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As I, along with the rest of world, patiently await the arrival of the second instalment of Bridgerton Season 3, I'm looking to get my fix of the 'Ton in any way I can. So, when I was invited to interview Simone Ashley, it is needless to say I jumped at the chance. The actress, known for playing Kate Sharma in the hit Netflix period drama, Olivia Hanan in Sex Education and sister to Ariel in the 2023 live-action remake of Disney's A Little Mermaid, has recently landed a new role: L'Oréal Paris UK spokesperson.
Over the past few years, Ashley has, in my eyes, cemented herself as somewhat of a red-carpet queen. Her love of high-fashion, couture and playful beauty looks has fast seen her become one of award season's most highly anticipated guests. So, over this year's Cannes film festival, I managed to grab 10 minutes with her ahead of her red-carpet appearance that same evening. This is Simone Ashley's life in red carpets...
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My first red carpet was...
"...the British Fashion Awards [in 2021]. I wore a custom AZ Factory look that I actually have at home and will one day be hung up in the archives that I’m imagining somewhere in my brain. My life was a bit of a whirlwind then and, I didn’t, honestly, really understand what I was attending or what I was doing. I just showed up and I did it—but I had a good time."
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My best glam experience was...
"...when I wore Tamara Ralph Couture to the Vogue World carpet, and fashion-wise that was a really great experience. I loved my first-ever Met Gala, too. Jeremy Scott is just one of the most generous, kindest people ever. He made me feel a part of his family and really made me feel so confident in myself… and happy. I loved the glam—Peter [Lux] and Alex [Babsky] did my hair and make-up for that. The look was really fun, as well. It’s always a good thing because I step out and I’m like This is the best look yet! which means I’m having fun with it. As long as you're having fun, you’re doing it right."
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Red carpets are a part of my job...
"...I’m usually on the carpet to promote something or to attend something. When it comes to the beauty part, I would say I have always believed kindness is a form of inner beauty. It doesn't matter what you look like as long as you're kind. I think that’s what makes you beautiful. I love working with my glam team, and I love fashion, so it's [not something that causes me anxiety]."
I like to stay focused before a big red carpet event...
"...I like to go for a run, if I can. Or, at some point that week, do something that makes me feel more centred. I just like to stay focused on what it is that I’m doing and not feel too all over the place. My typical red-carpet day can involve doing press, meetings and glam. For example, this weekend [in Cannes], it’s a lot, and we have a very busy schedule. I like to just be very calm before going onto the carpet."
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I've never regretted a red-carpet experience...
"...I have the most supportive and amazing team around me. Anything I’ve worn, even if it wasn’t received well or maybe wasn’t my favourite, I would still wear it again."
I like to curl my own lashes...
"...I get a little bit scared when other people curl my lashes. They’re all very trustworthy, it's more me. I don’t know why. It's just a sensitive area, so I like to do it myself."
I douse myself in perfume before a red carpet...
"...I like to smell good. I've got too many perfumes in my bathroom at home. I think I’ve got three shelves' worth. It’s a bit of a problem. I think the bottles are really pretty, so I find it really hard to let go of them. I think they just look beautiful! I’ll just grab whatever. I like anything! I think my favourite is quite rosy and floral, but I love woody ones, I love masculine ones, I love feminine ones—I love a bit of everything!"
My definition of beauty has always remained the same...
"...and people might say it's cheesy, but I really think just being a kind person makes you beautiful. When you're kind to others, you give the gift of beauty to them—you make the other person feel beautiful. I don't think that's ever changed, I think I've always been raised that way."