Last night the paparazzi were abuzz outside the Crosby Street Hotel in New York City for the premiere of "The Perks Of Being A Wallflower." The movie, which was adapted from a 1999 book written by Stephen Chbosky, stars big names like Emma Watson and Ezra Miller, and deals with a high school freshman coping with suicide and the pressures of fitting in.
The evening, hosted by The Cinema Society, Lancome and Nylon, began with the stars walking the red carpet. As the actors emerged and the cameras started snapping, it became clear how close this group had become, and while on screen they play best friends, it seems that that's not too far from the case in reality.
The first actor on the red carpet was Erin Wilhelmi who plays Alice, a spoiled rich kid who has a penchant for stealing. Wilhelmi looked amazing in a purple Theia dress and a pair of Nine West shoes (which looked as if they had been designed to match her ensemble). Although this was only her third red carpet appearance (of her life!) she was poised and told us that "taking a lot of deep breaths" helps to calm her nerves.
Next on the red carpet came Logan Lerman who plays the main character, Charlie (aka the wallflower). Unlike his character, Lerman has a self-confidence about him and speaks in a very purposeful manner. Although he admitted that before a big event "there is some freaking out" and thoughts of "let's go back to the hotel," eventually he justs walks through the door and makes it happen. Lerman was clad in a Prada suit, but was quick to point out that he didn't choose it himself, rather he has a friend whom he trusts to do the styling for him.
Ezra Miller, who plays Patrick, Emma Watson's gay stepbrother, was busy eating popcorn and chatting to guests by the bar during the first half of the premiere. From the moment you lay eyes on Ezra it's clear that he possesses that "it" quality that makes people gather close. It might be his disarming nature or friendly smile, but everyone who spoke with him left laughing, us included. Miller was the only star who picked out his own outfit (a pair of red skinny jeans, a striped shirt and a blazer), but insisted they were just items he had laying around. When we asked him about his signature long locks he said it was pretty low maintenance and he often just "let it be," although he does "try to keep it buoyant and remind it, [his] hair that is, that it is loved."
The last to arrive was Emma Watson, who plays Logan's love interest, Sam. Wearing a beautiful white Brood dress (that showed a lot of side-boob) Watson, who has become known for her killer fashion sense, did not take any cues from the '90s fashion in her latest flick. When it comes to that decade she says "a bit of neon is fun" but she wasn't about to start sporting a fanny-pack anytime soon. One of the major perks of shooting this movie for Emma was having a director who was also the writer of the original novel. Stephen (or Steve as she called him) really helped her get into character by offering ancedotes. We asked Emma (who seems to live in the spotlight) which one item of clothing or beauty trick she wears to feel the opposite of a wallflower, to which she quickly responded "a red lip."
Before the lights dimmed and the screening began we caught a glimpse of Emma resting her head on the shoulder of her co-star Logan. Ahh, the perks of being a wallflower.
Click through the slideshow to see the cast at the premiere.
