Nicole Kidman, 58, shared insights on how her fashion choices serve as a form of bold self-expression, discussing her perspective in Vogue’s November issue released digitally on October 8. She described her wardrobe as sometimes acting like armor, shifting according to her mood.
“Sometimes it’s playful, sometimes it’s sexy. It just depends on my mood.”
She further explained that her style can vary widely:
“Sometimes it’s androgynous, sometimes it’s kind of, screw you.”
Following her recent separation from husband Keith Urban, Kidman has refrained from wearing anything traditionally seen as a “revenge dress.” Instead, she embraced simplicity by attending the Chanel show during Paris Fashion Week on October 6 in a relaxed look featuring a white blouse and blue jeans. Her appearance was enhanced by a fresh fringe cut just above her eyebrows, marking her debut as the brand’s ambassador earlier that month.
Fashion as an Artistic Parallel in Kidman’s Life
Kidman views fashion not merely as clothing but as a “parallel artistic life” where commitment is required to truly embody the piece of art. She reflected on a striking moment from 1999 while working with photographer Steven Meisel for Vogue. They aimed to recreate portraits inspired by John Singer Sargent, linked to her role in the 1996 film The Portrait of a Lady.
Recalling the experience, Kidman described being encouraged to observe herself in the mirror, despite initial discomfort.
Image of: Nicole Kidman
“At first I was like, ‘I don’t like looking at myself,’”
she remembered.
“He was like, ‘You have to.’”
This perspective shift proved cathartic and meaningful as she saw her image as a form of art.
Embracing Authenticity Beyond Appearance
In the interview, Kidman also expressed her openness about natural beauty and aging, stating her lack of concern about being photographed without makeup. She values realism on screen, often choosing not to conceal changes in skin tone during emotional scenes.
“I love the color of skin changing,”
she said.
“I love flaws in the skin and I love real tears.”
Her comfort with playing aged-up or younger roles reflects this acceptance.
Earlier in May, Kidman discussed aging candidly with Allure, acknowledging the emotional challenges that come with growing older. She elaborated on her mindset toward the future and mortality.
“I’ve always been a future person, and suddenly you go, ‘Oh.’ It’s coming to terms with the idea that you have no control over the future,”
Kidman said.
“Probably that’s to do with losing people very, very suddenly. I have more time behind me than ahead. That shift in the ratio becomes a big thing…. You’re just always going, ‘What is all this?’ The existential questions. Who are we? Why are we here?”
Adding a touch of humor, she shared a personal remark from her mother:
“My mom always said, ‘It’s hard being five ten and a half.’ I have not shrunk at all. I’ll be very happy when it happens.”
The Personal Changes Behind Kidman’s Style Evolution
This period marks a transformative phase for Kidman as she adjusts to life as a newly single woman. On September 29, Us Weekly confirmed the split from husband Keith Urban after nearly twenty years of marriage. Kidman filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. The couple shares two daughters, Sunday, 17, and Faith, 14.
Kidman’s evolving fashion choices, from understated casual looks to bold runway appearances, accompany her navigation through personal change. As she takes on the role of Chanel’s brand ambassador and embraces new aspects of her identity, her fashion statement remains a dynamic part of how she expresses strength and adaptability in the public eye.
