Pictures I love

Photography by Roxanne LowitShalom Harlow



Photography by Roxanne LowitNadja Auermann
I love these pictures of Shalom Harlow and Nadja Auermann backstage at John Galliano, Paris, 1990.

www.roxannelowit.com

Fashion's Most Wanted Interview - Christos Tolera

Christos ToleraArtist
Born in 1962, Christos grew up in Islington and Dalston, London.  A man of many talents - he was co-lead singer in arty Latin band Blue Rondo a la Turk with Chris Sullivan, a model, an actor, a club promoter, an interior designer and  now an acclaimed artist.

A leading light in London's clubland and one of the original Blitz Kids, at eighteen years-old he had already

Kylie wears Pam Hogg at Glasto

Kylie Minogue made her Glastonbury debut when she joined the Scissor Sisters on stage.
I can confirm that Kylie is wearing a lace and chiffon caped kitten suit by my gorgeous friend Pam Hogg.  The suit is from Pam's AW10 collection.
See my blog on Pam's amazing show by clicking HERE

Pulp Fiction Pulp Fiction (1994) Starring: Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman, Harvey Keitel

Pulp Fiction Pulp Fiction (1994) Starring: Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman, Harvey Keitel

Pulp Fiction (1994) is an American crime film directed by Quentin Tarantino, who cowrote its screenplay with Roger Avary. The film is known for its rich, eclectic dialogue, ironic mix of humor and violence, nonlinear storyline, and host of cinematic allusions and pop culture references. The film was nominated for seven Oscars, including Best Picture; Tarantino and Avary won for Best Original Screenplay. It was also awarded the Palme d'Or at the 1994 Cannes Film Festival. A major critical and commercial success, it revitalized the career of its leading man, John Travolta, who received an Academy Award nomination, as did costars Samuel L. Jackson and Uma Thurman.

Directed in a highly stylized manner, Pulp Fiction joins the intersecting storylines of Los Angeles mobsters, fringe players, small-time criminals, and a mysterious briefcase. Considerable screen time is devoted to conversations and monologues that reveal the characters' senses of humor and perspectives on life. The film's title refers to the pulp magazines and hardboiled crime novels popular during the mid-20th century, known for their graphic violence and punchy dialogue. Pulp Fiction is self-referential from its opening moments, beginning with a title card that gives two dictionary definitions of "pulp". The plot, in keeping with most of Tarantino's other works, is presented out of chronological sequence.

The picture's self-reflexivity, unconventional structure, and extensive use of homage and pastiche have led critics to describe it as a prime example of postmodern film. Considered by some critics a black comedy,[3] the film is also frequently labeled a "neo-noir".[4] Critic Geoffrey O'Brien argues otherwise: "The old-time noir passions, the brooding melancholy and operatic death scenes, would be altogether out of place in the crisp and brightly lit wonderland that Tarantino conjures up. [It is] neither neo-noir nor a parody of noir".[5] Similarly, Nicholas Christopher calls it "more gangland camp than neo-noir",[6] and Foster Hirsch suggests that its "trippy fantasy landscape" characterizes it more definitively than any genre label.[7] Pulp Fiction is viewed as the inspiration for many later movies that adopted various elements of its style. The nature of its development, marketing, and distribution and its consequent profitability had a sweeping effect on the field of independent cinema (although it is not an independent film itself). A cultural watershed, Pulp Fiction's influence has been felt in several other media.

Pulp Fiction Pulp Fiction (1994) Starring: Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman, Harvey Keitel

Cast

John Travolta as Vincent Vega: Tarantino cast Travolta in Pulp Fiction only because Michael Madsen, who had a major role—Vic Vega—in Reservoir Dogs, chose to appear in Kevin Costner's Wyatt Earp instead. Madsen was still rueing his choice over a decade later.[35] Harvey Weinstein pushed for Daniel Day-Lewis in the part.[36] Travolta accepted a bargain rate for his services—sources claim either $100,000 or $140,000—but the film's success and his Oscar nomination as Best Actor revitalized his career.[37] Travolta was subsequently cast in several hits including Get Shorty, in which he played a similar character, and the John Woo blockbuster Face/Off. In 2004, Tarantino discussed an idea for a movie starring Travolta and Madsen as the Vega brothers; the concept remains unrealized.[38]

Samuel L. Jackson as Jules Winnfield: Tarantino had written the part with Jackson in mind, but the actor nearly lost it after his first audition was overshadowed by Paul Calderon's. Jackson assumed the audition was merely a reading. Harvey Weinstein convinced Jackson to audition a second time, and his performance of the final diner scene won over Tarantino.[39] Jules was originally scripted with a giant afro, but Tarantino and Jackson agreed on the Jheri-curled wig seen in the film.[40] (One reviewer took it as a "tacit comic statement about the ghettoization of blacks in movies".)[41] Jackson received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Calderon appears in the movie as Paul, Marsellus's right-hand man.

