On preparing for her role by reviewing old footage of the Kennedys, with the help of her husband, Tom Cruise: “[Tom] watched everything with me; he found it fascinating.”
On working hard to perfect her role as the former first lady: “I worked as hard as I could, because I loved her. On set there was this feeling that we had to create something very special, because these people were very special.”
On playing such a complex role: “[The Kennedys] were like movie stars. There was such a professionalism to their public image.”
On admiring Jackie Kennedy’s strength: “I didn’t realize that she had lost a child in August and then [Jack] was assassinated in November. I couldn’t believe it. She had so much strength….I loved her love of family, how important it was for her to be a good mother.”
On the design process: “I have such an appreciation for the fine details and the amount of work it takes. I really appreciate clothing and designers so much more. It’s made shopping even better.”
On Suri’s shopping style: “The other day we came out of a store, and she said, ‘I want to go there,’ pointing at another store quite a distance away. In that store was the dress that she wanted. I said, ‘Wow, Suri. You’re something. You picked that out from a football field away.'”
On getting fashion advice from Suri: “She’ll really tell me [what she thinks]. Like today I’m wearing brown suede pants, and she said, ‘I don’t like your pants.’ But then she’ll say, ‘You’ve got to wear these shoes.’ Or ‘That’s so pretty, Mom. Wear that.’ She’s got a great eye.”
On decorating: “I like to create a nice table. I love roses and orchids and French tulips and berries, and then a lot of things that are just pretty and I have no idea what their names are.”
On not letting the attention from the paparazzi get to her: “I don’t worry so much. It is what it is, and it’s fine. I’ll go somewhere because I need to get something done.”
To see more of Katie Holmes in ELLE magazine, visit elle.com!
PHOTOS | ELLE