Vanity Fair's Fashion in Film

While many of us are putting our proverbial whites away after Labor Day and closing the lid on summer, New York prepares for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week and the preview of the spring/summer 2012 line. Ending the week of the latest must-haves on the runway, celebrity spotting, see and be seen parties and continental-style air kisses will be Vanity Fair's Fashion in Film event. 


VF partnered with the Lincoln Center Film Society and co-creator Simon Doonan, creative ambassador at large of Barneys New York (now there's a title) for a series of weekend long screenings, panel discussions and receptions at NYC's Museum of Art and Design (MAD). The events take place September 9th through the 11th with a rather varied list of fashion related films. The Eyes of Laura Mars (1978), a psycho thriller about a fashion photographer and her visions of things to come, stars Faye Dunaway and Tommy Lee Jones (along with a Streisand soundtrack -- did I mention boyfriend Jon Peters was the producer?). The film has lots of fashion shoots, Dunaway in her seventies best, the bygone era of Studio 54 and a twist ending.  

Dunaway and camera in The Eyes of Laura Mars

Fashion shoot 

Qui êtes vous, Polly Maggoo? (that would be Who Are You Polly Magoo? for the French challenged) was quite the cult sensation in the sixties. The docu/fiction satire tells the tale of an American girl in Paris pursued by a television producer and Prince Charming. The film marks the first for William Klein, a controversial Vogue fashion photographer who was known for his subversive and experimental shots. Filmed in black and white, Magoo is a wonderful send up of the fashion industry, pretensions and all. Even Diana Vreeland can't escape unscathed. 

60s model Dorothy McGowan as Miss Maggoo

Other films include The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964), 1972's X, Y and Zee (with an all star cast of Michael Caine, Elizabeth Taylor and Susannah York) and Russ Meyer's exploitation flick Faster, Pussycat. Kill!...Kill! (1965). And yes, you read the last one correctly. 


Perhaps the most interesting will be Hearts and Crafts, a documentary  that chronicles the behind the scenes action at Hermes. If you can't get to the show, the doc will run on The Sundance Channel on Sunday, September 10th at 7pm EST. It doesn't get any better in life than an Hermes scarf (what can I say, some people collect art, I collect scarves) and I can't wait to learn about the artists who make it happen. 

Artisans at work

Grand Manege Design

Catherine Deneuve in The Umbrellas of Cherbourg

Elizabeth Taylor and Susannah York in X, Y and Zee

Taylor and Michael Caine

The Vanity Fair Fashion in Film Schedule:


Friday, September 9th
8:30 p.m. Qui Êtes-Vous, Polly Magoo?, with introduction by Simon Doonan

Saturday, September 10th
Vanity Fair “Fashion in Film” Lounge, open to the public 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
3 p.m. X, Y, and Zee
5 p.m. Hearts and Crafts
7 p.m. Umbrellas of Cherbourg, presented by L’Oréal Paris, followed by reception in “Fashion in Film” lounge
9 p.m. Eyes of Laura Mars

Sunday, September 11th
Vanity Fair “Fashion in Film” Lounge, open to the public 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
3 p.m. “Spotlight on Innovation: Creative Inspiration from Cinema” panel discussion presented by BMW, moderated by Simon Doonan, and followed by reception in “Fashion in Film” lounge
5 p.m. Diva
7 p.m. Rick, Michele and Scarlett (Rick Owens Documentary)
9 p.m. Faster Pussycat, Kill! … Kill!


Photo Credits: Vanity Fair, Hermes, Sundance Channel, Criterion, Columbia Pictures, Parc Film

When Worlds Collide: Fashion and Film

Fashion and film has always been a perfect marriage and whether we realize it or not, a major influence on how we shop. (Case in point -- just look at the millions of clothing items sold over the years by those who wanted to channel their inner Carrie from Sex and the City). It's interesting to see how the worlds of celebrity as designer and ambassador and fashion collide and the right endorsement can mean major sales for luxury and mass brands. Will a consumer buy a dress because it looks good on Naomi Watts (Ann Taylor) or pay $30,000 for an alligator bag as seen on the arm of Victoria Beckham (and now in her new collection)? It's a concept retailers hope to take to the bank.

Since its New York Fashion Week and Fashion's Night Out (FNO to some of you in the know) is September 8th, I thought it would be fitting to look at a few retail/celeb marriages:

Katie Holmes and Barneys New York

Katie Holmes debuted her line Holmes and Yang at Barney's NYC with business partner Jeanne Yang, noting the line is for real people "mixed with Diane Keaton." The collection is a mix of suede, silk and suiting in cerise pink, red, white and black and the vibe is definitely more career oriented. Prices range from 325.00 for a camisole on up to 9.000 and available at Barneys and Harvey Nichols in London. 

