Keira Knightley on confidence, criticism and love: Life Lessons | Bazaar UK

"You do get more confident as you get older," Keira Knightley tells us. "I don't know why that is. I guess you've experienced more? You've gone through the highs and lows already. You just have a better sense of yourself."
We're sat amidst the glorious surroundings of Wilderness Reserve in Suffolk, where Knightley - clad elegantly in Chanel and Chanel Beauty - has just been photographed for our July issue cover shoot.
Her latest role is as the face of Chanel’s Coco Mademoiselle fragrance, and the launch of the limited-edition Collection Eté. She's been an ambassador for the French fashion house since 2007, when she was starring in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise.
So, given how undeniably successful her career has been, what does success mean to her?
"Success is a funny one," she says. "Because I think you can be incredibly successful and not feel incredibly successful. I think success is different for everybody. You can't use other people as your benchmark - I think you have to find what feels right for you."
Watch our exclusive video above in which Knightley shares what she's learnt about love, friendship and beauty - as well as the life-changing piece of advice her mother gave her.
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[@cristinaxo]

What i love most about Keira is the fact that I don't think she ever tried to "fit in" she just did her thing and stayed out of the Hollywood scene and I'm so glad it worked out for her, she seems grounded and incredibly intelligent.

[@eastmeetswest3330]

So much this.

[@kevinmurray4882]

I wasn’t expecting to like this. The idea of “life lessons” from a celebrity doesn’t often appeal. But this was great. KK is smart and charming. She seems humble, in an honest and truly sincere way.

[@finalva7886]

I feel the same way. I think this is my first time to 'listen' attentively to celebritys' outlook in life.

[@MiakoKoneo]

Dont we all have wisdom and insight no matter our status in life?

[@angelikabatwoman]

@@MiakoKoneo i agree! dont understand what the other two are talking about. as if celebrities dont have valid life experiences they can share.

[@arieseni4107]

for a moment I read KK as Kim Kardashian....damn

[@HawaiiYou88]

Sometimes ppl forget that celebs are humans too so they also have their own life experiences that can be insightful sometimes.

[@SaranghaeOppa]

I usually don't find these celebs life lessons genuine or touching, but this truly was inspiring. Her personality and smiles are so radiating and pure. Seriously a lovely woman, and an outstanding actress! She has some great quotes in this one. Keira Knightley is a gem. Been a fan since Pirates of the Caribbean and here I am.

[@henryesj6242]

Most gorgeous woman ever, also one of the greatest actresses

[@user-jn5np3jh9e]

Anne Hathaway ❤️

[@lalaland4508]

@@user-jn5np3jh9e ew no

[@henryesj6242]

@@lalaland4508 everyone has the right to their opinion but I agree with you

[@LadyCypher54]

Legitimate question - does she not play the same character in every movie, just with different dress?

[@henryesj6242]

@@LadyCypher54 if you think she does then that’s fine but I think she’s top talent in acting and she’s underrated. Plus she barely talks about politics literally only women’s rights which I’m in support of.

[@under88Me]

She deserves some credit these days because she didn't have any (clearly evident) plastic surgery nor botox / filling treatment so she looks true to her age and herself and I like that.

[@kendallstark4302]

I was going to say that she's gotten so much better looking since the early 2000s. Her face has filled out nicely, and her confidence certainly comes through.

[@alexia8434]

For sure. But ur basically saying that she looks like she’s aged but ur making a compliment out of it by talking about plastic surgery..

[@odessa1232]

is it a bad thing to age?

[@oh6777]

@@kendallstark4302 her face definitely did not fill out.

[@oh6777]

@@odessa1232 No, but no one wants to look their age. Aging is natural and obviously there is a natural progression that happens within the body that shows on the outside but we have the ability to fight off some of the look of "aged skin". A lot of people just so happen to refuse to properly treat and take care of their skin.

[@kellyr3179]

Love her for being authentic.

[@chelseacompshd6519]

Authentic? She got a nose job

[@beyz8309]

@@chelseacompshd6519 this is not the point...

