Robbie channels minogue, revisits chanel legacy in whimsical gondry short
Los Angeles shimmered under a December sun, but the real magic was unfolding on a soundstage transformed into a Parisian streetscape. Margot Robbie, the actress whose star power seems to defy gravity, didn’t just appear for a campaign shoot – she embodied the effervescent spirit of Kylie Minogue, all while weaving a narrative that’s both a nostalgic echo and a fresh, vibrant statement for Chanel’s latest 25 handbag campaign.
Gondry's callback: a full-circle moment 25 years in the making
The project, directed by the inimitable Michel Gondry (known for his mind-bending visuals in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind), isn't merely a commercial; it's a reunion. Gondry, revisiting his iconic 2001 music video for Minogue’s “Come Into My World,” welcomed her back for a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it cameo, a gesture he described to Vogue as a 25-year-long dream realized. But the full-circle moment extends far beyond the director and the pop icon.
For Robbie, the shoot held a deeply personal resonance. Her very first concert? A Kylie Minogue show during the Fever tour, with “Come Into My World” holding a prominent place on the setlist. The admiration clearly runs both ways; years ago, Minogue playfully suggested Robbie to E! News as her ideal portrayer in a biopic, a sentiment she reiterated with evident affection: “There’s nothing Margot can’t do.” Robbie, ever the gracious respondent, demurred with a laugh, “I can’t sing!” – a playful admission that only underscores the filmic versatility that has made her a modern icon.
Beyond the camera: robbie's chanel obsession
The resulting shoot, a breezy blend of nostalgia and innovation, was fueled by a palpable collaborative energy. Robbie, in a recent chat with Vogue, delved into her growing appreciation for Matthieu Blazy’s Chanel designs. “There are so many things of Matthieu's I’ve been dying to wear,” she confessed, singling out a pair of perfectly tailored jeans, a striking brown trench coat from the latest collection, and the surprisingly cozy three-quarter-zip sweaters. “I think you’ve sold everyone here on the jeans,” she added with a smile, highlighting their comfort and impeccable tailoring. The conversation flowed easily, revealing a genuine enthusiasm for Chanel’s craftsmanship and a deep appreciation for the brand’s legacy.
Beyond the immediacy of the campaign, Robbie reflected on her connection to Chanel, noting, “It’s great to have this relationship where I can call them and say, ‘Hey, we’re doing a movie – this could be a really fun opportunity.’ There are so many amazing instances of Chanel being featured in films over the years, so it’s nice to keep that tradition going.” From Barbie to Wuthering Heights, Chanel's versatility seems limitless, a testament to its enduring appeal.
And what about the Chanel 25 itself? Robbie praised its adaptability: “It’s so great. I love that they’ve made it in three different sizes and a number of different colors. I’m such a practical person, I love it because I can just squeeze so much stuff in it, but it still looks chic.” It’s a handbag, she explained, that seamlessly transitions from work to dinner, a reliable companion for the whirlwind of a modern life.
Reflecting on her early concert experience, Robbie recalled driving to Sydney with her best friend and her mother to see the Fever tour, clutching a cherished blue T-shirt with Kylie’s silhouette emblazoned on it – a memento she wistfully wishes she still possessed. Clearly, the impact of that first concert lingers, a touchstone in her journey to becoming one of the most celebrated actors of our time.
The conversation took a playful turn when asked about a karaoke duet between Robbie and Minogue. “If Kylie and I did karaoke together, I would die and go to heaven—that would be so fun,” Robbie exclaimed, before playfully suggesting a rendition of “The Horses” by Daryl Braithwaite, an unofficial Australian anthem. The moment perfectly encapsulates the joyous spirit of the campaign – a celebration of creativity, nostalgia, and the enduring power of female icons.