Uma Thurman as Mia Wallace: Miramax favored Holly Hunter or Meg Ryan for the role. Alfre Woodard and Meg Tilly were also considered, but Tarantino wanted Thurman after their first meeting.[42][43] She dominated most of the film's promotional material, appearing on a bed with cigarette in hand. She was nominated for the Best Supporting Actress Oscar and was launched into the celebrity A-list. She took little advantage of her newfound fame, choosing not to do any big-budget films for the next three years.[44] Thurman would later star in Tarantino's two Kill Bill movies.

Willis evoked one 1950s actor in particular for Tarantino: "Aldo Ray in Jacques Tourneur's Nightfall [1956].... I said let's go for that whole look."[45] His boxing robe, designed by Betsy Heimann, exemplifies Tarantino's notion of costume as symbolic armor.

Bruce Willis as Butch Coolidge: Willis was a major star, but most of his recent films had been box-office disappointments. As described by Peter Bart, taking a role in the modestly budgeted film "meant lowering his salary and risking his star status, but the strategy...paid off royally: Pulp Fiction not only brought Willis new respect as an actor, but also earned him several million dollars as a result of his gross participation."[47] Willis's appearance and physical presence were crucial to Tarantino's interest in casting him: "Bruce has the look of a 50s actor. I can't think of any other star that has that look."[17]

Harvey Keitel as Winston Wolf or simply "The Wolf": The part was written specifically for Keitel, who had starred in Tarantino's Reservoir Dogs and was instrumental in getting it produced. In the filmmaker's words, "Harvey had been my favorite actor since I was 16 years old."[48] Keitel had played a character similarly employed as a "cleaner" in Point of No Return, released a year earlier.

Tim Roth as "Pumpkin" or "Ringo": Roth had starred in Reservoir Dogs alongside Keitel and was brought on board again. He had used an American accent in the earlier film, but uses his natural, London one in Pulp Fiction. Though Tarantino had written the part specifically with Roth in mind, TriStar head Mike Medavoy preferred Johnny Depp or Christian Slater.[49]

Amanda Plummer as Yolanda or "Honey Bunny": Tarantino wrote the role for Plummer, specifically to partner Roth onscreen. Roth had introduced the actress and director, telling Tarantino, "I want to work with Amanda in one of your films, but she has to have a really big gun."[50] Plummer followed up with director Michael Winterbottom's Butterfly Kiss, in which she plays a serial killer.

Maria de Medeiros as Fabienne: Butch's girlfriend. Tarantino met the Portuguese actress while traveling with Reservoir Dogs around the European film festival circuit.[13] She had previously costarred with Thurman in Henry & June (1990), playing Anaïs Nin.

Ving Rhames as Marsellus Wallace: Before Rhames was cast, the part was offered to Sid Haig, who had appeared in many classic exploitation movies of the 1970s. Haig passed on the role.[51] According to Bender, Rhames gave "one of the best auditions I've ever seen."[43] His acclaimed performance led to his being cast in big-budget features such as Mission Impossible, Con Air, and Out of Sight.[52]

Eric Stoltz as Lance: Vincent's drug dealer. Courtney Love later reported that Kurt Cobain was originally offered the role of Lance; if he had taken it, Love would have played the role of his wife.[53] Tarantino, however, denies that he ever even met Cobain, much less offered him a role in the movie.[54]

Rosanna Arquette as Jody: Lance's wife. Pam Grier read for the role, but Tarantino did not believe audiences would find it plausible for Lance to yell at her.[55] Grier was later cast as the lead of Tarantino's Jackie Brown. Ellen DeGeneres also read for Jody.[56]

Christopher Walken as Captain Koons: Walken appears in a single scene, devoted to the Vietnam veteran's monologue about the gold watch. In 1993, Walken had appeared in another small but pivotal role in the "Sicilian scene" in the Tarantino-written True Romance.

Schindler's List Schindler's List (1993) Starring: Liam Neeson, Ben Kingsley, Ralph Fiennes

Schindler's List Schindler's List (1993) Starring: Liam Neeson, Ben Kingsley, Ralph Fiennes

Schindler's List is an 1993 American epic film about Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saved the lives of more than a thousand Polish-Jewish refugees during the Holocaust by employing them in his factories. The film was directed by Steven Spielberg, and based on the novel Schindler's Ark by Thomas Keneally. It stars Liam Neeson as Schindler, Ralph Fiennes as Schutzstaffel (SS) officer Amon Göth, and Ben Kingsley as Schindler's Jewish accountant Itzhak Stern.

The film was a box office success and recipient of seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Score, as well as numerous other awards (7 BAFTAs, 3 Golden Globes). In 2007, the American Film Institute (AFI) ranked the film 8th on its list of the 100 best American films of all time (up one position from its 9th place listing on the 1998 list).

Cast
Main

* Liam Neeson as Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saves the lives of over 1,100 Jews by employing them in his factory.
* Ben Kingsley as Itzhak Stern, Schindler's accountant and business partner.
* Ralph Fiennes as Amon Göth, the main antagonist in the film; Göth is an SS officer assigned to build and run the Płaszów concentration camp, and is befriended by Schindler, though he grows steadily suspicious of Schindler's true aims as the film progresses.
* Embeth Davidtz as Helen Hirsch, a young Jewish woman whom Göth takes to work as his housekeeper, and finds attractive.
* Caroline Goodall as Emilie Schindler, Schindler's wife.
* Jonathan Sagall as Poldek Pfefferberg, a young man who survives with his wife, and provides goods to Schindler from the black market.

