Lily Cole, born Lily Luahana Cole on May 19, 1988, in Torquay, Devon, England, is a multifaceted British model, actress, author, and entrepreneur. Known for her striking features and ethereal presence, she gained recognition as one of the leading models of her generation, earning a spot on Vogue Paris's list of the top 30 models of the 2000s. Cole's career in modeling took off when she landed her first cover for British Vogue at the young age of 16, and she quickly became a prominent figure in the fashion industry.

Her early achievements in modeling included being named "Model of the Year" at the 2004 British Fashion Awards. Throughout her career, Cole has collaborated with prestigious brands such as Alexander McQueen, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Moschino. She has also been the face of numerous advertising campaigns, including those for Longchamp, Anna Sui, Rimmel, and Cacharel. Her distinctive look and unique style have solidified her status as an icon in the fashion world.

In addition to her modeling career, Lily Cole ventured into acting, with her first major film role as Valentina in the 2009 fantasy film The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus. Directed by Terry Gilliam, the film showcased her talent alongside renowned actors such as Heath Ledger, Johnny Depp, and Jude Law. Cole's acting repertoire also includes appearances in Passages, a short directed by Shekhar Kapur, and There Be Dragons, directed by Roland Joffé.

Beyond her work in fashion and film, Cole has established herself as an advocate for environmental and social issues. In 2020, she published her book, Who Cares Wins, which explores the impact of human actions on the planet and offers insights on how individuals can respond to the climate emergency. The book was later adapted into a podcast in 2021, where Cole engages with guests from various fields to discuss critical issues related to the environment, technology, food, mental health, and capitalism.

In 2013, she founded impossible.com, an innovation group and incubator that aims to create solutions for societal challenges. Initially conceived as a gift economy social network, the organization has evolved to focus on fostering collaboration and creativity among its members.

Lily Cole remains a significant figure in both the fashion and film industries, as well as in the fields of social entrepreneurship and environmental advocacy. Her diverse talents and commitment to important global issues continue to inspire many, showcasing her as a modern Renaissance woman who transcends traditional boundaries in entertainment and activism.