Interview: Audrey Tautou
Not since Garbo has a star more ferociously protected her privacy. For us press, you meet Audrey Tautou and you get ‘first of all I don’t answer questions about my private life. I do my work for the film and after that I try not even to exist for the press.’
So who is Tautou – this 5ft 3in, 31-year-old Bambi, who bears a striking resemblance to Hepburn? The consolation is that it’s not simply the press she hides from – all her directors have found her incredibly committed and professional but completely enigmatic. Jean-Pierre Jeunet who ‘discovered’ her in Amelie said, ‘we are not close in real life. Everything I know about her I learned reading interviews.’ And Ron Howard, who directed her in The Da Vinci Code, agrees: ‘Audrey is a very private person.’
Five minutes in her company, however, and, though she gives away nothing, you do sense more. Jean Reno, her Da Vinci co-star and fellow Gaul got it right when he said ‘she reminds me of Edith Piaf; such a little body and yet she radiates so much energy.’ And Gaspard Ulliel who played her lover Manech in A Very Long Engagement said, ‘when you see Audrey, you just want to take her in your arms. She seems so fragile, yet she’s really a very strong person.’
And reading between the lines you do see an intelligent, shy young woman who had the tenacity to refuse to do publicity to campaign for an Oscar nomination for Amelie (for which she was a serious contender) and who evaporates between every film. Here and now she’d rather be mist – but quick, before she disappears into thin air, we worked out 20 things you didn’t know about Audrey Tautou…
Read the full interview in our June 2008 issue.
email fabric.editorial@redwoodgroup.net to order your copy
Fabric, June 2008, Audrey Tautou
She makes a pretty hot Fabric cover star, but Audrey Tautou can be somewhat reticent about talking to journalists. ‘I do my work for the film and after that I try not even to exist for the press,’ says the elfin one. Fortunately for us, she was slightly more forthcoming. Read it all our June issue.
But enough about La Tautou. How are you? Ready for your bikini close-up? The Fabric ladies are currently just saying no to chocolate and crisps (most of the time) in an effort to look beach perfect, (I’m on the trunk workout: alcohol-free days and plenty of running.) If you haven’t started your pre-holiday shape-up, worry not. This month we’ve got plenty of ideas for workouts, beauty treats and essential beachwear. We’ve also tracked down London’s best pedicures so you’ll look fabulous from top to toe.
We’ve also eaten our way around NW1 and are now pretty sure that Camden is London’s next culinary hotspot – check out our reviews and see if you agree. And if you know of any gems we should try, please let us know.
Our interview this month is with the pixily divine Audrey Tautou. Find out what we learnt about France’s other first lady in our exclusive feature.
And, of course, some of the loveliest homes to buy and rent here in town, further afield and overseas.
Enjoy the issue.
And there’s still time (just) to get your nominations in for the Fabric Awards 2008. Just tell us your favourite London shops, restaurants, services and more and we’ll enter you into our prize draw to win a swanky dinner for you and nine friends. For full details click on the Awards box on the home page.
Steven Short, Editor
E-mail: fabric.editorial@redwoodgroup.net
Melinda Buie’s arty cows at Black & Blue
Melinda’s bold, graphic cow paintings should feel right at home at Wigmore Street’s upmarket steakhouse Black & Blue. The works, in oil, were done on the artist’s family farm in East Texas. ‘As I studied the cows in the pasture, I realised that each of them had a distinct personality – just as people and buildings do,’ says Buie.
Just don’t think too hard about the connection between the cute animal on the wall and they tasty steak on your plate!
Until 30 September
Black & Blue Wigmore Street
90-92 Wigmore Street W1
(020 7486 1912)
