'I pick a different fragrance for every character I play'

Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel once famously said, "A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous." So it's no wonder Margot Robbie, who has both of these attributes in spades, is a favourite of the Chanel brand.

She has been an ambassador for the French fashion house since 2018, and was a muse to the late Karl Lagerfeld. Now the Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood actor is the latest face of Chanel's fragrance empire as she fronts its campaign for Gabrielle Chanel Essence.

“I pick a fragrance for every character I play – certain smells can transport you to a time and place or create a specific feeling.”Credit: Caitlin Cronenberg

What is your definition of style?

All over the world, people covet, admire and try to replicate French chic – and it's true, the French do it best! I definitely appreciate the ease that comes with really knowing your style. When you look good in something, you know it – there's instant confidence. I don't really pay attention to specific trends, I'm more interested in what I feel best in.

Personally, I love beautiful things but I'm also pragmatic: I look for freedom of movement. I love a silk suit, flats and the mix of masculine and feminine style. That makes me feel powerful and feminine, comfortable but confident. I think nothing's more alluring than confidence.

Do you think it's possible to be feminine and committed to women's empowerment at the same time?

Absolutely! We all know women are incredibly strong but I don't believe it means you have to hide your femininity. I think we can embrace femininity and still feel powerful.

Are you a feminist and how does it impact your life as a producer?

I'm absolutely a feminist! When my friends and I founded our production company, LuckyChap Entertainment, the idea behind it was to tell stories with an organically and authentically female presence, whether through a female protagonist, women filmmakers or creators. Before that, I would read a script and I always wanted to play the male characters because the female ones just weren't as exciting. Today, we're really proud of what we've achieved so far: we work with a lot of emerging talents, first- and second-time filmmakers who are going to be the next generation of greats.

How long have you been working with Chanel?

For a little while. Everything's always been easy; the relationship has grown in an organic way and I've loved our time together, it feels like a family. So I was really happy when they asked to pursue our partnership in fragrance. And it was exciting because I knew it was going to be a new fragrance, Gabrielle Chanel Essence.

What does this partnership represent for you?

A whole legacy. Chanel feels timeless and elegant, but now that I have a personal and direct relationship with the House I have a deeper understanding and appreciation of the art that goes into their products. When you go to a Chanel show, you really appreciate the work and the artistic expression behind it. It's beautiful to be a part of that. For Gabrielle Chanel Essence, I've really appreciated getting to learn more and understand the craftsmanship behind creating perfumes. It's a beautiful process, a true means of artistic expression.

Tell us about the campaign shoot.

It was incredible! I got to work with the photographer Nick Knight, who constructed this giant revolving square in a space where I had room to move and create and just be. He created airflow in all these ingenious ways, and I got to throw super-light material up in the air and create this beautiful chaos all around me. It felt liberating and creatively stimulating – I really felt the art in that.

How would you describe your relationship with fragrance?

Like so many girls, I grew up seeing my mum's perfumes on her counter and they always seemed like a symbol of a woman. I knew that one day I'd grow up and be able to wear it and I felt like the day I started wearing fragrance I would know who I was. Over the years, I've come to realise that scent is really a means of self-expression. And there's such a strong association with memory. It's cool to look back and see how your tastes evolve as your personality does.

Is it true that you wear a different fragrance for every role you play?

Yes. I pick a fragrance for every character I play – certain smells can transport you to a time and place, or create a specific feeling. When I go on set and apply the fragrance, I find it's easier to get into character. It's a very powerful tool! Gabrielle Chanel is perhaps the most personal of the Chanel fragrances because it bears its creator's name.

How does that make you feel?

Margot Robbie on the red carpet at Cannes.Credit: Invision

I think Gabrielle Chanel, the woman, means so many things to so many people. The House has explored different facets of her life and personality through fragrance but to me Gabrielle Chanel Essence feels like her truest self, like it cuts to exactly who she was as a woman. It feels direct but with a sense of effortless elegance. The scent feels vibrant, opulent, like it captures both the woman and the House in its entirety. It's very specific, inviting and warm. You instantly understand who Chanel is.

Gabrielle Chanel once said, "I decided who I wanted to be and that is who I am." Do you feel like you have something in common with her?

I love that quote, and I really believe that you determine your own destiny. That said, I don't know how I would describe myself. Ever since I was little, my mum has always described me as determined and independent. I feel I share with Gabrielle Chanel ideas about breaking the norm, creating and seeing beauty in chaos. It's completely liberating: the world becomes your oyster. Someone is always going to break the rules; it might as well be you.

If you could ask Gabrielle Chanel anything, what would it be?

I'd want to know at what moments in her life she may have had doubts, and what made her forge ahead anyway. That's probably the secret behind her power.

Photography by Caitlin Cronenberg. Styling by Barbara Baumel. Hair by Bryce Scarlett. Make-up by Pati Dubroff using Chanel. Margot wears Chanel clothing and jewellery.

This article appears in Sunday Life magazine within the Sun-Herald and the Sunday Age on sale September 8.