PENELOPE CRUZ IN BROKEN EMBRACES

While there are so many layers to discuss, I wouldn't be a true fashion fanatic if I didn't mention the fact that this film could have served as a commercial for Chanel.   From the moment Penelope's character becomes a woman of leisure - the CC's start flowing!   Couture, RTW, Accessories, scarves, you name it!  Of course the items are not current as the film was shot two years ago.  In fact, much of the wardrobe was from the Cruise 08 collection.  

side note : The little color blocked knit from one scene almost made it into another major fashion film.   Stylists for Sex & The City The Movie borrowed the same sample for Sarah Jessica for the opening scene.  While it didn't make the cut, there was a serious amount of Chanel in the first SATC movie as well.   How could there not be?ROSSY DE PALMA AS "KIKA" BY ALMODOVAR

Look for a cameo by another famed Almodovar muse - Rossy de Palma.   Her trademark profile is as strong as ever - and her presence on film is refreshing to see, albeit brief.   You might also recognize Rossy from George Michael's Too Funky video.   Fashion designer Thierry Mugler directed that infamous video - as de Palma was also a muse of his - having walked his runway show in Paris.

Look for Broken Embraces at the independent theater in your town - or rent it when you can!  Watch the trailer below:

Yes, you read that correctly.   Although the big screen, bigger budget musical -NINE has failed to attract many viewers, one of it's leading ladies received an Oscar Nomination today!  Penelope Cruz was nominated in the best supporting actress category. PENELOPE CRUZ IN ARMANI PRIVE Her  portrayal of Carla, mistress to famed director Guido Contini is one of the highlights of the film.  Nine follows the mid-life crisis of the most famous movie director in Italy, Guido Contini.  We watch Contini,  played by Oscar Winner - Daniel Day-Lewis as his high profile life unravels.   Cruz gives an eye popping fantasy love dance to her Guido, that could make Lady Gaga blush!   What is so evident in Penelope's

MARION COTILLARD IN CHRISTIAN DIORThe other highlight besides Penelope Cruz is Marion Cotillard.   Her portrayal as devoted wife Luisa to Day-Lewis' Contini is sincere and authentic - and her singing is some of the best in the film.    Considering how lackluster the rest is, that doesn't sound like much of a complement - but it is!   I must admit that your time would be better spent by just renting the classic - 8 1/2 by Fellini.

Fans of Cruz should go and see Pedro Almodovar's latest - Broken Embraces.   It is classic Almodovar and Cruz is at the top of her game - blossoming as usual in the creative hands of Almodovar.KATE HUDSON IN MARCHESA

Kate Hudson also appears in NINE.   She portrays a Vogue editor, and even considering the fact that the film takes place in the 1950's - it's an embarrassing role.    Hudson's highlight is that she channels her real life mother - Goldie Hawn in a dance performance that could give you a flashback to Laugh-In from the 60's - if you are so historically inclined! 

The Ladies of Nine sparkled on the red carpet for the Golden Globes this year.  Penelope stole the show there as well in Armani Prive.  Cotillard was stunning in Christian Dior.   Hudson looked beautiful in white, but the dress by Marchesa didn't flatter. GEORGINA CHAPMAN & HARVEY WEINSTEIN  Also, the fact that the dress was designed Georgina Chapman, wife of the films producer - Harvey Weinstein - just felt forced.   It always does,  you will notice many starlets performing in Weinstein projects - suddenly choose Marchesa.

See Nine while you can, but don't say you haven't been warned.  Watch the trailer below - I know it looks great.

One of the most written about characters in modern literature has once again made his way to the big screen.  Brought to us by director Guy Ritchie, this Sherlock Holmes is a version like you have not seen.   While the hero has been a favorite with readers for over 100 years, you never saw him like this.   Ripped, roaring drunk, and even knocking it out Fight Club style!   Brought to life by Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law, it seems the cosmic forces were pulling for a blessed project for all these of these men.    DOWNEY JR. AS SHERLCOK HOLMES

Ritchie, Downey, and Law have all had a trying couple of years.   Ok, for Downey it was a decade or so, but the success of IRON MAN and now Sherlock Holmes means he is one of few actors in Hollywood to ever have two movie franchises heating up at the same time!  who would have thought? 

While Jude Law has always been well received in his films, he rarely has the spark with movie goers that he has ignited with his portrayal of Watson.

