Lily Cole Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

The Unlikely Path: From Devon to Global Runways

Lily Luahana Cole was born on December 27, 1987, in Torquay, Devon, England — marking her birthday each year on that date.  Raised by her mother, an artist and writer, alongside her sister after her father left when she was a baby, Lily grew up in London. 

Her ascent into modeling began almost serendipitously. At 14, she was spotted in Soho by a talent scout. Though initially skeptical, she accepted and signed with Storm Model Management — setting in motion a career few could have predicted. 

By 16, she had achieved what many models spend years chasing: a debut cover on British Vogue. From there, her distinctive red-hair and striking features turned her into a fixture of the fashion world. 

Red-Headed Icon and the Making of a Modern Model

During the 2000s, Lily Cole rose to the upper echelons of modeling. In 2004, she was named “Model of the Year” at the British Fashion Awards. Vogue Paris later placed her among the top 30 models of the decade — a testament to her staying power in an industry known for its rapid turnover. 

At her peak, she walked runways for world-renowned fashion houses such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Alexander McQueen, Jean Paul Gaultier, Moschino and many others.  Her campaigns and covers spanned global editions of Vogue, Numéro, Interview, and even high-profile collaborations with brands like Rimmel and Longchamp. 

Cole didn’t stop at modeling. She transitioned into acting, taking on her first major film role in The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (2009), casting her into the world of cinema. 

Beyond modeling and acting, she also established her entrepreneurial and creative footprint: founding the innovation group Impossible.com (later rebranded as Impossible People), authoring a book, and engaging in advocacy — blending artistry, business, and conscience.

Building Wealth — How Net Worth Reflects a Versatile Career

Estimates of Lily Cole’s net worth vary across sources. One valuation — often cited, though not verified publicly — puts her at around US $14 million. 

Another older figure (from 2007) listed her at £6 million, ranking her among the richest young people in the UK at the time. Given her sustained modeling career, acting credits, entrepreneurial ventures, and projects in publishing and activism, the higher-end estimates reflect a diversified income base over many years.

Regardless of the exact number, what stands out is how Cole managed to parlay early success — modeling, acting — into a broader, more sustainable career that spans creative, business, and advocacy realms.

Life Beyond the Spotlight: Parenthood, Identity and Causes

On February 28, 2015, Lily announced she was expecting her first child with her partner at the time, Kwame Ferreira. Their daughter was born in September 2015. 

In a 2021 interview, Lily publicly came out as queer — articulating a personal identity that rejects rigid labels.  She is also known for her commitment to environmentalism and humanitarian causes, aligning her creative and professional work with her values.

Her life, then, is not solely defined by runways or red carpets, but by a conscious blending of artistry, activism, and authenticity.

Why Lily Cole’s Story Resonates in Fashion, Film and Beyond

Lily Cole’s journey is compelling precisely because it defies the narrow tropes often associated with modeling success. She leveraged beauty and a distinctive look as a springboard — not an endpoint. By embracing education, acting, entrepreneurship, writing, and activism, she has shaped a career that reflects depth, agency, and reinvention.

In a world where many fashion icons fade fast, Cole stands out for longevity — for embracing complexity over glamour alone. Her net worth underscores more than commercial success: it reflects sustained relevance, adaptability, and a willingness to evolve.

Her birthday, December 27, 1987, marks the genesis of a story that spans continents, industries, and causes — an evolution from seemingly casual discovery in the streets of London to becoming a respected name in global fashion, film, business, and social advocacy.