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Joan Collins | Source: Getty Images
Joan Collins | Source: Getty Images

20th-Century Icon's Latest Appearance Prompts Public Discussion

Milla Sigaba
Dec 01, 2025
09:15 A.M.

At 92, she appeared effortlessly elegant and very much at ease in front of the cameras at a recent event. But once the images made their way online, the reaction was swift, divided, and impossible to ignore.

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On November 30, 2025, Joan Collins attended the West End opening night of "Paddington: The Musical" in London, England, stepping out in a look that was as bold as it was unmistakably hers.

Draped in a voluminous white fur coat with a matching hat and black leather gloves, she brought winter glamour to the blue carpet. Her trousers and knee-high boots added a sleek, modern edge, while her vivid red lipstick and diamond earrings held firm to the style signatures she has long been known for.

At 92, the actress appeared smiling, poised, and entirely at ease under the spotlight — but the reaction to her appearance was anything but unanimous.

Images from the evening circulated online, drawing a flurry of social media responses that ranged from admiration to sharp criticism. Some comments fixated on her makeup, with one person writing, "Her makeup doesn't look great. Why didn't anyone tell her? 🥴"

Another shared, "Her husband needs to tell her the makeup is uneven including her eyebrows [sic]." One commenter, offering a mix of praise and suggestion, typed, "Beautiful as always. I'd love to see her with softer eye makeup though, keep the fab red lips but use gentle muted eye colours and softer brows xx [sic]."

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Yet the tone was not universally negative. Many stepped in to defend Collins's enduring legacy and unique style. "Will always hands-down be one of the most elegant women in the world," said one admirer, adding, "And not only because of 'Dynasty' which however did help put her on the map for a wider group of ages to know who she is [sic]."

Another said, "Red lipstick at 92? 🤯 Seriously bold! 💅 But the truth is, she looks fantastic for her age. 🤩 It's obvious she hasn't had any plastic surgery, and that's brilliant."

That sentiment echoed comments Collins herself made in 2023, when she publicly dismissed rumours of cosmetic work. "I've had nothing done. I couldn't do all that. First of all, I'm needle-phobic," she said.

"It was my mother who told me to moisturise and use night cream. I told my two girls and both of them have fabulous skin. And stay out of the sun," she continued.

Elsewhere, some commenters felt her makeup was a bit too bold for her age, though they still described her as striking and attractive. A few suggested that more muted tones could have complemented her features better, while others focused entirely on the outfit itself.

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Several people praised Collins's fur-trimmed coat and matching hat, describing them as stylish. Others commented on how elegant she appeared alongside her husband, calling them a "beautiful couple."

Though the public response varied, what was clear across the board was that Joan Collins continues to spark conversation — just as she always has.

Whether drawing admiration for her grace or scrutiny for her styling choices, Collins remains an enduring figure whose every appearance still commands attention.

Keep reading to see her evolution through the decades — from the 1950s to her most recent appearance in 2025.

1955

Poised with early-career confidence, Joan Collins exuded classic mid-century glamour in this circa 1955 portrait. Wearing high-waisted shorts and a striped sleeveless top, she leaned effortlessly against a bamboo railing, her heels and polished posture capturing the youthful allure that helped launch her into international stardom.

Poised with early-career confidence, Joan Collins exuded classic mid-century glamour in this circa 1955 portrait. Wearing high-waisted shorts and a striped sleeveless top, she leaned effortlessly against a bamboo railing, her heels and polished posture capturing the youthful allure that helped launch her into international stardom.

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1960

Evergreen Creator said:  Bathed in soft light and framed by delicate pastels, Joan Collins radiated 1960s elegance in this close-up portrait taken circa 1960. With her hair styled in a voluminous pixie cut and her signature winged eyeliner perfectly in place, she held a pale pink rose to her chest — a subtle nod to the romantic allure that became a hallmark of her early screen persona.

Evergreen Creator said: Bathed in soft light and framed by delicate pastels, Joan Collins radiated 1960s elegance in this close-up portrait taken circa 1960. With her hair styled in a voluminous pixie cut and her signature winged eyeliner perfectly in place, she held a pale pink rose to her chest — a subtle nod to the romantic allure that became a hallmark of her early screen persona.

1965

Against a vivid magenta backdrop, Joan Collins embraced the polished glamour of the mid-1960s in this portrait taken circa 1965. Wearing a satin-trimmed slip and clutching a powder-blue cushion, she paired the sultry styling with an oversized bouffant crowned by a white bow. Her expression, poised and distant, underscored a shift toward more sophisticated and stylised screen roles during the decade.

Against a vivid magenta backdrop, Joan Collins embraced the polished glamour of the mid-1960s in this portrait taken circa 1965. Wearing a satin-trimmed slip and clutching a powder-blue cushion, she paired the sultry styling with an oversized bouffant crowned by a white bow. Her expression, poised and distant, underscored a shift toward more sophisticated and stylised screen roles during the decade.

