Michelle Williams. “My three children tend to define my style”

Maybe because we knew her as a teenager, Michelle Williams is so likable, so familiar to us. Her porcelain face, slender figure, pleasant demeanor continue to attract us from film to film. The actress, who started on television, has carved a role for herself in international auteur cinema, such as: The Secret of Brokeback Mountainwhich established him as a powerful performer, Manchester by the sea or even The Fabelmans.

At the fiftieth edition of the prestigious Deauville American Film Festival, she was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award, along with her compatriot Natalie Portman. A recognition that comes when he is at the height of his art and his style. Since her debut, Michelle Williams, aside from her acting talent, has also proven to be a fashion star. She has developed an elegant, natural, slightly retro style that suits her perfectly and makes her a reference. Therefore, it is no coincidence that she chose a sublime creation of Chanel haute couture for the ceremony. The exquisite piece from the 2023/2024 haute couture collection was embroidered in no less than 552 hours by the House of Lesage with 14,250 white glass beads and 28,000 pale pink, chalk, white and blue sequins. Michelle Williams was also made up and decorated at home. He returns with us to this relationship with respect and fashion.

Ms. Figaro: How does it feel to receive such an award as well as a beach house named after you on the famous boards of Deauville?

Michelle Williams: It is a great honor for me to be included in the festival and to become a part of its rich history. And I hope to one day be able to take my whole family to my beach house.

When you look back, are there any roles that stand out to you more than others?

I think that every woman I have played has left a mark in my heart. Eventually, each one led me to the next.

What motivated you to accept the role in the film?

It’s basically my instinct. But as a mother of three, filming location and dates are also obviously important.

You’ve played very different women, how do you feel about the characters? Do costumes play a big role in your creative process?

I enjoy working closely with costume designers. I had the great privilege of collaborating with costume designer Melissa Toth on six different projects. We can spend the day together focusing on the details and running around town trying to find character specific props.

You are a fashion icon, how would you define your style?

I would say my kids tend to define my style. But I like to think how they will remember me. I wonder if a photo of us together makes the outfit I’m wearing more special. So I hold everything for them because I tell myself that it might mean something one day, more than I could ever imagine today.

What inspires you in your everyday fashion?

I am inspired by the women I see on the street going to work, with or without children. By the way, they manage to sail on this first day before the morning even begins. I love seeing women in transit or on foot preparing for their destination and finding strength and comfort in how they choose to go out dressed that day.

You chose a Chanel haute couture dress to receive your award, how do you choose your outfit for events like this?

As always, with immense gratitude and help from my dear friend and stylist of almost twenty years, Kate Young.