The Dirty Thirty Issue Starring Monica Belluci
Posted By: Sorbet
On stage at Paris Cabaret, Paradis Latin, photographer Ellen Von Unwerth lenses screen siren Monica Bellucci as Madonna in her most iconic video, 'Material Girl'.
Dress/cape ZUHAIR MURAD; Chevron necklace CARTIER TRADITION; Models wear tuxedos by PRADA, MOSCHINO, DOLCE & GABBANA, VERSACE; Pink fans OLIVIER BERNOUX
ALI Y. KHADRA: You must have attended a few wild parties over the years, tell us about some of the greatest.
MONICA BELLUCCI: Really, the funniest parties I have attended have been in Rome with my friends.
AYK: Our idea of a party is recreating Madonna’s iconic Material Girl video. How did it feel to be surrounded by beautiful men and dazzling diamonds?
Dress ATELIER VERSACE; shoes GIANVITO ROSSI; gloves SQUILLACE 1923; tights WOLFORD; whip ON AURA TOUT VU; Vatna necklace and ring CARTIER SUR NATUREL COLLECTION; Models wear tuxedos by PRADA, MOSCHINO, DOLCE & GABBANA, VERSACE
MB: It was great to take inspiration from Madonna. She is so talented and such an amazing artist. Recreating her universe and being surrounded by beauty was just magic, and fun at the same time.
Jacket and pants ALEXANDER MCQUEEN; bra LA PERLA; hat PASQUALE BONFILIO; gloves SQUILLACE 1923; Palmette necklace and 1967 earrings CARTIER TRADITION
AYK: You look like you belong on that stage. Do you have an inner showgirl?
MB: I am an actress… everything belongs to interpretation… it means something to me.
AYK: Feeding topless male models pasta… how was that for you?
MB: This moment reminded me of all the old Italian movies where femininity and sensuality are so celebrated.
AYK: After starting out in fashion, why did you decide to move into acting? Was this an easy transition to make?
MB: To be an actress was my dream since I was a child. I always believed that if you want something very strongly, things can happen. Fashion has been my transition into acting.
AYK: Let’s talk about being a Bond Girl at 50. What was it like to play Lucia Sciarra in Spectre?
Dress ROBERTO CAVALLI; gloves OMEGA SRL; shoes GIANVITO ROSSI; bracelets CARTIER TRADITION; Models wear tuxedos by PRADA, MOSCHINO, DOLCE & GABBANA, VERSACE
MB: Sam Mendes, the director, thought that was something revolutionary – that a 50-year-old woman could have a love story with James Bond. I was really happy to be chosen and I really enjoyed playing the role.
AYK: Do you think it helped to change Hollywood’s perception of age? Or is there still a long way to go?
MB: Actually Sam Mendes is a visionary. Spectre proved that there is a new way to look at women today. Nowadays, and not only in Hollywood, incredible actresses all over the world have the possibility to play amazing and strong roles, no matter their age.
AYK: When you look back, which movies would you say have shaped your career the most?
MB: From each film you learn. It’s the whole journey that has shaped my career, but of course working with directors like Giuseppe Tornatore, Sam Mendes, Gaspar Noé, Emir Kusturica, and The Wachowskis has given me the possibility to have a beautiful career.
AYK: You’re known for playing strong, sexy women. Is this a role that you can easily relate to?
Castalie necklace CARTIER [SUR] NATUREL COLLECTION
MB: I have to say, I have had the opportunity to work with great directors who offered me these kinds of roles. And if I look at my filmography - Malèna, Irréversible, The Passion of Christ, etc. - it is true that I have been the woman in a man's world.
Dress ASHI STUDIO; sunglasses DOLCE & GABBANA; bag IRIS NOBLE; Castalie earrings CARTIER [SUR] NATUREL COLLECTION
Dress ATELIER VERSACE; shoes GIANVITO ROSSI; gloves SQUILLACE 1923; Vatna necklace and ring CARTIER [SUR]NATUREL COLLECTION
AYK: How did your relationship with Cartier begin?
MB: Our relationship started many years ago. When I think about Cartier, I think of the talented jewelry makers who work in the workshop. What they do is a great form of art – it’s more than jewelry. Behind this great company, there are great people – very human, very warm – it is kind of a family for me now.
AYK: What is the most meaningful piece of jewelry you own?
MB: First – and it’s very symbolic to me – is a ring from my grandmother that I love so much, but I also like the panther’s symbol in the Cartier collection. I have a ring and necklace from that collection. The panther is such a beautiful, strong feline, and also a delicate animal.
AYK: Beautiful and elegant, multilingual, stylish, and you can act. Is there anything you can’t do – seriously do you have any flaws? Bad habits?
MB: I don’t play any musical instruments, even though I love to listen to music a lot. And a little bad habit, sometimes I can be late.
AYK: Madonna, Marilyn Monroe, or Monica – who was your muse for this shoot?
Dress and gloves MOSCHINO; Castalie necklace and Aquila earrings CARTIER [SUR] NATUREL EARRINGS
MB: All of these beautiful women. Women like Madonna, Marilyn Monroe, Claudia Cardinale, and Sophia Loren have something in common - they have strong personalities and are always looking for challenges. They are women who inspire.
Dress GIAMBATTISTA VALLI; corset JEAN PAUL GAULTIER; gloves SQUILLACE 1923; Aquila necklace and earrings CARTIER SUR NATUREL COLLECTION
AYK: Finally, what is your favorite Sorbet flavor?
MB: Passionfruit.
Dress/cape ZUHAIR MURAD; Chevron necklace CARTIER TRADITION
Grab your copy of Sorbet Issue 30 // The Dirty Thirty Issue: read.sorbetmagazine.com
Starring Monica Belluci | Creative Concept Studio Sorbet | Photographer Ellen Von Unwerth | Production and Creative Direction Jean-Marc Mondelet | Stylist Pablo Patané | Stylist Assistants Lise Breton, Alexis Landolfi | Hair John Nollet | Hair Assistant Alex Legardère | Makeup Letizia Carnevale at The Green Apple Italia | Groomer Simon Chossier at B-Agency | City Paris
END OF STORY
