Cheryl Fernandez-Versini - A New Elizabethan?

Being asked to choose who I think is a new Elizabethan was quite a difficult decision, but I was actually inspired by BBC 4's list of who they think the new Elizabethan's are. Simon Cowell featured on the list and straight away this made me think of each of the X-factor judges, but I was instantly drawn to Cheryl Fernandez-Versini (or better know as Cheryl Cole).

The reason I have chosen Cheryl is because I would say she has an immense amount of power both on the X-factor panel, and in today's society, e.g. through the use of the media. She is definitely a trend setter and many people look up and admire her, both women and men. I would say her popularity/'celebrity status' has grown over the years, especially from when she became a solo artist and was no longer in Girls Aloud. Also, she is closely watched by the press, like royal Elizabethans would be kept an eye on, and every little thing (good or bad) is reported and almost exploited by the press. 

I feel that Cheryl sometimes acts like royalty - when you watch her on TV you are able to see how confident she is in what she is saying and some would argue some of the things she says are slightly bitchy towards other people. On the recent series of the X-factor you have seen her arguing with Simon quite frequently and expressing her opinions in a very strong and independent manner. 

The image I have chosen to show Cheryl is actually a painting created by Nikko Hurtado, who is the man that spent 50 hours tattooing her bum. Unveiling the complete piece of work, Nikko said: "This is pretty much done for now. For my 'Renati' solo show. 'Glitz & Glamour'."

The reason I have chosen this image to portray Cheryl as a new Elizabethan is because of the ruffles around her neck and the outfit she is shown to be wearing with the gems and pearls - these things all make her actually appear quite Elizabethan. However, the very unusual part of the image is the fact that she is wearing antlers on her head - the reason for this is unknown. In the painting, Cheryl's make-up appears fairly tame, and the main highlight of the make-up is her cheeks - I felt this again related to the Elizabethan's because they had minimal make-up with pale skin and red cheeks. 

Reference:http://www.reveal.co.uk/showbiz-celeb-gossip/news/a514826/cheryl-cole-given-antlers-and-elizabethan-ruff-in-new-oil-painting.html