She was one of the most anticipated guests in the front row of the parade Métiers d’artan exceptional appointment of the Maison Chanel with the city of Florence, chosen to show to a parterre of over a thousand guests the creations with a high rate of precious craftsmanship that, already today, are available in the brand’s boutiques.
But no one expected to see the Oscar winner Penélope Cruz attend, in the morning before the fashion show, at the masterclass held by the fashion president of the famous Maison, Bruno Pavlovskyat the Chamber of Commerce of Florencein the presence of hundreds of students.
It was with surprise and understandable excitement that Pedro Almodovar’s iconic actress was welcomed by the audience. With great attention, however, the words of her answers to the questions posed to her were listened to, which ranged between different and even very topical themes. And Penelope was not caught unprepared for any of them.
On the choice of costumes for a role
“It happens a long time before shooting. Pedro (Almodovar) for example chooses every button, every fabric and is open to listening to what we feel, how we feel, and therefore it takes months to prepare a role. Costumes are a part, then the accent comes, and for that I have my acting lessons. Each part requires specific preparation times. When I shot the film in Italy Do not moveone of my favorites among the ones I made, taken from the wonderful book by Margaret Mazzantini, I was obsessed with my role as Italy, and with the author we tried to find the right clothes for the character of Italy, we went shopping together.
When I bring a character to life, I try to have my say on what he should wear. Sometimes I’m listened to, sometimes I’m not. I always do, since my first movie, when I was 17. The character speaks through me; I don’t care if a dress fits me or that it’s beautiful, it has to be real, it has to look real. Shoes are also very important. They impact my acting and give my body language through movement. Pedro Almodovar is very good at this. We spend time exploring, reading and rehearsing… we went to the Chanel archives together and had access to some pieces. For example Lena in The broken hugsi wore Chanel pieces and they were perfect for that part. ”
On the rhythms imposed by technology
“It’s difficult for the new generation, and it’s not their fault. We grew up with the possibility of getting bored, of doing nothing, the relationship with technology was different. We didn’t have access to things that are extremely dangerous to children and teenagers. Everything has changed, and definitely not for the better. To survive today’s difficult world, it is important to have a family environment that inspires you with different rhythms of life, and that protects you. Technology can be your best friend but also your worst enemy. But the younger generations don’t know the difference “.
On crafts
«It has the right rhythm, for me it is happiness. I grew up seeing my grandmother Modesta knitting, she taught me how to knit, it was almost a form of meditation for me. On Friday night I went to her for two hours, we worked together, without talking and it was beautiful. Maybe the process took a few months, and then in the end you had a wonderful result in your hands, it was a treasure to me. the real lesson was how important the details were, the time spent… in that piece there was all the energy, the patience to do it. And I feel the same when I go to the Chanel atelier and meet the people who have been there for years. I met some of them in 1999, the first time I went there. And in these artisans I see my grandmother. Invest in savoir faire, in people who work with their hands it is essential. They create magic with their work, they honor it. I hope the world never loses craftsmanship ».
More on technology
“I’m really worried about the way we use technology. On the one hand, it is a very useful tool, but the use made of it by the younger generations is worrying. We need to find a solution together, even if we seem strange or are a minority. We must not go back to the past, a balance must simply be found, which is healthy however. Now there is an explosion, the situation is out of control, especially among teenagers or children. Not my children though: we are strict, and I don’t feel guilty about it at all! A child or a teenager must experiment with a different rhythm, they must have stability, they must even be able to get bored ».
On the Metaverse
«I don’t know how craftsmanship and Metaverse can marry. I, at the moment, have some sort of resistance. I think they go in opposite directions. But over time we will understand as human beings what is best for us. If it were up to me, I would have stayed in the 90s forever! The one on the Metaverse is not a conversation that I feel necessary… ».
People who inspired me
“My mom, she had me when she was 21. My father was also the same age. They were my best friends. Unfortunately my dad is gone. My mom is always honest with me, sometimes in a brutal way! She is a strong woman who struggled to raise us, a real inspiration. She is intelligent and the best person to ask for advice. “
About Chanel
«I went to the Maison Chanel in 1999: I went to fashion shows, at certain events I wore their creations, and even in films. Four years ago I met Karl Lagerfeld in Cannes, and he invited me to dinner. I was sitting next to him and Virginie Viard (the current creative director, ed) was in front. They started speaking French thinking I didn’t understand. Karl said he wanted me to advertise the Cruise collection and Virginie nodded. I went on to eat pretending nothing happened! The next day they called me and offered me to become the maison’s ambassador. I was delighted. Then we took pictures with Karl. And I entered this world. Over time I got to know Virginie better, the right person to continue Karl’s work. I saw the love and understanding that existed between Karl and her. I remember when I walked the last collection of Karl, who was there can tell the suspension in time, no one spoke. I was grateful and honored to be there. “
On superstition (as Mademoiselle Coco)
“I was very superstitious. But being it took too much energy, so I made an effort to stop being. The day I saw myself walking in and out of a door too many times, like Jack Nicholson in the movie Something is changed I said to myself: no! I said goodbye to certain superstitions. I keep small rituals because they are harmless. But I kept the dress I wore that evening in Cannes with Karl and Virginie as an amulet ».
– Chanel, the value of craftsmanship shows in Florence
Source: Vanity Fair