Secondary

* Ezra Dagan as Rabbi Lewartow, a rabbi who acquires skills as a welder in Schindler's camp.
* Malgoscha Gebel as Wiktoria Klonowska, Schindler's mistress
* Shmuel Levy as Wilek Chilowicz
* Mark Ivanir as Marcel Goldberg
* Béatrice Macola as Ingrid
* Andrzej Seweryn as Julian Scherner
* Friedrich von Thun as Rolf Czurda
* Krzysztof Luft as Herman Toffel
* Harry Nehring as Leo John
* Norbert Weisser as Albert Hujar
* Adi Nitzan as Mila Pfefferberg, Poldek's Wife.
* Michael Schneider as Juda Dresner
* Miri Fabian as Chaja Dresner
* Anna Mucha as Danka Dresner
* Ben Darby as Man in Grey
* Albert Misak as Mordecai Wulkan
* Hans-Michael Rehberg as Rudolf Höß
* Daniel Del Ponte as Dr. Josef Mengele

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001) Starring: Ian McKellen, Cate Blanchett, Ian Holm, Viggo Mortensen.

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001) Starring: Ian McKellen, Cate Blanchett, Ian Holm, Viggo Mortensen.

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring is a 2001 fantasy adventure film directed by Peter Jackson based on the first volume of J. R. R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings (1954–1955). Set in Middle-earth, the story tells of the Dark Lord Sauron, who is seeking the One Ring. The Ring has found its way to the young hobbit Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood). The fate of Middle-earth hangs in the balance as Frodo and eight companions form the Fellowship of the Ring, and begin their journey to Mount Doom in the land of Mordor: the only place where the Ring can be destroyed.

Released on December 19, 2001, the film was highly acclaimed by critics and fans alike, especially as many of the latter judged it to be the most sufficiently faithful adaption of the original story out of Jackson's film trilogy. It was a major box office success, earning over $870 million worldwide, and the second highest grossing film of 2001 in the U.S. and worldwide (behind Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone) which made it the 5th highest grossing film ever at the time. Today it is the 19th highest grossing worldwide film of all time. It won four Academy Awards and five BAFTAs, including Best Film and Best Director BAFTA awards. The Special Extended DVD Edition was released on November 12, 2002 and is now discontinued. In 2007, The Fellowship of the Ring was voted number 50 on the American Film Institute's list of 100 greatest American films. The AFI also voted it the second greatest fantasy film of all time during their AFI's 10 Top 10 special.

Awards

In 2002, the movie won four Academy Awards out of thirteen nominations. The winning categories were for Best Cinematography, Best Effects (Visual Effects), Best Makeup, and Best Music (Original Score). Despite its praise by fans, the other nominated categories of Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Ian McKellen), Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, Best Director, Best Editing, Best Music (Best Song) (Enya, Nicky Ryan and Roma Ryan for "May It Be"), Best Picture, Best Sound, Costume Design and Best Writing (Best Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published) were not won.

As of June 2010, it is the 19th highest grossing film worldwide, with takings of US$870,761,744 from worldwide theatrical box office receipts.[1]

The movie won the 2002 Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation. It also won Empire readers' Best Film award, as well as five BAFTAs, including Best Film, the David Lean Award for Direction, the Audience Award (voted for by the public), Best Special Effects, and Best Make-up.

In June 2008, AFI revealed its "Ten top Ten"—the best ten films in ten "classic" American film genres—after polling over 1,500 people from the creative community. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring was acknowledged as the second best film in the fantasy genre.

The Godfather, Part II The Godfather Part II (1974) Starring: Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, Robert De Niro

The Godfather, Part II The Godfather Part II (1974) Starring: Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, Robert De Niro

The Godfather, Part II The Godfather Part II (1974) Starring: Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, Robert De Niro

The Godfather Part II is a 1974 American gangster film directed by Francis Ford Coppola from a script co-written with Mario Puzo. The film is both a sequel and a prequel to The Godfather, chronicling the story of the Corleone family following the events of the first film while also depicting the rise to power of the young Vito Corleone before the events of the first film. The film stars Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, Robert De Niro, John Cazale, Talia Shire, Michael V. Gazzo and Lee Strasberg.

The Godfather Part II was nominated for 11 Academy Awards and won six, including Best Picture[2] and Best Supporting Actor for Robert De Niro, and has been selected for preservation in the U.S. National Film Registry.

