Lily Cole is a name that resonates across multiple industries—fashion, film, literature, and social activism. She is not just a model but a multifaceted personality who has successfully transitioned into acting, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy. Her striking red hair and unique features made her a standout figure in the modeling world, earning her a place among the top models of the 2000s. However, her ambitions extended far beyond the runway.
Born on December 27, 1987, in Torquay, Devon, England, Cole’s journey from a young girl with dreams to an internationally recognized figure is nothing short of inspiring. While some sources claim she was born in May 1988, official records confirm her birthdate as December 1987. Her career spans decades, with achievements in modeling, acting, business, and activism.
Early Life & Background
Lily Luahana Cole was born on December 27, 1987, into a family with a unique background. Her father, Chris Cole, was a fisherman and boat builder, while her mother, Patience Owen, was an artist and writer. Raised primarily by her mother in London, Cole had little contact with her father, who left the family when she was a toddler. She grew up alongside her sister, Elvie Cole, in a household that encouraged creativity and intellectual pursuits. Her current age is 37 years as of April 2025.
Growing up in London, Cole was exposed to a vibrant cultural environment that shaped her interests. Her mother’s artistic background played a significant role in fostering her creativity, which later translated into her diverse career choices. Despite the challenges of growing up without her father, Cole’s upbringing was filled with opportunities that allowed her to explore her passions.
Lily Cole Wiki | BIO
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lily Luahana Cole |
| Nick Name | Lily |
| Profession | Model, Actor, Author, Director, Entrepreneur |
| Date of Birth | 27th December 1987 |
| Age | 37 years old (as of April 2025) |
| Birthplace | Torquay, Devon, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Zodiac Sign | Capricorn |
| Mother Tongue | English |
| Religion | Christian |
| Height | 179 cm (5’10”) |
| Weight | 59 kg (130 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Hair Color | Red |
| Education | King’s College, Cambridge (History of Art) |
| Father | Chris Cole (Fisherman, Boat Builder) |
| Mother | Patience Owen (Artist, Writer) |
| Siblings | Elvie Cole (Sister) |
| Partner | Kwame Ferreira |
| Children | Wylde Cole Ferreira (Daughter) |
| Net Worth | Approx. $18 million USD |
| @lilycole/ | |
| Wikipedia | @Lily_Cole |
Education & Academic Achievements
Cole’s educational journey began at Hallfield Primary School in London. She later attended the Sylvia Young Theatre School, known for nurturing young talent in the performing arts. Her academic excellence continued at St Marylebone School, a private institution in London.
Cole’s intellectual curiosity led her to pursue higher education at Latymer Upper School, where she excelled in subjects like English, politics, philosophy, and ethics. In 2006, she secured a place at King’s College, Cambridge, to study Social and Political Sciences. However, her burgeoning modeling career led her to defer her entry twice.
In 2008, she finally began studying History of Art at Cambridge and graduated with a double first-class honors in 2011. Her academic achievements reflect her dedication to learning, proving that she is much more than just a model.
Modeling Career
Cole’s modeling career began unexpectedly when she was discovered on the streets of London by Benjamin Hart of Storm Models in 2003. Her striking red hair and unique features quickly caught the attention of industry professionals, leading to her first major shoot with Steven Meisel for Italian Vogue.
Cole’s rise in the modeling world was meteoric. She was named “Model of the Year” at the 2004 British Fashion Awards, solidifying her status as one of the top models of the decade. Throughout her career, she appeared on the covers of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Numéro, and Playboy, among others. She also walked the runway for Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton, DKNY, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Moschino.
Beyond runway appearances, Cole became the face of several high-profile advertising campaigns. She worked with brands such as Chanel, Christian Lacroix, Rimmel London, and Tiffany & Co.. Her association with Rimmel London began in 2009, further cementing her influence in the beauty industry.
Acting Career
While Cole was thriving in the fashion industry, she sought to expand her creative pursuits into acting. Her debut came in 2007 with the film “St Trinian’s”, where she played a supporting role. However, her first leading role came in 2009 with Terry Gilliam’s “The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus”, where she starred alongside Heath Ledger.
Cole’s acting career continued with appearances in various films and TV series. She starred in “Passages”, a short film directed by Shekhar Kapur, and “There Be Dragons”, directed by Roland Joffé. She also appeared in the popular TV series “Doctor Who” and played a significant role in the docu-drama miniseries “Elizabeth I”.
Business Ventures & Entrepreneurship
Lily is not just a model and actress—she is also a successful entrepreneur. In 2013, she founded Impossible.com, an innovation group and incubator focused on social and environmental issues. Initially launched as a gift economy social network, the platform later evolved into Impossible People, a hub for creative and sustainable initiatives.
Cole also ventured into sustainable fashion with The North Circular, an environmentally friendly knitwear brand that donates a portion of its profits to the Environmental Justice Foundation. Her commitment to ethical business practices has made her a respected figure in the sustainability movement.
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Writing & Publications
Lily is not just a model and actress—she is also a talented writer. In 2020, she published “Who Cares Wins”, a book that explores how human actions impact the planet and how individuals can respond to environmental challenges. The book was well-received for its insightful discussions on sustainability, activism, and the future of our world.
Following the success of her book, Cole launched a podcast in 2021, where she invited guests from various fields to discuss critical issues related to the environment, technology, food, mental health, and capitalism. Her literary contributions extend beyond books, as she has written articles and essays on social and environmental topics.
Personal Life & Relationships
Cole has been in a long-term relationship with Kwame Ferreira, a businessman and entrepreneur. The couple met in 2012 while working together and have since built a life together. Their relationship is marked by mutual support and shared interests in sustainability and innovation.
In September 2015, Lily and Kwame Ferreira welcomed their daughter, Wylde Cole Ferreira. Cole has spoken about the joys and challenges of motherhood, emphasizing the importance of raising her daughter with strong values and a sense of responsibility toward the world.
Physical Attributes
Lily is known for her striking red hair and unique features. She stands at 5 feet 10 inches (1.79 m) and weighs approximately 59 kg (130 lbs). Her body measurements are 34-27-36 inches, reflecting her slim and elegant physique.
Her blue eyes and red hair have made her one of the most recognizable figures in the fashion industry. Her distinctive look has contributed to her success as a model and actress.
Net Worth & Financial Success
As of 2025, Cole’s estimated net worth is around $18 million USD. Her wealth comes from multiple sources, including modeling, acting, business ventures, and book sales.
Cole has earned significant income from her modeling contracts, brand endorsements, acting roles, and entrepreneurial ventures. Her association with major fashion brands and her business initiatives have contributed to her financial success.
Controversies & Public Apologies
In 2021, Lily faced backlash after posting a photo of herself wearing a burka on Instagram. The post, which was intended to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, was met with criticism from social media users who accused her of cultural appropriation.
Following the controversy, Cole deleted the photo and issued an apology, stating that she had posted it in a spirit of celebration and inclusivity but acknowledged that she had been naive in not fully considering the implications of her actions. Her response demonstrated her willingness to learn and grow from the experience.
Influence & Legacy
Cole’s career has left a lasting impact on multiple industries. As a model, she redefined beauty standards with her distinctive features and unconventional look. As an actress, she proved her versatility by taking on diverse roles. As an entrepreneur and activist, she has championed causes that promote social and environmental change.
Cole’s journey from a fashion icon to a socially conscious entrepreneur serves as an inspiration for young individuals looking to make a difference. Her ability to balance creativity, business, and activism showcases her multifaceted personality.
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