Her favourite dress has a mermaid's tail.
Photo: Courtesy of Jimmy Choo
With her bold yet classic style and experimentation with colour and pattern, it will come as no surprise that young Hollywood actress Dakota Fanning has been handpicked to be the face of Jimmy Choo's Style Diary this season.
During her photoshoot at the ethereal Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanica Gardens, a perfect setting for Fanning's floral and lace frocks, We catch up with the Hollywood actress to talk about her earliest fashion memories and the great outdoors.
What is your earliest fashion memory?
Clomping around in my aunt’s heels, while visiting her in Miami, Florida. I was around two years old and apparently insisted on wearing them absolutely everywhere the entire trip.
Photo: Courtesy of Jimmy Choo
And what is your earliest red carpet memory? Do you remember what you wore?
It was the “I am Sam” premiere when I was eight years old—it was my first film. I wore a satin champagne coloured dress with capped sleeves. I had a purse that was black patent and shaped like a present, which I thought was very chic. I don't really look back and cringe too much, [it's] definitely more of a warm nostalgia.
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Having worn so many different looks and styles throughout your career, has there been one that you found the most memorable?
Recently I wore a Miu Miu dress to the Venice Film Festival. It looked like a mermaid’s tail, and it was truly my dream dress. I felt absolutely magical in it and taking it off was really hard. That dress, combined with such a glamorous location, was a very special moment for me.
Photo: Courtesy of Jimmy Choo
How would you describe your personal aesthetic?
I don't know if I can, actually. It really changes all the time. I think I usually have a vibe in mind when I am getting ready and try to execute that as best as I can. I am more traditional than not, but I also like to surprise people.
Are you meticulous about organising your closet or is it more of a floordrobe situation?
I am more on the meticulous side, but I must confess, it could be more organised in there at the moment.
(Related: 5 Minutes With Street-Style Star, Yoyo Cao)
Are you more of a flats or heels girl?
I'm more of a flats girl when I'm in New York because there is so much walking involved. But with that being said, I love heels of all kinds—chunky platforms in particular.
Which are your favourite areas in New York?
I'm a downtown girl. I love Nolita, the East Village and the Lower East Side.
Photo: Courtesy of Jimmy Choo
The Jimmy Choo collection is inspired by the beauty of nature—are you an outdoors kind of girl?
I would question anyone who said that nature was not important to them. I do not get out into it as often as I would like, but I daydream about all the places I want to visit when I have time! One of my favourite places is Tulum. It has the most beautiful beaches, as well as jungles that are transfixing.
What’s a typical Sunday like for you?
Ha, that depends on what happened Saturday night. Sunday is always a down day for me. Whether friends come over or I have some alone time, there is nothing major ever on the books.
Photo: Courtesy of Jimmy Choo
When it comes to career aspirations, what do you look for in projects to take on? Would you like to do television or theatre?
I am about to do a television series for the first time, and I couldn't be more excited. I watch so much television and am so inspired by the subject matter that is being tackled. It is an incredible opportunity to be able to develop a character over a long period of time.
As for theatre, that is something I have yet to do, but absolutely want to. I know that will be a challenge unlike any other, and I am also very excited for that.
And lastly, outside of your work, what do you most aspire to achieve?
The basics: being a good person, creating meaningful relationships, enjoying life and not rushing through time.