Tie Blouse 715.00

Criss Cross Dress

Barbour: The Steve McQueen Collection

No one did biker chic better than Steve McQueen. For that matter, no one did anything better than Steve McQueen. From the infamous motorcycle scene in The Great Escape to a game of chess in the Thomas Crown Affair, McQueen symbolized looks that were classic, elegant, timeless and a bit of a rebel. Barbour teamed up with the late legendary actor's estate for the ultimate in cool -- think motorcycle jackets and you get the gist. 

Baker Jacket

Papillon Jacket  - perhaps named by the film

Jennifer Lopez and Kohl's:

The press kit reads that J-Lo "channels the timeless allure of Old Hollywood in a contemporary interpretation of classic, sexy glamour..." and that works for me -- plus you can't beat the price point. Launching this month, the line will feature signature J-Lo looks from wide leg pants, shearling and faux fur to winter shorts and a Jennifer Lopez Home Collection. You can see more of the collection at the Kohl's website.

Sheath dress with faux fur vest

Brigitte Tote

Jennifer Lopez Home Collection

Kate Winslet and St. John Knits

The venerable St. Johns Knits have stepped up their game with a new fall campaign featuring Kate Winslet. The Oscar winning actress recently told Women's Wear Daily, "They want to keep it looking like me and not have it look like me pretending to be a model wearing these clothes. I'm obviously not a model. I'm not the size of a model. I don't have the face of a model or the shape." I disagree  as many women will totally identify with her curves. The line is definitely a more contemporary, youthful collection for St. Johns and looks fabulous.

Milano Knit Dress in Camel 795.00

Kate Winslet and Lancome

Celebrities loaning their faces to cosmetic companies is certainly a mainstay and actress Kate Winslet will be the face for a small makeup collection at Lancome this holiday season. Her charity, The Golden Hat Foundation which helps autistic children will be the beneficially of at least 150,000 euros from the collection's sales.

Winslet has also collaborated with fellow actresses Emma Thompson and Rachel Weisz and set up the British Anti-Cosmetic Surgery League to support (and defend!) natural beauty in Hollywood.

Reese Witherspoon and Lindex

I guess it's fitting that the Tennessee native would team up with Swedish fashion chain Lindex to design a line of California denim and clothing. The collection is seventies inspired which translates into lots of ponchos, jeans and floppy hats. You can purchase the items online at the Lindex site.

Bryce Dallas Howard and Kate Spade

Fresh from the set of The Help, actress Bryce Dallas Howard became the first celebrity face for Kate Spade. The red headed beauty starred in the company's ads this past spring and is featured again this fall. The daughter of director/Opie star Ron Howard admitted that the classic Kate Spade bags were at the top of her Christmas list as a teenager. The ads are colorful, quirky and Bryce's classic looks are a perfect fit with the brand. The fall campaign was shot on the streets of Soho and Howard is said to be channeling the late Amy Winehouse. I love the cutting edge mix with Kate's bold colors -- you can check out the video here.

On another note, one of my favorite new blogs is from friend and former special projects editor at Architectural Digest, James Munn. Launched in August, cinemagumbo: Random Musings on the Art of Classic Film  covers a variety of topics from Hollywood's Golden Age and I look forward to his posts.

Photo Credits: Kohl's. Babour, Lindex, Lancome, Kate Spade, St. Johns Knits, Holmes and Yang, New York Times.

The W.E. Couple of the Century

Long before the invention of the celebrity power couple and 24/7 scandals, the controversy of the W.E. couple of the century occupied the news and rocked the British monarchy during the 1930s. The W.E. couple in question is none other than Wallis Simpson and Edward VIII, the American socialite/divorcee and the man who would be king. In the event an explanation is needed, the Prince of Wales was in line for the throne and had an affair with the very married Mrs. Simpson and abdicated his title....all in the name of love. They eventually married and lived out their days as the Duke and Duchess of Windsor.

The saga has been told in countless books and Wallis has been portrayed on both the small and big screen by everyone from Faye Dunaway, Jane Seymour, Joely Richardson and even Gwyneth Paltrow in an episode of Glee. Most recently, the couple was featured in the Academy Award winning film The King's Speech (Guy Pearce played a wonderful Prince Edward) in scenes that left audiences wanting more.

