Lily James’ debut campaign for Burberry’s new My Burberry Black fragrance has been revealed – and it’s quite the sight to behold.
Shot by the legendary photographer Mario Testino under the creative direction of Christopher Bailey, the accompanying video sees an elegantly dishevelled Lily sheltering from the rain in the brand’s black heritage trench coat – the inspiration behind the new fragrance.
The British actress, best known for her roles in period pieces like Downton Abbey and War and Peace, was announced as a new face of the brand back in April. Lily follows in the footsteps of model duo Cara Delevingne and Kate Moss, the current faces of the My Burberry fragrance.
‘I’m so delighted to have worked with the very lovely and clever Lily James on our new My Burberry campaign,’ Bailey said. ‘I have admired her work for quite some time and was bowled over by her wonderful charm and her warmth when we met so it was a treat to have had the opportunity to collaborate on this shoot together.’
To mark the event, the brand has launched its first Snapchat filter. Available for 24 hours from tomorrow, users will be immersed into the world of the campaign, sheltering under a virtual Burberry umbrella and bathed in a golden light.
As Lily celebrates the release of her first ever global ad campaign, we caught up with the actress for some quick-fire questions covering everything from her beauty routine to those very persistent rumours of a Downton film…
What was it like working with Christopher Bailey and Mario Testino?
It was a really fun and special experience working with Christopher and Mario on my first campaign. Christopher is so talented and kind and Mario’s energy is infectious and he makes you feel immediately at ease in front of the camera.
What’s the one product you can’t live without?
My must-have beauty product would have to be Burberry Fresh Glow. It gives you this really fresh, dewy brightness, which I love.
What’s your beauty regime like?
I cleanse, tone and moisturise and use face oils before bed. I like to pamper myself in the morning and evening.
Who’s your icon?
Cate Blanchett. The way she commands herself as an actress and as a woman is incredible.
Can you tell us anything about the Downton Abbey film? We’ve got our fingers crossed…
Mine are crossed too! I have no idea. I have heard whisperings that something is emerging…
Your role in upcoming film Baby Driver sounds pretty different to Downton Abbey and War and Peace. How did you prepare?
I went to a lot of restaurants and watched a lot of waitresses in America - I play a waitress in the film and being a waitress over there is very different from here. I worked a lot on my American accent and also listened to the soundtrack of the film on repeat.
How did it feel to return to the theatre for Romeo and Juliet?
So exciting! I’ve totally fallen in love with acting all over again. I love being in London and rehearsing and I feel like I’ve learned so much.
Are there any actors and actresses you’d still love to work with?
So many - there are so many young actors, especially, who I would love to work with. It’s so inspiring to look at who won Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress at the Oscars, Brie Larson and Alicia Vikander.
Watch Lily's Burberry campaign below
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