Kate Winslet Unveils Authentic Icon: Premiere Nov ’99 Debut

The cover itself, titled “The New Passions of Kate Winslet,” is a stark departure from the era’s typical high-gloss sheen. Winslet attends the lens in a simple, deep berry-hued tank top, its unadorned lines showcasing a natural, un-retouched silhouette. Her gaze is direct, a quiet confidence emanating from the image. It’s a powerful statement in its restraint, rejecting overt artifice for a profound sense of self. No corsets, no extreme cinching—just Winslet, embodying a truth she often vocalized. “I had ‘no corset to suck me in’… it was horrifying to be the fat girl,” she stated in the accompanying feature, challenging the rigid beauty standards of the time.

Within the pages, Premiere delves into a star who famously resisted the industry’s push for conformity. “You can wear blue jeans, cotton or silk shirts with the cuffs always unbuttoned,” the article noted, highlighting her preference for comfortable, genuine “clothing style” over restrictive “red carpet” theatrics. Winslet embraced her physicality, famously asserting, “I honestly would describe myself physically as someone who is shapely but thin. I mean, look at me—it’s an absolute joke! I have a normal, woman’s body. I like it. Having a good pair of tits on me and a good ass. If I didn’t, I don’t think I’d feel attractive.” It’s an assertion that, even then, felt revolutionary in its candidness.

Her “new passions,” explored through the feature, weren’t just about evolving fashion but about her dedication to challenging roles, from the demanding intellectualism of Hamlet to the complex psychological landscape of Holy Smoke and Hideous Kinky. She was meticulously focused on her craft, known to work tirelessly: “You can’t go home until two hours after you’re tired,” a quote that resonates with Tim Blanks’ appreciation for an artist’s deep commitment. Winslet’s journey, chronicled in this issue, solidified her as an icon who championed authenticity over artifice, talent over manufactured glamour.