Jane Fonda. “French men love older women.”

She graced the podium of the L’Oréal Paris Fashion Show, the first evening of Paris Fashion Week. Dressed in a sparkly trench coat and matching metallic sneakers, playing with her silver hair, Jane Fonda strolled through the Place Garnier Opéra Garnier this Monday, September 23rd, shattering the clichés attributed to older women. Behind him, a giant screen broadcast the message.Silver doesn’t hurt” (“Silver Hair and Not Sorry”), while her co-star Andy McDowell joined her podium. The actress of the series the day before the event Grace and Frankie agreed to meet us in person, avoiding any subject from old age to death, the dictates of beauty, or even sisterhood. An eight-year-old resident, who was cured of cancer of the lymphatic system two years ago, greets us with “Hello”. in hot French, glamorous to the tips of the nails (red lacquered) and accessorized with her impeccable signature blow-dry. An interview with an inspiring model of resilience.

Madame Figaro: This year, the L’Oréal Paris fashion show takes place at the Opéra Garnier. What are your favorite places in the capital city of Paris?
Jane Fonda: Almost everyone! I have lived here for a long time. I lived all over Paris, including the Marais, in the 60s, I loved the time when there were synagogues and Jewish delicatessens, it was great. Oh my god, I love Paris! This city is in my heart.

This parade especially highlights the sorority. What does this concept mean to you?
This means that I am lucky to have friends who are smarter and braver, more strategic, younger than me. And they make me strong. They keep me out of trouble. I have wonderful friends. And it really is almost the most important thing in my life.

When I started my career, I was made to feel like I wasn’t cut out for Hollywood

Jane Fonda

This parade also emphasizes self-esteem. How did you get yours?
I had to work long and hard to feel good. When I started my career, I was in my twenties and I was made to feel like I wasn’t cut out for Hollywood. And it was difficult. I was married three times. Each of my three husbands helped me gain self-confidence. I learned who I am, what I want to do with my life. And my friends gave me confidence. I also go to therapy and meditate. These are things that really help me.

Does the “craving for the pleasant syndrome” you felt then still exist today, at age 86, in your experience?
Women of my generation, who came of age in the 1950s, were expected to be kind. Not too angry, not too loud, not too smart. It’s very hard to get over it. It kind of stays inside you, you know. But to be perfectly honest, maybe it’s just because I’m single now that I feel good. Happy single girl! I don’t want another romantic relationship. But I think I have more confidence in myself.

You are considered an icon. Is it hard to bear?
You know, I don’t go through life thinking I’m an icon. I don’t even know what that means. Everyone uses this word. All are icons. I don’t know, so I don’t wear it. But I am a role model and I take it very seriously, I try to be responsible. Especially towards young women. Trying to stay positive. Being a role model is a big responsibility.

You have entered the “third act” of your life. What do you have to do with time?
I have a very good relationship with old age. I am not afraid of that. I am not afraid of dying. I’ve been scared before. When you’re not worried about aging, it can seem daunting. But when you go through aging, that’s not the case. No, it’s nice. And I take full advantage of it.

What’s the best beauty advice you’ve ever been given?
Sleep. I sleep nine hours a night.

I have a very good relationship with old age. I am not afraid of that. I’m not afraid of dying

Jane Fonda

Do you envy French women?
Oh, yes! French women are different from women in the rest of the world. They have unique luxury. That’s it I don’t know what. They just know how to wear things together, how to act. And especially older women. I noticed this very early on when I lived here, French men like older women. You know, actresses like Jeanne Moreau and many others. They don’t just get thrown in the trash like they do in the United States. And that’s something I really like.