Guy Pearce as Edward in The King's Speech....

and Eve Best as Wallis Simpson 

Enter the Material Girl turned director who just debuted her latest entry on the subject at the Venice Film Festival. W.E. (Weinstein Company) tells the story of the "greatest love story of the century" and marks the former Mrs. Sean Penn/Guy Ritchie's second directorial effort. Perhaps she picked up a thing or two from her former director/husbands.

Riseborough and Madonna at the Venice Film Festival

The film tells the story of Wally Winthrop (Abbie Cornish), a New Yorker obsessed with the love story in l998, intertwined with tales of the glory days of the Duke and Duchess (James D'Arcy and Andrea Riseborough) and spans six decades. W.E. debuts December 12th and has already received its share of reviews -- ranging from mixed to damning. On a lighter note, the style obsessed will enjoy lots of eye candy (Portofino and Cap d'Antibes), Schiaparelli gowns and Cartier jewelry. The film does offer one of my favorite quotes of the day when Wallis says, "Your Majesty, you know your way to a woman's heart," and he replies, "I wasn't aiming that high."

No word yet if Madonna sings the title song:)

Happy Labor Day and end of the summer to all.

Photo Credits: Weinstein Company

Barefoot in the Park

For some, the Plaza Hotel conjures film images of Hubbell and Katie's chance meeting (The Way We Were, 1973), Roger Thornhill's bar of choice (North by Northwest, 1959), young Kevin McAllister's New York adventure (Home Alone 2, 1992), the chosen venue of brides Anne Hathaway and Kate Hudson (Bride Wars, 2009) or perhaps my particular favorite, the honeymoon site for newlyweds Corrie and Paul Bratter (Barefoot in the Park, 1967). And for children (and adults old enough to remember), the famed location plays  home to author Kay Thompson's beloved Eloise, a six year old who lived in the hotel's penthouse.

Redford and Fonda in Barefoot in the Park

"The Only David X. Cohen in the book" - star crossed lovers in The Way We Were

Cary Grant at the Oak Bar in North by Northwest -
exterior and interior are real and the bar was shot on the soundstage

Anne Hathaway and Kate Hudson duke it out in Bride Wars

Macauley Culkin in Home Alone 2

Walter Mathau and Jean Stapleton in 1970's Plaza Suite 

Opened in 1907, the hotel has been the home to dignitaries, celebrities, well-heeled travelers and host to many a wedding (Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones) and the social event of the century, Truman Capote's Black and White Ball in 1966. It was even the occasional playground of F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald in the twenties. Imagine if those walls could talk.

Truman Capote at the Black and White Ball

Candice Bergen sans bunny mask

I was fortunate to be a guest at the iconic landmark this past month and with the exception of the Oak Bar (now under renovation), I had not visited the Plaza since the sale and renovation. The hotel (now owned by Fairmont Hotels) underwent a major renovation in 2007 and while the rooms with the park view are primarily for those who purchase a residence, the hotel is still majestic and you cannot beat the Central Park South/Fifth Avenue location. (The apartment residences start at $2.5 million). The Palm Court is still open for formal tea and pastries under the 1800 square foot stain glass while a portrait of Eloise watches from the hallway. I particularly enjoyed the Assouline book boutique on the lobby's second floor as well and the one-of-a-kind Royal Plaza Suite comes equipped with a library from the store's selections in the event money is no object.

A portrait of Eloise resides in the hallway

The Eloise Suite

The Palm Court

Beaux Arts Design of the guestroom

Gilt and white mosaic tiled bathroom. Leaf pattern is said to be inspired by Central Park

It's safe to say the Plaza Hotel is perhaps one of the most popular hotel locations for Hollywood as noted by its resume -- The Great Gatsby, Cotton Club, Arthur, King Of New York, Funny Girl, Love at First Bite, Almost Famous, and Crocodile Dundee just to name a few. Gossip Girls and Friends featured the location on the small screen and fans of Sex and the City no doubt recognize the homage paid to The Way We Were (Mr. Big's engagement party) or Samantha picking up a "senior citizen" in the Oak Bar.

And thanks to the wonderful staff at the Plaza -- I enjoyed being a grown up Eloise for a couple of nights.

For more about the Plaza Hotel and its illustrious history, see the website here.

Hotel lobby and bar

Royal Plaza Suite boasts a state of the art Viking kitchen, dining room for twelve and a grand piano 

Royal Terrace Suite

Photo Credits: Columbia, Universal, 20th Century Fox, Plaza Hotel