Interview: Ian Somerhalder: "To keep in shape, we run every morning with Nikki!"

Public: How did you become the face of the Azzaro perfume?Ian Somerhalder: It's a real collaboration!Maison Azzaro helps me in Efet for my foundation.By buying an Azzaro Men or Azzaro Chrome perfume, you receive a bracelet with the ISF (Ian Somerhalder Foundation) inscription), and part of the money is donated to him for the environment and the protective of animals.I am very grateful to them, I hope it will serve as an example for other brands.I am very iron to represent a company that knows how to give back.

What does this perfume evoke for you?

He is sophisticated, sexy and sensual.And he was born in 1978, like me!We are both 36 years old, we were made to meet us ...

What is your first beauty gesture in the morning?The first thing we do while getting up with Nikki (Reed, his wife, editor's note) is swallowing green tea, then we go to run.

Do you seem to always be 20 years old, what is your youth secret?20 years ?My eye ... (laughs.) The most important thing is to eat well: fresh and natural products, and to avoid fast foods!In Europe, it's different, everything is much healthier than in the United States, suddenly, I let go: bread, pasta, olive oil ... I do not deprive myself of anything!

How would you describe your style?I like to be comfortable!There is an expression that I do not understand and that many women repeat themselves: "You have to suffer to be beautiful!"Confidence lies in comfort, this is what gives power and style in a man as in a woman.The quality is also essential, I don't even watch clothes anymore when I do shop, I touch them!But I am American, so with jeans and a t-shirt, I am happy!

Who chooses your outfits for the Red Carpets?A stylist, my agent, Nikki and me.In Cannes, a fortnight ago, we both climbed the steps.It was an incredible experience.The greatest personalities in the cinema have set foot on this red carpet, extremely talented filmmakers and actors!And wasn't Nikki Magnificent?I stopped at one point: I couldn't help but look at her, she was so elegant!She wore an Azzaro dress and I a midnight blue suit of the same brand.

Have you celebrated during your stay at the festival?How did you find French evenings?

Nous avons dîné dans un excellent restaurant, puis nous avons dansé toute la nuit! Il y avait un groupe génial, Johnny & the Walkers, avec une contrebasse, une caisse claire, un guitariste et un saxophone. Nikki est musicienne et moi je me débrouille pas mal en danse, nous étions tous les deux comblés.

Are you a good dancer?

Yes, that's what I am often told.I love dancing, I dance in the shower, trying not to slip!Nikki and I dance everywhere, all the time.I hold it from my father.I like salsa, tango, and I add a little grain of madness!

And your favorite song to wiggle?

There are so many !But if I had to choose only one, it would be Twist and Shout, of the Beatles.

Who are the men who inspire you?

I have always been very admiring from Paul Newman, from a very young age: he was talented and so accessible!The actors like Robert Downey Jr., Tom Hanks, Cary Grant and Sean Penn are real models for me.And spiritually, I admire Gandhi, the Dalai Lama or even Barack Obama, who fought to change things.

Interview by Leslie Benaroch