Kelly Rutherford, the new fashion icon with AMI AMALIA x ELLE
Read the editorial in Romanian on Elle Romania here:
https://www.elle.ro/advertorial/kelly-rutherford-the-new-fashion-icon-990828?
Find the English translation below 🤍
Kelly Rutherford, The New Fashion Icon
After 8 years, the ELLE team reunites in Paris with actress and fashion icon Kelly Rutherford for an exclusive photoshoot, where the protagonist wears the most spectacular knitted pieces signed by Ami Amalia.
All the products are knitted by Ami Amalia at the factory in Oradea, from natural yarns produced in Italy and Romania. Ami Amalia products are available at the new store on Thomas Masaryk Street No. 2, Bucharest, and on amiamalia.com.
Photographers: Philip Gay
Creator: Domnica Mărgescu
Project Coordinator: Amalia Săftoiu
I met Kelly Rutherford eight years ago, and I’ve known Ami Amalia (Amalia Săftoiu) for about six years. I’ve followed Kelly closely on Instagram, besides meeting her at every Paris Fashion Week, and every time she surprises me with the warmth and kindness she exudes.
With Ami Amalia, I had the honor of collaborating on various innovative initiatives that became my beloved projects, such as this photoshoot or her first fashion show at the Mercedes-Benz Bucharest Fashion Week. In short, such things and projects create such strong bonds that you can’t forget them, and they also mark your life path.
Kelly Rutherford was punctual for our meeting; at exactly 10 o’clock, she arrived at our studio in Paris. She wore an off-white turtleneck, classic jeans, brown suede ankle boots, and an oversized cashmere trench coat from Loro Piana. Her hair was very natural, and the absence of makeup and the relaxation she emanated clearly showed that she is a confident woman who knows exactly what she wants.
The moment of the meeting between her and Philip impressed me: they embraced each other warmly and with friendship, even though they were both nervous, as it was their first time working together, even though they knew each other very well. From that moment on, my nerves disappeared; I knew for sure this photoshoot would be a pleasure, with no stress. And so it was! Kelly felt each outfit created by Ami Amalia especially for her, and when she stood in front of the camera, she instinctively knew how to move, how much to smile, and how to highlight the spectacular knitted pieces.
At the end of the photoshoot, I had a chat with the actress, so I’ll leave you to enjoy the conversation with Kelly Rutherford, but not before making two confessions. First of all, Philip Gay’s playlist completely captivated me, and not just me; Kelly was dancing to every song, with tracks typical of the ’90s, with a punk twist. And secondly, I must admit I had the sweetest and youngest assistant that day, Celine, Amalia Săftoiu’s daughter.
ELLE: So many years after Gossip Girl, a lot of fans still identify you with Lily van der Woodsen. What are your feelings about this at this moment?
Kelly Rutherford: Its such a beautiful gift. I loved doing the show and the role of Lily. So its so wonderful that it keeps going.
ELLE: What do you feel was so special about that character that stuck to your image for such a long time and that people still admire and copy nowadays?
K.R.: This idea of mother and matriarch. And that itshowed we do our best and somethines we make mistakes . The beauty is how we recover from and admit our mistakes especially to our children. Its shows our humanity and also how we learn and evolve.
ELLE:You have been a notable presence în the fashion world for a while now – were you always so interested în this? Where did you passion for style originate from?
K.R.: Yes I love beauty and fabrics and magazinesxand homes etc. art! So in love to
incorporate these things in what I do.
ELLE: I know your relationship with Ami Amalia has been going on for some time. What do you think makes it special compared to other brands?
K.R.: It seems that most of the brands I love have someone with energy behind them. And Amalia is one of those beautiful women.
ELLE: How was the second experience of working with the ELLE Romania team for the magazine cover?
K.R.: Very fun! The clothes and the team were amazing!
ELLE: Speaking of fashion, you have impeccable style – how did you manage to cultivate it?
K.R.: Just by observation and curiosity.
ELLE: Do you think it’s a trait someone is born with or is it formed over time?
K.R.: Both. Both interest and study matter.
ELLE: What inspires your style?
K.R.: To feel comfortable and to feel good.
ELLE: I know there are other things more important to everyone, but what does fashion bring into your life?
K.R.: It’s a form of practical art because we dress every day. So, that’s how you choose to express yourself. Clothes carry energy, just like anything else.
ELLE: What needs does fashion fulfill for you?
K.R.: To feel good in my own skin. It’s a form of expression and creativity.
ELLE: Do you think this is true for everyone, or is it something only fashion enthusiasts should consider?
K.R.: It’s really only if you have an interest in this field.
ELLE: What’s your rule when it comes to fashion today? It seems that anything goes nowadays. Do trends still matter?
K.R.: Trends are what sell the clothes. And we continue to use our imagination. Classic style is the standard for elegance.
ELLE: Is fashion an enjoyable experience for you?
K.R.: Yes, of course. In the same way, decorating a house, going to a museum, or coming up with an idea for a new series is a joy.
ELLE: What interests you right now?
K.R.: To be at peace and be in the presence of my children and dogs. To do what I love and be around the people I love.
ELLE: What are your future plans and projects?
K.R.: To continue loving and being creative. To keep love in my heart through all the changes that are coming our way.
Makeup: Chynara Kojoeva
Hair: Miguel Martin Perez
Translation: Alexandra Mihăescu
