On the Podcast: Elle Fanning on Dressing for Cannes and Ethan James Green on Vogue’s Barbie-Inspired Summer Cover

She’s a Barbie girl, in a Barbie world…a Vogue Barbie world, that is! Wednesday marked the big reveal of Margot Robbie’s fabulous, fuchsia fantasy of a cover for Vogue’s Summer issue, styled by Gabriella Karefa-Johnson and photographed by Ethan James Green. Chioma and I invited Green into the studio to tell us all about the behind-the-scenes shenanigans that went into creating this magical, Alice in Wonderland-esque Barbie world. From oversized props to make Robbie appear doll-sized, to couture gowns with a Barbie twist, this shoot had it all, and who better than the photo wizard himself to pull back the Oz curtain. Green also revealed a bit about the process of putting together other Vogue shoots, such as his first Vogue cover—Rihanna in 2019—and his most iconic political features, including his timeless portrait of Stacey Abrams and his portfolio highlighting what it’s like to grow up trans in Texas.

In another magical realm, the Cannes Croisette is in full swing, with the world’s largest red carpet showcasing some of the most exciting, glamorous ensembles of the year. One of our favorite looks from the week was Elle Fanning in a crystal-encrusted, fairytale-skirted Alexander McQueen frock. Fanning joined us by Zoom to tell us all about red carpet dressing, her favorite outfit ever, her biggest fashion regret (spoiler: bad bangs!), and the new season of The Great, in which she stars as Catherine…the Great. Fanning was exactly as delightful as you’d imagine her to be and regaled us with stories of playing The Devil Wears Prada with her sister, Dakota, when they were little (as the elder sister, Dakota always got to play Miranda); her favorite Subway sandwich (banana peppers are involved); how Catherine the Great was an early victim of slut-shaming; and her favorite vintage stores to trawl in L.A.