Kristen at the Balenciaga spring '13 presentation, in Paris.
So, you went to the Balenciaga show on Thursday. How was it?
"So sick! It really was incredible."
Did you see a standout look in the collection that really spoke to you?
"There was this small bustier in white that's typically worn with nothing under it, but they put a T-shirt under it, and it was sick! A few of its skirts, too, and the shoes — they were crazy! I feel like I don't need to think about what I'm going to wear for the next six months because it's pretty much handled."
When you see looks on the runway like that, do you immediately know which ones you'll want for the red carpet?
"All the stuff I see is definitely for the carpet. Any of the looks I saw today, I wouldn't want to waste on something that wasn't important because this round was really, really impressive and super-fance. Balenciaga is so particular, and I don't want to make it sound exclusive, but I mean, you need to know yourself to recognize yourself in the clothes; you have to really own it.
On a more surface level, how is the Balenciaga aesthetic reflective of your own? What do you love about Ghesquière's designs?
"I think it's the balance — you can look really pretty, depending on what you decide to wear with a piece, but you can be really hard as well. It's rare to find a brand that's not one, or the other. I know it seems like I just wear simple shit when I'm dressing normally, and a lot of black, but I like colors! I mean, Nicolas is really out there and he really pushes it with patterns –– his patterned jeans are better than anyone's."
Photo: Joseph Kerlakian/Rex USA
We get that you don't want to draw attention to yourself with clothes when you're being photographed a thousand times a day, but do you ever think about incorporating more color and pattern into what you wear?
"You're right, the reason you see me wearing simple clothes is because I don't want to give [the paparazzi] anything. Literally, I go outside every day in the same thing, so they can't say anything. So, it seems like I don't put any thought into it, but I recently put all my stuff in one area and obsessively, OCD-style, arranged all of my stuff. Like such a girl!
But, on the carpet, you seem pretty fearless about wearing what you like, and taking unconventional risks — like when your foot was hurt and you wore Chucks with a gorgeous dress. How do you find the confidence to make that work?
"It's really important to like what you're wearing. It's pretty clear when I don't like what I'm wearing, and it's pretty clear if you got dressed for other people. Even if you're not looking the the best you can, or maybe your outfit isn't spot on, if it looks like you got dressed and you like it, you'll probably look cool anyway."
So, your mantra is basically, 'this makes me happy, so this is what I'm going to wear'?
"Yeah! Sometimes you're not in the appropriate mood for the event you're going to, and you can look overdressed or underdressed, but even more than where you're going, your look has to suit your energy. It sounds completely self-involved, but it works."
When you're on the red carpet, you tend to take serious-looking pictures –– you're definitely not the hand-on-hip girl…
"God, if I ever see my hand on hip, I'm like 'Stop it!'"
Exactly –– it can feel like such a cliche. But do you have a secret to posing without feeling forced?
"Again, I think the biggest thing is to like what you're wearing. But, in reality, I'm not very comfortable taking pictures, so I just try to get through it. Recently, though, I've had to do a lot of On The Road stuff, and I've been incredibly comfortable, not because there's a personal pride thing, but because I'm so proud of everyone, and to be a part of this group. So, I guess the secret to taking good pictures is to have a good reason to do it. Just stand tall, man! I know that's funny coming from me, but it's true!"
We're all really excited for On The Road! Have you always been a huge Kerouac fan?
"I read On The Road when I was a freshman in high school, and I met Walter [Salles, the movie's director] for it when I was 17. I know that I've said this so many times, but it really was my favorite book; I was obsessed with it. I loved the verbs; just so many fucking verbs — I really liked that it wasn't packaged and delivered in a story-book sort of way, and when you're a freshman in high school, every book is written like that.
Well that's a bonus!
"Oh, you have no idea."
So, we know you're not a huge makeup girl, but do you have a single favorite beauty product?
"I use Proactiv –– it's good shit!"
Do you have any beauty secret you've learned on sets or backstage?
"Not really, but I use lots and lots of dry shampoo!"