Emily Ratajkowski is challenging traditional views on motherhood in a striking new cover story for ELLE UK’s July/August issue. The model and actress, 34, opens up about life in her 30s, motherhood, and creative freedom — all while turning heads in a series of bold fashion looks.

“I think [fashion] is actually one of the ways I really enjoy being subversive with motherhood,” she said, addressing critics who judge her appearance. “I only deeply care about my son’s reaction.”

Emily, mom to 3-year-old Sylvester, also reflected on this stage of life as one of “self-exploration and power.” She revealed her core support system is made up of women and queer people, while men remain “pleasure and fun.”

Ratajkowski will soon star in Too Much, a Lena Dunham-created Netflix series debuting July 10, where she had creative control — something she says gave her a deeper role than ever before.