Christina Ricci was one of several A-list actresses to take part in a photoshoot benefitting the Montblanc "Signature for Good" campaign, an initiative focusing on ending illiteracy. Once it's been going on for a year, Montblanc will present a check to UNICEF for at least $1.5 million.



We had a chance to chat with Christina, and once we got over just how nice she was (after we thanked her for chatting with us, she thanked us right back!), we talked about her favorite books, her sense of style, and why she thinks Juliet is a hipster.

Why did you choose Juliet?
When I thought of classic literature heroines, she just popped right into my head. Shakespeare is something that we study in school, and we put on the plays like "Romeo and Juliet," so I felt like she represented a lot of early education and classic literature that hopefully will be taught with this sort of education initiative.

What's your favorite book from childhood, or the present, or both?
When I was a kid, I was a huge fan of the Narnia Chronicles by C.S. Lewis. As an adult ... it's sort of pretentious sounding, but I love the Robert Pinsky translation of "Dante's Inferno." I'm also a huge murder mystery book reader -- every time I get on a plane I read a new one. I've been obsessed with Patricia Cornwell for a while now. Her Jack the Ripper book was, like, the best murder mystery/forensics book I've ever read.

Going back to Juliet -- how would you describe her modern day style? If she were real today, what would she wear, or where would she shop?
You know, it's possible Juliet was a hipster. I picture Romeo being from the more traditional rich family, and she's, like, a trust fund kid who's living on her own and totally hipstered out.

Do you think that you share any of those style qualities with her?
Well, I don't dress up fancy on a daily basis. I'm definitely more of a jeans and Converse and hoodie type of girl. I'm not really a hipster.

What did you do to get ready for the Montblanc photo shoot?
I have a great hair and makeup team and a wonderful stylist, and we all got together and came up with that look.

Did you have a lot of input?
Definitely! I've worked with the same team for a long time, so, you know, we all work together, but it's my taste, definitely.

Anything else?
I think it's a wonderful thing that they're doing, and this is an incredible time for change in our country and I think it's going to spread throughout the world. So, I think it's perfect timing for everybody to look at their corner of the world and their charity, whatever their cause or choice is, and really work at it. Educating children is a great way to cause change for the future.