Principal cast

* Al Pacino as Michael Corleone
* Robert Duvall as Tom Hagen
* Robert De Niro as Vito Corleone
* Diane Keaton as Kay Adams-Corleone
* John Cazale as Fredo Corleone
* Talia Shire as Connie Corleone
* Lee Strasberg as Hyman Roth
* Michael V. Gazzo as Frankie Pentangeli
* Morgana King as Carmela Corleone
* G. D. Spradlin as Senator Pat Geary
* Richard Bright as Al Neri
* Marianna Hill as Deanna Corleone
* Gastone Moschin as Don Fanucci
* Troy Donahue as Merle Johnson
* Dominic Chianese as Johnny Ola
* Joe Spinell as Willi Cicci
* Bruno Kirby as Young Peter Clemenza
* Frank Sivero as Young Genco Abbandando
* James Caan as Sonny Corleone (cameo)
* Abe Vigoda as Salvatore Tessio (cameo)
* Gianni Russo as Carlo Rizzi (cameo)
* Giuseppe Sillato as Don Francesco Ciccio
* Roman Coppola as Young Santino Corleone
* John Megna as Young Hyman Roth
* Julian Voloshin as Sam Roth
* Larry Guardino as Vito's uncle
* Danny Aiello as Tony Rosato
* John Aprea as Young Sal Tessio
* Leopoldo Trieste as Signor Roberto (landlord)
* Salvatore Poe as Vincenzo Pentangeli


Between The Godfather and The Godfather Part II, Coppola directed The Conversation, which was released in 1974 and was also nominated for Best Picture. This resulted in Coppola being the second director in Hollywood history to have two films released in the same year nominated for Best Picture. (The first was Alfred Hitchcock in 1941 with Foreign Correspondent and Rebecca, which won. This achievement was matched by Herbert Ross in 1977 with The Goodbye Girl and The Turning Point and again with Steven Soderbergh in 2000, when the films Erin Brockovich and Traffic were both nominated for Best Picture.)

The film was the first sequel to win the Academy Award for Best Picture.

American Film Institute recognition

* 1998 AFI's 100 Years…100 Movies #32
* 2003 AFI's 100 Years…100 Heroes and Villains:
o Michael Corleone — Villain #11
* 2005 AFI's 100 Years…100 Movie Quotes:
o "Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer," #58
o "I'm going to make him an offer he can't refuse." #2
* 2007 AFI's 100 Years…100 Movies (10th Anniversary Edition) #32
* 2008 AFI's 10 Top 10 #3 Gangster film

Toy Story Pictures

Toy Story

Toy Story

Toy Story

Toy Story

Toy Story

Toy Story

Toy Story

Toy Story

Hit Girl Pictures

Hit Girl

Hit Girl

Hit Girl

Hit Girl Poster

Hit Girl

Hit Girl

Hit Girl

Pictures I love

Photography by Jeanloup SieffAstrid's Back, Palm Beach, 1964
I love the work of Jeanloup Sieff.  His pictures are beautiful and elegant.  The model is Astrid Heeren.  Astrid played Steve McQueen's girlfriend in The Thomas Crown Affair.



I've posted this picture of Astrid before, I love it!  I don't know who the chap is.  Palm Beach, 1964 for Harpers Bazaar
www.jeanloupsieff.com

Glastonbury 2010

Photography by David Levene for the Guardian
I used to love going to Glastonbury but I can't cope with the crowds anymore. It's too big for me now.  And it takes the whole week to recover! Looking at this picture above, I just think, thank God I'm not there!!
I'm glad they had fantastic weather for Glasto's 40th Birthday.  It must have been full-on in the heat in those crowds though! At least

Me and Mrs Jones

Photography by Lee JenkinsMe and Mrs Jones aka Fee Doran, taken for the Evening Standard in 2001
I'm having a bit of a life laundry at the moment and I found a disc of some old pictures in a drawer today. I have barely any photographs of myself as my ex-boyfriend accidentally burnt our warehouse flat down in 1995 (we were the top floor) the asbestos roof caught fire and flew off.  There was

Olivia Munn Shoe Size

Somebody said that Olivia Munn had big feet, so i felt compelled to search out and discover her shoe size.

After a short spin around the web, i was able to determine that Olivia Munn's shoe size is actually 7.5 (US).

My favourite photographers - Ellen von Unwerth

'She Disappeared After This'from Ellen von Unwerth's book Fraulein
I alway's loved Ellen von Unwerth's work.  Her pictures explore the themes of beauty, fashion, fantasy and fetishism.  She has photographed some of the world's most beautiful women (and men).  If you're not familiar with her work, here are some of her pictures.  I have had to post the safer ones due to Blogger's adult content

My new sunglasses...

