Words: Cara Sterio

Bibbidi-bobbidi-boo! Lily James ruled the powder blue carpet at the UK premiere of Cinderella in a custom-made Balenciaga gown.

Lily told ELLE that the modern-day Cinderella she plays in Disney's latest film is all about empowering females.

‘Cinderella shows that there’s all sorts of courage and all sorts of strength within. You can deal with life and find joy in even the darkest moments and you don’t need a prince.’


 
And, although Lily wears the glass slipper well,  it's Converse trainers she can't live without in real live.

 
Helena Bonham-Carter, who plays the fairy godmother, was also in attendance wearing Vivienne Westwood. And the prince, Richard Madden, wasn’t far behind – accompanied by his girlfriend, Doctor Who’s Jenna Coleman.

The Scotsman wore a Thom Sweeney suit and chatted about transforming the old fairytale Prince Charming into a modern-day man.


 
‘A girl doesn’t need a guy with lots of money and a big house to save her from her rubbish life; it’s outdated. In this version, you’ve got amazing young women; I’ve tried to create a man who is worthy of her affections by having respect and a sense of humour.’
 
Cinderella is in cinemas now

The Cinderella Free exhibition opens in Leicester Square, 21 March – 10 April 2015