Blake Lively made a striking return to the public eye on September 5 in New York City, marking her first public outing in three months. Attending a panel at the Fashion Institute of Technology, she engaged in a discussion about the beauty industry, showcasing a daring outfit that drew attention.
For the event, Blake wore a sheer top beneath a brown blazer, paired with a pleated skirt and knee-high boots adorned with brass buckles. This bold fashion choice was complemented by the rare public appearance itself, signaling her renewed visibility after months away from the spotlight. Her presence was supported by Katie Sturino, founder of Megababe, who stayed behind from a previous panel to cheer her on, a moment Blake celebrated on social media.
A Display of Support Among Women
Blake acknowledged the encouragement she received from her friend Katie Sturino by resharing a photo on Instagram Stories. Highlighting the importance of camaraderie, she wrote,
is what girls lifting each other up looks like.
—Blake Lively, Actress
Although husband Ryan Reynolds was not present, attending the Toronto International Film Festival for the premiere of the documentary John Candy: I Like Me, Blake took a moment to praise him in her Instagram Stories. She shared his deep admiration for the late comedian and his dedication to the documentary project.
Ryan Reynolds’ Reflections on John Candy
Ryan Reynolds described discovering a new side of John Candy through the film. At the documentary’s premiere on September 4, he told E! News,
I didn’t know that he had this sort of spiritual bedrock to him,
and added,
I wasn’t aware that he lived at this intersection of being a people pleaser, but also starting to kind of work on mental health, which is something nobody talked about back then.
—Ryan Reynolds, Actor and Producer
Reynolds, who has long struggled with anxiety, spoke openly on how the film gave him fresh insights into mental health challenges and the complexity faced by those who are people pleasers dealing with these issues. He explained further,
It’s still a little tricky to talk about, but if you’re a people pleaser and you are dealing with mental health issues,
and continued,
it’s actually a really terrible combination.
—Ryan Reynolds, Actor and Producer
He stressed the difficulty for people pleasers who avoid burdening others but need to talk openly to cope effectively, noting,
Because the people pleaser never wants to burden anybody else and the only way to really kind of deal with stuff you’re going through is to talk about it. They’re kind of at odds with one another.
—Ryan Reynolds, Actor and Producer
Blake and Ryan’s Public Journey Together
Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds have built a quietly powerful life both personally and professionally over the past decade. Their relationship first became public with the release of their co-starring film The Green Lantern in June 2011.
Although early rumors of their marriage appeared in May 2012, they officially tied the knot in a private ceremony in South Carolina on September 9, 2012. Shortly after, they became a staple couple at major events, including the 2014 Met Gala and Cannes Film Festival, reflecting their growing status in Hollywood.
Growing Their Family and Public Appearances
Blake announced her first pregnancy in October 2014 via her lifestyle website, Preserve, which celebrates family values, writing,
Preserve at its core is about family. ‘Family’ is the single word our founder, Blake built this home on.
—Preserve Website
The couple’s first daughter, James, was born in December 2014. They continued to expand their family with daughters Inez, born in September 2016, Betty, born in October 2019, and their son Olin, welcomed in early 2023.
Throughout this time, Blake and Ryan have maintained a strong public presence, attending various events together such as the 2016 amfAR gala, the Time 100 Gala in 2017, and the 2022 Met Gala, where they served as co-chairs. Blake also supported Ryan’s passion for soccer by cheering on his team, Wrexham AFC, in Wales in May 2022.
Creative and Personal Growth Reflected in Public Statements
Blake has spoken openly about her love for creating in all forms, sharing at the Forbes Power Women’s Summit in September 2022,
I just like to create. Whether that’s baking or storytelling or businesses or humans, I just really like creating.
—Blake Lively, Actress and Entrepreneur
Their four children continue to be a central focus for the couple, with Ryan expressing joy about their family in a CNBC interview after the birth of their youngest, saying,
We wouldn’t do this four times if we didn’t love it,
followed by,
Everybody’s doing great. Everybody’s actually doing fantastic.
—Ryan Reynolds, Actor and Producer
Blake Lively’s bold appearance at the Fashion Institute of Technology underscores her willingness to re-engage with the public while focusing on her evolving roles as a mother, entrepreneur, and advocate within the beauty industry. Meanwhile, Ryan Reynolds’ work in film continues to reflect his personal growth and openness about mental health.
