Culture

20 of Our Greatest Modern Power Couples

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What makes a power couple? In layman’s terms—and by the order of the Cambridge Dictionary—a power couple is made up of two people, often from the worlds of politics or entertainment, who are extremely successful in their respective careers. Ideally, the pair also publicly lift each other up—whether that means cheering from the finish line at the Olympics, leading the theater’s standing ovation, or walking the red carpet with their glamorous, award-winning other half.

Power couples have existed across centuries and industries, from kings and queens of the silver screen to sports stars linking up with pop stars and socialites coupling up with politicians. And everyone has their own favorite power couple, when you really think about it. Are you shipping Taylor and Travis? Yearning for a fiery love like Elizabeth and Richard’s? Dreaming of a Mick for your Bianca?

Below, Vogue breaks down some of our greatest contemporary power couples.

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    Barack and Michelle Obama

    First meeting as young lawyers at the Chicago firm Sidley Austin, the former president and first lady were a history-making couple: When Barack won the presidency in 2008, he became the first Black person ever to do so. Over the years since, the Obamas have supported each other through their political and philanthropic endeavors, with plenty of cutesy birthday tributes and anniversary posts on social media along the way.

    “For me, coexisting with Barack’s strong sense of purpose—sleeping in the same bed with it, sitting at the breakfast table with it—was something to which I had to adjust, not because he flaunted it, exactly, but because it was so alive,” Michelle wrote in her 2018 memoir, Becoming.

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    Courtney B. Vance and Angela Bassett

    Together since the ’80s and married since 1997, both award-winning actors exemplify Black excellence in Hollywood—and have made plenty of iconic red carpet turns at each other’s side.

Anna Cafolla is American Vogue’s news editor, working across fashion, beauty, culture and living from London. Previously, she has worked at Dazed, Cosmopolitan, and ELLE, and has written for The Guardian, The Face, AnOther, and Conde Nast Traveller. She will hold you hostage until you agree to her restaurant recommendations. ... Read More
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