Lily COLLINS
“MYMUM ENCOURAGED ME TO SEE THE WORLD”
What do you do when your father is one of the most successful musicians of all times, but you want to make it in your own right? You start your career by conquering a younger generation who've never heard of him, that's what. Do you think the kids sitting goggle-eyed in front of TEENick and 2008 US election show Kids Pick the President (both of which Lily appeared on as a presenter) and those hooked on the comings and goings of spoiled, smart-alecky students in the soapy spin-off of 90s teen sensation Beverly Hills, 90210 had ever listened to Another Day in Paradise? Phil, or Philip as he prefers to go by these days, may be known as the godfather of popular culture, but it's highly unlikely the selfie generation had heard of a guy with a receding hairline and horn licks who was popular in the 80s.
So, having cut her teeth at West Beverly Hills High, British-born Lily then got stuck into grittier roles in Priest and Abduction (2011) before recording a song as Snow White in Mirror Mirror (2012) to launch her very own music career.
Along the way she's also made her mark on the magazine scene both writing and posing for publications including Elle Girl, Seventeen and Teen Vogue, even earning the title ' International Model of the Year' in 2008 from Spain's Glamour magazine. In 2014 she joined the likes of Daria Werbowy, Emma Watson and Julia Roberts to become a brand ambassador for Lancôme, most recently as the face of their Juicy Shakers.
As comfortable as the 27-year-old is in her own skin – nonchalantly owning a pair of wide-leg brown trousers for our cover shoot that would make most people look like Eric Cartman from South Park – when it comes to picking roles, Lily prefers to be as far removed from her comfort zone as possible. “As an actress, when you're uncomfortable, that's when you learn the most about a character. It challenges you to go above and beyond what you think you're capable of. Being freaked out and scared about a role is the best feeling.”
Last month The Last Tycoon, in which Lily stars opposite Matt Bomer in a drama based on F. Scott Fitzgerald's final unfinished novel, debuted on Amazon Video and Lily relished delving into the world (and wardrobes) of the 1930s: “Women embraced their shape and accentuated their most feminine qualities while maintaining a real sense of strength,” Lily enthuses. “The Golden Era of Hollywood is also one of the most fascinating times in Hollywood history. To be so beautifully immersed in that world is an honour.”
Next up is the release, later this year, of 20th Century Fox's Rules Don't Apply – an unconventional love story set in 1958 Hollywood that Warren Beatty wrote, produced and also acts in. Lily plays a religiously devout actress alongside Alden Ehrenreich (the new Han Solo) as her equally conservative driver, both of whom work for Beatty's Hughes, who forbids entanglements between the employees. Beatty is quick to stress that it is Lily and Alden who are the film's stars – and not him. There's a palpable chemistry between the young onscreen couple and, as Lily gushes on her Facebook page, she is ‘beyond proud' to be involved in this production.
In the face of all the backlash about the lack of female representation on the big screen, Lily is sassy enough to point out that she hopes the day will soon come that there won't have to be a conversation about whether there are “enough roles for us.” But she remains upbeat: “I think there are more amazing roles for women than ever before and I'm so lucky to have the opportunity to be part of this female empowerment movement within film,” she says, adding: “I love what I do and the stories I tell. For now, I believe we're making progress.”
Encouraged by her mum, Jill Tavelman, to always be open and honest – “we have talked about anything and everything together since I was little and I really believe that this openness has allowed me to now be open with others.” Lily believes it's important for women to encourage each other to stand up and speak out: “We need to support one another and remind ourselves that we're never alone. We all go through the same ups and downs and it's crucial to share our experiences so that we can fight our battles together.” High five to that, girlfriend.
It's no secret that her mum, who she is regularly spotted out with, is both her mentor and her best mate, but Lily is inspired by many impressive women. Unsurprisingly, Hollywood royalty Meryl Streep and Cate Blanchett top her list.
“I have always admired Meryl Streep and Cate Blanchett because they so completely embody the characters they play that you forget you're watching them act in films. Their mesmerising talent, dedication to the arts and utter brilliance is infectious. The fact that they are both immeasurable actors but also, more importantly, wonderful mothers is so inspiring.” Again, British-born Lily references the strong bond she has with her American mum, likely made even stronger due to her dad – by his own admission – not being around that much.
She doesn't reserve her admiration for the female sex. “I've always wanted to work with Martin Scorsese, Tim Burton and Joe Wright because of their incredible vision and filmmaking styles. The worlds they create are so brilliantly specific and beautiful to watch,” says Lily.
She concedes it's taken her a while to get used to social media, but recognising Instagram as the modern zeitgeist, she's already accrued a not inconsiderable 3.5 million followers. Her account is dominated by photos of her travels, most recently in Seoul – “my mom has always encouraged me to travel and see the world” – along with candid snaps showing her passion for cooking – “I'm a huge baker; the feeling of going to a friend's house for dinner and bringing a pie, then seeing them enjoy your food is so fulfilling. It's such a simple gesture but completely gratifying” – plus a smattering of Lily with her favourite person and the hashtag #likemotherlikedaughter.
“I have always loved photography so Instagram seemed the most logical and enjoyable way for me to join in social media. I have met so many incredibly interesting and inspiring people within my Instagram community and I really enjoy interacting and communicating with them.” But, like most people in the public eye, she strives for a balance between commenting on and keeping some aspects of her life private and refrains from opening up about being romantically linked to Zac Efron, Taylor Lautner and, more recently, Nick Jonas. “Controlling what and how I share is very important to me as well as being able to communicate with young people across the world. It's also just such a fun way of keeping up with friends and discovering all sorts of things.”
One thing that always shines through, not just on her Instagram account but in every photograph she's ever appeared in, is her seemingly poreless English rose complexion. Surely work and travel must take its toll? “I make sure to stay extra hydrated by drinking a lot of water and keeping my skin moisturised when I'm working long hours and flying a lot. I always carry Lancôme's Genifique masks with me and use a deep moisturising cream,” she says. “I also always wear some form of sunscreen. Lancôme's new Energie de Vie products are incredible to help upkeep the integrity of my skin, making sure it stays dewy and fresh as well as protected against the harsh factors of fast-paced city life.”
She may be able to shield herself from some unwelcome intrusion, but keeping the press at bay is a whole new story. Jealous singer Nick Jonas' confirmation that they've been out a few times recently doesn't help matters. “She's amazing”, he told The Sun newspaper. Then again, as uncomfortbale as it may make Lily feel, you can hardly blame the guy for wanting the world to know. ■