Disney actress Lily James has been criticised for her tiny corseted waist in new film Cinderella, as it’s been slammed as being “smaller than an can of Coke”.
But at a press conference yesterday, the 25-year-old star shrugged off the complaints as ‘irrelevant’.
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“Why on earth are we focusing on something so irrelevant?” she said.
“I’ve had friends’ kids and a little boy called Daniel, who’s nine, who said, ‘it’s amazing how you promised your mum to be kind and good and you remembered it,’ that’s the message.
“Cinderella felt really strong and was a girl I really wanted to play – I felt inspired playing her,” Lily added.
When promo shots from the film were first released, it provoked a Twitter furore over the size of Cinders’ waist, which looked photoshopped to ridiculous proportions.
Some even using the #BoycottCinderella hashtag to put other people off going to see it.
Lily has spoken out about the difficulties of filming in such a restrictive corset, saying she couldn’t eat a proper meal while wearing it because it wouldn’t digest properly.
But costume designer Sandy Powell, who created all the outfits for the film, has defended the tiny waist look.
“I don’t understand what the concerns are actually. Lily does have a small waist, but so do all the other girls in the film,” she said.
“Lily’s dress in particular is an optical illusion. That really does make the waist smaller than it actually is.”
Cinderella hits cinemas on Friday 27 March.
Lily James' life in fashion
We u2665 Lily James! Here's the Cinderella star's life in fashion
1 of 1918th February 2015
Pairing Erdem feminine florals with vampy vixen make-up and a tousled up 'do
2 of 1923rd January 2013
A brunette Lily showed off her fab figure at the NTAs in scarlet Donna Karan paired with nude patent heels. Whilst she still looks lovely, her red carpet style has evolved soooooo much in two years
3 of 1910th February 2013
Working the Victoriana trend in a D&G gothic lacy gown for the BAFTAs
4 of 1913th May 2014
Taking inspo from her Downton character Lady Rose in this feathered '20s vibe Ralph Lauren gown
5 of 1913th February 2015
This kooky sheer panelled, embroidered Mary Katrantzou frock gives Lily a cute '60s yet edgy vibe
6 of 192nd March 2015
Another fairytale ensemble for the Cinderella photocall in LA, this time in spring shades of peridot and gold. Matchy matchy block heels and natural beauty complete Miss James' girly look to PERFECTION
7 of 195th March 2015
This icy flowing Prada gown and super pretty make-up is given added edge with a cult Anya Hindmarch crisp packet clutch
8 of 1913th February 2015
Rocking princess chic once more in dreamy pale pink Dior and statement brows
9 of 191st March 2013
And finally, here she is as lovely Lady Rose in Downton Abbey. We reckon she could take some fash advice from Lily, for sure...
10 of 196th March 2015
This quirky Mary Katrantzou frock is a big contrast to Lily's usual princess ballgowns, but it looks AMAZING! We're all over the contrasting electric blue sandals, too
11 of 1914th September 2012
Hitting LFW at the PPQ show in a bright printed mini
12 of 1927th March 2014
Making a style statement at the Bloomsbury Ballroom in red and black lace Valentino
13 of 1918th February 2015
Keeping it simple in a chic Gucci halterneck and super strappy heels
14 of 1913th September 2014
This lacy raspberry Marchesa dress is not an easy one to pull off, but thanks to her don't care hair and simple accessories, Lily does it once more
15 of 1928th April 2013
Gorgeous in a simple monochrome column gown paired with bouncy curls at the Olivier Awards
16 of 193rd June 2014
Winning a Glamour Award and looking perfectly gorge while she's at it. How much do we want Lily's glowing skin secrets?
17 of 191st March 2015
Has there ever been a more appropriate Cinderella dress than this? Lily dazzled at the Cinderella LA premiere in her Elie Saab Couture embellished gown teamed with a sleek low bun and pretty bejewelled earrings
18 of 1930th April 2014
Going casual at a summer party in turn-ups, heels and a lilac clutch
19 of 198th March 2015
These oversized burgundy co-ords are the perfect contrast to Lily's glossy waves and pretty make-up