Aug 22, 2011 12:00AM

Where in the World is Frances Bean?

And why is her middle name Bean?

Children of celebrities are always fascinating creatures. Born into a world of which they know nothing, they remain entirely unassuming until young- to mid-adulthood, when finally the extent of just how famous their parents are (or were) is understood. The age-old palm-off of "you'll understand when you're older" has never been used more successfully. Upon this realisation, several lifestyle options are made available to these fame-drenched youngsters. Some follow in their parents footsteps, striving towards that benchmark of fame or notoriety that seems perpetually out of reach. Some disappear from the spotlight completely, acutely aware of the pressure of "the biz" and opting for a peaceful life in the suburbs. Others still choose to defy their parents' name by becoming famous for all the wrong reasons, squandering money and tarnishing hard earned reputations - perhaps it's best to use Miley Cyrus as an example.

For those enough lucky to have normal names (Apple is, by default, excluded from this category), living out their choice can be almost entirely undramatic. Frances Bean Cobain falls into this category, attracting a surprisingly low level of attention in her 19 years of life. Granted, this could very well be due to the fact that parents Courtney and Kurt have long since kissed their heydays goodbye, but I'd like to think it pertains more to the distinct lack of a $150,000 shoe collection and other such displays of extreme affluence (an indirect way of saying Suri Cruise doesn't have a chance at escaping this world unscathed). Above all, it would seem that Frances Bean is a firmly grounded, well-raised 19 year old celebrity spawn - with Drew Barrymore as a godmother, you could hardly turn out as anything less than wholesome.

Frances was born just 20 months before her dad's untimely death into a supportive network of aunts, godparents and grandparents. Until recently, her only dabbles into the media have been five interviews, wherein she has spoken of (and defended) her parents, personal style and artwork. Now, the heir and legacy of Kurt Cobain has reached adulthood. As she's coming to see what her father did for the music industry, more people are coming to see her in a different light. In a series of brooding photographs for his online diary, French photographer Hedi Slimane has captured Frances Bean looking eerily like a precise blend of both her parents. Needless to say, she's grown up to be beautiful. As if the daughter of Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love could be anything else.

To answer the question, Kurt chose 'Bean' as a middle name on account of likening an image on an early ultrasound to a kidney bean. Probably not Kurt's most insightful work, but it's better than Bono's efforts.

hedislimane.com

News & Features

Stevie Dance Pop Quiz

For the launch of Topshop Australia's 'Edited By' concept.


Top 10: Clutches

Featuring the best purses from Charlotte Olympia, Stella McCartney, Jil Sander and more.


Nicola Formichetti Leaves Thierry Mugler

He steps down as the label's creative director.


Courtney Love, Kim Gordon, Marilyn Manson & Ariel Pink for Saint Laurent

See the 'Saint Laurent Music Project' campaign shot by Hedi Slimane.


The Journal: Wheels & Dollbaby x Rene Vaile

We shoot the Winter 2013 collection — highway motel style.


Watch: 'No Problems' by Azealia Banks

A wild Steve Aoki and Diplo appear.


Top 10: March OhLike

All of the things!


Oyster Words: Indian Spiritual Leader Amma

For our Peace Issue, we speak with the woman has hugged more than 32 million people.


Oyster Playlist: Levins' Favourite R&B Songs From The Last Decade

To get the party started for Hoops & Love Kings: An Easter R&B Supperclub at Goodgod this Sunday.


Watch: Wes Anderson, Roman Coppola & Léa Seydoux's Entire Short Film for Prada Candy

All three episodes finally together in perfect harmony.


Tumblr Reaches Over 100 Million Blogs

And 44.6 billion blog posts.


Listen: Tyler, The Creator x Frank Ocean x Stereolab

Plus Tyler talks about he knew Frank Ocean was gay and didn't care.


Oyster Interview: Big Boi by D.A. Wallach

From The Peace Issue — out now!


Oyster Fashion: 'Hazzard' Shot by Zac Handley & Styled by Mark Vassallo

See our menswear shoot from The Peace Issue (out now!) and a video of the boys in action.


Watch: 'Afraid of Heights' by Wavves

Nathan Williams does drag.


Watch: Lily Cole in 'Sacrilege' by Yeah Yeah Yeahs (NSFW)

Girl sleeps with lots of men, girl gets burned at stake.


A Look Inside Inez & Vinoodh's New York Apartment

See the photography duo's stylish digs, feel jealous.


Oyster Interview: Atoms For Peace

An excerpt from our interview with Thom Yorke and Nigel Godrich for Oyster #102: The Peace Issue — on sale now!


Spring Breakers Review

Visually it might look like a turbo-charged David LaChapelle picture crossed with a meme.


Watch: Wes Anderson, Roman Coppola & Léa Seydoux for Prada Candy — Episode One

According to this video Prada's Candy perfume will get you not one, but two, guys.


Valentina Sykes x Zimmermann SS13/14

She styles herself in her favourite look from the new collection.


MBFWA 2013 — Kate Sylvester & Shakuhachi Casting

The quest to find The Next Big Thing begins.


Watch: James Franco's Grandmother Promotes 'Spring Breakers'

Not even the elderly are safe from the hype.