Karl Lagerfeld’s Short Film Starring Keira Knightly as Coco Chanel
Karl Lagerfeld‘s newest project is a short film titled, Once Upon a Time… starring Keira Knightley as Coco Chanel. The film is gorgeously set in a 1913 Deauville at the first Chanel boutique, with perfect time pieces and stellar hats. According to Fashionista, “Lagerfeld gave Knightley and the rest of the cast (the aforementioned models plus Tallula Harlech and Lindsey Wixson) their lines moments before shooting began and encouraged them to improvise. “Do it your way, huh?” said Lagerfeld. Knightley apparently thought it was a silent film before she arrived on set”
My opinion? The improvised dialogue was very obvious and the film should have been better left as a silent film. Knightley who plays Chanel had a very apparent English accent versus Chanel’s original French and as far as acting, it was crystal clear that Keira was the ONLY actress on set.
Other than that, the film was GORGEOUSLY set in black and white with 18 minutes of pretty hats and faces!
50 Shades! The Musical!
“Rather than simply putting the plot of the books on stage, we wanted to explore the craze that has arisen surrounding them,” says Producer/Writer Emily Dorezas. “With our strong backgrounds in developing comedy through collaborative Chicago-style improvisation, it was important for us to create a piece that can stand on its own – regardless of any particular person’s familiarity with the novels. It was also critical that our score feature all-new music – this gives us an opportunity to put our own playful spin on these characters and do something completely fresh that audiences seem to genuinely love.”
The torrid relationship of Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele has become an international sensation since the first book debuted in 2011, inspiring widespread fervor among readers, including many who perhaps found themselves slightly surprised to be so riveted by Ana and Christian’s escapades. These passion-fueled characters have now leapt from the page to the stage and beyond. More than 32 million copies of the books have been sold and a Universal Studios film adaptation of the books is currently in development.
centerraleigh.com Lakeland, FL Lakeland Center, April 22 thelakelandcenter.
com/ Sarasota, FL Van Wezel PAH, April 23 vanwezel.
org/ Stuart, FL Lyric Theatre, April 24-25 lyric
theatre.com Knoxville, TN Bijou Theatre, April 27 knoxb
ijou.com/ Waterbury, CT Palace Theater April 30 palacethea
terct.org Chicago, IL House of Blues, May 2 hou
seofblues.com Baltimore, MD Hippodrome Theater, May 4 broadwayacrossame
rica.com Charleston, SC Music Hall, May 8 h
charlestonmusichall.com Ft. Myers, FL Barbara B. Mann PAH, May 10 bbmannpah.com/
Coral Springs, FL Coral Springs Center, May 11 coralspringscenterforthe
arts.com Scranton, PA Scranton Cultural Center, May 14 broadwayscranton.com
Erie, PA Warner Theater, May 15 e
riebroadwayseries.com Rochester, NY Auditorium Theater, May 16 rbtl.org
Rahway, NJ Union County PAC, May 17 ucpac.org
Syracuse, NY Crouse Hinds Theater, May 18 famousartistsbroadwa
y.com Buffalo, NY 710 Main Street Theater, June 6-9 http://www.sheas.
org/710main/ Detroit, MI Fisher Theater, June 14-16 htt
p://www.broadwayindetroit.com/
Terry O’Neil “Rockstars” Exhibition In Brazil
Galeria Lume and Shopping Cidade Jardim present Rockstars, an exhibition with 20 photographs by
British artists Terry O’Neill that paint a picture of rock n´roll from the 60s to the present day. The
works show historic portraits of celebrities from the music world, from the Beatles to Bono Vox early
in his career.
What you see in the images of Rockstars are true giants of rock: Eric Clapton and Paul McCartney, who
fill stadiums in shows around the world; The Who, who after going back and forth, toured until the
end of last year, after almost five decades since its formation; David Bowie, the chameleon of rock that
made a huge splash with the release of his first album in ten years; The Police and Led Zeppelin,
although no longer existing, still huge references to several generations of rock enthusiasts; and Elvis
Presley, hailed as king of the genre.
