Nicole Kidman, now a confident Hollywood icon, revealed she wasn’t always so self-assured. In Hulu’s new documentary series In Vogue: The 90s, which premiered on September 13, the Oscar-winning actress opened up about her past insecurities surrounding her body.
In the third episode, fashion designer John Galliano recalls his plan to make another statement in the fashion world after Princess Diana’s unforgettable 1996 Met Gala look. He selected Kidman to wear one of his designs for the 1997 Oscars—a moment that Kidman admits felt surreal, especially given her uncertainty about her body at the time, reported People.
“Can you believe it?” Kidman said, reflecting on her initial reaction when Galliano approached her. “My whole life, I wanted to be 5’2” and curvaceous, and suddenly, being 5’11 and completely sort of skinny and flat-chested was like, ‘Great, we can dress you.’”
Kidman recalled her debut in Galliano’s gown as an almost out-of-body experience, especially given the self-doubt she had growing up. “I mean, I was a red-headed, fair-skinned girl who was almost 5’11 at the age of 14,” she shared.
The star also recounted the teasing she endured as a teenager for her height and appearance, which took a toll on her self-esteem. “I would get teased, and it wasn’t kind. So every time I was given access to that whole world, you feel like a little girl who’s been given the chance to step into this sort of fantasy world.”
Kidman’s journey from feeling out of place to becoming a fashion icon at events like the Oscars highlights the transformation she’s undergone, both personally and professionally. Her reflections in In Vogue: The 90s show that even the most glamorous stars have overcome struggles with self-image, ultimately finding their place in the spotlight.