Interview with Emily Ratajkowski: model, actress and outspoken author

Portraits by Anthony Arquier, 

Interview by Violaine Schütz.

“Beware! Beneath my breast, the grenade.” Singer Clara Luciani’s anthem fits Emily Ratajkowski like a glove. The American bombshell, also known as EmRata, first got noticed in Robin Thicke’s music video for Blurred Lines just over ten years ago. Appearing bare-chested, she quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Everyone was talking about her body, her lips, her sensual sway.

Emily Ratajkowski, model and face of Viktor & Rolf fragrance

But gradually, the young woman, now 34, revealed more sides of her personality. Model, author, actress, entrepreneur – she helms the lingerie and swimwear brand Inamorata – social media star with nearly 30 million followers on Instagram, podcast host of High Low with EmRata, activist… Emily Ratajkowski has launched herself into a wide range of ventures and causes, championing a vital feminist narrative.

Following appearances in David Fincher’s haunting thriller Gone Girl (2014) and in I Feel Pretty (2018), she published a major book in 2021, My Body (published by Metropolitan Books). Her work is described as “a profoundly personal exploration of feminism, sexuality, and power.” This powerful manifesto for female empowerment shines a nuanced, thoughtful light on the commodification of women’s bodies and sexuality.

A celebrated actress and author

With her sharp, graceful pen, EmRata recounts the sexual assaults she endured at the hands of men she encountered, as well as her pregnancy and relationship to her body, thus establishing herself as a leading figure in both the #MeToo movement and modern feminism. As model beauty and brains, Emily Ratajkowski perfectly embodies Viktor & Rolf’s Flowerbomb Tiger Lily fragrance, for which she is the ambassador – in addition to representing the original Flowerbomb perfume.

The bottle is a floral, sensual and radiant essence shaped like a faceted diamond. It celebrates a femininity that is both fiery and delicate. A true weapon of mass seduction, just like its muse, who opened up to Numéro in a rare interview. As this inspiring artist stars in Lena Dunham’s new series Too Much on Netflix, throwback to our conversation with her.

Interview with Emily Ratajkowski

Numéro: You are a model, author, podcast host… How would you define yourself?
Emily Ratajkowski: I would say there are things I consider work. Modelling, for instance, is definitely work to me. It’s how I make a living, which is great. And I love working in fashion because it gives me the chance to meet so many interesting and creative people. There’s a real sense of community in that industry that I love. But my main passions are writing, and, above all, my son. Being a mother and having a family.

“When all of a sudden, people objectify you, you are reduced to something much smaller and limited to your appearance.” Emily Ratajkowski

In 2021, you published a best-selling book, My Body. Was writing it cathartic for you?

Yes, absolutely. It simply started with the desire to write for myself, without the intention of making it into a book. I’ve always loved reading and writing, but I hadn’t written in a long time. So I began putting thoughts on paper as a way to sort out my memories, to figure out what I believe and how I see the world based on what I’ve lived. And suddenly, I thought, “Wait, this could be a book!” So yes, it was very cathartic.

There are many inspiring lines in your book. One that stands out is: “You thought you were a mind, but you’re a body.”
It comes from my experience as a woman and a “feminine-presenting” person. When you’re in your body and focused on your inner life, your memories, your aspirations, you perceive yourself as this complex being with so much to offer the world. When all of sudden people objectify you, all that complexity is erased. You’re reduced to something much smaller, limited to how you appearance. I think that’s something all women and feminine-presenting people have experienced. And if your livelihood is tied to your appearance and sexuality, it is even more significant.

“I don’t think you can call yourself a writer until you’ve written your second book.” Emily Ratajkowski

Are you working on a new book at the moment?

Lately, I haven’t had the time. There was just too much going on… My son was still a baby and I was recording my podcast several times a week. But I’m moving out of that phase now. My son has started school, so I have a little bit more time for myself. Personally, when I write, I need to spend 80% of the time just sitting there, waiting for something to happen. I can’t do it in stolen hours here and there. I’m honestly a little jealous of people who can. I hope to start writing again soon because I really miss it. And like I told one of my friends, I don’t think you can call yourself a writer until you’ve written your second book.

Has motherhood changed a lot in your life?
Oh my God, yes! It has changed so many things, more than I expected… It’s something very personal to me, but I wonder if others will relate… My son has really led me to prioritize joy and happiness, because he’s growing so fast. I can see those changes happening day by day and I want to make the most of this experience. I feel a sense of urgency to enjoy every single moment I get to spend with him. That’s just beautiful, because you can apply it to anything. My child has taught me how to find joy in everything I’m doing, because there’s no time to loose.

“To accept a role, I’d have to feel that my vision is valued and that there’s genuine, mutual respect.” Emily Ratajkowski

In April 2023, you called out sexism in Hollywood and said you would stop working in this industry. Could you ever imagine starring in a film again?

Yes, I can picture myself acting again, but as far as I’m concerned it’s all about knowing who you’re working with. I love the idea of collaboration, but unfortunately, films aren’t always collaborative. Traditionally, it’s about embodying the director’s vision. In my experience, I’ve never worked on a film directed by a woman actually. To accept a role, I’d have to feel that my perspective is valued, that there’s real, mutual respect. And I’d need to feel like I’m contributing to a broader vision, rather than just showing up one morning to be part of someone else’s project.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

To learn from others, while filtering out the nonsense. It’s really important to find that balance, even though it’s tough to maintain. It applies to fashion as much as to anything else. There are so many people sharing their opinion, but their rules don’t always apply to you. Of course, we all want to benefit from the experiences of others. But I also think that women need to learn to trust their intuition more and trust their gut.

“You have to learn from others while filtering out the nonsense.” Emily Ratajkowski

And what advice would you give to someone?

Don’t be so hard on yourself! Women and young women are generally incredibly hard on themselves, whether it’s physically, mentally or emotionally-speaking. I, for one, have been. I think that’s a shame, because time goes by so quickly, and honestly, you have to be able to enjoy your life.

You are the face of the Flowerbomb Tiger Lily fragrance by Viktor & Rolf. How does it reflect your values and vision of beauty?

I love the combination of strength and femininity that this fragrance embodies. It’s not a shy perfume. It’s floral and feminine in the traditional sense to some extent. Yet, it carries real strength. I appreciate that Viktor & Rolf really emphasizes that power. Flowerbomb Tiger Lily has slightly more tropical notes [compared to the original Flowerbomb, ed.]. When you wear it, it feels like summer. You instantly feel like you’re on to a beach, tanned and on vacation. It’s a very fresh scent.

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“Perhaps I will make a film.” Emily Ratajkowski

How do you define beauty?

I think beauty comes from within. There’s no single idea of what beauty is. People reflect a kind of radiance that comes from how they see themselves and how they see the world. So, there are a billion ways to perceive things. For me, that’s exactly what beauty is.

What are your dreams?

I just want to keep creating. I’m really interested in all kinds of creative projects, so I’d like to write another book. Perhaps I’ll also make a film. For me, it’s not really about the medium. I mean, I truly love writing and always have, but it’s more about the message than the format. And it’s just so exciting to think about all the possibilities that open up when you look at things that way.

Too Much, created by Lena Dunham, available now on Netflix.