Simone Ashley Dazzles at Demellier Store Opening
The 'Bridgerton' star graced the event in a striking red gown, joining fellow celebrities and industry figures.
Simone Ashley captivated attendees at the grand opening of Demellier's London flagship store on Thursday evening, choosing a vibrant £980 TOVE red dress for the occasion.
The actress, known for her role in Netflix's "Bridgerton," complemented her ruffled short-sleeve gown with classic black heels and a matching handbag. She was among notable guests including actress Lesley Manville, singer Birdy, and Tigerlily Taylor.
The new flagship store, designed in collaboration with architect Nicolas Schuybroek, is envisioned as the brand's home, featuring vintage furniture and warm interiors. The event also marked the debut of Demellier's new bag collection, The Sloane and The Midi Sloane.
Ashley, 31, rose to prominence after her role in "Sex Education" in 2019, leading to her breakout performance as Kate Sharma in "Bridgerton." Her career trajectory includes critical acclaim, recognition on Forbes' 30 Under 30 list, and Time 100 Next.
Born to Indian immigrants, Ashley pursued the arts against her parents' initial inclinations. "It made me want to escape and do things my own way. I’ve always been a bit rebellious in that sense," she recalled. After studying performing arts and musical theatre, she secured roles in British dramas before landing her breakthrough television parts.
Ashley has spoken about the political nature of her visibility as a woman of color in the industry. "Art is an incredibly political industry — anything you do, any movie you make. Me being a woman of color is political whether I like it or not, and I’m proud of that," she stated. She expressed pride in seeing representation on billboards, noting a shift towards normalization.
The surge in fame following "Bridgerton" led to periods of anxiety for Ashley, who sometimes avoided public outings due to being recognized. "When Bridgerton came out, those were some of the best years of my life, but I also had a lot of anxiety," she shared. She has since navigated these challenges, stating, "I've reached a point where I just don't care as much."
Looking ahead, Ashley is set to appear in the A24 comedy "Peaked" and the romantic comedy "Falling." She continues to forge her path in the entertainment industry as she enters her thirties.