We spoke to the Emily in Paris star about her blossoming career and love for all things Scandinavian
It’s not a bad time to be Lily Collins.
Not only has the actress and model been appointed as the face of Cartier, the second season of Emily in Paris just got released and within a week, we found out that the beloved Netflix series will continue to not only a third season, but to a fourth season as well. As if Collins wasn’t busy enough already, she also has a film of her own, Windfall, set to come out on Netflix later this year.
I had the pleasure of sitting down with the praised actress in Berlin after the launch party of Clash de Cartier, where Collins was appointed as the face of the iconic jewellery and watch brand. I walked into the suit of Soho House Berlin where she was waiting, looking impeccable as always. Sitting graciously by the window wearing a beautiful black mini dress with white ruffle details finished off a sweet bow, it’s hardly surprising that Collins has graced the covers of many eminent fashion magazines, Vogue included.
Lily Collins for Cartier's 2021 Christmas Campaign.
Beginning our conversation on her flourishing career, Collins is honoured to be able to represent a brand as renowned as Cartier, telling me how she shares a special bond with the brand. “My earliest memories were of my mum wearing [Cartier] pieces, and then as an 18th birthday present, she gave me a watch that would stay with me forever,” Collins explains and emphasises how pieces of fine jewellery can become like a second skin, a part of who we are. For Collins, Cartier means tradition. “The brand has always done its very current, relevant and forward thinking, but it’s completely traditional and classic at the same time.”
At the time of the interview, we only knew that there will be a second season of Emily in Paris. The romantic comedy series is known for its daring fashion choices curated by Patricia Field, the iconic stylist behind the looks in cult series Sex and the City. Collins tells me that the styling of her bubbly and bright character Emily was an interactive process, where she was very much involved in the decisions.
For Collins, the styling in the second season has been the most interesting so far. “We were reusing pieces from season one, so you get to feel like it’s relatable. And then there’s also mixing of vintage, unknown Parisian and Greek designers and up-and-coming American designers. So it’s really encouraging, a mix of high and low, unknown designers just as much as historical houses.”
Lily Collins as Emily in Emily in Paris season two. Photo: Netflix
I wanted to know whether Collins was able to keep any of the garments from the show. She smiles and mentions the white orchid dress that got paint splattered all over on in season one. “Stefan Roland sent me an untouched one from the runway, so I have this beautiful white dress at home that’s reminiscent of a really fun day of shooting,” Collins tells me. Indeed, a dash of fun, lighthearted entertainment is at the centre of what Emily in Paris aims to bring into all of our lives.
Emily in Paris is a show that has raised a variety of opinions - negative and positive - however Collins believes that “every piece of entertainment is always going to have people that get it and people that don’t”. She continues asserting that “the take home was that it [Emily in Paris] reminded people of what fun felt like in a time when we weren’t really having fun, and it made people smile and laugh and there was a wish fulfilment of travel that I think people were craving.” As one of the producers of the show, Collins says she welcomes the criticism just as much as she welcomes the praise. “We can only be a part of conversations to make something better and to change it when we have opposing ideas and thoughts.”
Lily Collins as Emily in Emily in Paris season two. Photo: Netflix
When Scandinavia comes up in our conversation, Collins instantly let’s me know that the Nordic countries are her and her husband’s favourite places. She is in awe of how friendly and warm people here are, and Scandinavia is where the couple headed for their honeymoon as well. Collins also reveals that her husband Charlie McDowell has even started to learn Danish. “We feel way more Scandinavian sometimes than we do our own passports,” she laughs. I ask Collins what she loves the most about Scandinavian fashion, and her response is very much on point. “I love the minimalism and the classic colours and being able to throw all these textures and prints together to create such a calming palette. Everything is focused on sustainability and calm.”
Most of us have probably already binge-watched the second season of Emily in Paris, and we’re eager to see where the third (and fourth) season will take us. What is certain is that Lily Collins will remain on demand, and we can’t wait to witness what the future holds for her.