Actress Lily James pays homage to her French grandmother through fashion during the Dior Autumn/Winter 2025 show, blending style with personal legacy.
During the highly anticipated Dior Autumn/Winter 2025 fashion show held in the serene Jardin des Tuileries, actress Lily James captured attention with her striking black ensemble that accentuated her waist. Presented during Paris Fashion Week, the outfit, characterized by its off-the-shoulder design, wide-leg tailored trousers, and sleek Dior slingbacks, was complemented by a Lady Dior bag, adding a sophisticated touch to her appearance.
However, the true significance of her stylish moment was revealed nearly a month later when Lily shared a series of images on Instagram on April 3. The post, captioned “Quand ta grand-mère est française,” translates to “When your grandmother is French,” and showcased not only her admirable style but also a personal connection to her heritage.
In her carousel of images, Lily displayed snapshots of herself posed elegantly against the backdrop of ornate Parisian architecture, matched with intimate moments lounging on a rich velvet couch beneath a pastoral tapestry. Among these images, she also included vintage black-and-white photographs of her maternal grandmother during her youth, making the post a poignant homage to her family’s legacy. This twist added depth to what initially appeared to be a celebration of fashion.
Lily’s look represented a modern take on classic French girl style, combining minimalism with an effortless aura that embodies quiet confidence. Her tousled blonde hair and subtle makeup echoed the sophisticated charm often associated with French icons like Catherine Deneuve.
Lily has previously expressed her admiration for her grandmother, Marinette Mantle, with whom she has a close relationship. In 2016, the pair attended Wimbledon together, where they were photographed in the Royal Box, showcasing their bond through laughter and affectionate hand-holding.
Marinette’s story adds another layer of resonance to Lily’s tribute. Born in France, she faced adversity at just 11 years of age when she was forced to flee her village due to the Nazi invasion during World War II. She later married Lily’s grandfather, who served as a minister in the Royal Air Force, intertwining their cultural narratives.
By integrating these personal elements into her stylish post, Lily James transformed her fashion statement into a homage to her grandmother’s legacy—highlighting how style can transcend generations and embody familial stories. The inclusion of her grandmother’s vintage photographs invited followers to reflect on the significance of heritage in shaping personal identity through fashion.
Source: Noah Wire Services
