Emma covers Elle UK’s inaugural feminism issue. A preview of the interview and several photos have been released. The December issue of Elle UK goes on sale 30 October. Also available on Apple Newstand or individual copies.
Actress, activist and United Nations Women Goodwill Ambassador Emma Watson graces the cover of ELLE UK’s inaugural feminism issue, focused on inspiring and empowering women.
Emma, 24, talks to the world’s best-selling fashion magazine about her upbringing, what being a feminist really means in today’s world, and how she felt presenting her inaugural speech at the UN Summit in September. ELLE UK Editor-in-Chief Lorraine Candy attended the summit as Emma’s guest, and interviewed her exclusively.
The ELLE UK cover shoot in London was produced by an entirely female team: Photographer Kerry Callihan, ELLE Fashion Director Anne-Marie Curtis, Make-up artist Dotti, Hair Stylist Vi Sapyyapy and Nail artist Emma Welsh. Emma wears leading female designer Stella McCartney on the cover, while inside she epitomises a confident, modern, independent woman in Celine and Chloé.
On how fame affected her decision to be an activist
‘Fame is not something I have always felt comfortable with; I have really grappled with it emotionally. And, in a funny way, doing this is my way of making sense of the fame, of using it. I have found a way to channel it towards something else, which makes it so much more manageable for me. And this is something I really believe in.’
On modern feminism
‘Feminism is not here to dictate to you. It’s not prescriptive, it’s not dogmatic. All we are here to do is give you a choice. If you want to run for president, you can. If you don’t, that’s wonderful, too.’
On her pre-speech nerves
‘I was very nervous. It wasn’t an easy thing for me to do. It felt like: “Am I going to have lunch with these people, or am I going to be eaten? Am I the lunch?”’
On her upbringing
‘I’m lucky I was raised to believe that my opinion at the dinner table was valuable. My mum and I spoke as loudly as my brothers.
Update: The full article, plus behind the scenes video.