28 InSTYLE NOVEMBER 2019
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @instyle and follow me @laurabrown99
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @instylemagazine and follow me @laurabrown99What does “best dressed” mean these days, anyway? We have a lot more on our
minds than a good outfit. Of course, what we’re wearing can make us feel better and
armed for the world. (Few things are more inherently optimistic than a new pair of
shoes.) What I wanted to focus on for this issue is women who transcend clothes, who
bring something extra to the table: joy, brains, vision.
Let’s start with the joy. I’d usually run into Elle Fanning at events—both of us gussied
up, the cameras on her every move. But what she has always radiated, and the reason
she’s on this cover, is not only an innate style but also an unselfcon-
scious enthusiasm that makes her a rare bird. Only Elle could turn up on
the red carpet at Cannes in an homage to Dior’s New Look and make
it look, well, truly new. I love her. And she’s still only 21. (Heavy sigh.)
Brains. Rachel Maddow is one of the most intelligent—and decent—
voices in American journalism. The way she parses the day’s events,
with acuity, empathy, and a dash of dorkiness, has made her a
must-watch in this contentious political cycle. I came back to the
office after interviewing Rachel completely invigorated, and I hope
you feel the same after reading our interview. Given her line of work,
she’s one of the least cynical people I’ve met.
Vision. I met Erykah Badu (I’ve been a longtime groupie) in an
elevator in Los Angeles. She said she liked my T-shirt, and just like
that, we exchanged numbers. Erykah is a force, vibrating on her own
unique frequency. I asked her to be in this issue, she said yes, and it
was on. She brought 13 bags to our set from her home in Dallas and
worked on the looks, the poses, and a special video for InStyle until
3 a.m. I’ve rarely seen a team more excited to just be in her orbit.
To be able to celebrate distinct women is why I do this job. For this
issue, we also shot Caitriona Balfe, with whom we fell in love after she
wore a mad Moschino dress to the Golden Globes, and talked to the
one and only Julie
Andrews about her
history in costumes.
What are clothes
without stories,
anyway? Maddow
would agree: She
has 20 identical
black jackets.
Enjoy the issue.Hello!From top:
Laura Brown
on Rachel
Maddow’s
lap; a casual
Elle Fanning
at the mall;
Brown on
set with
photogra-
pher Ruth
Ossai; Erykah
Badu, just
Badu-ing it.