The net-a-porter courier arrived at 9am yesterday morning and got me out of bed... I've never been a morning person.  I was very excited to see the gold Franz aviators sunglasses by Mykita and Bernhard Willhelm that I'd been coveting for the last few months.
I couldn't get them out of the bag quick enough!  The first thing I was really unsure of was the weight of them.  They are very

Seven quotes for a Thursday afternoon - Part thirty four

"Who gossips around here?"
Bette Davis(1908-1989)





"There is only one thing in the world worse than being talked about and that is not being talked about"
Oscar Wilde(1854-1900)




"The first thing I do in the morning is brush my teethand sharpen my tongue"
Dorothy Parker(1893-1967)




"Men have always detested women's gossip because they suspect the truth;their measurements are being

Natura Bissé Glyco Extreme Peel

Natura Bissé Glyco Extreme Peel
I was lucky enough to be given a bottle of this by a friend. I'd seen this range in Space NK but never tried it or stopped to look as I was sure, judging by the packaging it would be a small fortune.  It's made a specialist skincare company in Barcelona.  One of their creams actually has diamonds in!  How mental is that?
I've used products with glycolic acid

Pictures I love

Marianne Faithfull



Faye Dunaway



Ursula Andress



Nastassja Kinski



Marianne Faithfull


Photography by Andy WarholDebbie Harry



Patti Palladin, Anita Pallenberg and Pam Hogg



Marilyn Monroe

Here are some random pictures of some rather fabulous women.

In which I finally buy some sunglasses

I've ummed and ahh'd about sunglasses for long enough now.  I finally decided to buy the gold Franz aviators by Mykita and Bernhard Willhelm.  But they were completely sold out everywhere.  Then I had a cheeky look on net-a-porter yesterday and they were back!  That was it... I had to have them before the whole world ran out!
The water rates and the TV licence will have to hold tight for yet

"Houseboat" sets sail this Thursday night!

The Prairie District Neighborhood Alliance (PDNA) invites you to "Meet Me at the Movies," Thursday June 24, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. at Sherwood Community Music School, Columbia College recital hall, 1312 S. Michigan Ave.

This month’s movie is Houseboat starring Cary Grant and Sophia Loren. The Technicolor classic also stars Martha Hyer and Harry Guardino. This will be the only MMATM event held on a Thursday evening.

Admission to the movie is $5 and dinner at Opera afterward (optional) is $15.

Related "Meet Me at the Movies" News: Audrey Rules!

Breakfast at Tiffany's, starring Audrey Hepburn was voted favorite "Meet Me at the Movies" movie. Breakfast at Tiffany's walked away with 50% of the vote. Casablanca and Miracle on 34th Street tied for second with 33%. To Catch a Thief and Some Like it Hot tied for third with 16% of the vote.

Shoots I love - Kate Moss by Mario Sorrenti

I love these pictures of Kate by Mario Sorrenti and styled by Emmanuelle Alt for June/July Paris.  As It's been a lovely sunny day in London I wanted to post something that makes you want to go on holiday.  It's the longest day today... bring on the summer!















Kate Moss for Vogue Paris, June/July 2010Photography by Mario SorrentiStyling by Emmanuelle Alt

Off to the Aqua Gym

I got up early this morning (a rare sight, but it was lovely and sunny) and went to the local pool with my friend Caz for the 9.30am Aqua Gym class.  We went for a while last summer until one day Caz's car keys went missing and that was the end of my short-lived exercise regime.  We could have walked there but that never occurred to us.
A while later Caz's seven year-old son said "Mum you know

I finally buy some gladiator sandals

I've been reorganising my wardrobe.  I hadn't realised the only flat shoes I own are one pair of Antik Batik flip flops, one pair of Havianas and two pairs of ballet pumps.
I finally succumbed to a pair of gladiator sandals.  I bought (love the way they call it "won") them on Ebay for £40.  They are brand new and by Antik Batik.  I think they are £100+ online.  They were too big for the lady

Happy Father's Day

I was organised this year and bought my Dad something for Father's Day a couple of weeks ago.  I only have my Dad now as my Mum died in 1997.  He moved from London to Norfolk ten years ago and I don't get to see him as much as I'd like to.  
I thought I should try and get something to him as near Father's Day as possible, for a change.  Often I find a crumpled card in my bag a week later where

Music for Saturday - Tiefschwarz

I defy you not to have a dance or at least tap your feet to this low-key but upbeat little number by German brothers Tiefschwarz.  I'd called it disco-tinged deep house.







www.myspace.com/tiefschwarz

Pictures I love

I love this picture of the stunning Brazilian supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio shot by Jacques Dekeker for Bobo.  Beautifully styled by Matheus Mazzafera.
It also makes me feel better about the fact that I have a large section of my wardrobe devoted entirely to sequins.  I'd much rather be overdressed than underdressed.
I hope you're having a fabulous weekend xxx

Misty Miller debuts at Burberry

I have written about the fantastic singer/songwriter Misty Miller before and I'm delighted the fashion industry is supporting new talent.
To read my previous post on Misty and to hear her sing her beautiful song Vampire (it just sticks in your head) click HERE.
To see Misty singing, filmed exclusively for Burberry Acoustic go to the Burberry website by clicking HERE.

Finding the perfect sunglasses

Photography by Karl LagerfeldAnja Rubik for Chanel, 2007
It's so hard to find the perfect sunglasses.  I haven't bought a new pair since 2008.  Usually I buy a pair every year, sometimes more because I lose them.  I spend ages trying to find my ideal glasses.  I don't mind which brand they are.  I've bought Chanel, Dior, Prada, Oliver Peoples, Cavalli, Marc Jacobs, Versace, D&G and Chloe in the

Shoots I love - Dream woman

I love this ethereally beautiful shoot of German model Katrin Thorman shot by Alexi Lubomirski.
