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1970

Bathed in soft natural light and framed by a lush green backdrop, Joan Collins embodied effortless 1970s elegance in this portrait taken circa 1970. Her voluminous curls, dewy complexion, and lightly glossed lips lent a fresh, sun-kissed appeal, while a bold gold medallion necklace and matching earrings hinted at the era's growing taste for statement glamour.

Bathed in soft natural light and framed by a lush green backdrop, Joan Collins embodied effortless 1970s elegance in this portrait taken circa 1970. Her voluminous curls, dewy complexion, and lightly glossed lips lent a fresh, sun-kissed appeal, while a bold gold medallion necklace and matching earrings hinted at the era's growing taste for statement glamour.

1975

Photographed at her Beverly Hills home in June 1975, Joan Collins brought striking sophistication to this black-and-white portrait. Framed in a soft turban and oversized hoop earrings, she gazed directly into the lens with quiet confidence. The natural lighting and pared-back styling offered a glimpse of Collins's off-screen elegance during a transitional period in her career.

Photographed at her Beverly Hills home in June 1975, Joan Collins brought striking sophistication to this black-and-white portrait. Framed in a soft turban and oversized hoop earrings, she gazed directly into the lens with quiet confidence. The natural lighting and pared-back styling offered a glimpse of Collins's off-screen elegance during a transitional period in her career.

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1980

Wrapped in a white fur coat and framed by the glow of flashbulbs, Joan Collins stepped out in Los Angeles, California, circa 1980s, embodying the unapologetic opulence of the decade. With her crystal-studded clutch, statement earrings, and trademark glamour, she exuded the polished confidence that mirrored her defining role on primetime television during the era.

Wrapped in a white fur coat and framed by the glow of flashbulbs, Joan Collins stepped out in Los Angeles, California, circa 1980s, embodying the unapologetic opulence of the decade. With her crystal-studded clutch, statement earrings, and trademark glamour, she exuded the polished confidence that mirrored her defining role on primetime television during the era.

1990

Spotted in London on January 26, 1990, Joan Collins stepped out in a rich bronze ensemble that balanced vintage glamour with theatrical flair. Draped in a satin coat with quilted detailing and a matching headscarf, she held a stack of books and a gold clutch, effortlessly turning a routine outing into a moment of high style.

Spotted in London on January 26, 1990, Joan Collins stepped out in a rich bronze ensemble that balanced vintage glamour with theatrical flair. Draped in a satin coat with quilted detailing and a matching headscarf, she held a stack of books and a gold clutch, effortlessly turning a routine outing into a moment of high style.

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1995

Joan Collins dazzled on the red carpet at the 1995 Golden Globe Awards in Los Angeles, California, wearing a regal violet gown with a crystal-embellished neckline. Her voluminous updo, diamond earrings, and signature confidence reflected her enduring presence in Hollywood, decades after first rising to fame.

Joan Collins dazzled on the red carpet at the 1995 Golden Globe Awards in Los Angeles, California, wearing a regal violet gown with a crystal-embellished neckline. Her voluminous updo, diamond earrings, and signature confidence reflected her enduring presence in Hollywood, decades after first rising to fame.

1999

Evergreen Creator said:  Joan Collins arrived at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on June 7, 1999, for the R.A.D.D. Benefit Gala honouring Liza Minnelli, dressed in a crisp white double-breasted suit adorned with a dramatic black flower brooch. Her structured tailoring, glossy clutch, and signature voluminous hair captured a refined take on late-1990s red carpet elegance.

Evergreen Creator said: Joan Collins arrived at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on June 7, 1999, for the R.A.D.D. Benefit Gala honouring Liza Minnelli, dressed in a crisp white double-breasted suit adorned with a dramatic black flower brooch. Her structured tailoring, glossy clutch, and signature voluminous hair captured a refined take on late-1990s red carpet elegance.

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2001

Joan Collins attended the 41st Monte-Carlo Television Festival's Gold Nymph Awards in 2001, radiating signature glamour in a form-fitting lavender gown embellished with sparkling crystals. Her voluminous honey-blonde hair, bold red lips, and metallic clutch completed a look that blended Hollywood elegance with European pageantry.

Joan Collins attended the 41st Monte-Carlo Television Festival's Gold Nymph Awards in 2001, radiating signature glamour in a form-fitting lavender gown embellished with sparkling crystals. Her voluminous honey-blonde hair, bold red lips, and metallic clutch completed a look that blended Hollywood elegance with European pageantry.

2005

Relaxed yet radiant, Joan Collins posed during the press launch and photocall for "An Evening with Joan Collins" in London, England, in 2005. Reclining against a white, tufted headboard in a striking red ensemble, she flashed a confident smile that reflected both her theatrical flair and enduring charisma.

Relaxed yet radiant, Joan Collins posed during the press launch and photocall for "An Evening with Joan Collins" in London, England, in 2005. Reclining against a white, tufted headboard in a striking red ensemble, she flashed a confident smile that reflected both her theatrical flair and enduring charisma.

