Milla Jovovich on her ever-changing style and favourite fashion item

The Ukrainian-born actress and model, who will be seen in the Resident Evil film later this year, is known for her eclectic style. The mother-of-two tells us, when it comes to dressing up, she'll try anything once.

Actress and model Milla Jovovich during Paris Fashion Week on July 6, 2016. Christian Vierig / Getty Images
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How would you describe your personal style?

My style is always changing. I think that every few years, I’m reinventing myself. At the moment it’s a bit more classical and easy. I’m doing a bit more of the button-down shirt, the high-waisted pant, slacks, coats.

Has your style changed since you became a mother?

When you’re a mum, you don’t have a lot of time to be primping in front of the mirror anymore. So the easier for me, the better. I like the idea of style that always evolves, depending on what’s going on in your life. Now, I don’t really have time to get ready in the way I used to, so I have to make do.

You're quite experimental when it comes to your wardrobe choices, but Do you have any fashion no-nos?

I think I’ll try anything once.

Your look is constantly evolving, but Is there a specific period in history that you relate to?

It’s always changing. I relate to so many different eras. I think that my style has always been very historically rich – for instance, I could happily put a pair of jeans and a Victorian walking jacket together. I have a great appreciation of history and art and, of course, the rich history of fashion is something that I’ve always been very fascinated by. So to mix different eras, to be able to wear clothing from different eras, has always been very inspiring to me.

Do you remember what your first-ever luxury purchase was?

I was pretty young. The first thing I ever bought was a Prada bag – and I just felt so grown up. And also very naughty, because I knew that my mum would be so mad at me. But I was independent from a very early age, so there wasn’t much she could do about it.

What does luxury mean to you?

It’s like the saying, money won’t buy you happiness, but it can help. I think luxurious things just make you feel a bit better about your day and about yourself. I think especially as a woman, there is something very therapeutic about going and spending money on a bag or a dress or a shirt. For me, it’s always been something that meant peace and relaxation, and feeling amazing about yourself.

What's your favourite item in your wardrobe right now?

I think my favourite item in my wardrobe right now, and it isn’t very glamorous, is a pair of Isabel Marant boyfriend jeans that I wear with everything, and my red Saint Laurent slip-on men’s shoes. They are sensible and go with everything, but at the same time still feel very cool. And that’s good because as a mum, you still want to feel cool, but also elegant and easy.

You've always had a very close relationship with the house of Chanel – featuring in campaigns in the 1990s and 2000s, and in Karl Lagerfeld's Little Black Jacket project. What is it about the brand that appeals to you?

The history of Coco, and how Chanel really changed the way women dressed, has always been really inspiring for me. And the way that the house is still as successful as ever is a testament to that timeless sense of style that it has always represented.

Read this and other stories in Luxury magazine, out with The National on Thursday, September 8.

sdenman@thenational.ae