This Content Is Only For Subscribers
Elle Fanning, the actress best known for her diverse roles and captivating presence, is a striking example of how duality can be expressed in both character and personal style. From embodying regal, feminine characters in The Great and The Beguiled to showcasing her edgy side in Teen Spirit and The Neon Demon, Fanning’s work transcends genre, allowing her to shift seamlessly between soft and sharp personas both on-screen and off.
In an exclusive interview, Fanning delves into the nuances of fame, style, and her thoughts on her evolving career, as well as the exciting partnership with Paco Rabanne as the face of its latest fragrance, Fame.
A Star from the Start: Fame and Family
Fanning’s journey to fame began early—she made her acting debut at just three years old. With her sister Dakota leading the way in Hollywood, Fanning grew up surrounded by the film industry. Yet, despite the early exposure, she remains remarkably grounded. “I’ve been known since I was about two,” Fanning shares, “so there’s no ‘before’ for me. Fame is an interesting concept that I try to maintain a healthy relationship with.”
Maintaining balance in her life is thanks, in part, to her close-knit family. “My family and friends are my rock. Having honest and loyal people around me, as opposed to ‘yes’ people, is crucial,” she explains. Despite the pressures of fame, Fanning’s upbringing provided her with a sense of normalcy.
Fashion Meets Function: The Duality of Fanning’s Style
Elle Fanning’s style reflects the same duality she experiences in life. Drawing inspiration from mid-aughts icons like Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, as well as classic figures like Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy and Grace Kelly, Fanning marries femininity with a hint of toughness in her approach to fashion. “I have a real duality in myself,” Fanning says, explaining that her style is often dictated by her mood.
Her partnership with Paco Rabanne for the Fame fragrance campaign feels like a natural fit. The fragrance, encased in a playful golden robot bottle, embodies the luxurious yet modern spirit that Fanning herself radiates. “The bottle and the idea exude glamour in a beautiful way,” she notes. Fanning adds that the scent’s combination of jasmine, mango, and incense is “exactly what I look for in a perfume—floral, refreshing, and a little sweet.”
A Self-Care Routine That Keeps Her Grounded
Despite her busy schedule, Fanning values taking time for herself. Her evening ritual, which includes long, relaxing baths, is her way of unwinding. “I love, love, love my bath salts, oils, and candles,” she shares. “The bath is where I learn my lines, listen to music, and even watch series—I’ve even eaten pizza in there!” This time for herself allows her to recharge after a busy day.
Fanning also finds solace in cooking and enjoys going to the farmer’s market to plan meals. “Cooking really calms me,” she says, revealing a side of her that prefers the simple joys of everyday life.
Reflecting on Iconic Roles and Future Projects
Fanning’s most recent project, The Great, where she portrays the complex and ambitious Empress Catherine II, has been a life-changing experience for her. “Embodying her changed my life,” she admits. “I felt like I grew and built more confidence in myself, and that experience changed me as an actress.” Fanning continues to take on a variety of roles, from the supernatural Neon Demon to the empowering 20th Century Women, but it’s her role as Catherine that remains her favorite.
Looking ahead, Fanning expresses an interest in a variety of future roles. “I would love to play Grace Kelly,” she shares. “Her life was fascinating. She was taken away from Hollywood and became a princess. There’s so much to explore there.”
The Influence of Women in Her Career
Collaboration is at the core of Fanning’s approach to acting, especially when it involves working with other women. “I love being on set with other women—they create a nurturing environment where everyone can thrive,” Fanning says. It’s this nurturing environment that has led her to dream of directing one day, a goal that’s clearly within reach for the versatile actress.
In addition to acting, Fanning is a producer with her sister Dakota through their company, Lewellen Pictures. “We named it after our family dog,” she explains. “We’ve never acted together in a film, but now I get to work with her in a different space.” For Fanning, being behind the scenes provides a sense of empowerment, allowing her to take control of projects that reflect her interests, particularly in providing strong female characters.
Elle Fanning: Not Just a Child Star
Having grown up under the public eye, Fanning reflects on the typical “child star” trajectory. “I think it’s important to experience regular life. I went to regular school, went to prom, had friends—just like any other kid,” she says. Yet, her fame still presented challenges. “People want to put you in a box,” she admits. “But I like to surprise people, to show that I can do so much more than they expect.”
Fanning’s path has been anything but typical, and as she continues to push boundaries with each new role, she remains focused on exploring new creative territories.
Conclusion
At just 24, Elle Fanning has already accomplished more than many actors twice her age. With a career that spans a multitude of genres, including drama, comedy, and fantasy, she shows no signs of slowing down. Whether she’s producing behind the scenes or bringing new characters to life on screen, Fanning’s future looks brighter than ever. As she continues to grow in both her craft and her personal life, one thing is certain: Elle Fanning’s duality—soft yet sharp, feminine yet fierce—is the perfect balance for a rising star destined for greatness.
Read More: Future of Media & Entertainment in 2025: Key Trends Reshaping the Industry
