Confident at 27
Most women in their midtwenties are landing their first great job and dreaming of living without roommates, but Rachel Bilson's a little ahead of the game. She's already starred in a successful TV series, The O.C., bought a home and launched a brand-new fashion line for DKNY Jeans, Edie Rose (everything's under $100). "Rachel is effortless, eclectic, edgy and has a sure sense of her style," says Donna Karan of why the actress got her approval. Raised in California's San Fernando Valley, Bilson was performing in high school plays when her father, a director and screenwriter, encouraged her to seriously pursue an acting career.
But even with those Hollywood It Girl creds, you'll find no pretension here—just a sunny, optimistic outlook on life. During our interview, Bilson stays mum about who she's dating, despite speculation that she is currently with her Jumper costar Hayden Christensen. Still, she's charming, direct and politically opinionated as she digs into—and polishes off—her French toast.
GLAMOUR: You're a young woman with a successful career at an age when a lot of your peers are starting out. You probably have a little money in the bank and a sense of direction about what's coming next. Why don't we see you bumbling around late at night like we do so many other people?
RACHEL BILSON: Honestly, I feel I have been through a lot. I have kind of a been-there-done-that mentality.
GLAMOUR: The bad-girl Hollywood misbehavior seems to be very closely tied to twentysomethings. What's your relationship with paparazzi? Because on the one hand, it fuels the fire of a career.
RACHEL BILSON: Right….
GLAMOUR: On the other, it could derail it.
RACHEL BILSON: The whole thing is very annoying. But it comes along with the territory, and you do your best to go about your life.
GLAMOUR: So you wouldn't say your relationship with the press is antagonistic.
RACHEL BILSON: No. I'm happy that they leave me alone, more or less. I mean, I'm not drunk and falling out of cars, either.
GLAMOUR: Right. You're not.
RACHEL BILSON: Last time I checked, I get out of cars gracefully!
GLAMOUR: So, how'd you get to design a clothing collection?
RACHEL BILSON: DKNY wanted to know if I had any interest in doing a clothing line or venturing into design.
GLAMOUR: And why was it important to create an inexpensive one?
RACHEL BILSON: People should be able to buy things that are cute that they can afford.
GLAMOUR: Let's talk about the presidential election. It's interesting, the way that young people seem captivated in a way they haven't been in a while.
RACHEL BILSON: Thank God! It's very exciting. I'm really happy that there's so much heat around this election, because there needs to be. Right now, we need a change. I campaigned for Kerry [four years ago], and I supported Hillary.
GLAMOUR: What was it about her? Did you feel drawn to her because she's a woman?
RACHEL BILSON: Well, I definitely like that idea. I mean, there's nothing more empowering than to know that I was alive to see [the possibility of] the first woman president. I think our country needs that femininity, you know? Still, I hope Obama wins.
GLAMOUR: And what's next for you? You seem to be between acting gigs right now. Does the world feel wide open?
RACHEL BILSON: Definitely. I'd love to do a musical. I'd love to do comedies…. I know what I want to do, but it's just not as detailed as I'd probably like it to be.
GLAMOUR: Do you think about a house full of kids when you think about the future?
RACHEL BILSON: I think about balance. I would love to continue to make movies. But most important, I want a family.
GLAMOUR: Well, I have a few dating questions, even though I can tell you're going to scrunch up your nose. Whose initial is that hanging around your neck, which you very cleverly tucked inside your dress?
RACHEL BILSON: Well, I'll let you make your own assumption.
GLAMOUR: It's an H.
RACHEL BILSON: It is an H. And I'm going to turn red!
