VeryVeryChic

A Private Screening of "L'amour Fou"......I Am Enamored.

 

From Le Smoking to popularizing prêt-à-porter, Yves Saint Laurent is one the most influential designers in the history of fashion. And with the release of “L’amour fou,” the extraordinary career of the couturier can be more fully understood and appreciated. This week I attended a private screening at The Soho House covering for Apparel News and let's just say, I am enamored. So much so, I had to repost! The extravagant lives of YSL and Bergé who worked and lived together for more than 50 years was fascinating. Directed by Pierre Thoretton, the documentary gives an intimate look into the business relationship and love affair of YSL and partner Pierre Bergé - all set around “the sale of the century” – the 2009 auction of his estate and priceless art collection. 

 

 

  

 

The plush red chairs of The Soho House screening room - glass of wine in hand- was the perfect setting to watch the film paying ever so close attention to not miss one of the French subtitles. Bergé narrates the story taking viewers from YSL’s retirement speech to his funeral through his landmark career and their lives together and finally to the Christie's auction of the estate at the Grand Palais. He recounts memoirs of grandeur as well as personal challenges. Scenes showcasing their opulent homes and the objets d'art which they collected together is a testament to lives most can only dream of.

A design progidy at 21, YSL’s made his entrée into the haute couture in 1957 as head designer at Christian Dior. Under Bergé’s astute guidance, YSL established the house of Yves Saint Laurent following his unwarranted dismissal from Dior. The film shows footage of YSL’s first runway show, associations with celebrity (including a young Mick and Bianca Jagger - amazing!) and the couple's jet set lifestyle and lavish home in Marrakech. Guest appearances by friends and muses Betty Catroux and Loulou de la Falaise gave a glimpse into Laurent's social life and raucous party lifestyle.

It’s a profound account of the life of a legend – the triumphs of a genius couturier and the costs of fame including severe depression and bouts with drugs and alcohol. The extreme pressures of life and business took their toll and yet, Laurent persevered for the appreciation of art and beauty. YSL’s famous Mondrian collection from 1965 was a defining moment in his career and for him and Bergé as art collectors. “I never thought we would own a Mondrian, but one fine day a Mondrian came into our collection,” said Bergé. Almost every wall, corner and bookshelf was filled with fine art from vases, sculpture and furniture to Modernist and Impressionist paintings by the masters including Degas, Picasso and Matisse.  

“Would Yves have organized the sale?,” pondered Bergé during the final segments of the film. The answer? “No. Because he couldn’t have lived without this painting or that statue," said Bergé. "Who knows what would have come of it?” he queried. And though I found it incredibly sad to watch the auction of this unparalleled collection of art works (along with the memories that must certainly be attached), it was comforting to know the proceeds benefit charity. A record setting €373,935,500 ($483,835,144), the most for any private collection sold at auction and the highest grossing sale in Europe on record, benefit the Pierre Bergé - Yves Saint Laurent Foundation and a new foundation established for scientific research and the fight against AIDS.

Showstopper.

 

 

 

 

An outfit like this is designed to stand out in the crowd - and literally turn heads. I spotted this lovely vision leaving the Elie Saab runway show in Paris. You couldn't help but snap a few pics of chic Chinese actress Fan Bingbing wearing her Elie Saab ensemble.

Pretty peach palette + sequin jacket + turban + Christian Louboutin heels + gold accessories = perfection. 

 

 

 

Men's Street Scene at SUNDANCE

Yvan, the FaceHunter

 

From sophisticated suits to fur, parkas and quirky plaids, men were sporting plenty of style at Sundance. Here are a few of the looks I spotted including Yvan, the FaceHunter, who was in Park City shooting for the Sundance Channel and Full Frontal Fashion. Scroll down for more coverage from Sundance including women's street style.

 

 

 

Noah Gonzalez in a Puma jacket

Look Mom, I'm a Photographer!!

                                                                


Kevan Hall debuted his Spring collection with an extravagant photo installation in downtown Los Angeles. And I was there to capture the designer's red carpet looks inspired by the 1930's sirens of the big screen. I enjoy playing voyeur shooting behind-the-scenes at these types of events. And Hall's private salon-style spin on the theme made it a chic event indeed. I was especially pleased when my photos made the cover of Apparel News this week. Yes, Mom, I can add photographer to my list of credits now too!! For more on the event and Hall, who is formerly the creative director for Halston, check my home base at ApparelNews.net.

