Photo SpecialGwyneth's New Life

After a year off, the Oscar winner is back to work – but still devoted to her rock-star husband and, of course, little Apple. By Emily Fromm with Mark Dagostino, Pete Norman and Devon Thomas

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MAN AND MUSE

During a fashion event in Rome in June, Paltrow stikes a pose for Italian designer Valentino, one of her closest friends. (She and Apple even vacationed on his yacht in the Mediterranean this summer.) Paltrow frequently wears his gowns, and their admiration is mutual: "She is in the league of Meryl Streep, one of those great actresses that will stay forever," the designer tells PEOPLE.

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