For Vogue's 2023 Winter cover issue, Marvel star Florence Pugh spoke with journalist Chloe Schama about her meteoric rise; the glare of public attention; her slate of recent and upcoming projects; and the importance of family.
During the interview, while reflecting on her body and the self-acceptance she fights for under the scrutiny of the bright lights of Hollywood, Pugh's thoughts turned to the pink Valentino gown that inspired headlines around the globe.
When she wore the sheer dress in 2022, the Don't Worry Darling star posted a photo of the dress to Instagram saying:
"I knew when I wore that incredible Valentino dress that there was no way there wouldn't be a commentary on it. Whether it be negative or positive, we all knew what we were doing. I was excited to wear it, not a wink of me was nervous. I wasn't before, during or even now after."
Speaking on some of the more "vulgar" comments, she continued: "What’s been interesting to watch and witness is just how easy it is for men to totally destroy a woman’s body, publicly, proudly, for everyone to see".
"We are human, we are bodies," she told Vogue. "Yes, I can put makeup on and look good for a premiere. But at the end of the day, I still have hair on the top of my lip and I still smell after a workout and I still get spots when I’m stressed. I think that attitude definitely has trickled down from when I was a child."
"I’ve never been scared of what’s underneath the fabric," she continued. "If I’m happy in it, then I’m gonna wear it. Of course, I don’t want to offend people, but I think my point is: How can my nipples offend you that much?"
According to Schama, Pugh sees trolling as more of a motivation than a deterrent, insisting that the steely 26-year-old welcomes confrontation if the conversation is worthwhile.
"It’s very important that we do this. I know that some people might scoff at me saying that, but if a dress with my breasts peeking through is encouraging people to say, 'Well, if you were to get raped*, you would deserve it,’ it just shows me that there’s so much more work to do."
You can read the full Vogue interview with Florence Pugh here.
*If you have been affected by issues raised in this story, please visit: www.rte.ie/helplines.
