Swarvoski-crystal jacket and diamond-and-sapphire necklace, by special order, Armani Privé.

PENELOPE CRUZ for BAZAAR

Photographs by Terry Richardson

Penélope puts the va-va-voom in Versace. Her red carpet dressing priority? “To be able to breathe!” Leather dress, Atelier Versace.



In a Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci gown and sandals. Harry Winston studs and ring

Penélope has a penchant for burgers and fries. That is actually what she eat during the shoot!

Ask Penelope how her family and friends would describe her and she replies: “Stubborn. Even my mother would say that as the first word!”

She would describe herself as “persistent. It is my best friend and my worst enemy. And I don’t just mean fighting for something related to work; it could be anything. I have a strong personality, and I say what I think. I think I’ve been better about being a little more flexible.” Tell her she’s a no-bullshit girl and she grins broadly. “That is the best compliment you can give me!”

That’s true!!!!!!!!!! I worked a few times with Penelope and I have seen her upset about work related issues. And she is as she describes above: strong and and very direct. You never hear in your back what she has to say. She gives it to you straight into your face, and that is what I like about her. And afterward she is cool…. I like that! She is real.