Best known for her glamorous red carpet looks and chic high heels, which are often featured on Your Next Shoes, Lily Collins underwent a striking transformation for To the Bone.
In contrast to her usual elegant style, she portrayed a young woman battling anorexia in the 2017 Netflix drama. In an interview with Glamour Magazine, she revealed that she lost about 20 lbs (9 kg) to prepare for the role, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.
Lily Collins, dressed in a gray sports bra and black tights, portrays the struggles of anorexia as she steps onto a scale in To the Bone (Credit: Netflix)
Lily Collins on Preparing for To the Bone: Balancing Method Acting and Health
“They never gave me a number or a goal weight, but I ended up losing around 20 lbs. My nutritionist put me on lots of supplements and I was eating every meal, just specific things. I was very proud of the fact that I was never overly tired, I never missed a day of work and I never forgot my lines,” she revealed.
“We really made sure to maintain a semblance of control over the situation and also just to make sure my body was functioning the way that it should. I was reminding myself daily that I was hired as an actor, not because of the body I would have attained by suffering,” the actress added.
Lily Collins embodies the role of Ellen, a 20-year-old college dropout struggling with anorexia, in To the Bone, wearing a fitted ribbed tank top that highlights her dramatically thin frame (Credit: Netflix)
Lily Collins on Overcoming Personal Struggles to Tackle a Challenging Role
Collins previously suffered from an eating disorder, which made her nervous about taking on the role of a 20-year-old college dropout named Ellen (Eli) dealing with anorexia.
“I was anxious, but the anxiety was driving me forward because I wanted to do this movie for a greater purpose. It served a greater story than just my own and I was excited by the idea of taking what’s considered a taboo subject and bringing it to more people. I think it’s super necessary in this day and age to make these conversations more accessible to young people, so that was really exciting to me.”
Lily Collins, portraying Ellen in To the Bone, sits solemnly in a multicolored knit sweater and a gray beanie, reflecting the raw emotional depth of her character’s struggle with anorexia (Credit: Netflix)
Director Marti Noxon on Lily Collins’ Decision to Lose Weight for the Role
The film’s director, Marti Noxon, told People that Lily Collins chose to lose weight for the role.
“We never asked her to lose a certain amount of weight. There was a discussion, and we didn’t have very much time. We only had about four weeks between her signing on and starting filming, because of her schedule. And it was really more of a conversation about what’s going to make you feel, as an actor, prepared for the role, but also how do we keep you safe, and not at a dangerous weight that’s going to be triggering for you,” Noxon said.
Before her dramatic transformation in the 2017 Netflix film To the Bone, Lily Collins was already celebrated for her polished red carpet looks and effortlessly chic footwear choices.
Lily Collins’ Fashion Evolution: From To the Bone to Red Carpet Glamour
Lily Collins in a Georges Hobeika Fall 2019 Couture dress and Jimmy Choo Pattie platform sandals arrives at the 2019 Harper’s BAZAAR Celebration of ‘ICONS By Carine Roitfeld’ held at The Plaza Hotel on September 6, 2019, in Manhattan, New York City (Credit: Avalon / WENN)
Filming took place in March and April 2016, when Collins was frequently seen in elegant designer gowns paired with statement heels.
At the 22nd Critics’ Choice Awards in December 2016, she stunned in a sheer lace Elie Saab gown, completing the look with classic Christian Louboutin pumps.
By early 2017, Collins had returned to her signature refined style after the film’s completion. She attended the Golden Globe Awards in a breathtaking Zuhair Murad gown paired with delicate Jimmy Choo platform sandals. At the 19th Costume Designers Guild Awards, she wore an exquisite floral-embroidered Alexander McQueen gown.
Later that year, she turned heads at the Met Gala in a striking Giambattista Valli couture gown, completing the edgy ensemble with bold Charlotte Olympia ‘Eugenie’ sandals. This stark contrast between her on-screen portrayal and real-life red carpet glamour highlights Collins’ versatility as an actress and a true style icon.
Actress Lily Collins wears a Halston Heritage skirt and a Fallon necklace at the ‘The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones’ (Chroniken der Unterwelt) Germany premiere at Sony Centre on August 20, 2013, in Berlin, Germany (Credit: WENN)
Lily Collins on Personal Connection and Physical Transformations for the Role
“For me, I just wanted to feel like I was paying homage to the 16-year-old girl that I was, that would’ve wanted to see this movie, but at the time I was just an actor playing a character,” Collins told Access Hollywood about her own experience dealing with an eating disorder.
“There was never a weight goal, there was never a number. It’s something that I decided to do as an actor for a role. You lose weight, you gain weight, you change your hair color. There are so many different things that you can physically change for a character.”
The Filmmaking Process and Controversy Surrounding Lily Collins’ Weight Loss
The filmmakers employed special effects, wardrobe, makeup, and prosthetics to make Lily Collins look even skinnier and anorexic.
Project Heal, a non-profit organization focusing on equitable treatment access for eating disorders, criticized Collins’ decision to lose weight.
“We in no way intend to endorse the idea that people with anorexia nervosa can lose weight safely. This was a creative decision on the filmmakers’ part, and filming was completed before Project HEAL got involved in the film,” Project HEAL wrote in a statement.
“There is strong research showing that getting into a state of negative energy balance and/or losing weight can make people who have struggled with anorexia nervosa much more prone to a relapse. The weight loss aspect is not something that Project HEAL supports.”