Guy Ritchie of course is a celebrated movie maker, but I have never been a huge fan.   While I appreciate his work, I always fee like he makes the same movie - over and over again.  (Snatch & Lock, Stock, & Two Smoking Barrels).  The synopsis being there are a bunch of guys who are going to smack the hell out of each other - after a chase scene.

I am a big fan, however, of his technique of bringing you so close to the action.   During the fight scenes, you feel like you are in the fight.   Many times, you can't even register what is happening, as you feel as disoriented at the guy being punched.   This really works in Sherlock Holmes and brings a grittiness and a physical brawn to a Character that has at times in other versions, come across so old fashioned and persnickety.

One of the big stars of the film are the costumes!  Transporting us to another time and place - the detail and design are the best tailoring seen on the big screen in some time!

Of course, Mr. Ritchie spent most of the last 8 years in the press for his personal life with Madonna.   They do say that success is the best revenge.  Not that I'm saying revenge is called for in that case!

Side note:  I am going to once again predict that Sean Penn and Madonna are going to find their way back together.   I said it here first over a year ago - but now that they are both divorced - perhaps it doesn't sound so crazy.

Go see Sherlock Holmes.   You will enjoy it - and there is a sequel coming - so you want to be caught up!  

If you are planning a trip to London- visit the official Sherlock Holmes Museum! Also, read more about the creator of Holmes - Sir Arthur Conan-Doyle.

Watch the trailer below:

Out of this world.  Out of this world.  Out of this world!   The latest offering from legendary director James Cameron is nothing less than wonderful.   With the most financially successful film of all time - Titanic, as his last effort- Cameron had quite a challenge in creating a project that would come anywhere close to sinking that figurative ship of a milestone.   To say Cameron met the challenge would be the understatement of the century, as he not only created a beautiful film - he created a whole new world in which this movie takes place.  

Avatar is the story of ex marine, Jake Sully, played by Sam Worthington.   Sully joins a mission that his late brother was committed to, before his death in the line of duty.   Sully takes his brothers place in the Avatar program due to the similarity in his DNA.   In the film, the U.S. government has a plan to excavate an ore found on the planet Pandora, light years away from Earth.   The planet's indigenous people, the Na'vi are a nature rooted, spiritual people who believe every living creature and organism is connected through energy.   To survive on Pandora, humans need to use a breathing apparatus or live through a life like humanoid called Avatars that are grown in a lab using Na'vi and human DNA.  

The Na'vi female who befriends Jake Sully and becomes his love interest is Neytiri, voiced by actress Zoe Saldana.  ( I think the movie makers made her look intentionally similar to Angelina Jolie in the movie poster).   The incredible beauty of the Na'vi people are one of the big stars of the this film.   The imaginative design and look of this life form are part futuristic and historic at the same time.   The Na'vi give us the feeling of indigenous tribes we know on Earth such as Native Americans, or perhaps tribes of Africa.  They are beautiful and primal, muscular and sleek, tall and graceful.   They introduce a new race to the psyche - as they have blue skin.  The way they are treated by the new arrivals to their land, unfortunately,  is not so new.Naytiri of Pandora

Pandora itself is the big star of the film.   Every single element from the Tree of Souls, to the Alleluia mountains aka The Floating Mountains of Pandora are breathtaking.   The flying creatures open your mind to imagine the possibilities of evolution, and the revolution of nature that could be taking place on planets far, far away.  From the Pandoran wild dogs to the six legged horses,  each and every creature is a work of art.  I'm sure jewelry maker- Pandora is getting an unintentional boost to their brand recognition thanks for Avatar.  While subliminal, it will have a literal effect on sales!

The story has many metaphors and moral lessons for the modern world.   Many on the political right in the U.S. have said the film is anti-American.   The film shows one government that is determined to take a natural resource from another people at any cost, including the lives of the inhabitants of that planet.   I think if we can draw a parallel to any foreign policy actions of the  U.S. to those in the film, that is the real issue and speaks volumes for itself.  The fact that Jake Sully is financially motivated to join the Avatar program, in order to be able to afford medical treatment to repair his legs back on Earth, is a sad but true parallel to our current reality.   Let's just say, I think it would be a safe bet that James Cameron did not vote for George Bush.

