Evan Rachel Wood and tomboy fashion brand Wildfang are a perfect match, and not just because of the obvious aesthetic reasons (though EVR's androgynous, borrowed-from-the-boys style is a natural fit for Wildfang's mission). Tomboy style is about being brave enough to dress in a way that feels right for you—regardless of whether or not you buy your clothes in the girl's section, and Evan embodies that boldness. Here, we've got an exclusive interview with her about her style and her new Wildfang campaign, which is called Evan Rachel WOULD. It's all about what would happen if she started saying yes instead of no (infinite possibility, for one!).
Read our interview and then check out the video for Evan Rachel WOULD, featuring musical icons like Kim Gordon and Beth Ditto (you can shop Evan's video looks here). Then, click through the gallery to check out the collection—it's seriously cool.
How would you define your style?
I’m usually very influenced by music and movies that I love. I love androgyny and being sleek but comfortable. I also bring a bit of a rocker edge because I love glam rock. My style icons include Bowie and Marianne Faithful and Patti Smith, and when I was a teenager, I used to dress like Kurt Cobain all the time.
What does the word tomboy mean to you?
For me, I grew up with two older brothers and my friends were always boys so I was never really interested in pink things or Barbies. I wanted to be like my brothers—play baseball and basketball.
What’s your favorite piece of clothing to borrow from the boys?
A blazer or a tuxedo jacket because it can be dressed up or dressed down. You can rock it with baggy tee and skinny jeans, or as part of a suit.
Is tomboy fashion necessarily always casual and sporty or can you dress it up? How?
I love rocking a suit, and to me that’s a dressed up tomboy! You can also dress the casual tomboy up too It’s about accessories, but I’ll often rock a tee with blazer to a big event.
What’s the secret to looking good in a suit?
Don’t be afraid of the tailor. Find a suit you love and have it altered to fit you. There’s nothing better than a well tailored suit. It’s got to fit right in the shoulders and the sleeves have to hit the wrist just right. Play with accessories—you can rock it with socks, or show your ankles—accessories let add your personal flair.
Who is your style icon?
Tilda Swinton is my style icon and Bowie, too. If I could raid anyone’s wardrobe, it would be Bowie’s. But only if I have access to every decade of his wardrobe: Glass spider, ziggy stardust - I want it all.
If you could offer one piece of style advice to all the tomboys out there, what would it be?
When you’re comfortable in yourself, you’re going to do your best and shine the most. When I was a teen I wanted to dress differently and be slightly edgier, I wanted to wear suits and pants. When I was 15, because of the success of Thirteen, I was doing photo shoots all of a sudden and being thrown into these clothes and having to show more of my body. I did a photo shoot for a publication whose name I won’t mention, and told my publicist that I didn’t want to wear dresses anymore, only pants—the magazine got upset, so I gave in and got in the dress but I felt so uncomfortable and was tearing up the whole time. And now I’ve kind of said ‘fuck it’ and started dressing the way I want to. Everyone thinks you have to dress a certain way to be popular and turn people on, but it’s about being comfortable in your own skin. It’s not the clothes—it’s how you feel in them.
You have been with Wildfang from the very beginning… tell us how this project came about/what drew you to the brand?
This project is a play on the exercise of saying yes, except instead of ‘yes’ you say ‘Evan Rachel Would’. It’s a funny piece but it’s also about being yourself and taking chances. I’m kind of a daredevil and I like putting myself in uncomfortable situations to push myself. I feel like I’ve identified as a tomboy for most of my life. When I found Wildfang it was a game changer. It immediately clicked, and I felt like I found a place that fit my personality and style. Also, the charity partner I chose for this project came about because I did some charity work last year and started a researching literature about how detrimental it can be if kids don’t have a parental figure or a mentor or someone who’s showing them unconditional love and safety. So when I read about Friends of the Children, it all clicked.
You have played a lot of strong female characters; do you think these roles inspire/influence your personal style?
No, it’s pretty rare that I play a role where I actually like what I’m wearing. I really like doing the John Hughes play right now because I get to play the tomboy. It’s hard to find good strong female roles that are also tomboyish or androgynous.
