Simone Ashley on "The Devil Wears Prada" Memories, And Her Favorite Drugstore Product
Our take
In a recent revelation, Simone Ashley, the breakout star of “Bridgerton,” shared her reflections on the enduring impact of “The Devil Wears Prada,” a film that has become synonymous with fashion and ambition. As discussions swirl around the potential for a sequel, Ashley's insights remind us of the film's cultural footprint and its ability to inspire modern audiences. This cinematic milestone has not only shaped our perceptions of style but also serves as a template for navigating the complexities of ambition in the fast-paced world of fashion. For those eager to elevate their wardrobes and lifestyles, exploring how iconic narratives influence sartorial choices is essential. Consider, for instance, articles like My Friend Asked Me Which Shoes Look Best With Capri Pants—Without a Doubt, These Two Trends Work Best and If You Want Your Midi Skirt Outfit to Look French—Forget Flip-Flops and Flats and Wear This Shoe Trend Instead, which highlight contemporary fashion dilemmas that echo the film’s themes.
Ashley’s candidness about her favorite drugstore beauty product adds another layer to her narrative—one that champions accessibility in luxury. The juxtaposition of high fashion with attainable products speaks volumes about the shifting paradigms in the beauty and fashion industries. In an era where consumers are increasingly seeking value alongside luxury, Ashley’s perspective reflects a broader trend of blending aspirational aesthetics with practical choices. This democratization of style encourages individuals to curate their looks without sacrificing quality, embodying a modern muse ethos that resonates deeply with our audience.
The anticipation surrounding a sequel to “The Devil Wears Prada” is not just about revisiting beloved characters but also reflects the ongoing dialogue about women's roles within the fashion industry. As we analyze the implications of this potential return, it’s clear that the film's exploration of ambition, fashion, and friendship remains relevant. It invites us to consider how these themes manifest in today’s world, where the lines between personal and professional lives are increasingly blurred. As we observe the rise of influencers and lifestyle curators, the narrative of women supporting women in the quest for success becomes ever more significant.
Looking ahead, the intersection of nostalgia and modernity will continue to shape the fashion landscape. The possibility of Ashley stepping into a role that pays homage to the original while bringing a fresh perspective could redefine the narrative for a new generation. This raises intriguing questions: How will contemporary audiences interpret the themes of ambition and style? What new cultural conversations will emerge from revisiting such an iconic film? As we reflect on these inquiries, we remain poised to witness how this evolution unfolds, reminding us that the stories we tell influence not only our wardrobes but also our aspirations. In this dynamic space, the blend of sophisticated insights and relatable experiences will undoubtedly guide our journey, inspiring us to embrace both elegance and accessibility in our personal style narratives.
When it comes to "The Devil Wears Prada 2," this is the burning question currently on everyone's (a.k.a. me personally and my fellow chronically online friends) mind: Did Simone Ashley finally get her hands on the 2011 Christian Dior shoes she's been eyeing on set?
"No, I didn't follow up with production on them," Ashley laughs as I sit down with her over Zoom. "But they were beautiful shoes. [Caleb Hearon, Helen J. Shen, and I] had this joke because we were asked quite a lot about whether we took anything from set. That was the recurring joke throughout the press tour."
It's a very busy time for the "Bridgerton" star. After a whirlwind press tour for DWP2, she jet-setted to the South of France to attend the 79th Annual Cannes Film Festival as a L'Oreal Paris ambassador. This marks her fifth Cannes appearance, and she is just excited to celebrate all films making their debut at this year's festival.
"I love film. I love art. I love celebrating the people that deserve to have their flowers and are having their moments," she says. "So to come here and celebrate film is the best part for me."
To stay centered during all the travel, red-carpet events, and press events, she keeps her wellness routine fairly simple. She does the obvious things like prioritizing sleep, working out regularly, and drinking lots of water. But the biggest thing that keeps her centered is spending time with friends and family whenever she has days off. "It just changes everything and really rejuvenates me," she says.
One cannot talk about Cannes without talking about glam. She sticks to the L'Oreal Paris Elvive Glycolic + Gloss collection to keep her hair moisturized and healthy — especially when she finds her hair often getting heat-styled. But there's one non-negotiable that you'll always find in her bag: the L'Oreal Paris Plump Ambition Hyaluron Lip Oil ($14).
Image Source: Getty Images
Her favorite lip gloss shade is "anything that's kind of neutral," she says. "If I'm traveling and I'm not wearing makeup, it's always nice to have a bulletproof neutral in my bag."
Unlike many other people who can't stop scrolling (guilty), she admits she's not often online and can't keep up with the never-ending cycle of beauty trends that flood social algorithms. Instead, she learns a lot from her styling teams and credits her go-to makeup artist, Alex Babsky, for her favorite beauty looks.
"He is one of the greatest artists in the world," she says. "He's amazing, and I've learned so many tips and tricks from him. He's really good at paying attention to detail and the subtlety of makeup. I'm always learning so much from him."
When she's not doing a red carpet or attending an event, she keeps her makeup very minimal to give her skin a break. "Off-duty style" is how she would describe her go-to beauty look. "[The trend] I personally love is 'less is more,'" she says. "Just working with your features and what makes you unique and beautiful."
Image Source: 20th Century Studios
On a more serious note, when talking about DWP2, she calls that time an adventure. Filming in New York was her personal favorite part, where she was able to go home to friends to talk about the experience and even brainstorm funny ideas for upcoming scenes. It's sharing milestones with the people she loves that make it even more special.
"I think having amazing moments in life and your career are one thing, but it's really important that you have good people around you to share them with," she says. "I felt very lucky."
Audrey Noble is a beauty writer who covers breaking news, writes celebrity profiles, and does deep-dive features about the ways race, gender, sexuality, and other forms of identity impact society via the beauty industry. Previously, she was the beauty reporter at Allure and has held editorial positions at Vanity Fair and Refinery29. Audrey's work can also be seen in PS, Vogue, Harper's BAZAAR, Bustle, InStyle, WWD, and more.Read on the original site
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