Bravo to James Cameron for creating this film, for delivering such a hopeful message of peace and love, and to 20th Century Fox for distributing it.    It will be the highest grossing film of all time, and rightfully so.   While Avatar is pure entertainment, let's hope that the message of equality and universal love can change the hearts and minds of those who have contempt for their fellow man.

This film is so BIG, it is not a question of if you should see it, but how.  There are currently 4 versions playing.   There is the traditional 2D version, and three, 3D versions out there - the most spectacular is the IMAX 3D.   Seeing Avatar in IMAX almost makes you feel like you are in outer space!

Of course the video game is already available on Playstation, xbox, Wii, etc.   There is also an iphone Avatar game and just about any other media outlet you can imagine has a program.   There is no escaping Avatar!  But then again, why would you want to?  Watch the trailer below.

The Mother and Daughter duo known as "Big" and "Little" Edie Beale have had a cult following for 30 years as the eccentric cousins of Jackie O.   The true story of the Beales shocked the world in the mid 70's.  Their riches-to-rags life was put under a microscope via the documentary "Grey Gardens", made by another family duo - brothers Albert and David Maysles.

As with so many things in life, the unlikely story of "Big" and "Little" Edie Beale made it to film by chance.   The Maysles were working on a project with Lee Bouvier  who had contacted the brothers to film a documentary of she and her sister Jacqueline Bouvier.    The two debutantes charmed the society world and celebrity social circles as they made a name for themselves traveling the globe and being in the right place at the right time.    The Bouvier girls were like a high class version of the Hilton sisters.   Chic, Charming, and connected - the two plotted and planned and brought to fruition - a very full life that many envied from afar.   Of course, Jackie  would later become first Lady and one of the greatest style icons in the world.DREW BARRYMORE AS "LITTLE" EDIE BEALE

During their heyday of youth Lee had the idea to make a film about the Bouvier childhood and upbringing.   Part of the film would include a mention of their eccentric Aunt, Edith Bouvier Beale who had recently been exposed in a scandal by the tabloids.   At one time Edith "Big Edie" Beale was the Doyen of East Hampton Society and her Mansion- Grey Gardens was a center of social outings and was a symbol of the Gentry setting of the privileged East End Lifestyle.  

Once the Maysle brothers met big and little Edie, Jackie and Lee were out - and the documentary Grey Gardens took shape.  The sight of the women living in squalor in a dilapidated 28 room mansion with no running water and overrun with vermin was hypnotic.

The new movie version of the story by HBO stars Drew Barrymore and Jessica Lange as "Little" and "Big" Edie - respectively.   The film is a love note to the Beales.  The cinematography is stunning as we flashback to East Hampton in the 30's.   Drew Barrymore captures the beauty and zest for life this young debutante possessed.   Easily the strongest performance of her career, Barrymore gives an uncanny performance as "Little" Edie as she struggles drawing the line between the past and the present.

"LITTLE" EDIE BEALEJessica Lange is also magnificent as "Big" Edie.   If you close your eyes, at times you would think you were listening to the original documentary.   The film has the added benefit of those beautiful flashback scenes that you can only imagine when watching the original documentary.
The story has long been a source of inspiration for designers, singers, and artists for years.   Marc Jacobs and John Bartlett both created fashion collections inspired by the Beales (JB was first).  Rufus Wainwright wrote a beautiful song titled "Grey Gardens" that really captures the sense of melancholy felt watching the documentary. DREW BARRYMORE & JESSICA LANGE AS THE BEALES

Why so many people are drawn to the story - who can say for sure?   At the core, we are watching a love story of a mother and daughter who have such a bond that they shut out the world when it lets them down.  Clearly, the voyeuristic thrill of watching a train wreck is also in play when watching the documentary.   Seeing racoons and cats living amongst two one time debutantes as they themselves eat cat food with a fork is something you just don't see everyday.  

Click below to watch footage from the original documentary, featuring a song by "Big" Edie Beale.

I think that "little" Edie also touches the hearts of so many of us that grew up in a small town and dreamt of something more.   We feel her sense of sadness and anxiety as it is so clear life has not gone the way she planned. 

Also, anyone watching the film who has parents that are senior citizens can't help but think of their own family, and how to handle our own loved ones as they make difficult life choices as they age.

I had the unique opportunity to watch this film on two international flights - two weeks apart.   I watched the movie on both flights and in my little seat with noise cancelling headphones I would watch and doze off and wake up over and over.  The effect somehow made the movie seem like a dream to me.  

