5 questions with Evan Rachel Wood

SINGAPORE — When people think of Gucci, three words come to mind: Sexy, glamorous and elegant. But when actress Evan Rachel Wood thinks of the Italian powerhouse, it’s rock and roll that registers.

“I definitely think (of) rock and roll when I think Gucci,” she said. “Gucci sponsored a David Bowie exhibition and the amazing Sound For Change live concert in London in 2013. (Gucci’s Creative Director) Frida (Giannini) is also very rock and roll. It’s said that she has (more than) 7,000 records.”

Wood, who is starring in the movie The Necessary Death Of Charley Countryman (along with Shia LaBeouf and Mads Mikkelsen) is also the face of Gucci Guilty, the latest limited-edition fragrance from the label that marries the fashion house’s long-standing connection with rock and roll legends and Giannini’s love for rock music.

Incidentally, Giannini said eight songs inspired the rock and roll aesthetic of Gucci Guilty: I’m Deranged (David Bowie), Dangerous (Depeche Mode), Hurricane Drunk (Florence + The Machine), Sympathy For The Devil (The Rolling Stones), 2020 (Suuns), Reflektor (Arcade Fire), Great Gig In The Sky (Pink Floyd) and Led Zeppelin’s Whole Lotta Love.

This makes the fragrance perfect for Wood, who is known for her edgy sensibilities. “A Gucci Guilty woman is someone who is very confident, bold and daring. Someone who isn’t afraid to indulge in her guilty pleasure.”

It comes as no surprise that Wood’s rock icons are influential female artistes Patti Smith and Janis Joplin, two women “who aren’t afraid to be loud and scream their hearts out”, she said.

“Rock and roll means everything to me. Even more than acting, music is my first passion. Rock and roll has inspired me in many ways. It has inspired me to be myself and to take chances. Rock and roll is all about pushing boundaries. I try to live my life by that.”

Q: What is your earliest memory of rock and roll?

A: My first memory of rock and roll was when I saw Labyrinth as a kid. That was when I first saw David Bowie. He was singing these rocks songs in a kid’s film and I completely fell in love with him! I thought: “Who is this amazing person wearing makeup?”

Q: You’ve said in the past that you love androgyny. Do you draw inspiration from Bowie and other rock icons?

A: I draw inspiration from David Bowie especially when it comes to androgyny. Debbie Harry is another person I really love; I love her style. (I) even (love) Kurt Cobain. When I was a teenager, I used to dress like Kurt Cobain. I used to wear Converse, a sweater and white glasses. Rock and roll definitely influences my fashion choices quite a bit.

Q: Do you think that perfume reflects one’s personal style?

A: I think Gucci Guilty does match my personal style and that perfume can reflect your personal style. I view my style as sleek and classy, but definitely with an edge. I think that’s why this perfume fits me.

Q: On what occasion would you wear this fragrance?

A: One thing I love about this perfume is that it has a balance of sweet and spicy. You can wear it during the day, but also at night when you’re out to have a good time. It’s a fragrance that makes a statement.

Q: Which item do you think best reflects a rock and roll lifestyle?

A: Studs and spikes represent a rock and roll lifestyle. Anything that is different, weird, shocking or provocative are all things that represent a rock and roll style. Zhang Weifang

Gucci Guilty Stud Limited Edition Pour Femme EDT is retailing for S$129 (50ml) at department stores.