Elsa Pataky is quietly becoming one of the most exciting fashion mainstays on Australian red carpets. The Spanish-born, Australia-based model and actress knows how to craft a look for that style magic.
At a recent gala to celebrate the NGV’s exhibit on renowned fashion designer Alexander McQueen — called Alexander McQueen: Mind, Mythos, Muse — Pataky sparkled in a white two-piece set from Australian designer Rebecca Valance.
At the gala, marie claire caught up with the David Jones ambassador to chat about her look for the night, her plans for the summer, and the product from her beauty range Purely Byron that husband Chris Hemsworth can’t get enough of…
![elsa pataky](https://www.marieclaire.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/media/107040/elsa-pataky-ngv-white-dress.jpg)
marie claire Australia: Thanks so much for speaking with us! First of all, what did you think of the exhibit?
Elsa Pataky: It was so beautiful. I was actually really surprised at how they organised the whole event, and the exhibition of Alexander McQueen was amazing. With that mix of art and fashion… I think it was one of the best events of the year.
MC: What do you think it is that made Alexander McQueen such an extraordinary designer?
EP: Oh, he was ahead of his time. I still remember the risks he took in the fashion world, just watching them considering as how different he was, and he did something absolutely new, and not what people were expecting. I had an amazing clutch with a skull and little black diamonds. I still have it — it’s one of my favourite pieces, I wear it death. He was so advanced, so creative.
MC: On the night of the gala, you were wearing a stunning Rebecca Vallance two piece. What is it that you love about her designs?
EP: They actually feel amazing. They go perfectly with my body. I think it was really elegant and classy, and a little touch of glamour — I thought it was perfect for the night. I think she’s an amazing designer. And her designs are very wearable.
![elsa pataky ngv](https://www.marieclaire.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/media/107041/elsa-pataky-ngv.jpg)
MC: We’re coming into summer and the Christmas period. What are your plans for the holiday period? And do you have any traditions?
EP: We’ll try to go skiing, just to give the kids [daughter India and twin boys Tristan and Sasha] that feeling of Christmas. We’ll go right after Christmas Day, it’s one of our favourite things to do if we can. But also enjoying the good weather here and the summer. A bit of both is great.
Skiing is a tradition for me — it’s hard to get used to having Christmas in summer and not being in the winter and the snow… I just wanted my kids, to have that feeling of a snowy Christmas. I think having a good combination is so perfect.
MC: You launched your beauty line, Purely Byron, this year. What’s your summer routine?
EP: One product I’ve been using a lot is the Purely Byron cleansing oil. It leaves your skin is very moisturised bit not oily. I’ve been loving it every night, just after a summer swim to cleanse my skin. I don’t go to bed without cleaning my face! It’s one of my routines I’ve been doing forever. Sometimes I’ll wear a serum, too. It just give you a little plump and glow.
MC: And do you have a beauty routine for the snow?
EP: At the snow, you really need to moisturise, so I’ll use the balm at night time as well. It’s Chris’s favourite, because he has really dry skin!
![elsa pataky chris hemsworth](https://www.marieclaire.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/media/107063/elsa-pataky-chris-hemsworth.jpg)
MC: Are there any books or shows you’re looking forward to catching over the break?
EP: I just started a book that a friend recommended to me, she said it was one of her favouites. It’s called Still Life, by Sarah Winman. That’s one I hope to read these holidays. And I just started watching The White Lotus.
MC: It’s SO good. Did you see the season 2 finale?
EP: No, we just started! It’s a good one to have for the holidays, we just started the first season yesterday!