The film is beautifully shot, I'm guessing that everyone who watches will think of this film as a dream.  A dream directed by Michael Sucsy.

Watch the HBO film trailer below.  The film was released in April - but continues to air on HBO.   You can also purchase the DVD - which is a great addition to any collection.   Click Amazon to purchase the DVD.

PEACHES & GRAPES -SAN FEMO, ITALYThe pursuit of a life of style goes so far beyond the choices you make when you get dressed in the morning.   Every choice you make shapes the life you live today and the life you will live tomorrow.   One of the most important aspects to your well being is your diet.    Dietary choices probably have the most dramatic effect on the way you look and feel.   There is a glow that comes from healthy eating that no beauty cream can match.

Fruits and vegetables should be your best friends when you go shopping.   That part we know, right?  The new documentary FOOD INC. opens our eyes to an even more important choice we should be making before we hit the market.   We should all shop for certified organic food and shop at local Farmer's Markets in our community.

This is the most important thing we can do to support farmers and also to protect our own health and our food system from the corporate giants that have taken over the industry.

Even if the food costs more per item, the benefits to your health will save you money in the long run - as we all know that health care in the U.S. is beyond expensive.  Also, Americans eat too much food.  If shopping organic means it would teach us to eat a little less quantity for better quality, would that be a bag thing?

See the film, and choose wisely the next time you food shop.   Shop like your life depends on it, because it does.AUBERGINE - SAN REMO, ITALY

I found a great resource to locate the Farmer's Market in your area.  click ORGANIC to go to the interactive map.

Pictures of produce here are from the day I recently spent in San Remo, Italy.   My friends and I drove from Cannes to hit the market, as it is known far and wide for the incredible fruits and vegetables.

Here's to your health and your Life of Style!

While the wet spring season has been holding on longer than usual in the U.S. this year, along comes a French cinema treat by Olivier Assayas to remind us of what the lazy days of summer and family holidays are like.

l'Heure d'ete/ Summer Hours takes us inside the life of a family of the French cultural elite living just outside Paris.   At the start of the movie, the matriarch- Helene -played with such sophistication by Edith Scob is about to celebrate her 75th Birthday.   Her children and grandchildren are arriving for the celebration to the house that was once bustling with life - but is now more of a sleeping giant.

Juliette Binoche plays Adrienne - the successful designer living in New York who can barely make it back to France  once or twice a year due to her busy lifestyle.

Jeremie Renier plays Jeremie - the marketing executive who's career has taken him and his family to China, making trips home to France less and less often.

Charles Berling plays Frederic - the published economist who lives with his family in Paris.   Frederic is both physically and emotionally closer to his mother than his brother or sister.

The charm of Summer Hours is that anyone who has moved away from their childhood community can relate to the film.   The dynamics between siblings are shaped by these decisions we make.   The film shows us the best case scenario for dealing with the difficult choices that are part of life.   While there can be tense times - there doesn't need to be drama.

Juliette Binoche is a pleasure to watch on screen.   Whatever her beauty secret is - she should market it.   Ms. Binoche still looks like a young woman in her early thirties.

French films are such a pleasure because they weave a story without presenting it all wrapped up with a bow.   American films are too often beginning, middle, end.    French films are known for letting a story unfold and taking you in directions that you didn't expect to go - and ending not where you thought.    Summer Hours is such a film and it is really a charming way to spend a summer evening.

l'Heure d'ete / Summer Hours is playing in limited release.   Look for it in your area or buy the DVD when you can.   Watch the trailer below:

VALENTINO IN ROMELegendary fashion designer Valentino Garavani is known for his sense of glamour and a real passion for beauty.  One of few designer brands known by one name - The Italian designer has a handful of peers - Chanel, Prada, & Gucci to name a few.  Valentino however is the rare example of a design house namesake who is still at the helm and has always been what he is - a fashion designer.   Chanel - founded by Coco is now in the creative hands of Karl Lagerfeld.   Prada - creatively controlled by Miuccia Prada- is a house that was founded by her grandfather who started making leather goods in the early 1900's.   Gucci - legandary as it is .. was a name synonymous for cheap licensed products sold at airport stores and discount  shops before Tom Ford re-invented the house.   Valentino on the other hand has stayed tried and true for 50 years - with the help and largely due to the efforts of life and business partner - Giancarlo Giammetti.

