IN CONVERSATION WITH KELLY RUTHERFORD
interview by MARIA MOTA
We are thrilled to present Kelly Rutherford as one of the iconic cover stars for our latest print issue, 'Odyssey,' by Numéro Netherlands. Kelly’s timeless screen presence has left an indelible mark through her unforgettable roles as Lily van der Woodsen in Gossip Girl, in Melrose Place, Dynasty, Generations, and many more. Now embracing collaborations in fashion, design, and beyond, Kelly embodies the spirit of versatility and the art of keeping life beautifully dynamic. She captivates audiences with her elegance, sophistication, and a grounded energy that resonates both on and off the screen.
top ARMARIUM
skirt L’AGENCE
ring BOUCHERON
globes DOLCE & GABBANA
shoes CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN
Let’s begin with a foundational question: Who is Kelly Rutherford?
I’m still figuring that out.
Born in Kentucky and raised in California, Kelly moved to New York as a teenager to chase her dreams in acting and modeling. She began her career with Generations in 1989, but it was her role as Megan Lewis in Melrose Place that marked her rise in the industry. Many characters and stories later, the actress continues to act and model, being the face of collaborations with designers such as Vanessa Sposi while also creating her own design partnerships, including one with August Sandgren. Kelly embodies the spirit of versatility and the art of keeping life beautifully dynamic, always nurturing her creative spirit.
full Look DOLCE & GABBANA
shoes CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN
Having had a long and diverse career, how have the challenges you encountered along the way shaped your perspective on life and success? What advice would you offer based on those experiences?
Challenges have taught me the importance of continuing on and trusting the process. We are always being guided. It’s about letting go and trusting that you’ll reach your destination. So, embrace the adventure of it all, the "today" of it. Trust both the slow times and the low times, and use them to restore your energy and recalibrate for the busier seasons ahead.
Rutherford became an actress out of a desire to experience many different things. Reflecting on her journey through acting, fashion, design, and beyond, she sees it all as her creativity taking on different forms—a continuous thread where each pursuit complements the others. Believing we should move away from the idea of defining oneself, using labels, and trying to understand exactly where we fit, she argues that “the opposite is so much more powerful.” Closing on an idea worth remembering: We are limitless.
dress STELLA MCCARTNEY
shoes MAISON ERNEST
Speaking about reaching your destination and the journey of it... Numéro Netherlands new issue is titled "Odyssey," symbolizing a long and meaningful journey. Can you tell us a bit about your own personal creative odyssey?
I became an actress because I wanted this journey. I wanted an experience where I could constantly learn and grow through doing, ensuring that I would never feel bored. I was excited for the adventure of it, and it has been incredibly fulfilling. Along the way, I have met—and continue to meet—so many wonderful creative individuals, which is truly a blessing. This journey has truly expanded my world.
coat JACQUEMUS
shoes ROCHAS
Do you believe that the value of life lies in the destination or in the journey itself?
It’s the journey. The destination has already happened.
What draws Kelly to certain characters and stories is human connection—the love, the humor, and everything that surrounds it, especially in women who are both real and uplifting. One of her most impactful roles was as Lily van der Woodsen, our Gossip Girl “Mother.” Watching Kelly on our Instagram feeds and Lily on our TV screens, you can’t help but notice the striking resemblance that ties the two together.
When discussing how much input she had in shaping Lily’s look, Kelly expressed her admiration for Eric Damon as a generous and open force, able to collaborate in developing her character: “We did it together.” Kelly added, “I have always loved fashion; I find it one of the most important parts of the process of embodying a character.” This passion found its perfect expression in the opportunity to help shape her character’s wardrobe. In fact, some clothes and accessories seen on the series are from Kelly’s own personal wardrobe.
coat SACAI
shoes JIMMY CHOO
earrings Stylist’s own
When portraying Lily van der Woodsen, you were a new mother yourself. Now that your own children are around the age of Serena and Eric, what lessons have you carried from Lily into your own motherhood?
That we will make mistakes no matter how much we love our children. It’s important to listen and to say we are sorry. We must also be willing to adapt our patterns and behaviors. Our kids can help us evolve if we are open to listening and adjusting.
dress JEAN PAUL GAULTIER COUTURE BY NICOLAS DI FELICE
shoes AMINA MUADDI
earrings OLE LYNGAARD
Gossip Girl was ahead of its time, particularly in how it anticipated the power of social media. With today’s ever-present digital world, do you find the pressures of social media overwhelming, or do you have a different relationship with it? And what advice would you give to someone struggling with it?
Everything is about what you choose to focus on, and most things can be both positive and negative depending on how they are utilized. So, pick and choose wisely. You are being programmed all day, so choose what serves your highest good. Stay in the seat of discernment.
dress DSQUARED2
sunglasses THE ATTICO
TEAM CREDITS:
talent KELLY RUTHERFORD
photography MATTHIEU DELBREUVE
art direction WANDERLEY DA COSTA
styling ALIYAH SEMILLANO
makeup HAROLD JAMES
hair ANNE SOFIE BEGTRUP AT WISE & TALENTED USING ORIBE HAIRCARE
photography assistant KEVIN RAMOS
styling assistant BORIS TARDY
creative production L'ÈRE AGENCY
studio LE 21 STUDIO
editor TIMI LETONJA
interview MARIA MOTA
cover design ARTHUR ROELOFFZEN
