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

Interview: Janelle Monáe

"I've already gone out to 30, so I already KNOW where I see myself in 10 years from now."


In the Studio with Beni Single for Adidas

"I'm a very curious motherfucker."


Listen to 5 (Five!) New Songs From The xx

Does this mean the new album is almost ready? Fingers crossed!


Bally Love #2 by Olaf Breuning Giveaway

Win a Bally 'Bopper' bag worth $850!


Cannes Film Review: Lawless

Nick Cave wrote the script and score for this bloodthirsty tale set in the prohibition era.


Kanye West to Debut Cruel Summer at Cannes

Will play across seven screens simultaneously.


Oyster #98: Your Song

What comes to mind when you think of a songwriter?


Oyster #98: Blood Orange

"I don't really claim to know what it’s like to be a girl."


Oyster #98: #1 Crush

For our Music Issue, we asked some of our friends who their idols in music are.


Calvin Klein Women In Film Cannes Party

Diane Kruger, Lara Stone, Naomi Watts, Alec Baldwin and more.


Top 10: Gwen Stefani

In honour of No Doubt's new album coming out this year.


Bill Brewster is Here to Play

The DJHistory.com co-founder is in Australia for the first time ever.


Ezra Miller Wins Chopard Trophy at Cannes

For being a babe who massacres people.


Watch: The xx Perform a New Song

Is the new album finally coming out?


RIP Donna Summer

We remember the Queen of Disco with a playlist.


Exclusive: Alice McCall Pre-Summer 2013 Campaign

Kaila Hart shot by Thom Kerr.


ASOS Next Season AW12 Preview

Sneak peek Oyster's favourite women's and men's looks before they go on sale!


Agyness Deyn Cast in Film Adaptation

The model will play a Scottish farm girl in an adaptation of a Scottish novel.


See Tom Cruise, Abbey Lee & Edita's Entire W Editorial

But be warned that you can't unsee it.


Oyster #98: Technologic Behind-The-Scenes Video

Go behind-the-scenes on the shoot from our Music Issue.


Chanel Cruise 12/13 Runway

Plus photos of Alice Dellal, Tilda Swinton and Vanessa Paradis.


Exclusive: Friend of Mine SS12/13 Behind-The-Scenes & Interview

Sneak peek the new lookbook shot by Bec Parsons and styled by Imogene Barron, starring Nicole Pollard.


Chanel Cruise 12/13 Beauty Looks

Make-up inspired by Marie Antoinette.


Ksubi 'Bad Sports' SS12/13 Lookbook

Leg it in style this season.


Watch: Daphne Guinness Cover Patti Smith

The beer heiress plans to record an album of rock 'n' roll and opera.