Lily Collins had a breakthrough role as aspiring actress Marla Mabrey in the 2016 romantic comedy-drama film Rules Don’t Apply, directed by Warren Beatty and co-starring Alden Ehrenreich.
The film is loosely based on the life of billionaire Howard Hughes. Collins’ performance was praised by critics, earning her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical.
Principal photography for the film began on February 24, 2014, in Los Angeles, California.
Lily Collins and Alden Ehrenreich share an intimate moment in Rules Don’t Apply, capturing the film’s 1950s Hollywood romance vibe (Credit: 20th Century Fox)
Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, Rules Don’t Apply was a commercial disappointment, grossing only $3.9 million against its $25 million budget. However, Collins’ performance is often cited as one of the best of her career.
Casting Choices: Rooney Mara and Felicity Jones Initially Considered
Rooney Mara and Felicity Jones were offered the role of Marla Mabrey in Rules Don’t Apply before it went to Lily Collins.
When Rules Don’t Apply premiered as the opening film of the AFI Fest on November 10, 2016, the main cast members’ ages were as follows: Warren Beatty, who was born on March 30, 1937, was 79. The real Howard Hughes died at the age of 70.
Lily Collins, born on March 18, 1989, was 27 years old. Alden Ehrenreich, born on November 22, 1989, was 26 years old and celebrated his 27th birthday on November 22, 2016.
Lily Collins’ Reem Acra Dress Is the Perfect Example of Old Hollywood Glam
In late 2016, Lily Collins was killing it on the red carpet. The actress wore an Old Hollywood-inspired David Koma dress at the 2016 Hollywood Film Awards.
A few days later, Lily was again stunned on the red carpet in another retro-inspired gown.
Lily Collins looked captivating in a sleeveless sheer black lace gown from Reem Acra’s Fall 2016 collection, adorned with elegantly draped silver beading (Credit: Apega / WENN)
We understand that some fashion critics want to see celebrities in diverse ensembles, but we won’t complain if Lily Collins does retro Hollywood for the rest of her career.
While Lily Collins’ gown gracefully swept the floor, completely hiding her footwear, her elevated posture suggested she wore high heels. Standing at 5 feet 4 inches (162.6 cm), Lily appeared much closer in height to her co-star Alden Ehrenreich, who is 5 feet 8 inches (172.7 cm). The added height from her heels elongated her silhouette and enhanced the classic Old Hollywood elegance of her overall look.
Lily Collins stuns in a sheer black lace Reem Acra gown while Alden Ehrenreich keeps it classic in a sharp navy suit at AFI FEST 2016’s Rules Don’t Apply premiere in Hollywood on November 10, 2016 (Credit: Apega / WENN)
She certainly looks best in these glamorous old-school ensembles. With her classic features, porcelain skin, and dark hair, the British-American actress is the perfect old Hollywood glam model.
The intricacy of Lily Collins’ 1920s-inspired black lace dress was evident, especially with the silver beading and transparent panels giving glimpses of her hips, back, and ribs (Credit: Apega / WENN)
Lily’s dress is Reem Acra Fall 2016, featuring a gorgeous sheer lace fabric decorated with heavy embellishments.
Lily Collins’ makeup was reminiscent of old Hollywood glamour, characterized by a sultry, smoky eye and full, well-defined brows (Credit: Apega / WENN)
The intricate harness-like detail provided a nice contrast to the sexy black lace. We love that the detail also doubled as a big piece of body jewelry.
Lily Collins’ lustrous brunette hair was styled in a side-parted bob, with vintage curls delicately framing her face (Credit: Apega / WENN)
Lily Collins’ Iconic Fashion Moments
From red carpet glamour to chic street style, Lily Collins consistently captivates with her fashion choices. Explore some of her most memorable looks:
Edgy Elegance in Moschino and Zanotti
- Event: Premiere of “Jeremy Scott: The People’s Designer”
- Outfit: Lily embraced gothic glamour in a graffiti-print Moschino dress with a dramatic high-low hemline.
- Footwear: She completed the look with sleek Giuseppe Zanotti suede and mesh pumps, showcasing her elegant foot tattoo.
- Read more: Lily Collins’ Gothic Glamour in Moschino and Zanotti
Parisian Chic in Givenchy’s Bambi Sweater
- Event: Givenchy Spring/Summer 2014 Show at Paris Fashion Week
- Outfit: Lily turned heads in Givenchy’s iconic Bambi sweater, styled as a dress for a bold statement.
- Footwear: She paired the look with Givenchy’s Shark Lock sandals, adding an edgy touch to her ensemble.
- See more: Lily Collins’ Bold Givenchy Look at Paris Fashion Week
Romantic Glamour in Tamara Ralph at the BAFTAs
- Event: British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs)
- Outfit: The actress exuded Old Hollywood charm in a black Tamara Ralph gown with dramatic sleeves and a voluminous skirt.
- Footwear: Though her shoes were hidden, Lily’s poised stance suggested elegant heels complemented the ensemble.
- Discover more: Lily Collins’ Tamara Ralph Gown at the BAFTAs
Modern Sophistication in Alexander McQueen
- Event: 19th Costume Designers Guild Awards
- Outfit: Lily dazzled in a sheer, floral-embroidered Alexander McQueen gown featuring intricate sequin detailing.
- Footwear: While concealed by the gown, her choice of high heels added to the ensemble’s elegance.
- Explore her style: Lily Collins’ Stunning Alexander McQueen Gown
Chic Street Style in Paper London
- Event: Comic-Con 2013
- Outfit: Lily showcased a playful look in a black-and-white ensemble by Paper London, featuring a cropped top and high-waisted shorts.
- Footwear: She elevated the outfit with black platform Hamper pumps by Brian Atwood.
- See her look: Lily Collins’ Stylish Ensemble at Comic-Con 2013
These fashion moments highlight Lily Collins’ versatility and her ability to effortlessly blend classic elegance with modern trends.