Kristen Stewart has been linked to the house of Chanel for many years now. Karl Lagerfeld took something of a personal interest in her, and she was the face of the Chanel Métiers d’art 2015-2016 collection. She’s back as the face of the Métiers d’art 2020-2021 collection, which is why she chatted with French Vogue about fashion, Karl Lagerfeld and why she’s ride-or-die for Chanel. I still find it weird that she is closely aligned with Chanel – her own style-brand seems more like Levis-and-Balenciaga or vintage-and-Gucci. Some highlights from this interview:
What she shares with the Chanel brand: “The ambitious and personal vision that was Coco Chanels’ is sustained by the women I’ve come to know at the fashion house today. They carry that torch for her. I admire and am also fueled by that commitment to perspective. Their deep, sharp love of aesthetics and the audacity to express that truly… from somewhere equally as incommunicable and intimate is why I love Chanel’s whole story. I feel that in our exchange… our work together… we share and feed a particular hunger for expression. I am so grateful for that. ”
Her most memorable Chanel outfit: “I loved wearing what I guess was a sort of iridescent rose and champagne-colored sequined pantsuit to the Cannes Film Festival. I felt so great in it. The carpets there are long. I felt like I could wear it forever. It was for the premier of The Clouds of Sils Maria… I was with Olivier (Assayas) and Juliette (Binoche) and I remember thinking… this is exactly right. All of this. ”
Her ultimate style advice: “Do you.”
The five pieces every woman should have in her wardrobe:
*Pretty underwear is huge. The day you learn that, things change, imperceptibly. Not even for other people but for you. Such a nice touch.
*A pair of Levis that make you feel sexier than any dress you own.
*Something signature. Something like a leather jacket or something that always makes you feel like you nailed it. It could be anything… just something to covet. I feel like the right clothes take care of me. Like they’re pals. I love writing my name on things. I hate losing my stuff– if it doesn’t hurt to lose something… it’s not for me.
*A really nice robe. Not a towel. Something to wear in the house.
*Something sentimental. Something that actually belongs to a friend or someone you love. I love finding a jacket someone left and throwing it on.
Surprised about the pretty underwear comment! She’s right though, if you know you’re wearing something pretty or sexy underneath your clothes, it makes you feel different. You walk differently, your vibe is different. The “really nice robe” is great advice too, but I wish it was easy to find the perfect robe, not too heavy and not too thin, with a belt that ties the right way. I’m still looking for the perfect robe. I don’t have anything signature that I wear except maybe my favorite purse? I don’t know.
Here’s the slouchy Chanel jumpsuit she referenced in the interview. This was at the 2014 Cannes premiere of Clouds of Sils Maria.
Photos courtesy of Avalon Red.
God, that’s the most sensible fashion advice I’ve ever seen a celebrity give. Those are all things you could actually own as a civilian lol. I agree with her about the pretty underwear in particular. It doesn’t even have to be uncomfortable, just something you can wear when you want the boost of something fancy that doesn’t actually actually require you to put that much work into your aesthetic.
All true.
That is pretty great advice, actually. I don’t know why I’m so surprised!
All wonderful advice, I just can’t see her as a an ingenue or icon. Just a fashion plate when some designer dresses her well.
There is absolutely nothing that EVERY woman should do or own or feel or think. Those questions have always annoyed me to no end. I don’t relate to the underwear thing at all, for instance. Interestingly, MEN never proclaim that having nice underwear adds some pep to their step. I wonder why that is. It’s like we are supposed to enjoy the hypothetical male gaze even when it’s not actually there.
I’m not sure Kristen Stewart of all people is trying to impress men with her underwear choices…
“MEN never proclaim that having nice underwear adds some pep to their step”
I wonder if it has something to do with women getting aroused by their own image whereas men don’t. Was this proven or is it just a myth?
Came here to say the same. Guess I’m not a real woman… *shrugs*
I agree with all of this. I never used to be a robe kind of gal but I’ve become a fan. I have a light heather grey one that I love.
I also love that slouchy jump suit and want it right now.
I remember hating that jumpsuit at the time and my feelings haven’t changed- I love when Chanel puts her in stuff that’s more structured.
I had a flashback to college when she talked about sentimental pieces and throwing on a jacket someone left behind. Monster! But better than my friends who “borrowed” a dress or top they “found”… in my closet.
It could be argued that I have too much nice underwear. I don’t have anything at this point other than lacy thongs, which are just not great for leggings/gym.
I love her, especially when she was making mistakes. She’s grown up, and the advice to women about making sure that you have pieces that sooth you and make you feel sexy is sound. She is privileged, but she is also a real person.
Nice post. Thanks from a 50-something K-Stew fan.
Disagree on the Levis. I have always found jeans incredibly bulky, overheating, and uncomfortable. Haven’t worn since my 20’s.
I have a printfresh cotton robe that’s so pretty, check theirs out, Kaiser!
I have been on the hunt for the perfect robe for years!
I see beautiful, floral silk or satin ones in movies all the time but just can never seem to find them online at my price point.
Was hoping there would be a few more suggestions on this thread of good brands?
I’ll check out printfresh now!
Karl Lagerfeld, despite being an enormous asshole who could be bigoted at times, allegedly had a habit of reaching out to people when they were going through a tough time and being kind of “loyal” in his own, strange way.
He did so with Naomi Campbell when she was going through her problems, and back in the day, after her affair scandal (which in a post Me Too era, I think a 20 year old with her boss who was old enough to be her father would be looked at very differently) when she was getting semi-blacklisted Karl stuck with her, gave her a fashion campaign, etc. So I’m guessing even though Karl’s passed, maybe she feels some loyalty towards him for sticking with her? The lengthy Chanel brandship does seem weird though, otherwise, on both ends.
Anyway, her advice is solid.
Perfect robe: Kim+Ono …I’m not affiliated, I just happen to adore their kimonos and I have several that I wear as robes. They make me feel so pretty and sexy. Kristen is spot on with her advice.
Thank you Susie!
Those robes are EXACTLY what I’ve been looking for and right in my price point.
I’m so grateful for the recommendation.
Love my fellow CBers!
@E.D – I’m so glad you like them! Their Kimono “wraps” have lining and velvet trim, making them good for cooler months (however, I live in California, where cooler weather is still not really cold)… Then, their standard robes are made of either pure silk or polyester charmeuse (price point is obvious). Both are nice, but really the silk is incredibly elegant and what I recommend. I don’t normally spend $220 on a robe, but I have to say, it’s totally worth it. Enjoy! 🙂