PASSION PROJECT
Emily Ratajkowski has partnered with Paco Rabanne to celebrate an alluring and stylish new scent.
It seems an obvious fit. Uninhibited, outspoken and, yes, jaw-droppingly gorgeous Emily Ratajkowski signs on as the face of the season’s sexiest fragrance. But there’s more to it than that: the model and actress has a history of reminding the world not to make assumptions about women and their choices, and this approach also influenced her choice to partner with Paco Rabanne as the face of the new Pure XS For Her.
Why did you choose to collaborate
with this brand? I was thrilled when Paco Rabanne asked me to be the face of their new fragrance. I was already a fan of their perfumes, [Paco Rabanne creative director] Julien Dossena’s work, and the way the brand speaks to the world – bold, yet sexy. Paco Rabanne himself was ahead of his time, creating dresses that made women feel strong and liberated. A true visionary, he was a pioneer in supporting the women’s liberation movement in the ’60s and has always been next to strong muses with strong, modern personalities.
What comes to mind when you think
of the Paco Rabanne woman? I think about liberated, strong, fearless women: Françoise Hardy, Brigitte Bardot and Jane Birkin – all Paco muses of their time.
As a fashion fan, what do you think
of Julien Dossena’s work? I love it. It’s great how he pushed the boundaries of design while keeping the roots of the house so alive. When did you start considering yourself an activist and standing up for what you believe in? I always was a feminist, mostly due to the influence of my mother. I was political at a very early age, even before I could vote. Having conversations
about ideas on how we live has always been a part of my life, but now I’m lucky enough to have a platform to have those same conversations on a broader scale.
Who are your feminist role models?
Patti Smith, Geena Davis and my mom. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
“Life should not be dictated by other people’s perceptions.”
What is your first fragrance memory?
The smell of the sea and eucalyptus.
What do you think of Pure XS For Her?
There’s something very laid-back, easy and tasty about it. It’s sweet, but not too sweet, and the ylang-ylang [floral base] is really addictive. I do really think it is for everyone. It has something very universal that’s pure sexiness and light.