[@georgabeattie4714]

@@chelseacompshd6519 she did definitely not get a nose job, it’s looked exactly the same since she was 17 in 2003

[@musicig6238]

@@georgabeattie4714 even if it did it doesn't change the way she speaks about life

[@musicig6238]

@@chelseacompshd6519 you really missed the point hey.

[@shraddhashukla7360]

I can't get over the fact that she's so gorgeous and immensely talented yet so humble and grounded. She has been a true role model for me.🥺

[@HallwiedasEcho]

"You can be incredibly successful but not feel successful" So true.

[@VTang]

Love that she showcases in natural beauty. So refreshing to see in this day and age of fillers. Not that there's anything "wrong" with fillers, but we forget what we look like naturally, and natural is the best in my opinion!

[@kiradomochi4961]

She looks the same to me. Doesn't look like she aged much at all

[@samanthasea7]

It's interesting how trends change.. 15 years ago she was criticized as looking unnatural and too skinny. Now we look at her as natural. I'm happy to see the perception of her change

[@aamnahere6250]

She is able to showcase her natural beauty because thankfully she's genetically gifted. The same people appreciating her natural beauty would find her not that pretty if we would have seen a single wrinkle on her face. Let's be honest. Our idea of natural beauty is extremely shallow which is what pushes actresses to opt for procedures along with work demands.

[@emmaphilo4049]

She still has her beauty secrets but sure, compared to Kim K she is 'natural'

[@poppy8702]

@@emmaphilo4049 why is comparing women's appearances still a big thing in 2021? it doesn't matter

[@dw309]

She’s captivating. A classic actress that hasn’t succumbed to America’s Hollywood.

[@earthmamma85]

She just seems like such an amazing person to be around. She’s got an energy that I would love to experience.

[@jamespittman7260]

I like Keira Knightley she is a great actress.

[@starmusic326]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gYW6XpWOd7GJaKc

[@mondaynightballroom20]

Shout out to the brilliant Lisa Eldridge, who did the makeup on this shoot and has one of the best KZbin channels bar none.

[@NiNa-vs6hb]

Absolutely, been a fan since 2014

[@geekygirl01]

I hope one Lisa will have her sit for one of her videos and do Keira’s make up. The looks she does on her are my fav

[@tessakrueger8302]

Couldn't agree more! Both seem like such class acts too.

[@oliveranderson7264]

Lisa’s talent is unreal

[@vesper9547]

That woman is beautiful inside out.

[@NiNa-vs6hb]

I love how most of the comments are so kind and beautiful on Kiera

[@irissupercoolsy]

i'm so obsessed with her: her acting, her personality & her eternal beauty

[@mousenomiatadpole6437]

She and Kate Winslet basically taught me the same thing: "This is me - like it or lump it." (That's an actual Kate Winslet quote, but Keira Knightley totally paraphrases it in this.)

[@luizagustavovnasalome]

Keira is my absolute favourite actor. She's genuinely down to earth, authentic, and incredibly smart. Whenever I watch her interviews, I'm always in awe with the beautiful fusion of profoundness and whimsy of her thought process. Like, I feel there's always something "quotable" with things she say. One of the most memorable quotes that I've heard from her was when she confessed that she could sacrifice the "fame" and "publicity" that being an actor entails. What she is truly passionate about is the "acting" itself, and not the prestige and lustre it brings. She is a master of her craft. Also, she's a timeless beauty. Ugh, I love this woman so much.

[@yasmine778]

She is one of the actresses that really made me feel good about myself , about my look, because I was so insecure because I'm too thin, too flat in the eyes of so many but she did make me feel so much better since a long time now and today I feel so much better about myself. Thank you !

[@cherry-tr4wy]

she is truly kind and beautiful.

[@PrettyMistakes]

3:45 - That actually reminds me of one of her lines from the movie The Duchess (in which she is amazing, by the way!): "One is either free or one is not. The concept of freedom is an absolute."

[@Sun.Shine-]

She is an example of "doesn't belong to now", maybe all her memorable film characters are living in books and paintings 😍

[@michellemoonah4970]

'Just be yourself.' Wish someone told me when I was a teenager many years ago. It is so exciting that girls/women are becoming more confident nowadays.

