EXCLUSIVE: InStyle meets Gossip Girl's Kelly Rutherford!
Tuesday 26 April, 2011 Gossip Girl star Kelly Rutherford aka Lily Humphrey reveals all about co-stars Blake Lively and Leighton Meester, her beauty must-haves and of course the fashion wardrobe...
With season four of Gossip Girl now in full swing, InStyle caught up with Kelly Rutherford who plays yummy-mummy socialite Lily Humphrey (nee Van der Woodsen and Bass!)...
How would you describe your character Lily. Is she much like yourself?
I think she is strong, glamorous and nurturing. Her kids are older than mine, I'm much more casual than Lily is but she is a really wonderful character to play.
Lily is quite the yummy mummy, always perfectly groomed and well dressed. Has your style on the show impacted your own fashion sense?
I have always loved fashion and it's wonderful to finally be able to express it through a character - it makes me feel quite liberated.
Do you get much say over wardrobe and ever get to keep anything?
The team really pull in incredible pieces, it's definitely a collaboration to see what fits and what works best for the scenes we have to do and then we make it our own. I do get to keep some pieces but on other shows I found that the times I did keep things it reminded me too much of the character and it felt weird. If there is something I have my eye on I always ask the designer first.
What's been your favourite storyline for Lily?
This season [Four] has been incredible, they have certainly given me a lot to do which has been really fun to play. I really love the evolution of it from even Season One to now, the evolution of the relationships. I love the whole thing with Bart Bass that whole part of the storyline and now with the kids going off the college that has changed everything - it's been a fun progression.
What is it like working with style icons Blake lively and Leighton Meester?
Off camera they are so sweet. I bring my kids to work occasionally and they are always offering to babysit. Both girls are very family-orientated which I love and they are both very focused and smart and it's a lot of fun to work with them. They are both very professional but aren't afraid to have a laugh and be silly too which is really refreshing.
Do you have a favourite designer?
I like Lanvin a lot because it always fits me so beautifully for events. I also love Valentino - straightforward beautiful clothes.
Do you find red carpet events daunting?
Trying to balance it with being mum is always difficult. I don't have a stylist yet but I'm beginning to think it would make my life a lot easier.
What's your favourite downtime look?
I like to mix things - J Crew or J Brand jeans with Louboutins and a Hermes bag - I really like mixing high street and designer. Having two young kids also means it has to be practical too.
Do you have a style muse?
I love actresses like Catherine Deneuve but also modern people too; Kate Moss is great. Cate Blanchett always looks amazing on the red carpet and Gwyneth Paltrow has great style.
What's the best beauty advice you have ever been told?
I think especially for mums, sleep is the best beauty advice - there are just not enough products when you're tired, my mother is always telling me to take it easy! The rest is hard to follow, too much work. I try not to wear too much make-up, just a little bronzer, Estee Lauder's Bronzed Goddess is a great one and right now I'm trying Chanel Lumiere foundation. I love doing a simple eye and face and a then a big bold red lip.
What's next for Lily?
They have given me so much to do! There are a lot of family changes that happen - Billy Baldwin comes back and my mother comes back - the whole family situation is unraveled, a lot of exciting things in store...
We can't wait to see it! Catch Season 4 of Gossip Girl Wednesday 8pm
http://www.instyle.co.uk/news....6-04-11