During the global press tour for Cinderella, Lily James captivated audiences with fairy-tale-inspired ensembles highlighting her impeccable fashion sense and footwear choices. She looked regal at the Los Angeles premiere in an Elie Saab gown and custom Louboutin “Cinderella” shoes, embodying a real-life Disney princess.
At another promotional event, she turned heads in a peach-colored tiered ruffled gown, as detailed in our coverage of her dazzling Louboutin crystal heels. Her fashion-forward looks continued throughout the tour.
When the first trailers and movie posters of Disney’s live-action Cinderella were released, people quickly pointed out that the popular Disney princess seemed to have an impossibly small waist.
Lily James, as Cinderella, enchants the ballroom with her tiny waist accentuated by a corset and a voluminous blue gown (Credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
According to Disney, no digital touch-ups were done to manipulate Cinderella’s figure, but a corset was used to shrink the waist. The voluminous tulle skirt also added to the illusion of a smaller midsection.
Lily James Responds to Controversy Over Cinderella’s Corseted Waist
Lily James, the film star, defended herself by saying she has a “naturally small waist,” which was merely emphasized by the corset she had to wear during filming. The 25-year-old actress also had to go on a strict diet to transform her figure.
Lily James as Cinderella, showcasing her tiny waist accentuated by a corset and a voluminous tulle skirt (Credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
How a Tight Corset and Costume Design Created Cinderella’s Dramatic Silhouette
“I have a naturally small waist,” James told “Nightline” in an interview. “On top of that, I wore a corset that was pulled tight to an inch of my life.”
James explained that the corset slimmed her waist down to 17 inches. “The skirt is so big that the perspective and proportions make it look even smaller than it is,” she added.
Body Image Backlash: Did Cinderella’s Waist Set Unrealistic Beauty Standards?
Because many children admire Disney princesses, critics argue that the movie’s portrayal of a tiny-waisted Cinderella might promote a negative body image.
Whether this was done with CGI or not, it’s pretty obvious that the waist is unnaturally and impossibly small. Watch the trailer:
“I think it’s all very hypocritical, and they contradict themselves, and they’re drawing more attention to it. I think all that stuff’s so negative, and you’ve got to let it wash over your head,” she told The Times in an interview.
“I’m so healthy. I’ve got hips and boobs and a bum and a small waist.”
Red Carpet Magic: Lily James’ Princess-Worthy Looks at the Cinderella Premiere
Lily James stuns at the Cinderella premiere in an exquisite, full-length beaded gown with a sheer overlay and intricate lace detailing, perfectly paired with simple earrings and a sleek updo to complete her elegant look at the El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles on March 1, 2015 (Credit: WENN / Brian To / FayesVision)
At the Los Angeles premiere of the movie, Lily looked gorgeous in a stunning couture creation by Elie Saab. Her Fall 2014 gown features embroidered detailing and a full-length skirt with a train fit for a princess.
Lily James dazzles at the Cinderella premiere in a stunning, beaded illusion gown, styled elegantly with minimal accessories and a sleek updo (Credit: WENN / Brian To / FayesVision)
She complemented the dress with drool-worthy Kwiat diamond pieces and Christian Louboutin x Disney “Cinderella” shoes.
Lily James complements her stunning gown with sparkling diamond earrings and rings (Credit: WENN / Brian To / FayesVision)
Stepping Into the Spotlight: Lily James’ Most Iconic Fashion and Footwear Moments
Lily James consistently captivates with her impeccable style and shoe choices. Here are some of her most memorable looks:
Channeling Lady Rose in a White Feathered Valentino Gown
- Event: Rome Premiere of Finally Dawn
- Outfit: Lily James evoked her Downton Abbey character in a white feathered gown from Valentino’s Fall 2023 Haute Couture collection.
- Footwear: She paired the ethereal dress with minimal accessories, allowing the gown to take center stage.
- Read more: Lily James Brings Back Downton Abbey’s Flirty Lady Rose in White Valentino Feather Gown
Radiant in White Lafayette Ensemble During ‘The Iron Claw’ Promotion
- Event: Media Circuit for The Iron Claw
- Outfit: Lily James dazzled in a white ribbed sweater and matching skirt from Lafayette 148, complemented by a khaki convertible trench coat.
- Footwear: She completed the look with Paris Texas croc-embossed knee-high boots.
- See more: Lily James Shines in White Lafayette Ensemble During ‘The Iron Claw’ Promotion Tour
Lily James Channels Modern Romance in Versace at the 2022 Oscars
At the 94th Academy Awards, Lily James embraced a soft yet daring aesthetic with her red carpet ensemble, showcasing a masterful mix of feminine detailing and high-fashion allure. Her look embodied the evening’s blush-toned trend while staying true to her signature elegance.
Lily James turned heads at the 94th Academy Awards in a blush lace Atelier Versace gown paired with chunky pink satin platform heels that added height and a playful touch to her romantic ensemble (Credit: Matt Sayles / A.M.P.A.S.)
Glamorous in a Plunging Spider-Web White Gown at the BAFTAs
- Event: 2023 British Academy Film Awards
- Outfit: Lily James turned heads in a minimalist yet showstopping white gown by Tamara Ralph, featuring a pearl and crystal-embellished webbed bodice.
- Footwear: She paired the gown with Jimmy Choo “Max” platform heels, hidden beneath the floor-sweeping train.
- Discover more: Lily James Flashes Cleavage in Plunging Spider-Web White Gown at BAFTAs
Captivating in an Off-the-Shoulder Floral Dress and Metallic Heels
- Event: Premiere of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
- Outfit: Lily James wore a white off-the-shoulder floral dress from Emilia Wickstead’s Fall 2018 collection, adorned with pink, yellow, and peach flowers.
- Footwear: She completed the look with silver metallic Jimmy Choo sandals.
- Explore her style: Lily James Captivates in Off-the-Shoulder Floral Dress and Metallic Heels
Bold in a Custom Burberry Dress with Sculptural Heels
- Event: Premiere of Yesterday
- Outfit: Lily James showcased her legs in a custom Burberry Fall/Winter 2019 dress embellished with bottle-cap-style accouterments.
- Footwear: She paired the dress with sculptural silver Burberry heels, adding height and elegance to her red carpet look.
- See her look: Lily James’ Burberry Dress Divides Fans—but Her Shoes Steal the Show
These ensembles highlight Lily James’ versatility and flair for combining classic elegance with modern trends, solidifying her status as a fashion icon.