It happened right around March 2025. One minute we're watching Lily Collins navigate the neon-soaked, maximalist chaos of Paris as Emily Cooper, and the next, she’s staring at us from a massive billboard in SoHo, stripped of the berets and the clashing patterns. She looked... different.
The Lily Collins Calvin Klein debut wasn't just another celebrity brand deal. It felt like a deliberate pivot. For an actress whose public image has been so tightly bound to the "more is more" aesthetic of her hit Netflix show, seeing her in sharp, hushed tailoring was a bit of a shock to the system. But honestly? It works.
The Spring 2025 Campaign: Less Is So Much More
When Calvin Klein tapped Lily for the Spring 2025 campaign, they didn't put her in the usual high-octane glamour. Instead, director Charlotte Wales leaned into what the brand does best: 90s-coded minimalism.
Think less "Eiffel Tower charms" and more "structured wool vest."
The campaign photos, which started popping up globally on March 4, 2025, show Lily in a range of pieces that basically define "quiet luxury." We’re talking about the Tech Textured Blazer, the Viscose Ribbed Maxi Dress, and some seriously premium Cone Denim. It’s the kind of stuff you’d wear if you were trying to look like you weren't trying at all.
Lily actually talked about this with ELLE when the news broke. She mentioned that as a kid, she used to literalize her dreams by cutting out Calvin Klein ads from magazines and taping them to her wall. For her, it represented the pinnacle of "cool." It’s a full-circle moment that feels surprisingly authentic for a Hollywood A-lister.
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Why This Style Shift Matters
If you’ve followed Lily's career, you know she’s basically a fashion chameleon. One day she's a gothic rock star in The Mortal Instruments, the next she's a literal princess in Mirror Mirror.
But the Lily Collins Calvin Klein partnership feels like it’s reflecting her real-life evolution. She became a mom recently—her daughter, Tove, was born via surrogacy in early 2025—and she’s been vocal about how motherhood shifted her focus toward comfort and "easy" elegance. You can see that in the campaign. There’s a softness to the photos, even when she’s wearing a rigid blazer.
That Viral NYFW Return (The Sequin Moment)
Fast forward to September 12, 2025. New York Fashion Week is in full swing.
Lily shows up to the Calvin Klein show at The Brant Foundation in NYC, marking her first appearance at NYFW in roughly 16 years. The last time she was a regular on these front rows, the iPhone was barely a thing.
She wore this iridescent, semi-sheer white co-ord set covered in scale-like sequins. It was a custom tweak of a look from creative director Veronica Leoni’s debut collection. It was also a total departure from the "clean" Spring campaign. It had a bit of that "Emily" flair but grounded in the CK silhouette.
People on social media went nuts for it. It was the perfect bridge between her high-fashion ambassador role for Cartier and the more accessible, everyday vibe of Calvin Klein.
The Pieces Everyone’s Buying
If you’re looking to get the "Lily look" without having a movie star’s bank account, these are the items that actually moved the needle:
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- The 90s Straight Jean: This is the "Goldilocks" of denim. Not too skinny, not too baggy.
- The Tech Textured Vest: Lily wore this in the campaign videos, and it sold out in several sizes almost immediately. It’s basically a waistcoat that doesn't make you look like a 19th-century waiter.
- The Matte Satin Midi Skirt: It’s all about that bias cut. It’s fluid, simple, and somehow looks expensive even when paired with a basic white tank top.
Addressing the "Emily" Elephant in the Room
There’s always a risk when a brand signs a massive TV star. Do people see the actor, or do they see the character?
Kinda feels like Calvin Klein was smart here. They didn’t try to make her "Parisian." They made her "New York." By stripping away the accessories and focusing on the bone structure and the silhouette, they effectively "de-Emilified" her.
It’s a masterclass in brand repositioning. For Lily, it proves she has the range to lead a major American legacy brand. For Calvin Klein, it brings in a younger, style-obsessed audience that might have previously thought the brand was just about underwear.
What You Should Actually Do Next
If you’re looking to incorporate this Lily Collins Calvin Klein vibe into your own closet, don't overthink it.
Start by finding a single, well-tailored blazer that actually fits your shoulders—no, it shouldn't look like you’re wearing your dad’s coat. Pair it with a high-quality ribbed tank and some straight-leg jeans. The secret isn't the price tag; it's the lack of "noise." Skip the loud logos and the heavy jewelry.
You can check out the current collection on the official Calvin Klein site or keep an eye on Lily’s Instagram for her "photo dumps" from the shoots. She’s been known to share some of the unedited, behind-the-scenes moments with Charlotte Wales that show the clothes in a much more "lived-in" way.
Focus on the textures—silk against denim, wool against jersey. That’s where the magic is.
Actionable Insight: If you're building a capsule wardrobe, prioritize the 90s Trucker Jacket from the Studio collection. It’s the most versatile piece from the collaboration and layers perfectly over both dresses and loungewear.