We braved the Isabel Marant for H&M shopping event last night, and while we weren’t able to pry any merch from the tight grips of fellow shoppers, we did get the chance to ask Milla Jovovich a million questions about Resident Evil and chunky sweaters. Jovovich, looking resplendent in a ruched metallic minidress from the line, chatted with the Cut about French style secrets, her supreme nerd status — and how to make the most of a shopping frenzy:

How did you end up as the face of Isabel Marant’s H&M campaign?

You know, Isabel and I have been friends for a long time. I’ve been an avid collector of her clothing for ten years. I launched her first campaign. So it was pretty natural, I think, for her to reach out and for me to want to support. This is super important for her as an artist, as a businesswoman. I love to see strong, successful women doing it, you know? So I wanted to support as much as I could.

Has Isabel taught you any must-follow style secrets of French women?

Mixing patterns, for sure. Mixing tweeds with florals, and things like that. But if you’re afraid to go all out, you can go for that chunky sweater look she’s known for.  Always wear it with something slim-fitting on the bottom. You don’t want to wear, like, a chunky sweater and big pants, because then you’re going to look like you’re swallowed.

Why do you think this line has such a cult following?

This H&M collection is all of Isabel’s staple pieces.  I think there’s a magic to seeing Isabel for H&M. Once it’s done, you know, that’s it. You’re not going to be able to get it again. That’s only going up in value as time goes on. I always love these designer collections with big, mid-range stores and high-end designers. People want it because it’s special. You know, I have the version of a jacket that’s being sold, but I don’t have it with H&M in it. To people that collect clothing, it’s special.