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Out of Cabaret and into her Calvins, Cara Delevingne is starring, alongside actor and singer Jeremy Pope, in Calvin Klein’s 2024 “This Is Love” Pride campaign. The model and actress, who ends her run in the West End revival of Cabaret on June 1, teamed up with the brand for a photoshoot and video, which features Delevingne and Pope lip-synching to “100% Pure Love” by Crystal Waters. The video also includes Stella Maxwell, Greta Hofer, Tinglei Liu, Monet Lauren, Charlie Knepper, and others.
“Pride, to me, is a constant and consistent effort to celebrate freedom and loving one another, it’s not just a month of the year,” Delevingne tells ELLE exclusively. “Now, more than ever, we need to fight for each other’s right to not just survive, but to thrive.”
The collection takes the Calvin Klein classic staples and adds a rainbow twist to them, embracing the month’s celebratory color scheme. It also features two limited edition T-shirts in partnership with the Transgender Law Center and ILGA World.
“I’ve always been a huge fan of Calvin Klein. It’s been my go-to underwear forever,” Delevingne says. “Calvin Klein has definitely been a bucket-list brand for me; I just love their iconic campaigns and timeless staple pieces.”
Below, Delevingne talks about performing in Cabaret, what allyship looks like, and why celebrating Pride is more important than ever.
What was it like on set shooting this campaign?
Everything I wore on set made me feel really confident. Also, getting to dance on a giant bed and lip-sync along to Crystal Waters’ iconic anthem “100% Pure Love” was such a fun experience. I hope people are able to look at the campaign and feel the sense of fun, freedom, and celebration that we all felt making it.
At this moment, when gay, queer, and trans rights are under attack around the globe, why is Pride more important than ever?
I’m incredibly proud to be a part of this campaign and be a representative for my community in this very large display. In this current climate, it’s really important for people in this community, as well as allies, to speak up, be vocal and be proud.
What does allyship look like in 2024? How can straight allies support their queer friends?
Allies are so important to help queer people get the rights they deserve. I think it’s about showing up, having tough conversations, asking questions, and staying curious.
What’s been your favorite ad from Calvin Klein over the years?
I am not sure when I saw it, but the first memory I have is seeing the iconic campaign with Kate Moss and Mark Wahlberg. It came out the year I was born, but it is still one of my favorite campaigns.
Do you have a favorite piece from the “This Is Love” Pride collection, and why do you love it?
It’s too hard to pick just one—I love how versatile all the pieces are. It’s getting hot in London now, so whether it’s the boxers and a loose T-shirt or lounging around in the fitted cotton underwear all day, I am very happy.
You’re currently starring in Cabaret on the West End until June 1. How has that been?
Making my stage debut as Sally Bowles in Cabaret has been a dream come true. I am incredibly proud of what I have been able to accomplish in this production. It’s been an infinitely rewarding experience every night with such an extremely talented company and crew.
Performing in a musical is a new adventure for you. Were you nervous about stepping onto the stage? How do you handle stage fright, and how did you prepare for this role?
Of course I was nervous! It’s part of the fun of being in the theater—the butterflies you get right before you go onto the stage. I have damaged vocal chords, so I spent a lot of time vocally preparing for the role. I have built a steady routine of rituals that help me stay ready and able to give my best performance every night.
