to act."

The February issue also features US actress Ashley Judd posing topless on the cover and an exclusive interview in which she talks to Wilson about her involvement in YouthAIDS and her visit to South Africa.

Intensely concerned

"Marie Claire readers have proven themselves to be intensely concerned about social issues and their response to our campaigns has been incredible. Stories like the interview with Ashley and the Each One Reach One naked project are intended to provide readers with the opportunity to pledge their support and make donations," concludes Wilson.

The special naked section features the following celebrities:

• Models Lisa and Michelle Cowley
  
• Actress Hlubi Mboya
  
• Assistant editor and Sunday World columnist Kuli Roberts
  
• Comedian Cokey Falkow
  
• Actress Candice Derman
  
• Actress and host of Temptation SA Bridget Masinga
  
• Model Nzinga Qunta and producer/presenter/actor Tim Horwood
  
• Celebrity foodie Justine Drake
  
• Product designer and SA creative entrepreneur of the Year Heath Nash
  
• Former Miss SA Teen Masechaba Dlengezele
  
• Country rockabilly band 3 Bored white guys
  
• Songwriter, singer and DJ Unathi Nkayi
  
• Miss South Africa 2005 Thuli Sithole

Readers have until 1 March 2007 to place a bid on their portrait of choice. All proceeds of the sales will be donated to the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC). Bids start at R1000.