 

 

Kate Bosworth is CHIC at SUNDANCE

Kate Bosworth, photos: Tiffany Rose

 

 

How to look lovely at Sundance? Take style cues from Kate Bosworth. The chic actress always seems to know just what to wear. At Sotheby's presents Chefdance sponsored by Gypsy05, she looked decidedly "now" dressed in a S/S '11 floral dress by Dolce & Gabbana and shearling-trimmed jersey jacket by Helmut Lang. Her rosy cheeks and perfectly applied makeup were the perfect compliment to the Winter-meets-Spring look. Bosworth was at Sundance to attend the premiere of her film "Little Birds" and stopped by the annual Chefdance event where renowned chefs prepare exquisite dinners as part of the week's festivities. For more on Bosworth's trend setting festival style, see my post of the actress at Coachella.

Submarine

“Submarine” is a movie to put on your radar. The highly original coming of age story is the debut feature of up and coming British filmmaker Richard Ayoade. It received rave reviews at the Toronto Film Festival and BFI London Film Festival before landing at the Sundance Film Festival this week. The Weinstein Company picked up the film which is set to hit the big screen in the UK in late March and will be released in the U.S.this year. Some have likened it to Wes Anderson's hit feature “Rushmore,” and judging from the photos it should should soon inspire hipsters to take styles cues from the Brits. I caught up with Ayoade at the “Submarine” premiere party at Sundance for a quick chat about the film. See below for the Q&A and a sneak peek of the flick.

 

 
Richard Ayoade

Q&A with RICHARD AYOADE:

What was the plot of the film?

It’s about a 15 year old boy who is somewhat pompous and puffed up and he has his first relationship and he thinks he can save his parents marital problems at the same time and fails.

What category is the film in at Sundance?

It’s in the category of films that they like that have been in other festivals. It has been in Toronto and London.

What is your background?

I’m a writer primarily in Britain on various British comedy shows and I’ve directed comedy shows and music videos.

What was the most challenging part of doing this film?

Writing it.

What was the most rewarding experience you had with "Submarine?"

Working with all of the actors because they were really great and I really like them personally and that’s the most enjoyable bits  other than being alone in your pants in a room for a year writing.

Who was in the film?

Paddy Considine and Sally Hawkins, Noah Taylor, and then the  two leads are Craig Roberts and Yasmin Paige

What was Ben Stiller’s role?

He was the Executive Producer along with Stuart Cornfeld from Red Hour

 

   

 

Ashley Paige, Bikinis and Sundance

Ashley Paige poses with models

It's hard to imagine a bikini show at Sundance, but that's exactly what Ashley Paige brought to the film festival. The designer and reality tv star, who is known for her sexy knit swimwear, showcased a ten year retrospective of her work in a chic mountain home. A photo installation set the stage and I was happy to snap a few shots of the designer's cute bikinis styled with a rock n' roll edge. After all, who doesn't need a bikini for a Hollywood pool party or a dip in the ski lodge hot tub? 

 

 

 

Party Scene

 

 

 

Ashley Paige

Sundance Street Scene

 

Anne Heche

 

What were they wearing at Sundance?

From fur to parkas, vintage coats, long skirts and jeans, here are some of the best looks I spotted in Park City. A few of the looks were shot at TweetHouse, but most were captured on the incredibly long Main Street which most of the events are centered around. It's the place to see and be seen. Crowds of people walk up and down the street as they travel from film screenings to gifting suites, premiere parties and yes, the after-after parties. Keeping warm is truly an art form.

Stay tuned..... men's fashion on the way!

More images after the break.

 

James Franco's "Three's Company: The Drama"

 

 

 

Sundance is nothing if not a creative playground for the entertainment world. And somehow James Franco managed to merge all of the above. The actor created "Three's Company: The Drama," an analysis of the iconic 1970s' sitcom and partied at the film premiere after-party complete with a Suzanne Somers wig. I attended the standing room only event which was let's just say..... an experience to be had. Franco's graphic singalong was a hot, hot messss and that's putting it lightly. But attending the event made me intrigued. I never really thought about how "Three's Company" might have affected the culture at large. Jack, Janet, Chrissy, Larry and Mr. and Mrs. Roper? But with the '70s in full swing in the fashion world, one does pause to wonder not only about the decade's iconic styles, but the longstanding influences of pop culture as well. 

The Sundance Film Guide said it best:

"Our prolonged and increasing exposure to dramatic entertainment shapes our imaginations, our aspirations and the way we reference our memories and structure the time in our day. How does a television show have such an impact on our lives? In "Three's Company: The Drama," James Franco examines the classic TV show, breaking out individual elements of narrative, character, composition, and set design to reconstitute them and create an immersive experience of the story world through which we many consider how this definitive 1970s sitcom connects and organizes our memories."

