Selma Blair struck a power pose with her cane for British Vogue’s May 2023 cover.
“I have an emotional and physical attachment to the cane,” the “Cruel Intentions” actress, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2018, told the magazine, adding, “I settle in my voice and body as soon as I hold [it].”
Blair posed in a caped cutout gown and matching heels by Valentino for the cover shot, calling the mobility aid an “extension” of herself.
“I know it adds to visibility. So many younger people have started publicly embracing their sticks more,” she continued.
“I do think representation matters. If I can help remove stigma or over-curiosity in a crowd for someone else, then that’s great.”
Elsewhere in her shoot, Blair models a black strapless dress by The Row and suede Manolo Blahnik pumps, her cane held front and center.
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society defines MS as “a disease that impacts the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves, which make up the central nervous system and controls everything we do.”
Symptoms may include memory and speech problems, pain, fatigue and difficulty walking.
The “Mean Baby” author, 50, became an advocate for the disabled community following her diagnosis, and spoke with British Vogue about why she stepped away from acting.
“My autoimmune system was misfiring… losing most of my hair and all of my energy. I kinda bowed out [after filming “Kath & Kim” in 2009],” Blair said of her quiet exit from the industry.
Blair — who told the glossy that even her doctor urged her to keep the diagnosis a secret from work — called being on set “excruciating” as she dealt with the “exhaustion and tics” caused by the disease.
She made her first post-diagnosis public appearance at the 2019 Vanity Fair Oscars Party, hitting the red carpet in a colorful caped Ralph & Russo Couture gown, cane in hand.
“I didn’t imagine I could ever make a difference by showing up as myself and being open about my experiences,” Blair, who shares son Arthur, 11, with fashion designer Jason Bleick, told the magazine.
“But when others with mobility aids rallied around my presence on the red carpet with a cane and in the midst of an MS flare, I noticed. I felt empowered to share … Now it’s a conscious choice to.”
In 2022, Blair appeared on Season 31 of “Dancing with the Stars,” telling Pvnew that she had to “convince” her team of loved ones to let her perform on the show.
Despite telling us in September that she felt some “terror and nerves” because she didn’t have “experience dancing,” the star eventually chose to participate.
“once I decided and convinced my team that I could do this, that it wasn’t going to be too dangerous for me, that I could do this, [it was OK]. We do these things we want to find joy in. And then I’m all in.”
Midway through the series, the actress-turned-dancer gracefully bowed out of the show in October due to health concerns.
The star, who performed with pro partner Sasha Farber, performed one final dance in honor of her MS, set to Andra Day’s “What the World Needs Now Is Love.”
“This was a really emotional night for me,” Blair said to Pvnew after her final show. “Because it was filled with so much love for me and my love for everyone here is really, really, really returned.”
Farber, 38, also gushed over his dance partner following their last night.
“There aren’t enough words to say how proud I am. She is a true inspiration. She has not only inspired myself, but so many people around the world … there’s nothing this lady can’t do.”
Blair, still advocating for the disabled community today, shared that she’s hopeful for more inclusiveness in the industry as she and others continue to speak up.
“It’s the disabled representation by disabled people behind and in front of the camera or stage that will set this tone. I have hope for the industry,” she told British Vogue.
