January Jones: Fashion criticism 'makes me laugh'

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. — AMC's “Mad Men” drama may garner attention for bringing back '60s glamour, but January Jones, known for her daring red carpet looks, says she doesn't care what critics think of her personal style.

“I think that fashion is an art,” the 35-year-old actress, who has topped many best- and worst-dressed lists, said in a recent interview. “It's a fun way to express yourself. ... And I sort of like not pleasing people a bit.”

Take, for example, the Prabal Gurung gown she wore to this year's Screen Actors Guild Awards. Critics both praised and criticized the bold black-and-white structured ensemble.

“It makes me laugh when the 'Fashion Police' hate what I wear,” Jones said. “I loved my whole look that night. It was really fun. And I just like people looking at me like I was crazy.”

Another daring style that left critics divided: her dramatic 2012 Emmys look. Jones made a statement with a severe slicked-back hairdo, smoky cat eyes and a semisheer black organza number by Zac Posen.

Jones plays steely housewife Betty Francis, ex-wife of Madison Avenue adman Don Draper in the popular series “Mad Men” at 8 p.m. Sundays.

And whether you love or hate her fashion choices, Jones welcomes the attention.

“That's good, I embrace it,” she said of being considered a style icon. “I love fashion so much, and I keep trying to push the envelope and keep doing things that are fun for me, different.”