Simone Ashwini Pillai, known professionally as Simone Ashley, is a class act who glows from within. The Tamil-Indian actress landed her breakout role as the mean girl in Sex Education in 2019, which paved the way for her performance as the fierce leading lady in Season 2 of Bridgerton. In 2025, she reached a significant milestone by starring in and producing her first film, Picture This, while also securing a role in the highly anticipated sequel to The Devil Wears Prada.
Representation has been a cornerstone of Ashley’s career, as she passionately advocates for its importance, envisioning a future where diversity on screen is so commonplace it no longer requires discussion. With her luminous presence, Ashley has brought South Indian visibility to screens and the front rows of fashion shows during her flourishing career, gracing both arenas with her radiant charm.
Since September 2021, Ashley has been working with stylist Rebecca Corbin-Murray, whose star-studded clients include Florence Pugh, Gemma Chan, and rising phenomenon Nico Parker. “Simone is so versatile and chameleon-like. We have so much fun working together, and I think that really shows through her sartorial choices,” Corbin-Murray tells VOGUE Hong Kong. “She can really embody the look without losing herself.”
From the beginning of their relationship, Ashley and Corbin-Murray have been bold. For their first major event, the 2022 BAFTAS, they opted for a Valentino jumpsuit, making Ashley one of the first to don Pier Paolo Piccioli’s Pink collection. As Corbin-Murray puts it, the choice was “so unexpected and cool”.
A marathon runner, opera singer, and ice-bath enthusiast, Ashley’s modus operandi appears to be diversification. Naturally, this also pertains to the way she dresses. “She really likes to experiment and have fun with fashion, and I think that shows on the red carpet,” Corbin-Murray says, noting how they approach every project differently. Their appreciation for colour is evident from the kaleidoscope of gold, turquoise, peach, and green ensembles over the years, while a willingness to play with silhouettes is reflected in the classy flutes and columns, as well as the daring cut-outs and flirty hems. Recently, Corbin-Murray has been pulling standout looks from the archives, ranging from Alexander McQueen’s hooded Mongolian fur jacket to the designer’s summery brocade two-piece to an early 2000s Donna Karan ruched dress with a floral shoulder detail.
Ashley effortlessly carries every look with a dignified ease, and her reign on the red carpet has only just begun.
Simone Ashley in Prada
Simone Ashley became a regular at Prada fashion shows and enjoyed the honour of wearing a custom Prada gown to The Fashion Awards in 2024. The pale pink strapless gown featured a bow detail and a dramatic train, all crafted with an eye-catching jacquard cloqué material.
Simone Ashley in 16Arlington
Simone Ashley is one of 16Arlington’s longest-standing supporters. Marco Capaldo, the label’s founder and creative director, once said in a British Vogue article, “Simone embodies the 16Arlington woman and 16Arlington attitude. Her personal style consistently shines through as she engages with fashion, embracing its character while maintaining her own identity.” At The Fashion Awards in 2024, Ashley presented Capaldo with the New Establishment Womenswear Designer Award.
Simone Ashley in Valentino
Simone Ashley is partial to Valentino’s figure-skimming minidresses, but one of her first looks in Valentino is a monochromatic set consisting of a sheer blouse, trousers, and bralette from Pier Paolo Piccioli’s iconic pink collection.
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Karrie LamCredit
Lead Image: Karwai Tang/WireImage
