Elle Fanning has embarked on a unique trail that has left everyone behind

At the age of three, Elle Fanning had taken her first steps into a fairytale world of acting as she began her career in the miniseries Taken and the movie I Am Sam. Well into her twenties now, there simply has been no turning back for the actor, who has brilliantly and effortlessly played roles of a ghost, a Disney princess, and even an alien. The scene stealer that she is, Fanning is an expert at making heads turn. As the face of Fame, Paco Rabanne’s latest fragrance, the actor is at her confident and energised best. 

Bazaar India, in an exclusive interview, spoke to Fanning who gave us a fascinating insight into her life, the early days, the first perfumes she owned and much more. Excerpts
 

Harper’s Bazaar: You began acting at a very young age. Looking back, how has this shaped you as a person? 

Elle Fanning: I get to ‘play pretend’ as a career, and because I have been doing it since I was so young, my profession has allowed me to live in my imagination. As a result, I am not afraid to dream and take risks.

HB: You have played a ghost, a Disney princess, an alien, a 19th-century author, an 18th-century empress... What is it like to slip into different characters? 

EF: No matter what kind of character I am playing, I always try to find empathy for them. Also, I have noticed that I learn more about myself with each character that I play. I am currently filming season 3 of The Great, so I am thinking about Catherine. This is the longest I have played any character and she means so much to me...especially in terms of what kind of person I want to be. 

HB: What’s the most challenging kind of role to play? And the most fun? 

EF: I think all roles are challenging in their own way. I have flipped between drama and comedy. Comedy certainly brings a lighter atmosphere to the working environment, but comedic timing and rhythm can be incredibly challenging. 

HB: You have worked with many female directors—Sally Potter, Sofia Coppola, Mélanie Laurent, Haifaa alMansour—what’s it like to be on a female-driven set? 

EF: I love being on set with other women. They create a nurturing environment for everyone to thrive in. 

HB: After a day on the set, what do you do for fun? Do you have any guilty pleasures? 

EF: On the weekends, I like to visit the farmers’ market and plan a meal to cook—cooking really calms me. If it’s a weekday, after work, I take a long bath and watch some reality TV! 

HB: You are not only a star, but also a fashion icon. How do you express yourself through clothes?

EF: My mood often dictates what I wear... 

HB: And who are your fashion icons? 

EF: I have many... Grace Kelly, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Alexa Chung, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, and Marilyn Monroe. 

HB: What’s your first scent memory?

EF: I remember mixing all my grandmother’s perfumes together...I felt very ‘grown up’ when spraying perfume. 

HB: Tell us about the first perfume you owned? 

EF: My first perfume had an extremely sweet fragrance—it was that classic teen scent and I probably wore way too much of it.

HB: Do you ever use fragrance to get into character? 

EF: I have heard of actors doing this, and I find it really interesting. I have never done it myself, but I think it would certainly be fun to use a specific scent for a character. 

HB: Audrey Hepburn, Brigitte Bardot, Jane Fonda, Françoise Hardy have all been Paco Rabanne’s muses... How does it feel to be part of such a stellar cast? 

EF: It is an honour to be among those iconic women! 

HB: What is your favourite part of being the face of Fame, Paco Rabanne’s latest fragrance? 

EF: I try to stand out from the crowd, and being the ambassador of Fame allows me to embrace my individuality. 

HB: What do like about Fame?

EF: I love the scents of jasmine and mango. It’s so fresh and can be worn during the day or at night.

HB: And what does the fragrance represent for you? 

EF: Strength and elegance. 

HB: What would you like to say to the women who will wear this perfume?

EF: I hope you enjoy the feeling you get when wearing this unique scent—it will make you feel confident and energised.