Lily Collins gracefully divulged how her portrayal of Emily Cooper in 'Emily in Paris' not only mirrored certain aspects of her personality but also ignited a renaissance of her personal style. In a heartfelt interview with InStyle, gracing the cover of their latest issue released online on Tuesday, a week before the highly anticipated fourth season of the Netflix sensation premieres, Collins delved into the intricacies of her character's relentless pursuit of perfection and how it intertwined with her own journey of self-discovery.
Recalling the early days of filming the first season, Collins shared an intimate conversation with her now-husband, Charlie McDowell, about the eerie similarities between herself and Emily. She confessed to grappling with Emily's relentless need to be flawless, a struggle she herself was enduring. "The relentless chase for perfection, the incessant urge to be ready at all times, to present your best self—that's not the life I aspire to lead, especially not at 35," she candidly revealed, teasing that the upcoming fourth season would be marked by "a season of vulnerability," teeming with raw emotions, messy situations, and heart-wrenching breakdowns.
Collins further disclosed a past relationship where her partner's criticisms about her attire plunged her into a creative abyss. Restricted by the shackles of societal norms, she found herself donning muted hues and shying away from anything remotely bold or revealing. "I once believed that by physically expanding my presence, I was occupying too much space," she mused, explaining how 'Emily in Paris' served as a catalyst for her to rekindle her love for fashion and, in essence, rediscover herself. "Emily, in her vibrant essence, embodies unapologetic confidence. Her fearless blending of patterns, prints, textures, and styles was a foreign language to me once, but it sparked a realization—I need not fear color anymore."
Looking ahead, Collins expressed her eagerness to push boundaries with upcoming roles, notably her portrayal of Polly Pocket in Mattel's upcoming adaptation. Set to star and produce the film, Collins is thrilled to embark on this new adventure, exploring the whimsical world of the iconic doll and the unlikely friendship that blossoms between a young girl and her pocket-sized companion. Although Lena Dunham, who was initially attached to direct and write the film, has stepped away after three years of script development, Mattel remains committed to bringing this enchanting tale to life.
"Polly Pocket is actively in development, and we are eagerly anticipating sharing updates on the project soon," a Mattel spokesperson previously stated to The Hollywood Reporter. "Lena is an extraordinary writer and creator, and we extend our warmest wishes to her."
As the countdown to 'Emily in Paris' season four begins, with Part One premiering on Netflix on August 15 and Part Two following suit on September 12, Collins' journey continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.
