GEMMA ARTERTON has a life most 24-year-olds would kill for: wearing couture dresses, getting paid to kiss Jake Gyllenhaal and Daniel Craig and becoming everything from a Princess to a Bond girl for her roles - but is her life really as good as it sounds? We caught up with her to talk fashion, film and the fashion police.
As an actress you get to dress up and play a part - which has been your favourite look on set?
The costumes in Prince of Persia were exquisite, designed by Penny Rose who designed all of the costumes for Pirates of the Caribbean. The attention to detail was outstanding and I was really made to feel like a princess on set. I loved how every outfit and look I had helped to tell the story. I also loved the harem trousers that I had and secretly wished I could have taken them home! I always end up dressing a bit like my character when I'm filming and have been wearing harem trousers with pride ever since. I wasn't, however, a massive fan of the perma-tan and hair extensions - not really my type of thing - but it's always good to experiment!
You have to dress up for red carpet events; do you enjoy it or just view it as part of the job?
Of course I enjoy it! I get to wear things that I would never be able to wear in my own life. As I do more work, I've been able to wear some really fantastic designers, like Valentino for example. I'm always excited to try things on and play designer dress up!
How has being a Bond girl impacted your career - are you offered more exciting parts as a result, or typecast as a love interest?
I'm so proud that I was involved with the Bond film, and it definitely opened doors for me career-wise, in terms of being more recognised in the film industry, but there is also a stigma attached which I've had to fight against. I think that's starting to change for me now though. I've challenged myself in the roles that I played since then, which I think has also challenged people's perception of what I can do.
Do you think about what you wear on an average day more than you used to since photographers might follow you?
I'm terrible! I'm so scatty that I forget to wear make-up, or wear a good pair of shoes, and that'll be the day that I'm photographed! My awareness of what I wear has changed though, especially in the last few months, and that's not a bad thing. I love clothes!
Whose style do you admire?
I've always loved Bianca Jagger circa the Studio 54 days. She was so utterly chic and cool.
What are you style essentials - what couldn't you live without?
I couldn't live without jackets. I have so many I've lost count. They instantly tie together an outfit for me.
Who are your favourite designers?
It changes daily, but I am very loyal to Louis Vuitton - it always makes beautiful clothes for women. I also love Isabel Marant for easy, chic daywear.
What are your favourite items in your wardrobe?
I have an incredible Halston jumpsuit that I have worn over and over again. I love Margiela and have a sweater that is literally falling apart now because I've worn it so much. I'm also sentimental when it comes to clothes. There are some items that I will never get rid of as I wore them at poignant times in my life. I even have a red and white dress that my mum made for me when I was a baby stashed in there somewhere; it's one of my most treasured possessions.
What is the last thing you bought to wear?
Yesterday I bought an incredible pair of vintage, leather harem trousers in a shop in Los Angeles. I couldn't believe it when I looked at the price tag and they were $38!
Has your style has changed as your profile has grown?
I think it's more grown up now. I'm always aware of keeping the British edge that I'm very proud of, and of course I have more access to incredible designers now. My style is ever evolving, it's all very exciting!
