Emma Chamberlain Talks About Her Love for Jewelry and Fashion

PHOTOGRAPHY Alan Gelati

STYLING Jared Ellner

Emma Chamberlain’s road to success is decidedly 21st century. Her fashion career began in 2017, when she was just 16 years old. Explaining her beginnings, she says, “I was going through difficult times and I needed an artistic outlet. My father said to me, ‘Why don’t you create a YouTube channel? You always wanted to be a YouTuber. This is the moment.’” Chamberlain hesitated, but ended up taking the plunge. “Like a miracle, it worked and people liked it,” she adds. Her channel has attracted a loyal audience, who tune in for Chamberlain’s self-deprecating humour, inventive style choices, and cheekily edited videos, which are known for their abruptness, text on screen, and succession of shots. Now, seven years since she began, Chamberlain, at 23 years old, is a front row regular and correspondent at the Met Gala. The extent of her global influence is no less than that of the “supers”, like Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford and Linda Evangelista, in the 1990s. During Haute Couture Week at the end of June, Chamberlain put on the Chryseis necklace and ring, from Cartier’s new Nature Sauvage High Jewellery collection, and shared with L’OFFICIEL her fascination with fashion and jewellery.

Tell us about your favourite bag.

A black Prada, which is a reissue of a 1995 model. I take it everywhere. I bought it at an airport, if you can imagine. I had some time and I said to myself, “I’m going to look at what is in the store.” I never do that, and I found the perfect bag. It looks a bit like an attaché-case. It is chic, brilliant and comes with beautiful silver details.

What would we find in it?

My wallet, my keys. A Swiss Army Knife too. You never know when you’ll need a toothpick, mini-scissors or tweezers. I haven’t had it for a long time, but it’s so practical. Don’t make the mistake of taking it with you on the plane though, it’s prohibited. What else... I have my phone and a charger. Also, at least three lip products: pencils and a tinted moisturising balm. When I go out, I go for red lips in a warm rose, with a bit of brown and a bit of nude — almost like my natural colour. And, always, a disinfectant gel. Nothing too fun, I like to travel light.

Describe the wildest moment of your career so far.

Probably my first Met Gala (2021), when I was doing the red carpet interviews. I had never done anything like that and I hadn’t been taught how to do it. I didn’t have the slightest idea what I was doing. I just had another wild moment (in Paris in June). I was in a full Rick Owens look, with a tiny top. It was a bit risky, but I’m so glad I got to do it. It could very well have turned into a fashion disaster.

Tell us about your relationship with Cartier.

I have been working with Cartier for several years now. What I like most is getting to know the world of jewellery. Before collaborating with Cartier, I didn’t really know much about it. It’s a very different world from what I had imagined: the amount of artistic talent it takes to create these pieces, which are so complex and beautiful. I also became interested in watchmaking, because the timepieces are so meticulously developed. Every little cog is so spectacular. Cartier taught me to incorporate these incredible pieces into my looks. It was a learning experience for me.

What is your very first memory of Cartier?

It goes back to my first Met Gala. The next day, I was going shopping. I was in a vintage store and came across this magnificent Cartier watch. It was gold, delicate, round and just splendid. I said to myself, “This is the most perfect watch I have ever seen.” I had the idea of looking for something to celebrate this Met Gala as a reward, but I didn’t know yet what. I bought the watch, and it was a special purchase. I have worn it a lot and it’s one of my favourite pieces. It was intimate and unique, and this was before working with Cartier. We had not yet connected, but I fell in love even before getting to know the team and learning how jewellery is made.

How do you incorporate Cartier pieces into your daily looks?

It’s funny. I am known for my Love earrings and rings. I wear them every day. If I don’t have them on, people say, “Is she okay?” I have them in white gold and yellow gold. These are my classics. And if I don’t have them on, they are in my bag, to bounce back to the earlier question.

What do you find so great about Cartier?

They have spectacular pieces of incredible beauty, yet also magnificent and minimal jewellery for everyday, which you may see me wearing: simple watches, simple rings. Cartier welcomed me with open arms and taught me everything there is to know about jewellery, so I am so grateful to them for taking me on this journey. The times when I wear their special jewellery, I am transformed into another version of myself. I feel like I am playing a character because, you know, I’m a pretty casual girl. They are elegant, they are very chic.

HAIR Miguel Martin Perez / A-Frame Agency

MAKEUP Sophia Sinot / A-Frame Agency

SPECIAL THANKS TO The Peninsula Hotel Paris