Inside Bonjour Tristesse Star Lily McInerny’s Big Night at TIFF

lily mcinerny applying lipstick at tiff 2024
Nolan Zangas

In collaboration with my makeup artist, Julie Clisson, and hair stylist, Kirsten Klontz, we took inspiration from the 1950s and ’60s, in line with the design of my gown and an ode to the legacy of Bonjour Tristesse. I knew I wanted a red lip, and Julie chose the perfect color.

lily mcinerny getting ready at tiff 2024
Nolan Zangas

For hair, the reference for Kirsten was “hair up, a little undone— fresh, modern, and youthful” to capture more of my character Cécile’s “wild” side.

liyl mcinerny posing in her hotel room at tiff 2024
Nolan Zangas

I love all the mod references in Celine’s latest collection.

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lily mcinerny wearing a leopard coat and applying lipstick in the mirror at tiff 2024
Nolan Zangas

Leopard coat: final touch-ups for the after-party. Rawr. Or, FEELING POWERFUL!!!

lily mcinerny in a black dress in her hotel room at tiff 2024
Nolan Zangas

I shared a reference of one of Jean Seberg’s costumes from the original film adaptation with Hedi as soon as we received news of Toronto. He came back with a sketch that perfectly modernized and synchronized the pedigree of the novel, our film’s interpretation and Hedi’s design sensibilities. Our collaboration made this entire experience that much more meaningful.

lily mcinerny poses next to an elevator at tiff 2024
Nolan Zangas

A pointy-toe kitten heel–adore.

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lily mcinerny poses in a black dress in a hallway
Nolan Zangas

On my way to meet family in the hotel lobby. Having my mother, father, aunt, and cousins beside me was a highlight of the evening.

lily mcinerny poses in an elevator at tiff 2024
Nolan Zangas

I waited until the premiere to watch the film for the first time, and am overwhelmed with gratitude for this perfect gown to celebrate the occasion.

lily mcinerny in a car on the way to tiff 2024
Nolan Zangas

In the car, calming my nerves before the red carpet. Among all the excitement, I’m most looking forward to reuniting with the loved ones I made this film with. My team was incredible and created the perfect atmosphere ahead of a big night. Calming and joyful. We listened to the playlist I used from the set of Bonjour Tristesse to get into the mood. (Lots of The Strokes, Radio Department, Strawberry Switchblade, and The Cure). Sharing the film with an audience for the first time, while experiencing it for the first time myself, was dreamlike and unforgettable.

Headshot of Lauren Puckett-Pope

Lauren Puckett-Pope is a staff culture writer at ELLE, where she primarily covers film, television and books. She was previously an associate editor at ELLE. 

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