Tramfrau (Dream Woman) - Vogue Germany, July 2010Photography by Alexi LubomirskiModel - Katrin Thormann @ WomenStyling by Christiane Arp

Seven quotes for a Thursday afternoon - Part thirty three

"The only real elegance comes from the mind;if you've got that, the rest comes from it"
Diana Vreeland(1903-1989)




"One may become rich, but one is born elegant"
Honoré de Balzac(1799-1850)




"Elegance is not the prerogative of those who have just escaped from adolescence, but of those who have already taken possession of their future"
Coco Chanel(1883-1971)



Portrait by Harcourt Studio

Sebastian Horsley RIP

Sebastian Horsley(1962-2010)
I'm very sad to hear the news that Sebastian Horsley has died.  I liked Sebastian very much.  He was a sweetheart and always funny, charming and wonderful.

The play of Sebastian's memoir Dandy in the Underworld opened at the Soho Theatre just days ago.  I was hoping to see the play and catch up with Sebastian next week.  What a terrible shame I won't be able to

Jessica Albarn at Liberty

Last night my friends and I went along to the gorgeous Jessica Albarn's exhibition and book launch at Liberty.  The book, written and illustrated by artist Jess is absolutely beautiful.  At the very reasonable price of £12.99 for a hardback full of illustrations it is a wonderful addition to any book collection.


Jess's large scale drawing 'Alchemy for the Bees' in the window at Liberty

The launch of Studio East Dining by Bistrotheque

Photograph courtesy of Carmody GroarkeThe restaurant interior
The Actor and I went along to the launch dinner of Bistrotheque's amazing new temporary restaurant at Studio East last night.  It was a dreary, rainy Monday evening in London but as always for Bistrotheque the turn-out was fantastic.  Mandi Lennard did a brilliant job organising the evening which was packed with the leading lights of

Go “Wild” with Theodora this Saturday at Facets Night School

Looking for something “wild” to do this Saturday? Look no further than this week’s midnight screening of the screwball comedy classic, Theodora Goes Wild (1936), starring Irene Dunne at Facets Film School, 1517 W. Fullerton Ave., Chicago, IL.

Drama Queen
Irene Dunne took a leap of faith by starring in a comedy after she was dubbed “Queen of the Weepies” by the film trade publications in the 1930s. Having made her mark in the western epic Cimarron (1931), Dunne carved out an enormously successful career as the heroine of a string of popular melodramas.

Comedy Rules
When she reluctantly accepted the role of Theodora Lynn in the film directed by Richard Boleslawski, Dunne was an instant comedy sensation. So popular was the film and Dunne’s performance, that she earned her second Academy Award nomination for Best Actress (Dunne’s first nomination was for her role in Cimarron). The year 1936 was a great year for the screwball comedy. That same year saw the release of Frank Capra’s Mr. Deeds Goes to Town and Gregory LaCava’s My Man Godfrey.

The Peyton Place of Lynnfield!
The plot surrounds Dunne, a small town woman who is the best-selling author of a scandalous romance novel. Writing under the name of Caroline Adams, her secret is safe. That is until she meets a New York illustrator played by Melvin Douglas. He decides Theodora needs to break out of her small-town existence, all the while he’s trapped in a loveless marriage to please his politically connected father. So who really needs to go wild?

Theodora Goes Wild is a highly entertaining comedy that borders on comic genius. It deserves to be in the same class as Capra’s Mr. Deeds Goes to Town and LaCava’s My Man Godfrey. It fact, it's in a class all by itself.

Daphne Guinness buys Isabella Blow's wardrobe

Photography by Mario Testino
I'm delighted that Daphne Guinness has bought Isabella Blow's amazing collection of clothes, shoes and unforgettable hats.  The entire collection was due to be auctioned by Christies in September until Daphne made Issy's sisters Julia and Lavinia, who are in charge of her estate, an offer to buy everything.  I think it's wonderful the collection will be owned by

The wonderful Gavin Clark

I'm on my TV watching marathon.  I've just watched Somers Town and A Room For Romeo Brass.  I love Shane Meadows films.  I'd forgotten how good the soundtracks are too.

I've been reminded of my love for Gavin Clark.  What a fabulous voice!  I have all the tracks he did with UNKLE and some from Sunhouse.  The youtube of Gavin singing If This Is This Love shows footage from the making of A Room

Hangover Sunday

I am far too hungover to do a proper post today...  It started with the football then I went to my friend Vicki's Birthday dinner at Bistrotheque where we drank peach Bellini's followed by red wine then back to her house for a party.  Vicki owns a nightclub and a pub and she has a bar in her house, so there's never a shortage of alcohol.  We drank lots of vodka... then the shots came out.  We

Bianca Jagger in red Halston

I absolutely love this red sequinned Halston outfit on Bianca, she looks stunning and the beret is fabulous.  Halston designed in a colour palette of black, red and ivory, pretty much the only colours I wear with the exception of gold.  I seem to be on a bit of a red theme this weekend.  It must be something to do with the football.  



