Irish star Saoirse Ronan believes femininity has evolved and that women are beginning to unleash themselves from boundaries that have held back previous generations.
The Lady Bird and Brooklyn star made the comments during discussion with Kenyan-Mexican actress, and 12 Years A Slave star, Lupita Nyong’o.
The pair discussed the women both famous and closer to home that have inspired them as part of a feature for Marie Claire magazine.
They also spoke about what femininity meant in the modern era, compared to the days of stars such as Katherine Hepburn, Eartha Kitt and Nina Simone.
Ronan said: “In the past, there was a lot of pressure for women to have a certain type of femininity, and now they’re sort of unleashing themselves, and that’s quite empowering.”
On the subject of inspirational women, Ronan said that Simone and Sissy Spacek were big influences on her when she was growing up – and she also had a close bond with her mother.
She said: “My mum influenced me in a way no one else ever will. We’re best friends and partners in crime.”
Nyong’o added: “We have more freedom than Eartha Kitt or Katharine Hepburn or even Nina Simone. What they did really paved the way for the kind of femininity we’re able to enjoy today.”
Ronan and Nyong’o are currently promoting their new campaign for the Calvin Klein Women fragrance.
Take a look at their promotional video below.
Written by Michael Kehoe @michaelcalling