Lindsay Lohan has returned to public life with a glamorous photo shoot for the Italian version of Vanity Fair that could signal a new positive direction in the troubled stars career.

After a stressful year in which the former child-star has been jailed and put under house arrest, Lohan is looking to re-establish herself as a serious actress in Hollywood.

It has been reported that she is to play Kim Gotti in a new gangster film about the life of the notorious mob boss John Gotti Jr (Kim's husband) along with Al Pacino, John Travolta and Joe Pesci.

With Barry Levinson directing, it could be a defining moment that leads to more critically-acclaimed roles.

The pictures, which were taken at the star's home in California, will make for great additions in a photobook to remind her about her newfound positivity.

Taken by renowned photographer Alan Gelati, who has worked with Cate Blanchett, Lily Allen and Rosie Huntington-Whitely, the 25-year-old looked amazing in a long featured evening dress and gorgeous basque.