As she prepared for the challenging role, Collins maintained her effortlessly chic style. She stepped out in a checkered blouse, sleek layers, and Rag & Bone slip-on shoes that perfectly balanced comfort and sophistication.
Lily Collins’ Street Style and Shopping Day With Her Mother, Jill Tavelman
Lily Collins hides behind her hair while out in Beverly Hills on March 17, 2016 (Credit: WENN)
Just as she was about to begin filming To the Bone, she stepped out with her mom, Jill Tavelman, in Los Angeles wearing a casual yet fashion-forward look—pairing a checkered top with zip-up layers and Rag & Bone slip-on shoes.
Though relaxed, this ensemble still carried her signature polished aesthetic.
Lily Collins and her mom, Jill Tavelman, spend a day shopping in Los Angeles
Lily wore jeans and a black-and-white checkered top, layered under a zip-up top with folded sleeves and sunglasses. The most interesting part of her outfit was her casual Rag & Bone “Sabine” slip-on shoes, which had a unique cut.
Lily Collins steps out in Rag & Bone’s Sabine’ slip-on shoes featuring a sleek black leather and suede combo with a backless mule design for effortless sophistication and comfort
In addition to the unique cut, they also feature a unique two-toned leather-and-suede upper.
Jill Tavelman and daughter Lily Collins step out in casual-chic outfits, with Lily pairing a checkered blouse and sleek black jacket with dark skinny jeans and Rag & Bone ‘Sabine’ slip-on shoes for a polished yet effortless street style
On March 18, 2016, Lily celebrated her 27th birthday with her mother, taking it as yet another opportunity to express her love and gratitude for her maternal figure.
The actress had once again broken up with her on-again-off-again beau Jamie Campbell Bower, which explained why her doting mom had been with her a lot.
Lily Collins’ striking transformation in To the Bone showcased her dedication to the craft, starkly contrasting the glamorous red carpet looks and designer heels she’s often seen wearing on Your Next Shoes.
While she stepped into the role of Ellen with haunting authenticity, in real life, Collins and many other celebrities turn to effortlessly chic and comfortable footwear, like Rag & Bone shoes, for their off-duty style.
From On-Screen Drama to Street Style: Celebrities Who Love Rag & Bone
Rag & Bone has become a go-to brand for stylish A-listers, from Hollywood red carpets to everyday streetwear. Here’s a look at some of the most fashionable celebrities spotted in Rag & Bone:
Reese Witherspoon’s Casual Chic in Rag & Bone ‘Harrow’ Booties
- Event: En route to a swim class in Los Angeles
- Outfit: Reese Witherspoon paired a black blouse with a blue jacquard miniskirt by Kenzo.
- Footwear: She completed her look with Rag & Bone ‘Harrow’ booties, adding a touch of sophistication to her casual ensemble.
- More Details: Reese Witherspoon’s effortless style with Rag & Bone booties
Julianne Hough’s Denim Dress Paired with Rag & Bone ‘Harrow’ Boots
- Event: Lunch outing at Il Pastaio Restaurant in Los Angeles
- Outfit: Julianne Hough donned a Topshop pocket denim swing dress.
- Footwear: She elevated her casual look with Rag & Bone ‘Harrow’ suede ankle boots.
- More Details: Julianne Hough’s stylish pairing of denim and Rag & Bone boots
Rose McGowan’s Casual Ensemble Featuring Rag & Bone ‘Newbury’ Booties
- Event: Leaving the Andy LeCompte salon in West Hollywood
- Outfit: Rose McGowan wore skinny jeans paired with a pink button-up shirt.
- Footwear: She complemented her look with taupe Rag & Bone ‘Newbury’ booties.
- More Details: Rose McGowan’s chic street style with Rag & Bone booties
Hilary Duff’s Effortless Style in Rag & Bone ‘Margot’ Boots
- Event: Shopping at Fred Segal in Los Angeles
- Outfit: Hilary Duff opted for a casual white dress.
- Footwear: She accessorized with Rag & Bone ‘Margot’ nubuck ankle boots.
- More Details: Hilary Duff’s casual look with Rag & Bone ‘Margot’ boots
Taylor Swift’s Airport Fashion with Rag & Bone ‘Ryland’ Ankle Boots
- Event: Arrival at Narita International Airport in Tokyo
- Outfit: Taylor Swift showcased her midriff in a merino wool cropped sweater paired with ultra-high-rise suspender jeans.
- Footwear: She completed her look with Rag & Bone ‘Ryland’ contrast cowhide leather booties.
- More Details: Taylor Swift’s chic airport style featuring Rag & Bone boots
Blake Lively’s Cozy Look in Rag & Bone ‘Sloane’ Boots
- Event: Strolling in New York City with Ryan Reynolds
- Outfit: Blake Lively bundled up in a navy Max Mara Teddy coat and DL1961 Emilie jeans.
- Footwear: She opted for Rag & Bone ‘Sloane’ boots to complete her winter ensemble.
- More Details: Blake Lively’s stylish winter outfit with Rag & Bone boots
These moments highlight Rag & Bone’s versatility, effortlessly blending comfort and sophistication in celebrity street style.
Lily’s chic Rag & Bone “Sabine” slip-on shoes are available on Amazon and Nordstrom.
Rag & Bone “Sabine” Suede and Leather Slippers, $375
Rag & Bone “Sabine” Perforated Leather Slippers, $375