As important to rock history as the celebrities featured in these works is the photographer. “It is no
exaggeration to say that it was Terry who created the image rock n´roll in the minds of many of the
teenagers of the 60s in the world,” says curator Paul Kassab Jr. “Who doesn´t remember the album
cover ‘A Single Man’ with Elton John wearing his overcoat and hat, or the photo of David Bowie with
his dog in ‘Diamond Dogs’, 1974?”, he adds.
Terry O’Neill was a crucial component for imagery in the 60s in England and on a global scale,
alongside names such as David Bailey, Terence Donovan and Brian Duffy. “It was not just who we
were shooting, but the way we shot them. I was using 35 mm, which had a whole new approach.
Before that, the photographs were made in the studio, using lighting and special lenses that used to
take a long time to build”, says Terry.
Rockstars is an exhibition of photographs that emphasize the rebellious behavior intrinsic to rock
n´roll, made with analogue technology, the vast majority of them in black and white, the only
exception being one of the quartet The Who.
“The works reflect over 40 years of photography, a deep commitment and a friendship with rockstars
that persists to this day,” says the curator.
P.S. Arts Hosts Modernism Opening Night
ANNUAL LOS ANGELES MODERNISM SHOW CELEBRATEDOPENING NIGHT WITH PARTY TO BENEFIT P.S. ARTSLast night, The Los Angeles Modernism Show and Sale opened with a bang hosting a celebrity-studded preview party tobenefit P.S. ARTS, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving children’s lives through arts education. Guests weresipped on tasty cocktails by Ultimat Vodka, noshed on lite bites and shopped their special VIP sneak peak of the fiftynational and international exhibitors presenting decorative and fine arts from all design movements of the 20th century.The Host Committee for the preview party included P.S. ARTS supporters Maria and Bill Bell, Rachel Bilson, Julie Bowen, Kimberly and Albert Brooks, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Adam Scott and Elizabeth Stewart, among many other well-known film industry professionals and philanthropists. P.S. ARTS provides arts education for thousands of Los Angeles public school students in lower-income neighborhoods. Preview party sponsors include Chloe, Ma(i)sonry Napa Valley, Ultimat Vodka and Patron.All images can be downloaded here:(Photo credit given to: Michael Kovac and Todd Oren, Getty Images)Celebrities in attendance: Courteney Cox, Julie Bowen, Lisa Kudrow, Autumn Reeser, George Kotsiopoulos, Shawn Pyfrom, Matt Walsh, Martin Lawrence Bullard, Josh Altman & Heather Bilue and Megyn Price.Items from the evening
- FRIENDS reunited, Courteney Cox and Lisa Kudrow were connected at the hip as they caught up on life laughing and smiling throughout the evening.
- Enjoying the night with her sister the fit mommy of three, Julie Bowen, looked stunning in a black sequined knee length dress. Julie sipped Ultimat Vodka cocktails as she admired and shopped the show.
Kelsey Bennet Unveils East & West Coast Exhibitions This Spring
ACCLAIMED PHOTOGRAPHER & ARTIST KELSEY BENNETT UNVEILS EAST AND WEST COAST EXHIBITIONS THIS SPRING.
