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Back in 2006, when Lily Allen arrived on the global music scene with her album Alright, Still, she and her sporty-meets-retro-style were a breath of fresh air. Allen has remained in the spotlight for the past 15 years, but lately, she’s showcased another side of herself. Currently garnering raves for her West End debut in Danny Robins’ play, 2:22 A Ghost Story, Allen is reminding audiences that she’s adept at the creative multi-tasking that defines modern celebrity. As a singer-songwriter, actor, host, writer, and entrepreneur, she can and does do it all. Onstage that it factor has made for thrilling performances, while off-duty, it’s meant one fantastic outfit after another.
Allen was always chic, but her latest looks reflect the positive place she’s in personally and professionally. Last night in London, Allen celebrated her play’s success by exiting its press night at the Noël Coward Theatre in one of Taller Marmo’s feather-trimmed one-shoulder satin gowns. The look projected glamour of the old Hollywood variety, and Allen could have played up that aspect, but she and stylist Lucy Manning kept everything else minimal and monochromatic. Without big earrings and statement necklaces to distract from the details, the plumage was twice as striking.
On Monday, Allen exited the theater in a casual yet equally compelling outfit. Dressed in a velvet Miu Miu crop-top with an oversized lace collar and a pair of skinny black jeans, she balanced whimsy and grit. Days earlier, she sported a similar Miuccia-designed look, in a lighter colorway with cuffed blue jeans and fuzzy faux fur Prada carryall.
Given that 2021 has seen the revival of nearly every aughts phenomenon, Allen’s stylish moment in the spotlight feels well-timed. Whether taking Kim Jones’ debut Fendi ready-to-wear collection for a spin on Instagram (as she did in July), sporting Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini’s puff-sleeved python print mini-dress at The Ivy’s launch party, or dazzling in turquoise and lime Bora Aksu alongside husband David Harbor at Chanel’s pre-BAFTAs party last year, Allen has continuously kept things interesting. The merits of some 2000s favorites are still up for debate, but nothing beats seeing one of the era’s biggest stars shine brighter than ever.