The autumn and winter 2011 instalment of The Gentlewoman is devoted to women who are masters of their respective crafts. First, and on the front cover, that lovely actress Olivia Williams, who also poses for an extensive portfolio photographed by Alasdair McLellan. Illuminating conversations with the author Jennifer Egan, fashion recruitment mogul Floriane de Saint Pierre, CEO and breadmaker Apollonia Poilâne, jewellery designer Gaia Repossi, fashion editor Carine Roitfeld, singer Anna Calvi and actress Sofie Gråbøl follow – describing how they forged their brilliant careers and new vocations through a combination of virtuosity, style and force of will. For added viewing pleasure, the issue also offers a wealth of fantastic fashion stories, from chic solutions for the working day and hysterical patterns to modern propositions for glamorous evenings.

The Gentlewoman celebrates modern women of style and purpose. Its fabulous biannual magazine offers a fresh and intelligent perspective on fashion that’s focused on personal style – the way women actually look, think and dress. Featuring ambitious journalism and photography of the highest quality, it showcases inspirational women through its distinctive combination of glamour, personality and warmth. These qualities are also at the heart of its website, thegentlewoman.com, a virtual place where real women, real events and real things are enjoyed.