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Chicago Style: Kelly Drury
Spokesperson/Model/Actress/Austin Power's Femme Bot
Sophisticated, classic, and compassionate describes Chicago's Renaissance woman, Kelly Jean (Cooper) Drury. Her amazing career has evolved from the au courant runways of Paris and Milan to fighting courageously for causes on Capitol Hill. Sure, she's beyond gorgeous, with her signature blonde locks, and her personal style that at times might transform her from sexy sleek to hippie chic. But what makes this model, actress, and spokesperson shine is her endless devotion to helping others in need.
Kelly has had an amazing career beginning as an international model. Her acting career then blossomed as she landed an impressive, notable recurring role on General Hospital, a gig that little girls' dreams are made of. She's even rubbed shoulders with Mike Myers as one of the infamous super-sexy femme bots for Austin Powers! Unfortunately, due to the devastations of Lupus, her career drastically changed. Today she's turned her clever, staggering beauty into a captivating voice that speaks for those who cannot speak for themselves.
She's definitely not the archetype when discussing city socialites, stunning looks and sensational couture style. Rather, Kelly is a thoughtful, generous giver with a heart bigger
than all the Galliano, Yves Saint Laurent, and Louis Vuitton in the world.
FACTIO MAGAZINE: Describe your signature style.
KELLY DRURY: There is not much of a signature
style. I have so many different looks. My
hair plays a big role in my style too. When I dress down, and my hair is naturally curly, I usually go hippie chic, but when I dress up I usually want sleeker hair, and in turn, wind up putting on a more polished outfit. I love to experiment.
FM: Define the style in Chicago. Where do you think Chicago style is headed?
KD: Chicago’s casual style can be a little boring. I do not feel the women here take many risks, but when it comes to black tie events, Chicago women have elegance and style that rival any other fashion capital of the world.
FM: What does global style mean to you?
KD: Global style is a style that incorporates flavor from all over the world. But as long as your own personal style can take you all over the world without making you stick out like a sore thumb (meaning, you don’t scream “American”) then you have global style.
FM: Give us an inside look at your career. (as a model, actress, spokesperson).
KD: I started young as most models do. What an incredible opportunity I have had to travel to Paris and Milan at such a young age. I learned things that you just can’t get in the classroom. I learned to build up a thick skin, and not to take rejection personally, which helped me a lot when I moved to LA to try acting. This was actually a return to acting. When I was very young my mom had me doing lots of print ads, plays, and commercials. I was just starting to build up a resume when I got diagnosed with lupus. My last job was a wonderful 8 episodes on General Hospital. I got to be in bed making out with one of the main characters day after day!! Oh what fun… When I became too sick to work, I left the business. Soon after, the Lupus Foundation of America approached me to be their national spokesperson (I am one of 3) and I jumped at the chance. Now I find myself on Capitol Hill speaking to congressmen, and testifying to the FDA on behalf of the LFA. It’s a whole new world, but life has so much more meaning to me now after what I have been through.
FM: What was the most exciting thing that you did as a model and actress?
KD: Living in Paris alone at the age of 18 was the most exciting thing I have ever done! I learned French quickly, and immersed myself in the culture. Another fun thing I did was the photo shoot for the Austin Powers movie posters. I was a Femme Bot and posed with some other girls around Mike Myers. The photos sprung up in all kinds of magazines, and on movie posters all over the country. That movie is a classic!
FM: Which woman (past or present) has impeccable style and why? What women in which city worldwide have the best style?
KD: Kate Moss ALWAYS looks fantastic in paparazzi photos, even when she is running errands. But, I will award Parisian women the gold medal for best style. They know how to use the perfect accent, like a scarf or hat to make any outfit look good, and it seems effortless to them
FM: You're so much more than just a gorgeous face. You've dedicated so much of yourself to helping others. Tell us about your involvement with charitable organizations, your philanthropy, and the Cooper Family Foundation? KD: Well, I have thrown myself into the Lupus Foundation of America full force. I am getting involved with advocacy, and serve on the board of directors for the Chicago chapter. I am chairing the Gala for 2006 and it will be at the Peninsula Hotel! It's going to be fantastic. The Cooper Family Foundation is my family's small private foundation that has supported several entities in the arts like the Chicago Symphony and the MCA, and now lupus, of course.
FM: What is your biggest fashion vice?
KD: Standard jeans and a t- shirt. I have a closet full of some very nice clothes, but always seem to leave the house in this.
FM: What are your favorite shops worldwide?
KD: My favorite shop in LA is Vionet. The clothes are so girly, sexy, and comfortable. The sales girls will help you put together an outfit that you could never have thought of yourself. Bergdorf Goodman in NY is tops.
FM: What are your favorite places to travel? And, what are you always on the hunt for to add to your wardrobe when at a new destination?
KD: My favorite place to travel to is anywhere I have not been yet! I like to hunt for one thing native to the area that will fit into my wardrobe, whether it be clothes, jewelry or an accessory.
FM: Do you think money and style go hand in hand or can style never be bought? Is it something you just have? KD: Absolutely have to have it. Money is not even a factor. Style is not walking into Versace or wherever, and putting on a dress to be stylish, it is a personal flair that allows you to put things together, no matter where they come from, like no other woman. A woman with great style can walk into a second hand store and put together a look that is magazine cover quality.
FM: What key fashion pieces do you always have in your wardrobe?
KD: Since I am a jeans and t-shirt kind of gal, I like to off set that with a fantastic handbag or a stunning piece of jewelry. I also love fedoras.
FM: What's a fashion no-no when attending special events, galas and more? Any tips for getting ready for an event?
KD: No panty hose with open toed shoes!!!! Dressing up should be fun, so allow enough time so you are not rushed.
FM: Do you have any style icons?
KD: No, I do not. I do not follow any one style, and I hate trends. My favorite designer though, is Missoni.
FM: What would people be most surprised to know about you?
KD: That I am madly in love and it takes every bit of my strength to keep me from shouting it everywhere I go! Also people are always shocked to find out I have lupus because I look so “well”.
FM: What are your own personal standards of beauty? And, what are your standards for style?
KD: Taking care of my face is the single most important thing to me. I have been on a beauty routine for the face since my mom taught me about it in 6th grade, when I started experimenting with make-up. I have been using Retin-A for 10 years now. Standards for style are just to always treat an outing like you will bump into a long lost love- you don’t want him to see you frumpy.
FM: What tips would you give women in general to be well rounded, balancing out life and a flourishing career? KD: Just to do exactly that, balance your career with life. Your career should not define you.
Interview by Dana Turner
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