By Francesca Claybrook
Marie Claire’s February cover girl is Michelle Williams, who is currently getting a lot of press (including an Oscar nomination!) for her role in Blue Valentine. The star is photographed in Valentino and Chanel, and while the accompanying interview touches on some serious subjects, like Williams’ late fiancé, Heath Ledger, she is smiling in every image. Although she has been in other relationships since his death, Williams admits she is currently single and trying to find the right balance between opening herself up to a relationship while at the same time protecting her five year old daughter, Matilda. Apart from her much talked-about role in Blue Valentine, Williams has had some other interesting projects to focus her energy on, including a stint playing Marilyn Monroe in the upcoming My Week With Marilyn. In addition, Williams also helped found The Yoga for Single Moms project, which provides child care while single mothers attend yoga classes (its pilot program is launching in Boston, so check it out if you’re there!) Overall, Williams comes across as a little fragile, although her pictures project a smiling confidence (just take a look at the cover image – who wouldn’t want to hang out with that girl?) Make sure to check out the interview in full to get a closer peek into this otherwise reserved star.