With Miss Dior Essence, the fragrance takes a bolder turn—one that Natalie Portman brings to life with effortless depth.
As the face of Miss Dior for over a decade, Natalie Portman has become inseparable from the modern identity of the fragrance—its femininity, its defiance, and its evolving spirit. In an exclusive interview, we had the chance to sit down with the Academy Award-winning actress to discuss the latest launch, Miss Dior Essence, and to reflect on how her personal journey has unfolded in tandem with the fragrance’s transformation.
The newest chapter in the Miss Dior story is led by perfume creation director Francis Kurkdjian, who reimagines the scent with a more concentrated and expressive character. Elderflower and blackberry lend a lush, fruity vibrancy, while jasmine sambac and rich oak wood bring depth and sensuality. For Portman, it’s a compelling balance. “The new Essence is really feminine, but also very strong and bold,” she says. “I love that combination—something romantic yet incredibly powerful.”
Having been the face of Miss Dior since 2010, Portman reflects on the quiet parallel between her own growth and that of the fragrance. “I’ve really become a woman over the course of working on this,” she says. “I’ve had children, experienced life, taken on leadership roles—I’ve grown and changed a lot. It’s been incredible to evolve alongside the fragrance.”
Her connection to the scent goes beyond its notes and campaigns. A visit to the rose fields in Grasse remains one of her most vivid memories tied to Miss Dior. “The wind literally smelled like roses. It was so powerful and unforgettable,” she recalls. “That moment is deeply tied to the perfume and to its couture nature—the roses are all handpicked by women and transformed into the fragrance. It really captures a beautiful moment in time.”
This relationship between craftsmanship, femininity, and freedom is central to the way Portman sees Miss Dior—particularly in how it expresses sensuality without compromising independence. “I think both are necessary for happiness,” she says. “You need to be connected to the world through your senses—to have a kind of romantic engagement with life—while also maintaining freedom and independence. Both are essential to experiencing real joy.”
When asked what gives the fragrance its staying power across generations, she points to the story behind it. “It embodies freedom, independence, beauty, and romance,” she says. “But I also think the story behind it adds depth. Christian Dior was inspired by his sister, Catherine Dior, who was such a brave and full-hearted woman. Her story makes the fragrance even more meaningful.”
That idea of resilience and vitality also connects to Portman’s latest film, Fountain of Youth, which explores the human desire to hold onto wonder and passion. “They’re related in the sense that both are about seeking connection and wonder in the world,” she says, drawing a link between the film and the new fragrance. “One way to tap into that is through our senses, and scent is such a powerful one—especially tied to youth and childhood.”
For Portman, keeping a youthful spirit is about mindset rather than age. “It means being excited about the world,” she explains. “As kids, everything feels new and magical. As we get older, we can lose that sense of wonder. Staying connected to that feeling—being in awe of the world and not becoming blasé—is one of life’s biggest challenges, but also its greatest joys.”
That energy is palpable in the campaign for Miss Dior Essence, which captures Portman in moments of unrestrained movement—dancing, running, immersed in her surroundings. Much of that was shaped by director Manu Cossu. “He’s spirited and has this childlike twinkle in his eye,” she says. “We filmed on rooftops in Paris, danced on tables in Spain, and ran into the ocean. He kept the entire shoot fun and alive.”
Of course, one of the most enduring lines from the Miss Dior universe remains: “And you, what would you do for love?” Portman sees it as an ever-evolving question. “It’s a playful question because I think most of us would say we’d do anything for love—except maybe sacrificing ourselves completely, because you want to be around to experience and enjoy the love too.”
Outside of acting, Portman continues to build space for women’s stories and leadership. Whether through her production company, MountainA, or her co-ownership of the women-led football club Angel City FC, she’s committed to reshaping the landscape. “I’ve been fortunate to work with and be inspired by amazing women,” she says. “Whether it’s through my production company, incredible directors, or the soccer team where leadership starts from the players themselves. Supporting and celebrating women, and building a mindset of ‘a win for one is a win for all,’ is unfortunately still necessary—but it’s so rewarding.”
MountainA also allows her to champion stories beyond her own. “There’s so much joy in creating together,” she reflects. “It’s one of the most beautiful things we can do as humans—cooperate to make meaningful art. It’s the opposite of the negative things people can do. There’s nothing more fulfilling than working with artists you love and admire.”
That collaborative spirit continues to shape her approach across all projects. “So much of our world today is isolating and screen-based,” she says. “What we’re missing is community—the village. Rebuilding that sense of togetherness, supporting each other, and forming extended family structures is incredibly important. It’s about friendship and simply being there for each other.”
With Miss Dior Essence, the house presents a richer, more grounded vision of femininity. And through Portman, that vision comes into focus: shaped by experience, anchored in strength, and open to change.
To learn more and to shop the new Miss Dior Essence, click here!