[@RBlur]

She looks stunning, the wardrobe is amazing and her hair accessories are gorgeous. I loved her answers, loved her joyful and seriously mature perspective. This was truly special, thank you Harper's Bazar

[@yeonie5026]

This is what “real” looks like. Love her so much 🥺✨

[@anastasiailina2116]

she has been my idol for so many years , cause she is kinda not afraid being herself , just who she is , and her imperfections seems so beautifully perfect for me and it really encourages not being shy of my own body and smile as much as i can , and wear what im comfortable in and again not being shy to stand out from the majority and be true to myself

[@arcenal_studios]

Keira Knightly would play a great older sister to Daisy Ridley in a movie some day.

[@Iliah97]

They are both aries energy

[@acl6580]

They always remind me of each other...theres a resemblance. Even in the way they speak

[@Luna-35]

@@acl6580 That’s probably why Daisy Ridley was chosen for Star Wars in the first place, because she looks very similar to Keira Knightley and Natalie Portman both of which were too in the old Star Wars movies as Leia and her clon.

[@angelicagonzales18]

I have a huge crush on her since the Caribbean days. Her elegance and simplicity never fades and I appreciate her outlook in life. Still, I adore her.

[@mlenorman3020]

I had a dearest friend that I lost years ago. She reminded me of Keira Knightly, and she was truly amazing in so many ways... may you live on dearest long lost friend forever. K... found serenity & peace thru the outdoors and nature. She loved to bike, hike & run. She was currently working toward a 100 mi. bike trip. She was definitely adventurous & a motivator. She made a vocation of volunteering for animals, healing, and adopting. She loved all God's creatures & was devoted to her friends & family. With her energy & vitality, she inspired those around her. She believed in others when no one else did. We all felt we did not have enough time with her. And the times we did have were blessings irreplaceable.

[@marinebarriere742]

Love her as an actress, love her as a person, age beautifully. Give me such confidence to accept that time is passing, that we change and that's normal.

[@bretthyler7680]

God she is a breathe of fresh air idk if there is anyone like her i literally just watched seeking a friend at the end of the world and my god she was eccentric and honestly wish i could find someone like her

[@shahwarafroz8545]

Her smile is literally one of the best thing i ever saw.❤️

[@cecilia3415]

I love her authenticity and confidence so much. After seeing so many American celebrities trying to fit into certain molds of image, it's very very endearing to see her embracing her imperfections like this!

[@asra8161]

I love her she’s so down to earth, natural and sweet!

[@bluezebra007]

You’ve always been a remarkable person. I met you years ago at Terminal 4 Heathrow at the height of your fame from ‘Bend It Like Beckham’ where you were down to earth, friendly and approachable. Lovely to see that this nature continues. Love the ‘Cancel and Continue’ mantra.

[@danielzapata9600]

Keira is one of the best humans ever, and a phenomenal actress.

[@Red_Rebel]

She’s still got some Elizabeth in her! I love her smile 😊

[@Maria-sx6fd]

Had the pleasure of meeting her and talk to her! She is as natural as she is showing! A lovely person indeed 💕

[@barbarablue2571]

Her style is my favorite one. Really Keira has that inner bright that is projected outside, but sometimes she speaks in so ideal way, in how happy she´s aging that surprise me. All seems so perfect in actors life, that´s the problem, so incredible.

[@oonaghmaryreidy]

Such respect and awe for KK ..no filler or botox, natural, beauty, no BS = The Real Deal

[@blancacarmichael1586]

Life and love is a merry-go-round for sure. Love her strength, kindness and so genuine. One of my top actresses, always. Pride and prejudice my favorite. Best to her and her world.

[@sherrysynthesis]

Imperfections are beautiful! And inner beauty is the most stunning because it radiates from within no matter what you look like.

[@20human00]

I luv this Bazaar UK's life lesson series. I see that the magazine is changing - types of question you are asking women, the way you portray female actresses, the way how this has been edited to empower female wisdom. Keira is so on point and articulate!!!

[@JoannAmalaa]

Why did this make me cry ? She's given such amazing advice

[@elizabethsaporito7566]

The most stunning creature to ever grace this planet... what a soul.

