Spokesmodel Julia Roberts Finds Fashion 'Intimidating'
Actress is named new spokesmodel for Givenchy.
Dec. 9, 2014— -- Just imagine that famous Julia Roberts' cackle when the actress found out designer Riccardo Tisci wanted her, at age 47, to be the new model for Givenchy.
"My sister and I were actually just on the phone, and we were laughing so hard," the Oscar winner told Yahoo Style. She goes, 'How are you suddenly turned into a supermodel? You’re almost 50.' It’s funny."
And a bit intimidating, Roberts confessed.
Of meeting Tisci, she said, "I was so nervous, and I was expecting this very kind of chic man in a suit and a white shirt and a tie. I come walking in and there’s this good-looking man in a plaid flannel shirt and some work boots. I’m like, 'This is Riccardo?' He’s so sweet."
She explained, "He’s in an industry that I find very intimidating and illusive - just like the good-looking girl in high school. The whole fashion industry is that to me. And then you meet these people who are so kind, love what they do, and are very interested in the personal aspects of it. You know, the way you look, it’s so personal. Riccardo put me very much at ease."
Tisci explained to Yahoo Style that he chose Roberts because she represents "such a mature woman."
"For me, Julia is many things," he said. "She has this strength as an actress, but she’s also this beautiful American woman. She’s a big star, but she’s not a paparazzi or a blog monster. ... I wanted to represent the woman who is more mature, beautiful, talented, but also unpretentious."
That suits Roberts perfectly because her sense of style is anything but pretentious.
"Trends and I never shall meet," she said, describing her style. "I just can’t quite pull it off! That’s why I love a suit. That’s why I love impeccable tailoring and really perfect fabrics. That black, flowy blouse? It’s heaven on a hanger. It’s like a piece of artwork."
Roberts admitted she has made plenty of fashion mistakes on the way to finding her own style.
"Oh, I’m sure I’ve made hundreds, but you know, when I look back now, I’m glad I did," she told Yahoo Style. "I think it was just part of a time and we weren’t so scrutinized 20 years ago. I just wore such crazy things. Bright tights, some secondhand Naval officer jacket with a Rolling Stones t-shirt and a pair of boots.
“I thought I was ready to go. I’m so glad I had that time in my life to just really shop at thrift stores in Manhattan and wear really crazy s***."