MT: When you say “ancient,” it makes me think of argan oil. Are there things like oils you love to put on?
ZK: Coconut oil is beautiful, the way it smells and feels. I love the idea of putting something on your body that you can eat and that smells like cupcakes … because girls are supposed to smell like cupcakes [laughs]. It’s my favorite thing in the world, coconut oil.
MT: So in terms of work, you have the film Gemini out now, and your band Lolawolf is about to release a new album. Do people ask you if you prefer music to acting? People always ask me that about theater and film, and I feel more like they feed each other than compete.
ZK: It’s so funny because in the olden days it was, like, singing and dancing and theater and film—it really was all part of the same thing, and you had to be able to do everything. Now they’re like, “Wait, you’re doing both of these things. Which one do you like more?” As if you have to make a decision. They feed each other—that’s such a beautiful way to say it. I learn so much about who I am as an artist every time I write a song, and I can apply that same idea when I get a script.
MT: Do you have a support system that has sustained you and helped you move through things as you grow?
ZK: I do. I mean, I’ve grown up with an amazing support system. You’re part of it! My mother has always surrounded herself with fantastic women who have paid such wonderful attention to me from an early age. I think being received like that by other women has allowed me to be open to relationships like that of my own. And also having my own relationships now with you all.
MT: It’s so fun for me too, like, Zoë’s here, and she’s grown up! I have a new friend.
ZK: Yes, we’re learning who we both are as two people now. I’ve met so many wonderful women, specifically my castmates on Big Little Lies. They’ve really become a support system for me, and I hope I’ve done the same for them. Before we knew we were coming back for a second season, we kept in touch—group texts and emails and stuff like that. And I’ve spoken to [co-star] Reese [Witherspoon], who’s become one of my dearest friends, about so many aspects of my life. She’s such a smart businesswoman, so I’ve sent her ideas and scripts, and she reads them and gives me feedback. It’s so amazing to have women in your life like that who are a part of the industry and who you’ve grown up watching and admiring … and now they’re giving you advice and encouraging you to continue and develop your projects, your dreams, and yourself.
MT: The unity between women just changes everything. It’s always helped me find my voice and elevate the artistic experience.
ZK: Elevate the world, which is why I think people have been trying to stop us [laughs].
MT: It’s just too powerful. It really is true.
ZK: I feel it. I believe it. Because when we come together, you feel the energy immediately. We’ve all grown up in a culture where we were taught to fight with one another for jobs and attention—specifically men’s attention. The fact that we’re supposed to compete in terms of who’s the most beautiful—that’s the issue for this beauty issue! We’re not taught to raise one another up. But everyone looks more beautiful once we get rid of the idea that we need to oppose one another. Everyone gets to sparkle. I want to be an example of a person in the world just being herself.
MT: Authenticity is an antidote to toxicity.
ZK: Especially with a president who’s constantly spewing ********. [Authenticity] is like the sauna effect—sweat that **** out.
InStyle