[@Hotchochero]

I could listen to her all day she is lovely. A natural beauty and wise soul.

[@maureencandelario7309]

Love all the learnings she had shared on every interview there's always sense and lesson on it. Great actress and an inspiration. Keira is indeed example of confident and successful women.

[@taylorsmith6830]

I could listen to her all day. Such a calm friendly voice

[@neasaraspberry]

I love her teeth. Nice that's she's never done anything to them.

[@dayanamh]

Why would she? They are perfect

[@xeliss2302]

Lowkey backhanded

[@giuliab8484]

@@xeliss2302 I don’t think so tbh, so many people change their teeth because of others

[@NT-bz5nh]

Yeah so many celebs have veneers so it’s nice to see natural and healthy teeth.

[@mmc1086]

@@dayanamh sounds like you’re getting offended unnecessary and being indignant at op who was paying a compliment. Kiera’s teeth are (like mine) not perfect and they are nice.

[@laurarobertson2825]

Keira is a beautiful soul, inside and outside.

[@veronicagl]

So are you 🌸❤️❤️❤️

[@juliebutler1338]

Love, love, love hearing and seeing Keira's beautiful spirit today and listening to the life lessons that have served her so well.

[@explorewithCK]

anyone that feels comfortable in their own skin without fearing peer judgement is beautiful

[@PBJ1989]

This was beautiful.. especially when she talked about it the different ways to love

[@karaf.2539]

Ive gone back to this interview a few times when im feeling down on myself. Her wisdom gives me the courage to move forward and the reassurance for peace now. ❤

[@sabrinalee1769]

1:46 powerful quote... “the things that are beautiful are always the imperfections aren’t they”

[@corazonmismo412]

I love her so much. She's my ultimate girl crush 😍 Always was always will be. Such a talented, beautiful, down to earth woman 😇

[@theekshanaasokan127]

She is gorgeous❤❤..love all her movies and looking forward to more

[@allyvorman2798]

She is a role model for me! Talented actress, beautiful, kind and conscious woman ❤️ This’s a good example to emulate 👏🏼

[@QUARTERMASTEREMI6]

Same, I absolutely love Keira! ❤️

[@21melpomene]

I love her work and what we, as fans, know of her. From Pirates to Misbehaviour, I've always taken a lot of strength from her portrayals, and it's so heartening to see that others have, too.

[@divelea]

I just love everything about her. She is one of a kind.

[@aldunlop4622]

She's right about finding people you feel comfortable with. I think the most attractive quality is quiet confidence. Not flashy, narcissistic over-confidence (which is sometimes a shield against insecurity), just quiet, gentle confidence. People who don't feel like they're trying too hard to be something they're not. There's something very honest about that. Learning to feel secure within yourself is definitely a lesson you learn through experience, a sense of self-wisdom.

[@petermulvahill210]

I truly do love Kiera knightly. She's so charming & dreamy,her husband is a lucky Man....😁❤

[@eastmeetswest3330]

She is so real… I truly appreciate this in her. She states things not in a grandeous way. When she says ‘it still hurts to get criticism’ how amazingly beautiful is that statement. She acknowledging her humanness. ❤ shes not above anything. So grounded

[@venusiank2495]

She's so smart, so talented, so beautiful and above all she's so humble. Just love her😍😍

[@toostrangeforhumans371]

She‘s absolutely enchanting. So beautiful on the in- and outside. Always was, always will be.

[@Cityheart221]

Beautiful, well grounded, talented and seems genuine. I love watching all her movies. Never disappointed. Surprised she isn't recognized by the film and magazine industry more. I buy almost any magazine with her in it (if it has good photos). I am a picture book person. I like her style. She has a nice voice. Would love to see her in another movie of any time period. She does well with just about any male actor. She elevates the movie.

[@zaasaa_art]

Aww, she is gorgeous, I'm gonna draw her portrait soon.

