The 1990s: Scarlett Johansson
The day before we met the woman we chose to be our ode to the nineties, she was rallying the troops at the Democratic National Convention in support of President Obama. Johansson was advocating the power of the individual, rather than any particular issue: “I’m not going to tell you who to vote for,” she said. “I’m here to ask you to commit to vote.” Through her films, from Lost in Translation to The Avengers, Johansson has consistently evoked a mix of sexuality, restlessness, and strength. In Hitchcock (due out early next year), the behind-the-scenes story of the making of 1960’s Psycho, Johansson portrays Janet Leigh. In the Hitchcock classic, Leigh’s character is punished for her dream of freedom—she’s stabbed to death in the infamous shower scene. It’s impossible to imagine Johansson as that kind of victim. She would stab right back.
Who is your favorite person from the Nineties? Chris Farley. I thought he was hilarious. Growing up, I used to watch Saturday Night Live just to see him. He threw his whole body into the parts he played: He’d become red and sweaty and frantic. When he died, it was really significant for me.
What movie from that decade means the most to you? Jurassic Park was a mind-blowing experience. I wasn’t really afraid of the dinosaurs—I was more afraid of something like a clown coming to eat your brain or Chucky, a little doll that was going to take a knife to your eyeballs. But I actually believed Jurassic Park. I remember saying, “This is going to happen, you guys.”
What fashion trend from the Nineties do you hate? Turtlenecks—they’re horrible. I tried to get into them because they are so practical, but they’re just so unfortunate.
Men seem to like them more than women. Men don’t like turtlenecks. I’ve never met a man who likes anything around his neck other than my hands.
Photos: Time is on Their Side
Chanel braided tweed jacket. Fabergé 18k white gold, ruby, and diamond earrings; Chanel Fine Jewelry 18k white gold, pearl, and diamond ring.
Beauty note: Knightley’s enviably supple skin can be had with Chanel Hydra Beauty Sérum.
Dolce & Gabbana silk lace dress and silk and lace bodysuit. Repossi 18k black gold earring; International Silver nose clip; David Yurman sterling silver and diamond band rings, VBH 18k oxidized white gold and diamond ring, David Yurman sterling silver and diamond ring, Bottega Veneta 18k black gold and diamond ring, VBH 18k white gold and diamond ring, De Beers 18k black gold and diamond ring, VBH 18k oxidized white gold and diamond ring (on right hand, from top); De Beers 18k black gold and diamond rings, David Yurman sterling silver and diamond ring, VBH 18k oxidized white gold and diamond ring, David Yurman sterling silver, hematite, topaz, and pavé diamond ring, VBH 18k oxidized white gold and diamond ring, David Yurman sterling silver and diamond ring, David Yurman 18k white gold and pavé diamond ring (on left hand, from top).
Beauty note: Keep a hairstyle from falling flat with Tigi Hair Reborn Flexible Finishing Hairspray.
Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquière wool jacquard bustier. Solange Azagury-Partridge 18k blackened white gold, sapphire, and diamond earrings.
Beauty note: An intense color process can leave hair begging for TLC. Wella Professional Brilliance Treatment delivers serious aid.
Prada silk and wool coat and dress, and embellished cotton poplin shirt. Albertus Swanepoel hat.
Beauty note: Chantecaille HD Perfecting Powder illuminates skin in a soft, natural way.
Hair by Luigi Murenu for Kérastase Paris; makeup by Val Garland at Streeters; manicures by Bernadette Thompson. Set design by Jack Flanagan. Production by North6. Photography assistants: Dominick Sheldon, Nico Kern, Jim Alexandrou, Ashley Renolds, Justin Farkas, Pavel Woznicki. Fashion assistants: Felicia Garcia-Rivera, Dena Giannini.
Hair by Luigi Murenu for Kérastase Paris; makeup by Val Garland at Streeters; manicures by Bernadette Thompson. Set design by Jack Flanagan. Production by North6. Photography assistants: Dominick Sheldon, Nico Kern, Jim Alexandrou, Ashley Renolds, Justin Farkas, Pavel Woznicki. Fashion assistants: Felicia Garcia-Rivera, Dena Giannini.