Bianca Jagger in classic Halston.  Shame it's not in

Red lips

I love red lips


Lulu Guinnesss clutch


Solange Azagury-Partridge hot lips ring



Photography by Richard BurbridgeRed lips



Red lips telephone - of course I had one of these in the Eighties




Red lips headband by Benoit Missolin @ Browns


Dali lips sofa




Photography by Katerina JebbSolange Azagury Partridge ad



Mae West red lips sofa by Salvador Dali

Shoots I love - Lara Stone for AnOther

Photography by Horst Diekgerdes
Anyone who reads this blog knows I love Lara Stone, but I love this shoot because it really make me think of summer.  Lara looks amazing and the light is beautiful.  Bring on the sun!  I hope everyone has a fantastic weekend xxx






























Another Magazine, Spring/Summer 2007Photography by Horst DiekgerdesModel - Lara Stone

Been There Dunne That

Today, Irene Dunne is remembered as one of the top movie actresses from Hollywood’s golden age. She was nominated for five Best Actress Oscars between 1931 and 1949. Although she never won a competitive Oscar, she excelled at both comedy and melodrama. Dunne was known for her professionalism on and off the set. As far as her personal life was concerned, Dunne was never the subject of negative press. And she was married to the same man for 37 years, practically a miracle in Hollywood.

Kentucky-Born, Indiana-Bred
Dunne was born in Kentucky in 1898, but moved to Madison, Indiana, after her father’s death when she was 12. Dunne’s mother encouraged her young daughter to study piano and voice. As an adult, Dunne won a scholarship to Chicago Musical College, now part of Roosevelt University. After she earned her degree, Dunne was determined to sing Opera at New York’s Metropolitan. While performing as Magnolia in the Chicago company of Show Boat, Dunne was discovered and signed to a movie contract with RKO. The studio wanted to groom her to star in movie musicals. The Metropolitan Opera would have to wait.

Slow Start
In the early days of talking pictures, musicals were all the rage. Dunne’s first film was the forgotten musical comedy Leathernecking (1930). Unfortunately for Dunne and RKO, the popularity of movie musicals was in decline and Leathernecking was a flop. The following year would prove to be a game-changer.

An Epic Performance

Dunne’s next role was as Sabra Cravat, the heroine of Edna Ferber’s epic novel Cimarron (1931). Still relatively unknown, it was remarkable that she was given such an important part. The film, costarring Richard Dix, was an immediate critical and financial success. It brought Dunne her first Best Actress Academy Award nomination and it set the course of her career for the next five years.

Queen of the Weepies

Instead of starring in musicals, the career path RKO originally plotted for her, Dunne was cast in a series of successful melodramas. These melodramas included Back Street (1932), This Man is Mine (1934), and Magnificent Obsession (1936). Due to her commercial successes in melodramas, she was dubbed the "Queen of the Weepies," in the trade. Dunne did make two musicals during this period: Roberta (1935) and Show Boat (1936). Both movies were hits, but they didn’t have the world clamoring for more Irene Dunne musicals.

The Reluctant Comedianne

Producers saw something in Dunne’s portrayal of Magnolia, another Edna Ferber character, in Show Boat. It was the ability to let herself go in the musical numbers. There was joy and humor in her performances. The studio suits theorized that Dunne would be perfect for the role of Theodora Lynn in Theodora Goes Wild (1936) on loan-out to Columbia. But Dunne didn’t like comedy. Plus she had an excellent career as a dramatic actress and didn’t want to damage her reputation by giving a poor performance. So adverse was Dunne to playing Theodora that she took an extended vacation in Europe, hoping the studio would assign the role to another actress. After much prodding and pleading, and a few threats from Columbia, Dunne finally relented. What happened would be a major high point in an already successful career.

This Place is Full of Aunts

In Theodora Goes Wild, Dunne plays a small-town girl raised by two maiden aunts. Unbeknownst to them and the rest of the inhabitants of Lynnfield, CT, is the secret that Theodora has written a monster best-selling novel, The Sinner, under the penname, Caroline Adams. On a visit to her publisher in New York City, Theodora meets an unhappily married artist who seems to think Theodora needs to loosen up and live a little. As the movie progresses, Theodora does loosen up, but realizes she’s not the only one whose life could use a shot of excitement. Dunne’s character eventually reveals her true identity and throws caution to the wind, while the rest of Lynnfield is left dumbstruck.

Wild Success
Theodora Goes Wild was an instant hit with film critics and audiences. For her tour de force performance, Dunne received her second Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. As the choir-singing, organ-playing, church soloist, all of Dunne’s talents were on display.

Good Company

Dunne and Theodora were in good company in 1936. Frank Capra’s Mr. Deeds Goes to Town and Gregory La Cava’s My Man Godfrey were also released that year. Dunne’s fellow Hoosier, Carole Lombard, was nominated for Best Actress. Both Dunne and Lombard lost out to Louise Rainer, who had a supporting role, if that, in The Great Ziegfeld, in one of the most controversial Best Actress races of all time.

