Marilyn Monroe once said, "If I ever lower my head, it will be to admire my shoes," showcasing her unmatched persona and significant influence on style. Similarly, Ana de Armas, often considered the Monroe of Cuba, seemingly bows only to the Cuban regime that once, during her days with La Colmenita, instilled in her the belief that the "revolution" was for the humble masses.
Yet, the Blonde starlet not only admires the regime's polished boots but also seems concerned about the well-being of her new partner, Manuel Anido Cuesta, the stepson and advisor to Miguel Díaz-Canel. As the pair were recently spotted being affectionate in Madrid, public attention has shifted to Anido Cuesta's polished appearance.
With Tom Ford sunglasses priced at 295 euros and a Moncler jacket worth 1,950 euros, his style has been immortalized in glossy magazines. This romantic escapade between Anido Cuesta and the actress has become one of the most sensational stories tied to the regime, overshadowing even Sandro Castro and his "revolutionary flaunting."
While parading through Madrid, carrying bags from El Corte Inglés filled with holiday purchases, dining in upscale restaurants, and strolling hand-in-hand with his "little bee," Anido Cuesta showcases his "toys." Meanwhile, his stepfather, whom he advises, continues to damage Cuban lives with calls for "creative resistance."
In stark contrast, Cubans face hardships, struggling for survival, while the stepson of the "royal family" roams the streets of the metropolis, sporting Zegna sneakers priced at 966 euros. These shoes, nearly a thousand euros, equate to nearly 300 minimum wages in Cuba—or 20 years of labor for a proletarian—a stark symbol of the disparity.
Accompanied by his partner, Anido Cuesta strikes a pose akin to a member of the Kennedy clan: confident, shielded by wealth and security funded by the Cuban people. Their relationship embodies an audacious distraction tactic by the island's counterintelligence.
However, distractions can be unpredictable. While Anido and Ana played the role of captains in Madrid, an old ally of the Cuban tyranny, Bashar Al-Assad, faced his own troubles in Damascus, Syria. Forced to flee with his family to Moscow, the Kremlin's support provided them refuge, even gifting them slippers to feel at home.
Among the many images revealing the Al-Assad lifestyle, a particular photo stands out—Bashar and his family walk the streets of Damascus, appearing as "ordinary people." Strikingly, Hafez Al-Assad, Bashar's eldest son, is seen wearing the same Zegna sneakers as Anido Cuesta. What a coincidence!
The downfall of the Syrian regime, after 53 years under the Assad's tyrannical rule, has been a cold shock to their Havana allies. Seeing Díaz-Canel's stepson in the same shoes as Bashar's son, sharing the namesake of the founder of the Alawite dictatorship, might be seen as an ominous sign: The advisor to the least favored "puppet leader" flirting with danger!
It was said that Imelda Marcos, the "Marie Antoinette of Manila," had over 3,000 pairs of shoes from Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton, and Givenchy in her wardrobe. After losing power, the wife of dictator Ferdinand, responsible for the deaths of 3,200 people and the imprisonment of 70,000, famously claimed, "They found no skeletons in my closet, only beautiful shoes."
Whether Cuesta Peraza could echo such sentiments remains uncertain, not for skeletons, but rather for the "beautiful shoes." It is well known that fashion is a weak point for La Machi, a modest cultural official who clumsily strides the halls of the Palace.
As we await the fate history has in store for these love-struck dictators of "continuity," perhaps Anido Cuesta's girlfriend could offer style advice to her mother-in-law, just as he advises his stepfather on... well, on what exactly? Oh, who cares... perhaps on matters of family in distress.
Key Insights on Cuban and Syrian Regimes
What is the significance of the Zegna sneakers?
The Zegna sneakers, worn by both Anido Cuesta and Hafez Al-Assad, symbolize the luxury and disparity experienced by those affiliated with oppressive regimes, contrasting sharply with the hardships faced by their respective populations.
How has Ana de Armas been linked to the Cuban regime?
Ana de Armas is perceived to have connections to the Cuban regime, as her new partner, Manuel Anido Cuesta, is the stepson and advisor to Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel, highlighting potential ties to the ruling elite.