On the cover of Harper’s Bazaar UK’s May 2023 issue, Hollywood’s sweetheart, Elle Fanning, radiates a resplendent charm that captures the imagination. Captured by renowned photographer Alexi Lubomirski, ‘’The Great’’ actress enchants in a strapless Dior dress with golden open-work sleeves, evoking a fairytale ambience that reflects her captivating persona.
Stylist Cathy Kasterine curates a cover story that seamlessly merges fashion with fantasy, choosing a mix of breathtaking pieces from Chanel, Alice + Olivia by Stacey Bendet, Prada, Jenny Packham, Molly Goddard, Collina Strada, Erdem, Simone Rocha and Paco Rabanne. Fanning, effortlessly embodying the ethereal nature of the garments, presents an enchanting portrait of high fashion.
Complementing the enchanting wardrobe, hairstylist Jenda Alcorn and make-up artist Erin Ayanian Monroe flawlessly accentuated Fanning’s natural allure. Fanning’s nails, courtesy of manicurist Jin Soon Choi, also added a touch of refined charm to the overall aesthetic.
The atmospheric set design by Jack Flanagan and seamless production from Kona Mori were the perfect backdrop to Fanning’s dazzling display, creating a cover story that beautifully marries fairytale with high fashion.
Elle Fanning, a star since her early childhood, has been captivating audiences with her charm, wit, and grace. Now, she returns to the screen with her spirited portrayal of Catherine the Great in Hulu’s hit comedy, “The Great“. The show, which debuted in 2020, offers a unique take on the story of the Russian Empress, and its popularity has solidified Fanning’s status as a household name.
Fanning’s portrayal of Catherine is not tied to historical fact, but she did some research to understand the progressive nature of the real-life Empress. She wanted to highlight Catherine’s contributions to science, female education, and the separation of church and state during the Russian Enlightenment. Fanning appreciates that her character is far from perfect, embodying both naivety and scheming, power and vulnerability.
Fanning’s role in “The Great” has allowed her to explore comedy, a genre she hadn’t delved into much before. She admits to initially being scared but has since embraced the challenge, developing a unique comedic delivery and physicality. The show’s script, which oscillates between farce and pathos, requires a delicate balance that Fanning has learned to navigate.
Fanning has grown alongside her character, Catherine, during the formative years of her life. She believes that through embodying a character, she can explore her own emotions and traumas, leading to personal growth. She also values the collaborative aspect of filmmaking, emphasizing the importance of treating everyone on set with kindness and respect.
As she approaches her 25th birthday, Fanning is considering the next phase of her career. She’s open to experimenting with different roles and even stepping behind the camera. She and her sister Dakota have set up a production company, and Fanning is also considering a foray into theatre. Despite her strategic career planning, she maintains a belief in serendipity and romantic destiny, embodying a unique blend of pragmatism and idealism.
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