Mother of the Month: Lily Collins

When we think of September’s Mother of the Month, there’s no one quite like Lily Collins. While many of us know her as the effortlessly stylish Emily Cooper gallivanting around Paris in Emily in Paris, Lily Collins is more than just the character we love to watch. At 35, she has carved out her own path, shining brightly beyond the shadow of her rock legend father, Phil Collins.

Let’s dive into why she’s our Mother of the Month.

Lily’s story begins not just with a famous surname but with a determination to forge her own identity. Growing up in the spotlight, she could have easily been eclipsed by her father’s legendary career, but instead, she has transformed her unique experiences and challenges into a powerful personal brand. From her early days as a child actress to her breakthrough in The Blind Side, and her impressive range of roles across film and TV, Collins has proven herself as a dynamic and versatile performer.

But it’s her role as Emily Cooper that has captured our hearts, blending charm with a touch of relatable imperfection. Beyond her on-screen success, Lily is a powerhouse behind the scenes, having founded her own production company, Case Study Films, alongside her filmmaker husband, Charlie McDowell.

Who Has Lily Collins Dated?

Lily’s romantic history has been as dynamic as her career. Over the years, she has been linked to several high-profile individuals. She briefly dated Taylor Lautner while filming Abduction in 2010, though their relationship was short-lived. In 2012, she had a brief but memorable romance with Zac Efron. Their time together may have been fleeting, but they’ve remained on good terms and collaborated again on Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile.

@popsugarau she’s got great taste… like emily cooper #teamalfie 👀 #lilycollins #jonasbrothers #emilyinparis #popsugarau ♬ original sound – POPSUGAR Australia

Another significant chapter in her love life was her on-again, off-again relationship with Jamie Campbell Bower, which began during the filming of The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones. Their romance saw several twists before they ultimately parted ways. Lily was also briefly linked to Aussie actor Thomas Cocquerel and had rumoured flings with Chris Evans and Nick Jonas.

Today, Lily’s love story has taken a more settled turn. She is happily married to director Charlie McDowell. Their relationship began on the set of McDowell’s film Gilded Rage. After dating in 2019, they got engaged in 2020 and were married in 2021.

A Fashion Icon

Lily Collins is a fashion icon in her own right, with a style that’s a mix of classic elegance and bold statements. Working with stylists Mariel Haenn and Rob Zangardi, she’s known for her sharp suits, preppy collared dresses, Ralph Lauren bow ties, and Saint Laurent gowns with ’80s-inspired power shoulders. Her everyday looks are sophisticated and timeless, reflecting her refined taste.

However, stepping into the role of Emily Cooper in Emily in Paris has added a playful twist to her wardrobe. As Lily shared with Harper’s Bazaar, Emily’s flamboyant Parisian fashion has inspired her to be more adventurous. “Emily in Paris has really pushed me to be bolder and brighter with my fashion choices,” Lily explained. “I’ve embraced a bit more European sensibility and learned so much from the amazing Marylin Fitoussi and the incredible people around me.”

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Before playing Emily, Lily’s style was more understated, shaped by past experiences that led her to favour muted tones and avoid daring outfits. But collaborating with Patricia Field, the iconic costume designer behind Sex and the City, changed everything. Field’s bold fashion choices helped Lily rediscover her love for vibrant colours and creative mixing.

Now, Lily’s wardrobe is a blend of her classic style and the playful spirit of Emily. She often steps out in striking outfits that combine her sophisticated taste with the daring flair she learned from her role. Whether it’s a chic Parisian vintage find or a statement piece that echoes Emily’s adventurous fashion, Lily’s style is a perfect mix of elegance and boldness.

Lily Collin’s Best Movie and TV Roles

MaXXXine

Starring: Lily Collins, Mia Goth
Synopsis: In 1980s Hollywood, adult film star and aspiring actress Maxine Minx finally gets her big break. But as a mysterious killer stalks the starlets of Hollywood, a trail of blood threatens to reveal her sinister past.
Where to watch: Prime Video

Love, Rosie

Starring: Lily Collins, Sam Claflin
Synopsis: Rosie and Alex have been best friends since they were five, so they couldn’t possibly be right for one another…or could they? When it comes to love, life and making the right choices, these two are their own worst enemies.
Where to watch: BINGE

Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile

Starring: Lily Collins, Zac Efron,
Synopsis: A chronicle of the crimes of Ted Bundy from the perspective of Liz, his longtime girlfriend, who refused to believe the truth about him for years.
Where to watch: Netflix

Emily in Paris

Starring: Lily Collins, Ashley Park, Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu
Synopsis: A young American woman from the Midwest is hired by a marketing firm in Paris to provide them with an American perspective on things.
Where to watch: Netflix

The Last Tycoon

Starring: Matt Bomer, Kelsey Grammer, Lily Collins
Synopsis: Centres on Hollywood’s first wunderkind studio executive in the 1930s, Monroe Stahr, and the power struggle between him, his mentor, and current head of the studio, Pat Brady.
Where to watch: Prime Video, Apple TV

Check out our all our previous Mothers of the Month here.

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