Ella Balinska's Interview

The Charlie's Angels actress and face of Kurt Geiger's Autumn 2019 campaign talks filming, fashion and how she defines "characterful style."

By Tessa Trudeau

It's been a big year for English actress Ella Balinska. On top of her leading role in the recent remake of Charlie's Angels (hitting theaters this November), she's also the face of Kurt Geiger's Characterful Style campaign. Drawing on the ethos that style is what you wear, but character is how you wear it, Balinska put her own spin on things with equal parts toughness and femininity, as seen on the brand's new Shoreditch bag, now at Nordstrom. It's "bringing out the you—your personality and your essence—in your style," says Balinska of what the campaign means to her.

The actress gives us a behind-the-scenes look at filming, details on her own characterful style and reveals the risk she took on one of fashion's biggest nights.

What was your favorite part of filming Charlie's Angels?
The stunt work and fight scenes were always great as I loved the physical side of Jane's character and I had an amazing bond with the stunt team and riggers. I also loved being on set with Naomi [Scott] and Kristen [Stewart]. We had fun and you can tell!

Tell us about your character. Is your style similar to hers?
Jane is ex-MI6, highly trained and all business—she gets the job done. She's always wearing something that has some sort of practical advantage to it, and that's definitely something that I incorporate into my style.

What's the biggest fashion risk you've ever taken?
I wore Timberlands to the Met Gala. I think the people who knew were like, "This is a very 'you' thing to do," and the people who didn't know who found out were like, "You've done it right. You're so comfortable!"

Whose style do you admire?
I really admire Jaden Smith's style. I think he's so great at just experimenting with different shapes and getting inspiration from different cultures and really putting it into his fashion.

What's your fashion weakness?
Shoes.

What's your favorite shoe style?
My go-to is a biker boot, to be honest—a combat biker boot. I love to be able to wear shoes that make me stand in my true self and feel strong wherever I go, and that's definitely what I get from a combat boot.

Pick one person to swap wardrobes with.
I'd swap wardrobes with my dad. Yeah. Because my dad, he's just got that style that's kind of like me, action-ready. He dresses like he's about to scale a mountain half the day, and he's going to the corner shop, which I think is really cool.

What is your daily uniform?
It changes, but I do love wearing black.

Do you have a style motto you live and dress by?
If it makes you feel good, wear it!

Small Shoreditch Crystal Embellished Leather Crossbody Bag
$195

Shoreditch Studded Leather Crossbody Bag
$295

Small Shoreditch Croc Embossed Patent Leather Clutch
$195

Shoreditch Crocodile Embossed Leather Crossbody Bag
$285

Kurt Geiger London