Anna Paquin on winning an Oscar at 11 and what she wore

Each week,we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead,actor Anna Paquin.

Anna Paquin:“I started acting young,and going through puberty on camera is awkward.”

Anna Paquin:“I started acting young,and going through puberty on camera is awkward.”Jamie Nelson

How would you describe your style? I have two modes. One is my everyday wardrobe,my mum uniform of black on black on black. Then there are the photo shoots and red carpets where I get to play in high-end fashion closets. So even though they are on opposite ends of the spectrum,the same person who lives in black jeans,T-shirt and Converse sneakers also loves putting on beautiful,often confrontational,fashion and getting to play dress-up.

What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? I have a couple of wool jumpers from when I was about 10 years old that were handed down to me – they would have done the rounds through my brother and sister. I don’t wear them but I hang on to them because they make me happy.

And the most recent addition? I haven’t shopped for myself for years. Most of my clothes shopping involves my children growing out of something.

Anna has been buying the same style of J. Crew ballet flats for 20 years.

Anna has been buying the same style of J. Crew ballet flats for 20 years.Supplied

What would you wear …
… on a first date? I have no idea! I didn’t ever really date,and I’ve been with my husband for 15 years.
… on a plane? My favourite comfy Mother Denim black jeans,black T-shirt,black cardigan and J. Crew ballet flats – I’ve been buying the same style for 20 years.
… on the red carpet? I’ve worn some amazing designers but my favourite is Alexander McQueen – avant-garde fashion meets exquisite tailoring. I love that all his collections told a story. Sarah Burton has picked up where he left off.

What’s your favourite fashion era? I get to play with different time periods in my profession and there are things I do and don’t love. I like the 1950s for the sleek,tailored,clean outlines – Roland Mouret and Helmut Lang silhouettes,for example.

Anna Paquin,Robert De Niro,Harvey Keitel and Stephen Graham talk to 9Honey Celebrity about working on the new Martin Scorsese film

Do you have a favourite fashion designer? I love what Harris Reed is doing;it’s so cool watching a gifted young human take over the world of exquisite,convention-defying fashion.

What’s your favourite fragrance?I like Tom Ford fragrances,and not always the women’s ones. But nothing too strong because I’m mindful of the close proximity to others in my working environment.

Harris Reed’s “convention-defying” take on fashion.

Harris Reed’s “convention-defying” take on fashion.Getty Images

What are three essential items in your wardrobe? Black jeans,a black cropped Helmut Lang blazer and a good trench coat.

What shoes do you wear most often? Black ankle boots by Sam Edelman and Converse sneakers.

Can you remember a favourite outfit you wore as a child? No,most of what I wore was hand-me-downs.

And your worst fashion mistake? Nothing I’m going to highlight! I started acting young,and going through puberty on camera is awkward. It’s not that they were mistakes but I was pretty unhappy in my own skin at 15. I prefer to focus on the positive.

What was your first fashion moment? I was 11 when I won the Oscar forThe Piano in 1994. I’d spent 95 per cent of my life in my school uniform,so it was more just trying to find something that was appropriate for a small child to be wearing to a fancy event than me making bold fashion choices.

Anna Paquin won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in The Piano when she was just 11.

Anna Paquin won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in The Piano when she was just 11.Getty Images

Is there a current trend you like? I am so out of the loop,it’s somebody else’s expertise. The stylist I work with,Alexandra Mandelkorn,is brilliant at putting together beautiful things that are very me,so I don’t have to think about it.

Is there something you would never wear? I look crap in yellow. My skin is see-through blue-white,so there are colours that don’t look good on me.

What’s your favourite off-duty,casual Sunday look? I live by the beach in LA so it’s pretty laid back – denim cut-offs,T-shirt and bare feet.

Anna Paquin is the face of The Glenlivet.

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