Comedy Classics

Looking back, it’s hard to understand Dunne’s reluctance to play Theodora. She performs the role so effortlessly and is so believable. It’s a good thing too because if we don’t believe Dunne and her genuine small-town goodness, the movie doesn’t work. Perhaps Dunne realized this when she saw the script and knew if not played just right, it would be an utter failure, a failure laid entirely at her feet. Fortunately for Dunne and film history, she was more than up to the task. If there was no Theodora, chances are there would be no Lucy Warriner in The Awful Truth, no Ellen Arden in My Favorite Wife, and no Nancy Andrews in Unfinished Business. And that would have been a pity. A real pity indeed!

Sources used: Irene Dunne: First Lady of Hollywood, Wes D. Gehring, Scarecrow Press, Inc., Lanham, MD, copyright 2003
Romantic Comedy in Hollywood: From Lubitsch to Sturges, James Harvey, Da Capo Press, New York, NY, copyright 1987

Jessica Albarn's beautiful new book

Alison Goldfrapp
London based fine artist Jessica Albarn has done a series of beautiful portraits and studies of nature, specialising in her obsession with insects, birds and bees.  I love the portrait of Alison Goldfrapp (above) and was really interested to see the rare commissioned portrait of artist Banksy.  Jessica has also collaborated with Helmut Lang and Modus and exhibited worldwide.  

Seven quotes for a Thursday afternoon - Part thirty two

"I never thought I was sick and I still don't"
Frances Farmer(1913-1970)




"I can calculate the motion of heavenly bodiesbut not the madness of people"
Sir Isaac Newton(1642-1727)




"Our society is run by insane people for insane objectives.  I think we're being run by maniacs for maniacal ends and I think I'm liable to be put away as insane from expressing that.  That's what's insane

Mrs Jones & The Drama Parlour opening

Last night I went along to fashion designer and stylist Fee Doran's studio opening for her label Mrs Jones.  Fee and I have been great friends for almost twenty years and I love her fabulous creations.  I still have some vintage Mrs Jones clothes that I wear and couldn't resist buying another piece last night and have my eye on a few more...

Fee has made fabulous outfits for a long list of

Style Icons - Debbie Harry

"I wish I'd invented sex"
Debbie Harry(b. 1945)
When I was twelve I decided to bleach my (some say dark ash blonde, I say mousy) hair.  I wanted to have hair like Debbie Harry who I thought was the epitome of cool.  I trotted off to the nearest chemist and bought something called Light and Bright which was about £1.99 back then.  I hadn't really got a clue what I was doing and basically what

Lara Stone for Calvin Klein

Photography by Mert Atlas and Marcus Piggott
The newlywed Lara Stone aka Mrs David Walliams looks amazing as the new face of Calvin Klein.  I love Lara Stone and think it's great that curvy models are coming back!

Jonny Woo at the Andaz Hotel

The fabulous Mr Jonny Woo
On Saturday evening a group of us were invited to our friend Jonny Woo's new monthly supper club and cabaret night at Andaz Hotel (formerly the Great Eastern), Liverpool Street.  Jonny Woo, the queen of London's drag scene and Tartrazine Dream performed.  We were served cocktails, lots of drinks and a three course dinner.  My favourite was a delicious rum cocktail with

Prince by Pandora's Jukebox

I've always been a huge Prince fan.  I love this remix by the fabulous Pandora's Jukebox.  Have a listen.

PRINCE TLC REMIX by + PANDORA'S JUKEBOX +

Facets Multimedia: Nightschool

Facets Multimedia: Nightschool

Sunday's Post

Photography by Maria Goodwin
I love this picture taken by my friend Maria at a techno party in a warehouse near where I live a few weeks ago.  I'd always fancied having a neon sign in my house but it could be a little too bright!
Apologies for the absence.  I do have some posts to put up but have managed to 'mislay' both my camera lead and card reader yet AGAIN!  I might have to pop out and buy

Olivia Munn Height

Often time i find myself wondering the heights of my favorite celebrities and so i decided to check and see how tall Olivia Munn is.

After finding the results on her personal website, i am happy to report back that Olivia Munn is 5 feet 6 inches tall.

And despite her rather small stature, i believe many women are looking up to Olivia Munn. What a role model!

Pictures I love

Ruby and pearl lips brooch by Salvador Dali, 1949




Photography by Richard BurbridgeRuby necklace and red lips - Masha Novoselova for Harpers Bazaar, July 2009

Anna Kournikova wallpapers

Anna Kournikova

Anna Kournikova

Anna Kournikova

Carolina Ardohain wallpapers

Carolina Ardohain

Carolina Ardohain

Carolina Ardohain

Daniela Pestova wallpapers

Daniela Pestova

Daniela Pestova

Daniela Pestova

Camer wallpaper

Camer

Alexandra Neldel wallpapers

Alexandra Neldel

Alexandra Neldel

Alexandra Neldel