We could all use a little Pop. A little bit of color, a little bit of whimsy, a dash of cheek (and chic) and a whole lot of love and life. We spent the day with this beaming ray of light, Ms. Poppy Delevingne, who enlightened us on, among other things, drinking it all up. Life, that is. In her own naturally enchanting style, welcome to Planet Poppy. We think you might like to relocate.
BY ERIN WALSH
Dress Giambattista Valli Earrings Jennifer Fisher Belt Stylist’s Own
Erin Walsh Dear Poppy- so you are officially an actress as we know it. I have to say, upon meeting you, you were so absolutely charming and hilarious, it seems so obvious to me. What MOVED you to make a transition career wise? Or has it been more organic than that?
Poppy Delevingne Acting has always had my heart. Since school, since I was a teenager. It just took a back seat as I fell into modelling and suddenly I couldn’t find the time… however much I loved it, I never really felt like I belonged in the modelling world. I was always that goofy girl, tripping over lighting cables with lipstick on my teeth. When I hit 28 I thought enough is enough. It’s time to pursue my real dream…
EW Did you always plan on being in the spotlight? You have been for some time, but now, it’s evolving in a slightly different way. Do things feel any different?
PD Not really. When I was a kid I wanted to be an astronaut. In fact I was pretty sure I’d make it to Pluto. In terms of the spotlight, do things feel different? No, not really. When I’m not working, I’m with my friends that I’ve had since forever or with my family, cooking terribly, dancing on kitchen tables, devouring books… I like to keep my feet firmly on the ground…
EW Which project has resonated the most with you thus far?
PD I would say a film we made last year called ‘BitterSweet Symphony.’ We shot it in Wales over two weeks & the whole thing was improvised. It’s about family, the highs, the lows & all the crazy bits in between. Suki Waterhouse plays my baby sister & the wondrous Jennifer Grey is in it. We had a blast making it, and I feel like it’s a film that’ll ring true to a lot of people.
EW Any dream characters you have in your mind to play in the near or far future?
PD Women of strength & character… a woman who changed the world in some way, historically; I’m obsessed with doing research… even a superhero would be cool. I’m open… and very keen on pushing myself, to playing someone totally out of my comfort zone. By the way, I do a really good Gollum from Lord of the Rings, incase Peter Jackson is reading this…
EW Tell us about ‘GENIUS.’ How did you get involved? What was the filming experience like?
PD I’d studied PICASSO a little bit at school, solely his art, I didn’t know anything about the man, the Genius. But I did know about Marie-Thérèse Walter as my favourite painting of his was of her, Le Reve and was my screen saver on my computer when the audition came in. I thought it was meant to be. The experience was incredible, a time in my life that I’ll never forget.
Top and Skirt Proenza Schouler Necklace Sasha Samuel Ring Christian Dior
EW Do you relate to your character? What was the most surprising part of the experience?
PD Marie-Thérèse was a woman of quiet strength, she was compassionate & kind. I felt a huge responsibility playing someone that existed, who’s daughter & grandchildren are still alive… I just hope I did her justice…. the most surprising part of the experience? Was getting to learn about all these great women that were huge inspirations in Picasso’s life. That’s what I admire & respect about National Geographic. They’re not just telling the story of him, but are bringing to light these extraordinary women that might have been quietly forgotten otherwise… as they say, behind every great man…
Bodysuit and Trousers Tom Ford Jacket Dolce and Gabbana via NY Vintage Choker Christian Dior Shoes Valentino
EW You have had your share of interviews thus far- are you good at it? Do you enjoy it?
PD I’m not sure I’m good at interviews, but I definitely love to chat. I can chit chat until the cows come home.
EW What do you wish people asked you more about?
PD People don’t ask me about my obsession with the spice girls nearly enough… I really wish they would.
EW One of the reasons we started SBJCT is that people I work with tend to hate the way their words get twisted around accordingly to someone else’s agenda. Has anything you have said or done been taken out of context or twisted about? Anything printed prior to this you wish to correct?
PD How long have you got? I’m kidding… but yes, it’s beyond frustrating when people either twist your words, or in some extreme cases, make up what you say. I just learnt recently that when someone writes an article or story, single quotations don’t mean they said it, they mean they MIGHT have said it. Which is bonkers to me… as how is everyone meant to know that?!! I don’t read or listen to the bullshit anymore… planet Poppy is a happy, truthful place…
I was always that goofy girl, tripping over lighting cables with lipstick on my teeth. When I hit 28 I thought enough is enough.
