JULIA ROBERTS: FASHION, FAMILY AND MORE! The original Pretty Woman talks style, back-to-school shopping and pal George’s twins.
The original ‘Pretty Woman’ talks style, back-to-school shopping and her pal George’s twins
After a relaxed northern summer— she marked her 15th wedding anniversary with cinematographer Danny Moder, 48, in July—julia Roberts has resumed a busy schedule. Her movie Wonder premieres in November and she is preparing to shoot her first TV series, Homecoming. Meanwhile, the Oscar winner, 49, spent a recent long weekend in Verona, Italy, to celebrate her new campaign for hosiery brand Calzedonia. Steps away from ancient ruins, WHO caught up with the timelessly stylish star.
You’re in Italy to talk about tights. Who knew you were such a giant fan? I have never been to Verona before! It’s so perfect here. And three years ago [when I started with Calzedonia] I was getting a little lazy about my fashion. I was a victim of the bare legs, and now I am no longer.
Where do you like to go shopping? I’m not a great shopper, actually. That’s where the great relationships I have with people like [designer] Riccardo Tisci have been helpful. But the first designer I ever felt any kinship or any relationship with was Giorgio Armani.
What does back-to-school shopping look like in your house with your three children, twins Hazel and Phinnaeus (“Finn”), 12, and Henry, 10?
It’s so fun! I always loved back-to-school shopping and I realise that I still love it. But
“It’s totally fine. I don’t feel panic” —Julia Roberts on turning 50
what we really love to shop for is all the binders, the pencils, the pencil case, the lunch box. You turn 50 on Oct. 28. Are you excited about this milestone? I prefer it to the option of dying! [ Laughs] No, I mean it’s totally fine. I’m so ultimately immature. I don’t feel panic. I might wake up on Oct. 29 and weep, but I doubt it. I feel so happy with my life and where I’m at, and it’s more about that than a number, which sounds so clichéd. The closer you get to 50, the more the clichés come true! When you look back, is there a role you’d play again?
I might say Mystic Pizza. It would just be nice. What are the differences between the younger generation of actresses and yours?
Well, I can’t speak for all of them. But I have a 26-year-old niece [Emma Roberts] who is an actor, and wonderful, and she happens to look a lot like her aunt, which I appreciate. She is a lot more savvy and clever—far more sophisticated than I was at her age. Part of it is that the business has changed and part of it is that now we have cell phones and computers— not that I did math with an abacus—but a lot has changed. She seems very adept at that. I don’t think I would have been. There’s a lot of chaos in the world today. How do you talk about it with your family?
It can be very discouraging and frustrating. You have to not give up hope. This is the time you have to rise as a community and as a household and as a country and try to make voices be heard. And that’s what I have to instil in my children, who are certainly old enough to be aware of politics and things going on in the world. It’s very important for my husband and me to be honest with them and help them feel like they still have a voice for the things that they believe in. You’re close to George and Amal Clooney. As a mother of twins, did you give them any tips? No, they won’t need tips. I just know when to chuckle to myself. I know when it’s really hard and when it gets easier. But they’re doing great. They’re great parents. I haven’t met [the twins] yet—i’ve just seen cute, cute pictures! I have a very good present [for them], but since I haven’t sent it, I can’t say what it is. By Sharon Kanter ■