The name Valentino means luxury.   It means glamour, sophistication, and style.   Now thanks to  film director Matt Tyrnauer the name references one of the most endearing documentaries of the year - Valentino- the last emperor.   While watching a self indulgent fashion designer might not be everyone's cup of tea - the magic of the film is to see the dynamic between these two men who have spent the better part of 50 years living and working together.   Giancarlo Giametti - Valentino's partner is portrayed as the long suffering workshorse behind the ego-maniacal artist.   In real life - the role is more self inflicted than put upon as Mr. Giametti has a reputation for his own ego, stubbornness, and is no shrinking violet.TYRNAUER, GIAMMETTI, & VALENTINO - VENICE FILM FESTIVAL

While the entire relationship is glossed over a bit for the movie - for instance - another object of Valentino's affection- Bruce Hoeksema is seen in the film - but never mentioned.  Bruce went on to design his own bag collection VBH.

I have spent many years working on projects with the House of Valentino.   The best part and the true magic of being involved was always the  collection.  The collection itself is always beautiful - albeit out of touch with the modern woman - never the less - truly beautiful.   Working in the New York Showroom on 42nd street or the Paris Showroom overlooking Place Vendome - was as magical as any assignment could be.   To work with the house you had to have a love of fashion - for this was not a place to work if you were looking for a "scene" or the "it" place to be.

Inevitably - the time had to come when the two men would sell the company.   They created an amazing image and life - but not a hugely profitable business for the future.  Giammetti and Valentino had and have an enormously expensive lifestyle.  One that can barely be sustained by selling very few red carpet dresses.   The two showmen were able to sell the company to Italian conglomerate HDP in 1998. In 2002, textile giant Marzotto group invested a huge amount of money to buy the company.   Represented in the movie by the handsome , 6th generation family  executive - Mateo Marzotto.  Fashion newbie Mateo thought he could wrangle the two foxes who still had creative control of the empire - but not so fast.  Once Marzotto realized the money pit they had overpaid to get -and the control the two men had over the hearts of every company employee,  they wisely and amazingly were able to repackage the company and sell it for an even bigger fortune to investment company -Permira for almost 1 Billion dollars.   You see - repackaging overpriced properties was not unique to the real estate world in 2005- 2008.

The film is a must see certainly for any fashion fan.   The beauty and glamour of this refined world is one that is finite and will not exist with the next wave of fashion designers.  The craft and culture of this world is a dying art.   Valentino will always be known as one of the best, the master of the red carpet - and of dressing Hollywood.

Valentino-the last emperor is playing in selected cities. 

** BUY THE DVD NOW - CLICK -VALENTINO MOVIE

If you never heard of Harvey Milk, you are not alone.   Many Americans don't know the name.   At least they didn't until the movie Milk created all that buzz - due to the prospect that Sean Penn, Josh Brolin, James Franco, and Emile Hirsch would be playing the real life characters in this story about gay activist Harvey Milk.

Milk moved to San Francisco in the 60's like so many gay men at the time - due to the liberal and open-minded community that was growing in the Castro district of the city.   Never a political person, Milk got involved to stand up for the civil rights he saw being denied gay men and women.   Eventually, he was the first openly gay man elected in America to a public office.  He served on the  board of supervisors of San Francisco.   This achievement inspired thousands of gay men and woman all over the country - young and old - who never thought they would see this day come to pass.

Tragically, Milk and the Mayor of San Francisco - George Moscone were shot to death by fellow supervisor Dan White - brilliantly played by Josh Brolin.   White had personal demons of his own and represented a political constituency of conservatives that he felt he failed again and again.   White was convicted but only served a few years in prison.   He later committed suicide.

James Franco plays love interest Scott Smith to Sean Penn's Harvey Milk.   Franco gives such a human and compelling performance of the caring and genuine Smith who lets Milk go to pursue his true calling.    Sean Penn is transformed in this role.  To say that he lost himself in the character is an understatement.   Kudos to all the straight men involved who proved themselves true professionals to get so real with the characterizations of gay life.   

Directed by Gas Van Sant - we would expect nothing less than a gripping depiction and a real dose of life to tear at your heart strings.   It is not often that a movie makes you cheer out loud or truly sob - Milk does both.

This is not a movie to miss.    The Oscar nominations are sure to come. 

** My own prediction - Sean Penn will get back together with Madonna.   Call me crazy, just a feeling.  You read it here first!