Black Bodysuit Dolce and Gabbana Earrings Jennifer Fisher
EW What career experiences have made you the most nervous?
PD All of them. I know it doesn’t seem it on the surface but pretty much everything makes me nervous. But I love pushing myself. Ten years ago if someone made me get up on stage & speak my knees would knock together, my hands would shake uncontrollably. I have those reactions under control now, but the nerves are always there. Stripping down to my underwear in ‘Kingsman: Golden Circle’ was one of those terrifying moments. Or shooting with Karl Lagerfeld & Carine Roitfeld for their CHANEL little black jacket coffee table book. Again, I was in my underwear, but this time doing ballet, BADLY I’m sure….
EW Anything in the way of a two year plan in mind? Five year plan?
PD Winning an Oscar… babies, babies, babies…
EW Any favorite charities you would like to support?
PD I support two charities that are very dear to my heart; Save The Children being one of them. I’ve been on trips to Ethiopia & the DRC with them. It’s amazing to get to see and experience all the hard work that they do on the ground… Next up? A trip to Jordan to in October to visit their Syria refugee camps… My second charity is The Blue Marine Foundation. I’ve always been passionate about our oceans and what we can do to protect them, not only for us, but for future generations to come. #PassOnPlastic COME ON PEOPLE!!
EW Do you find it sometimes becomes a conflict to support a cause when you are in the limelight? Anytime you have supported a cause that it backfired for you in any way?
PD Absolutely not. I think it’s our duty and responsibility to give some of these causes the exposure that they deserve, shed light on them and to help in any way that we can, whether through social media or interviews such as these…
Vest, Trousers, Shoes Chanel
Dress Giambattista Valli Earrings Jennifer Fisher Ring Christian Dior Shoes Coach
EW Who makes you laugh more than anyone?
PD My husband. He’s the yin to my yang. He’s quite serious, and totally weird, which makes him THE most hilarious & wondrous person on the planet.
EW What’s your best joke?
PD It’s not really a joke but I LOVE scaring people. Like jumping out of cupboards or behind doors. Nothing gives me more satisfaction. Now do I sound crazy?!!
EW Party trick?
PD Opening a beer bottle with my eye. I did it on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, with guests Steve Martin & Martin Short. That was a real, “Is this really happening,” moment?!!
In the words of Cinderella, in kindness and with courage.
Top and Skirt Proenza Schouler Necklace Sasha Samuel Ring Christian Dior
Dress Ralph & Russo Earrings Chanel Hat NY Vintage
EW Best vacation spot?
PD Positano in Italy, where you can eat pasta for breakfast, lunch & dinner. Le Sirenuse is one of my most favourite hotels in the whole entire world.
EW Favorite LEWK of all time.
PD Can I have two?!! My wedding LEWKS, in London (wearing CHANEL couture) and Marrakesh (wearing Peter Dundas for PUCCI) Both make me dribble when I look at them, even now…
Top, Trousers and Shoes CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC Bag A.L.C Ring Christian Dior Sunglasses Adam Selman x Le Specs
EW Worst LEWK of all time?
PD I went through a stage where I wore a lot of body con dresses… gives me a headache just thinking about it.
EW Actually, speaking of LEWKS, what do you wear when you go to the airport? I am honestly curious.
PD As I’m doing this interview I’m actually in the airport, truly, and wearing a knit tracksuit by my dear friend Zoe Jordan. It’s tie dye, and I’m cosy as hell…
Blazer and Trousers Dolce & Gabbana Bra NY Vintage Earrings Jennifer Fisher
EW Poppy, we ask the people we are lucky enough to feature to share with us some of their passions and the things that really bewitch, bother, and bewilder them. Poppy Delevingne, #whatsyoursbjct? What really moves you?
PD How fragile life is… And I’m just grateful that I get to live mine… And in the words of Cinderella, in kindness & with courage…
Blazer and Trousers Dolce & Gabbana Bra NY Vintage Earrings Jennifer Fisher Shoes Gucci
Planet Poppy is a happy, truthful place.