[@stuhanlon7096]

What a beautiful genuine person inside & out, she’s still very much grounded after all her success 🌹

[@HemeraAeon]

Most down to earth actress ever,5 years ago I wouldn't say that she is my favorite but now with all this so called stars, absolutely, thanks Harper Bazar 😊

[@zhraya_]

How could she be so gorgeous and have positive vibes like that😭😭 the whole interview could be a guide book for living🥺❤

[@danz356]

Too many wonderful words to say about Keira Knightly, love her on screen presence and allways lovely in interviews.

[@luiseaymar4624]

Her voice is so relaxing and calm, what a gorgeous human being 🤍

[@iamURHO]

Okay. I never thought I'd learn SO much. Thank God for her life including her hardships. ☺

[@nanakingkaur8296]

I was so gobsmacked when I first saw her on film. Bend it like Beckham. Since then I have come to find this women mostly participates in great art.

[@daniellap8939]

i hope she never gets filler or any plastic surgery. she is going to age sooo beautifully

[@Sdority905]

"cancel and continue" - holy crap, what a concept!

[@eliv.7062]

One of my favourite actors!! Keira Knightley is one of a kind. And what a face!!

[@returnoftheromans6726]

Definitely my favorite actress, always a joy to see her on the big screen. You go, girl!

[@kathe090291]

what a great interview! she is so inspiring! one of the few lasting rare beauty actress

[@SilentKnight43]

Keira is one of those people who smile with their eyes. Her entire face just lights up beautifully with radiance when she smiles. It's reflective of the beauty within.

[@Nessadita]

Thanks Bazaar UK for bringing her back, much needed!

[@shoshannatempest9100]

Dear Keira has been such an inspiration and comfort to me...even through her acting you are blessed by her genuiness and broad range of intensity. Oh, and her natural beauty eminating from deep within, as I would envision Queen Esther to be.

[@leanney3763]

A beautiful soul… one of my favourite actresses… continued to be blessed x

[@mariannam.a.r.s9238]

I love this woman so much 💖 She has been a role model for me ever since I was little ❤️❤️

[@KTBEverlasting]

2003 is one of my favorite years because I saw Pirates of the Caribbean and was introduced to this talented beauty.

[@karines1856]

Amazing and talented actress, a very wise person. Really like her down to earth attitude.

[@mh0mz]

I love her teeth! I love that they are imperfect in the day and age where everything in hollywood needs to be perfect.

[@raes-world]

How can anyone ‘dislike’ this video?! It is so wholesome and lovely 💙 this made my morning!

[@writingvampires]

Wow, Keira Knightley feels a bit glamorous. To me, she's completely and naturally glamorous at all times!

[@ashleighjaimaosborne3966]

Such an admirable young woman, 🇨🇦

[@oceania__]

Such an amazing person. I just love her. So authentic and just natural 🤎

[@adileneambriz9589]

My favorite actress ✨🥺 I love her! Beautiful inside and out❤️

[@madelynvanzant6810]

I have followed her career since Bend It Like Beckham

[@daria7076]

gosh i love those life lessons...thank you harpers for making videos like this, please more!!1

[@xw6475]

Absolutely stunning!! Inside and out. Thank you so much for sharing!!

[@maaikevanvelthoven4997]

she is such an amazing person! i love her!

[@gayefairbairn2979]

Thanks Kiera! You’re the best. So wise beyond your age. Very helpful advice.

[@suez1902]

Keira Knightley is a very balanced and sensible person. I admire that ALOT!

[@itsmegmira]

i love this so much. Keira is beautiful inside and out. thanks for the beautiful life lessons, Keira; thanks, Harper's Bazaar

[@ttchang9]

I love what she says about "freedom" and "relax with friends" and "love changes". She is authentic and full of insights! Love her video! "cancel and continue" it gonna be very helpful for me!

[@janetlynncobb5766]

She's lovely! She's someone you'd want as a life long friend! Someone who doesn't judge, & who would be there for you if you needed her to be! I especially found interesting her views on friendship, & if you lose a friend by whatever instance, you grieve for a bit, then move on. I've found as I've gotten older, that love does change. I fell in love with my husband, we fell in love with our kids, we've grown older together, & that love, even though still physical & passionate, is also caring & comfortable. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Ms. Knightleys' take on life, love & the pursuit of happiness! She's a joy!