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2011

Joan Collins turned heads at the Swisse marquee during Crown Oaks Day at Flemington Racecourse on November 3, 2011, in Melbourne, Australia. Dressed in a striking ensemble that featured a sculpted purple jacket, printed dress, and dramatic floral fascinator, she completed the look with pearl-toned gloves and silver heels — a bold nod to race day tradition with unmistakable Collins flair.

Joan Collins turned heads at the Swisse marquee during Crown Oaks Day at Flemington Racecourse on November 3, 2011, in Melbourne, Australia. Dressed in a striking ensemble that featured a sculpted purple jacket, printed dress, and dramatic floral fascinator, she completed the look with pearl-toned gloves and silver heels — a bold nod to race day tradition with unmistakable Collins flair.

2015

Joan Collins made a dramatic entrance at the 2015 Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Beverly Hills, California, wearing a sleek black gown adorned with ornate gold embellishments. With sculptural earrings, voluminous curls, and a poised stance, she delivered old Hollywood glamour with unmistakable authority.

Joan Collins made a dramatic entrance at the 2015 Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Beverly Hills, California, wearing a sleek black gown adorned with ornate gold embellishments. With sculptural earrings, voluminous curls, and a poised stance, she delivered old Hollywood glamour with unmistakable authority.

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2022

Joan Collins was seen in Los Angeles, California, on February 8, 2022, dressed in an all-black ensemble that balanced elegance with ease. Draped in a structured cape and accessorised with a statement brooch and drop earrings, she greeted fans warmly, effortlessly commanding attention with her enduring presence and polished poise.

Joan Collins was seen in Los Angeles, California, on February 8, 2022, dressed in an all-black ensemble that balanced elegance with ease. Draped in a structured cape and accessorised with a statement brooch and drop earrings, she greeted fans warmly, effortlessly commanding attention with her enduring presence and polished poise.

2024

Joan Collins attended the Variety Club Showbusiness Awards on April 28, 2024, in London, England, wearing a black gown with sheer polka-dot sleeves and an extravagant pearl and diamond necklace. With her trademark coiffed hair, glittering clutch, and signature poise, she remained every bit the showbusiness icon.

Joan Collins attended the Variety Club Showbusiness Awards on April 28, 2024, in London, England, wearing a black gown with sheer polka-dot sleeves and an extravagant pearl and diamond necklace. With her trademark coiffed hair, glittering clutch, and signature poise, she remained every bit the showbusiness icon.

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2025

Joan Collins brought winter glamour to the West End on November 30, 2025, as she arrived for the opening night of "Paddington: The Musical" in London, England. Wrapped in a plush white fur coat and matching hat, her look was accented by a pair of sleek black leather gloves — one hand resting elegantly over the other.

Joan Collins brought winter glamour to the West End on November 30, 2025, as she arrived for the opening night of "Paddington: The Musical" in London, England. Wrapped in a plush white fur coat and matching hat, her look was accented by a pair of sleek black leather gloves — one hand resting elegantly over the other.

Up close, the meticulous styling was unmistakable. Her diamond earrings glinted beneath the soft fur trim, while her signature red lipstick provided a vibrant contrast to the monochrome palette. With a confident smile and steady gaze, Collins remained every bit the seasoned star.

Up close, the meticulous styling was unmistakable. Her diamond earrings glinted beneath the soft fur trim, while her signature red lipstick provided a vibrant contrast to the monochrome palette. With a confident smile and steady gaze, Collins remained every bit the seasoned star.

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Stepping back to reveal the fuller ensemble, Collins paired her fur coat with black trousers and knee-high boots — a practical yet polished choice for the chilly London evening. Her posture and presence on the blue carpet commanded attention with characteristic ease.

Stepping back to reveal the fuller ensemble, Collins paired her fur coat with black trousers and knee-high boots — a practical yet polished choice for the chilly London evening. Her posture and presence on the blue carpet commanded attention with characteristic ease.

Framed against the musical’s vivid backdrop, she posed with one hand tucked into her pocket, the other lightly touching her collar, adding a playful touch to the otherwise regal look. Her charm and command of the spotlight remained undimmed.

Framed against the musical’s vivid backdrop, she posed with one hand tucked into her pocket, the other lightly touching her collar, adding a playful touch to the otherwise regal look. Her charm and command of the spotlight remained undimmed.

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In the final full-length image, Collins stood tall on the blue carpet, her outfit a striking blend of elegance and seasonal flair. From head to toe, her appearance was a masterclass in red carpet sophistication — timeless, theatrical, and unmistakably Joan Collins.

In the final full-length image, Collins stood tall on the blue carpet, her outfit a striking blend of elegance and seasonal flair. From head to toe, her appearance was a masterclass in red carpet sophistication — timeless, theatrical, and unmistakably Joan Collins.

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