Princess, empress model, 19th-century author, ghost, pop singer, punk-rock alien—at a mere 24 years of age, American actor Elle Fanning has already embodied 60 remarkable characters. As I cross the threshold of her New York City hotel room to speak with her about her ambassadorship for Fame, a new scent by Paco Rabanne, I wonder what she’s really like. Tall, demure and stunning in a white satin dress and with straight sun-kissed-blond hair, the young phenom ushers me into the sitting room and flashes a sincere happy-to-see-you smile that instantly makes me feel at ease. And, as I’ve learned by the time we part, that’s the Elle Fanning effect.

ON CELEBRITY

“I’ve been known since I was about two, when I first started working in film, so there’s no ‘before’ for me. Fame is an interesting concept that I try to maintain a healthy relationship with—thanks in large part to my parents, my big sister, Dakota, and my friends. Like most child stars, sometimes I want more freedom without the world knowing exactly where I am. At the same time, my career takes me to red carpets in Cannes and around the world, and that’s fabulous. It’s like these places allow me to express my personality rather than my characters’. And that’s another reason why I love giving interviews so much: They give me a chance to reclaim myself.”

ON HER PACO RABANNE COLLAB

“What a dream come true it is to become the face of Fame and join the ranks of the muses who came before me, like Jane Fonda, Audrey Hepburn, Brigitte Bardot and Françoise Hardy. I adore all the hallmarks of the brand: the metallic dresses, the playful handbags, the brilliant jewellery that melds silver and gold and the mélange of glam rock and softness that each piece vibrates with. Even though I’m super femme, I love wearing the brand’s pieces—for me, it’s like putting on armour.”

ON THE BEST BEAUTY TIP SHE’S EVER BEEN GIVEN

“My mother always taught my sister and me to protect our fair complexions from the sun. Also, when Kim Basinger played my movie mom back in 2004, she would always wear a big floppy hat on-set and remind me to apply sunscreen so I wouldn’t burn!”

ON HER SELF-CARE RITUAL

“I take a bath every evening. I love, love, love my bath salts, oils and candles. The bath is where I learn my lines, listen to music and watch series—I’ve even eaten pizza in there!”

ON HER FAVOURITE ROLE

“Empress Catherine II, who I play in The Great. Embodying her in that series changed my life. Through the role, I feel like people have come to see me for who I am. I also loved my characters in The Neon Demon and 20th Century Women, which was such a special and important movie.”

ON WHO INSPIRES HER

“I dream about acting alongside Kate Winslet. I’ve worked with Nicole Kidman, whom I love, twice. I also adore Naomi Watts and Kirsten Dunst as well as my sister, who’s a role model for me. I realize I’ve only named blondes so far…. [Laughs] Uh-oh! And Angelina Jolie, obviously. I’m really blessed to still be in contact with these fabulous actors, and I know that if I need a listening ear or some solid advice, they’ll be there for me.”

ON HER ENTOURAGE

“I think I stay sane in this industry because of my family and friends. Having honest and loyal—two of the most important human qualities, if you ask me—people around you as opposed to ‘yes’ people is crucial. They keep me on the straight and narrow.”

ON FAME

elle-fanning-fame

FAME EAU DE PARFUM SPRAY, PACO RABANNE

“I can’t get enough of the fresh, floral jasmine or that touch of sweetness with mango, creamy-incense, vanilla and sandalwood notes. It smells unique on every person who wears it!”

 

Price: $178 (80 mL)

SHOP

More from Fragrance