RB: What is it about Knightley that makes her such a great actress to dress?

JD: I think it is because she’s a good actress. What I do when I work with her, which is so rewarding, is first Joe always has a strong idea of the visual style of the movie he’s about to make. So he gives us a fundamental brief, then Keira and I work in collaboration. I always want to know what she feels the character would be like and what will help her in her interpretation of the character. It’s much more interesting to make costumes for an actor who you’re having a dialogue with because you get feed back. I try to bring all the elements together so that the puzzle fits and Joe gets what he wants and Keira gets a costume that makes her feel the way she should for that character.

Also Keira is really stylish. She makes things work that other people would not—that isn't to be underestimated. Some actresses are good actresses, and some actresses are really great actresses and stars with an aura which is inescapable.  There are moments in Anna Karenina where she is unbelievably a star. When she sits down on the bed to meet Vronsky and the veil is down and then she lifts it… she's so astoundingly beautiful that you think…well you know…what can you say?