My thought? Fascinating.

The meta-art piece installation is on display at the festival's New Frontier venues with a unique multi-screen perspective. The video above created by PopSugar gives a glimpse into the installation. Here are a few photos from the opening night party, and just for fun, check out the photo pictorial of the original "Three's Company" series below.

 

James Franco, photo courtesy of MTV/Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage

Hot, Hot Messs                   photo: Tiffany Rose

 

                                                                                               photo: VeryVeryChic

                                                                                          photo: VeryVeryChic

 

"Three's Company," 1977-1984

Live At Sundance

                                                                      photo courtesy of Sundance

Wishing you were in Park City? 

Catch the action at the Sundance Film Festival on Facebook. Sundance is live streaming various events throughout the festival's Jan 20 to 30 run. Previous broadcasts can also be accessed on the site. The line-up includes everything from Q&A's with directors and the "Shorts Awards Ceremony" to the "Slacker Q&A." To tune in Live at Sundance click here. 

Enjoy!!

 

White OUT

 Sundance Film Festival 2011, Main Street, Park City, Utah

How do you look chic in the snow? All white of course.

This was the scene on Main Street in Park City on Jan. 22 during opening weekend of the Sundance Film Festival. My chic friends and I braved the snow to eat lunch at the cozy winter nook, Bar Boheme, located in The Sky Lodge. These photos were taken within minutes of each other just outside the restaurant and from the spectacular viewpoint from Sky Blue, the hotel's rooftop lounge.

 

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Kristen Steinhilber-Calavas, cofounder of TheLookbook.com

 

Main Street, Park City, Utah, January 22, 2011

Sundance

 

 

 

The film and fashion worlds converged this weekend for the kickoff of the internationally renowned Sundance Film Festival. I was there covering film premiere parties and fashion events and yes, I had few celeb sightings too!! The festival is still in full swing, be sure to check back for my coverage from the weekend. 

 
 

People's Choice Awards: Pretty in PINK

                                                                                photo courtesy of mtv.com

If you've any doubt that the ballet trend is on the horizon, check these two lovely baby pink frocks worn by Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez last night at the People's Choice Awards. Taylor wears a J. Mendel dress and Prada heels and Selena is lovely in a delicate one-shoulder dress by Paule Ka. Pretty in pink indeed. I was also a fan of Kristen Stewart's gold sequin dress by Reem Acra.  For more on fashion from the evening go to mtv.com.

Today's Inspiration: The Virgin Suicides

 

 

 

The '70s. Sofia Coppola. The Virgin Suicides.

 

 

 

MAD MEN Costume Designer Janie Bryant's Chic Holiday Soiree - Style Tips Included!

                                       "Mad Men"'s leading ladies          photo courtesy of AMC

 

"I really wanted to talk to people about the art of dressing up and also becoming their own leading lady..... The book is really about feeling great about yourself, feeling beautiful...and really having a crush on yourself. I think that’s so important because people criticize themselves so much and there’s no benefit from that," 

                                                                                            - Janie Bryant

 

Janie Bryant is the undisputed queen of vintage chic. The acclaimed costume designer for "Mad Men" has won numerous awards including an Emmy for her work on the HBO series "Deadwood." She is a tastemaker who has singled-handedly re-inspired the vintage trend and the art of dressing up. We can thank her for inspiring men to don a suit and yes, us ladies have a few more dresses in our closets too! Recently Bryant published "The Fashion File," a book on personal style co-written by Monica Corcoran Harel. I was thrilled when Janie invited me to celebrate the release of her book with a holiday soiree at the Chateau Marmont. The cocktail party was held in the lobby of the iconic hotel - a fitting setting for the Hollywood chicette. The last time I saw Bryant was at the opening reception for Kimberly Brook's portraiture exhibition titled "The Stylist Project" earlier this year. It was great to catch up with the designer who is as lovely as she is talented and to meet her mother Dottie Bryant who is as stylish as her daughter. Guests included designer Corey Lynn Calter and actress Christina Hendricks who stopped by for the celebration. And yes, I picked up a copy of "The Fashion File" and gleaned a few style tips for the holidays. Scroll down for pics from the event and a Q&A with Janie Bryant. And for more "Mad Men" fashion be sure to check the AMC site for the Interactive Fashion Flipbook released for Season 4. It includes highlights from Season 4, style tips and a video with the designer du jour, Janie Bryant.

