ELLE UK’s current cover star Nicola Coughlan is firmly in her fantasy era. Case in point: her ensemble for the premiere of her latest film, The Magic Faraway Tree, in which she plays a pointy-eared fairy named Silky.
Arriving alongside costars Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy at the London premiere, the Irish actor was a vision in a shade of green that Coughlan likens to something incredibly specific: a Ladurée box (you know the one). The rest of the dress took inspiration from something far more fantastical than a beautifully arranged box of macaroons, however.
As Coughlan readied herself for the moment, she spoke to ELLE about what she’s learned about fashion from her stylist Aimee Croysdill, how she plans on updating her ‘everyday’ wardrobe and how she’s always on a quest to look like a ‘proper adult’.
On Her The Magic Faraway Tree Premiere Look…
‘I wore a gown by Lebanese designer Georges Hobeika. My stylist Aimee came to me with some of his runway looks that had a really beautiful, whimsical, feminine energy to all of them. This dress just felt really perfect for the premiere. We talked about maybe doing it in brown, but I have wanted to do a minty green for ages. So, they sent through the dress in different colours but I just really loved that Ladurée box green.
‘The glam was quite minimal because the dress did a lot of the talking. It would have felt overwhelming I think if we had tried to go for a big look for it. So, it was just very soft, like ethereal hair and makeup that is understated. I really loved how it came out.’
On Her Personal Style…
‘I do dress a lot for comfort because I spend a lot of my time in corsetry at work. Then, for red carpet, they’re beautiful looks, but they’re not the most comfortable. I’ve been trying to get better at my everyday dressing and do less hoodies and joggers and try and find more chic everyday outfits, so I look like a proper adult.’
On Being Involved In The Styling Process…
‘I tend to be quite involved. Aimee is incredible and comes with so many ideas. It’s always a conversation between us. I would never show up to a red carpet not knowing what I’m wearing or who the designer is.’
On Giving Nods To Her Character With Method Dressing…
‘It depends on the job to be honest. I did it a little bit for Barbie. I was only on that project for a day and my Barbie was silver, so we had a silver dress. For this, it felt like the right time because it’s a kids’ movie. It’s so fun, and how often can you be a fairy? But, when it comes to something like Bridgerton, because I spend so much time on that set I feel I want to get away from the character. So, it really depends on the job.’
On What’s On Her Fashion Mood Board…
‘I find the hardest part of dressing is for every day… just everyday looks. So, any girls that can pull that off and just look cool but not overdone, I think that’s my current thing that I’m loving.’
Tasaki jewellery made for the perfect finishing touch.
On The Best Styling Trick She’s Learned…
‘I think it’s the value of good tailoring and how much it matters, and then re-wearing stuff you have. It’s much better than buying 20 cheap things. So you buy one good thing and keep it. And, looking after your clothes is another thing!’
On The Magic Faraway Tree…
‘I really hope that people feel taken back to that feeling of being a kid with those movies that we all loved growing up that had all these different magical lands.
‘I hope it really makes people laugh. It’s a hilarious script – Simon Farnaby is incredible. It’s such a group of stars and comedy geniuses, and the three kids that lead it are absolutely incredible. It’s a movie that needs to be seen in the cinema. When I got to see it at the premiere on the big, big screen, I was like, “This is exactly what the experience should be.” It’s just properly cinematic and joyful and yeah, I think people are going to love it.’
Nicola wears custom couture Georges Hobeika gown worn with custom Jimmy Choo shoes and Tasaki jewellery.
Photographer: Elliot Morgan
Stylist: Aimee Croysdill
Styling assistant: Julia-Rose Stanbrook
Tailoring: Bernie Carty
Hair: Halley Brisker using Olaplex assisted by Allie Harknett
Makeup: Neil Young
Nails: Michelle Class
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