What was the most unusual or memorable food you’ve ever eaten on location?
In fact, I would say that it was the best affogato I’ve ever had in Rome. The affogato is really great. So you need a proper gelato and a proper coffee, and you get both here. And the combination of the two is the best.
What do you think is the biggest difference between French and American culture?
Oh, I think we’ve kind of leaned toward the work-and-live, work-and-live mentality of working in two places, so to speak, and I think there’s a real motivation.
But maybe it’s more like, “Okay, during this time, I’m going to put my phone away and just focus on what I want to do” (as is the case in French culture), and I appreciate that. And also taking more time for meals. Lunch or dinner. I feel like everything happens a little bit later here. I can have dinner at 6 and that’s fine. Whereas here, it’s like, “Let’s go at 9, 9:30.” I go to bed! But maybe it’s an age thing. When I was 18, I could do that. But now, it’s like, “Let’s do the early bird deal.”
Now, four seasons later, how involved have you been in Emily’s storyline? Have you made any decisions that have affected her story arc?
I’ve had conversations with other producers, Darren (the showrunner) and of course the writers, who have helped me communicate my thoughts and ideas.
Casting decisions, and chemistry with people, that’s one of the most important things to me. And how Emily’s character changes, what she’s drawn to, actively watching other shows and understanding the flow of the character, and seeing where Emily goes. But it’s also important to me who I want to see on screen and what kind of stories I want to tell.
Have you ever thought, “Emily wouldn’t wear this”? Or have you ever seen something and thought, “Emily should wear this”?
I’ve definitely done both, but when I thought it wasn’t something Emily would wear, I was encouraged to wear it anyway. And I was like, “You know what? I was wrong. It’s perfect.” It’s all about fit. It’s all about character. And I love when I’m proven wrong on this show about fashion, because it’s all about taking risks. And I really lean into Marilyn’s (Fitoussi) aesthetic and her genius, because you can’t always tell from a hanger.