 

 

 

Janie Bryant signing books for guests

"The Fashion File"

Janie Bryant 

Janie Bryant and mom Dottie

Janie and Dottie Bryant

Designer Corey Lynn Calter and Shana Honeyman

Norma Jayne in a 60's-inspired trapeze dress, vintage fur and silver metallic clutch

 

Alexandra Neel heels

 

Q&A WITH JANIE BRYANT: 

What inspired you to write the “The Fashion File?”

I really wanted to talk to people about the art of dressing up and also becoming their own leading lady, which is really important to me because I think there has been this whole cultural yearning of really learning how to dress up again. And since that is one of my passions, I really wanted to write the book about that, but also how to incorporate vintage especially accessories. Also how to wear the proper shapewear including getting fit for a bra and learning all about those undergarments that can really help you achieve that beautiful feminine shape. There’s [also] a chapter for the men because I’m very passionate about menswear too. The book is also really about feeling great about yourself, feeling beautiful and loving all of your parts and really having a crush on yourself. I think that’s so important because people criticize themselves so much and there’s no benefit from that. I think the book is also a way in which to transform your thinking.

 

What have you learned from designing “Mad Men” that has transformed your idea of dressing? Or has it?

 I’ve always been so passionate about dressing and dressing for occasions and also having fun with dressing up. It’s been an amazing connection to designing “Mad Men” and that period of the show is so much about that. For so long people would make fun of me because I always liked to dress up. So I guess people thought that I was really old fashioned in that way…

So it's interesting that you now have the perfect platform to show people how to dress up!

I guess because everything old is new again and it’s been an amazing experience to design “Mad Men” - that celebration of dressing has really come back into style.

Thanks to you.

Thank you. Thanks Jayne!

 

What are your thoughts on dressing during the day vs. dressing at night? Do you dress up during the day?

Nighttime I think is all about really exploring cocktail dresses and high heels even though I always wear high heels during the day too.

You do? Even on set?  I want to see you in action!

A two inch heel is like a flat for me so yeah, I guess I’m always in heels! I just feel comfortable in wearing a heel. During the day I pretty much always wear jeans with boots, that’s my thing. I wear boots with a heel whether it be with a t-shirt or a great jacket or a great purse. I always carry a really great handbag because I think that’s a way you can really have a great accessory piece. And then at night it’s about adding those special touches with accessories - wearing your high heel sandals or your great platforms, carrying a sparkly clutch. I always think that nighttime is a way to glitz it up.

 

Your mom Dottie is fabulous, what style secrets have you gleaned from her?

It’s funny because actually my dad was really into buying my mother clothes. My mom was really not into fashion so much. She was much more into riding her horses. I don’t think she really thought about style so much and also because my dad always bought her clothes and very nice things and jewelry. It was such a luxury that she had that. But now I think she really gets into dressing up and she’s always loved dressing up too. But I think now she probably thinks about it more. She really taught me more about how to be a lady. She really taught me about the importance of having manners. She taught me the importance of being able to be in social situations and really taking pride in that. So it’s just different things that you learn from your parents. But I think that is a style thing too. So it wasn’t so much about fashion, it was much more about how to behave in the world and to have that elegance throughout your life.

 

Are there differences now in the style of “Mad Men" from when you very first started?

Absolutely. That’s always the biggest challenge to be able to really merge all of the seasons together and how to have that natural flow and progression in time and to be able to merge the old with the new as we do in life. It’s always the challenge to be able to marry those seasons together.

Do you re-use items on the show from season to season? 

I do. It’s very important. I’ll [pull] from the second season now because we’re in the fourth season. Most of the things from the first season are not incorporated but I do think it’s important to use a lot of the clothing from past seasons into the new seasons too.

 

How do you feel about the actresses on the show - ie January Jones and Christina Hendricks - becoming style icons?

It’s amazing. I love it. It’s great and it’s so flattering. I just love the way that people have responded to the show style-wise. It’s a period that I really love too and I think it’s so beautiful.

 

We’re in holiday season and it’s all about dressing up, what are your style tips?

For the holidays I think it’s all about adding that extra sparkle. Whether it be your accessories or on a jacket or blouse or with a handbag. I think it’s that time to really pull out the pizzazz and really add that extra sparkle.

 

The show's focus is vintage, but who are your favorite designers right now?

I love, love, love the Louis Vuitton collection. I love Marchesa. Marchesa is my favorite. I love Oscar de la Renta and J. Mendel. I’m actually wearing Corey Lynn Calter tonight. I love her. I have a lot of different favorites.

 

What is Very,Very Chic to you?

I think possessing your own style and really wearing that and believing in that. It can be anything, but I think it’s such a personal choice.