Actress Lily Collins says her mother taught her everything she knows about designers and the world of fashion and it was the latter who let her experiment with different outfits as a child.

The "Mirror, Mirror" actress told CR Fashion Book magazine that she loves fashion since childhood, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

"I grew up loving fashion and admiring designers because my mum showed me different styles and always allowed me to express myself via my clothes - no matter how crazy or ridiculous they were," she said.

"Her influence taught me to have a huge amount of respect for vintage clothing, but also modern designs," she added.

The 25-year-old said her love affair with clothes started when she was around four or five years old.

"I remember going into a shop with my mum in Dublin when I was about four or five and seeing an amazing pink fur coat with a hood. I thought it was the most incredible thing in the world and when we bought it, they had to put me on the counter to scan the price tag because I refused to take it off," she said.

The British beauty, whose father is musician Phil Collins, might favour a "chic and classic" look these days, but she still likes to take risks.

"For me, red carpet fashion is taking risks while staying true to your own aesthetic. Wearing the clothes, not letting the clothes wear you," she said.