Diane enters the Vendôme reception room of the House of CHANEL with an aura of elegance that emanates not only from her beaded jacket from the CHANEL spring/summer 2013 collection, but also, and especially, from her naturally glowing radiance and bold personality. Diane Kruger is in perfect harmony with the new vision of beauty by CHANEL. As a cosmopolitan actress and ex-model, she inspires one and all to consider beauty in a novel, authentic and unique way. Her own beauty is based on her self-confidence, her deep-rooted desire to highlight her qualities and turn her flaws into assets that reflect her own life. Diane Kruger is now the face of an original skincare signature – CHANEL: where beauty begins. She exquisitely embodies a fresh start, renewed each day.
CHANEL. Do you have a beauty ideal?
Diane Kruger. When I was a little girl, my beauty ideal reflected the traditional norms. Slimness, perfection and other inaccessible objectives were characteristic of this image. But with experience and the traveling that I was able to do all over the world, I became more open-minded. I learned that there is no such thing as perfection. And my career as an actress taught me that flaws make us more interesting. I find that a smooth, unmarked face is incapable of expressing anything that touches me.
CHANEL. Were you always aware of your beauty?
Diane Kruger. I wouldn’t say that. I think that we’re beautiful in other people’s eyes. It wasn’t until I became a model that I started paying more attention to my face. Before then, I studied classical ballet at the Royal Ballet of London, where the body and grace were what mattered most. Today, I just need to know that the man I love thinks I’m beautiful.
CHANEL. Do you think that beauty is inherited and that it is handed down?
Diane Kruger. I think that it is important to receive and hand down the keys to staying fit and healthy. My mother ingrained the secrets to a healthy lifestyle in me and I’ve never strayed from them. I think that feeling good about yourself is one of the most precious beauty secrets. I believe that these kinds of values are handed down.
CHANEL. Do you see cosmetics as a chore or a pleasure?
Diane Kruger. To be honest, they can be both. I think that beauty begins with beautiful skin. So, even though I enjoy caring for my skin, I also consider it to be an obligation. In my career as a model and then as an actress, I’ve had to deal with this every day. I am very strict about protecting my skin, which is often covered with so much makeup. In practical terms, I need a toner to revive the radiance of my face, then a moisturizing cream and an eye contour cream to lighten my dark circles. And I’m very careful about not exposing my skin to the sun anymore. I never go out without my sunblock – even in the city!
CHANEL. You are an ambassadress for CHANEL fashion. Do you have a special bond with this House?
Diane Kruger. I’ve had a bond with this House since I was 15. My first shoot as a model was for Karl Lagerfeld! I immediately fell under the charm of his kindness and his sense of humor. And of course our German roots brought us closer. This happy coincidence gave us an inseparable connection. We’ve even become neighbors recently. CHANEL was one of the first Houses to support me as an actress. It has given me a warm welcome throughout my life!
CHANEL. You will now represent the cosmetic image of the House. What makes this a good fit for you too?
Diane Kruger. It seemed almost like destiny. The CHANEL cosmetics philosophy develops an art: that of revealing each woman’s unique features and unveiling what each woman chooses to be. The skincare products are focused on sensorial pleasure – the desire to care for your skin with no constraints – without emphasizing the scientific feats. I convey the message that CHANEL makes life more beautiful, while freeing oneself from conventions. This message is in sync with the direction of my own life. I chose to be an actress, to use my flaws and make them a strength on the screen. I no longer try to hide behind an appearance; I want to show who I really am. CHANEL cosmetics enhance your own beauty. This suits me perfectly!