THE ‘HONEYMOON PHASE’, A RETROSPECTIVE OF BENNETT’S WORK IN CELEBRATION OF HER LOS ANGELES DEBUTCOLLABORATES WITH CONCEPTUAL ARTIST AND FELLOW NEW YORKER B.THOM STEVENSON FOR ‘BOREGASM’ EXHIBITION IN NEW YORK CITYDowntown arts darling Kelsey Bennett will be showcasing her work for the first time in Los Angeles this spring, just one week following her fine arts debut in New York City. The first will beBOREGASM; an exhibition and collaboration with conceptual artists B.Thom Stevenson. The pair first worked together as art directors for the colorful and tripped-out video for the New York band Skaters and their single “Schemers”. From that point on, Stevenson and Bennett both knew they shared a powerful chemistry and artistic vision to compliment one another.Immediately following BOREGASM, Kelsey will be venturing west for her Los Angeles debut with the HONEYMOON PHASE presented by the prestigious DRKRM Gallery. The exhibit will showcase a retrospective of Bennett’s work from the past four shows, as well as never before seen pieces from BOREGASM, and her exciting new project entitled HAGS. The exhibition will feature a spectrum of images from the downright surreal to breathtaking and intimate images of subjects, friends, and iconic artists such as Amy Winehouse, Lady Gaga, and the James Brown impersonator Black Velvet among others.BOREGASM
Opening Friday, May 3rd
Fig19 Gallery, New York CityHONEYMOON PHASE
Opening Saturday, May 11th
DKRM Gallery, Los AngelesSince 2010 artist and photographer Kelsey Bennett has had four solo exhibits in NYC and has received vast critical praise from the arts and culture world. Vanity Fair notably lauded her surreal approach, while BULLETT Magazine hailed her as one of the most exciting new visual artists around. After her last exhibition Tony Bennett: Portrait of an Artist at The Morrison Gallery (2012), The Wall Street Journal raved in a feature on Bennett that her impressive portfolio “far exceeds her years.”Bennett’s official west coast debut, HONEYMOON PHASE presented by the prestigious DRKRM Gallery will showcase a retrospective of Bennett’s work over the past four years as well as never before seen pieces.The exhibition will run the spectrum from downright surreal images to breathtakingly intimate portraits of fellow artists and iconic musicians such as Amy Winehouse, Lady Gaga, and the James Brown impersonator Black Velvet among others.On May 11th Bennett will host an exclusive opening night for friends, family and press. From May 12 to June 1st, her work will be open to the public revealing why 28-year-old Bennett has received so much positive attention and critical acclaim.DRKRM is an exhibition space dedicated to the display of popular cultural images, fine art photography, documentary and photo-journalism, cutting edge and alternative photographic processes. DRKRM is located in the historic Chung King Road of contemporary art galleries in Downtown L.A.’s Chinatown.HONEYMOON PHASE
Opening Saturday, May 11thDKRM Gallery, Los AngelesBOREGASM
Photographer Kelsey Bennett and conceptual artist B.Thom Stevenson will proudly reveal a collaborative body of work entitled BOREGASM at New York City’s Fig19 Gallery. The pair first worked together as art directors for the colorful and psychedelic video for New York based band, Skaters’ single “Schemers”. From that point on, Stevenson and Bennett both knew they shared a powerful chemistry and artistic vision.Together the two have created a thrilling new collection of work that explores and celebrates the age and art of distraction. “Boredom is the gateway to a daydream that can lead the brain into a welcomed escape from reality, a BOREGASM,” explains Bennett, who is a strong champion of the adventurous mind and a wandering imagination.This previously unseen body of work expresses what their minds would collectively look like in such a state. B.Thom and Kelsey have created mind-bending collages with bright colors and wild visuals using 35 mm photos (taken by Bennett) and layered with mixed media (by Stevenson) mounted on aluminum. BOREGASM is a celebration of restless minds and serves as a refreshing reminder that a mere blank stare can produce something that is by far, anything but blank.Kelsey Bennett’s recent solo exhibitions include Hypnogogia The Christopher Henry Gallery, NYC (2010), Scope Art Fair in, Florida (2010), Gawker Artists, On The Lam, NYC (2011), The Christopher Henry Gallery, Black Velvet: The Godfather of Soul, NYC (2011), The Lu Magnus Gallery, NY (2011), Fountain Art Fair, NY (2011, 2012) and Morrison Hotel Gallery, Tony Bennett: Portrait of an Artist, NY (2012)B. Thom Stevenson’s recent solo exhibitions include “CD Rom Com” at Envoy Gallery, New York, NY (2011), War Wagon” a site specific installation at Bushwick Open Studio, Brooklyn, NY (2012), Cream Studios, New York (2012); and Bookmarc, New York (2012). His bookNo Time for Prayers (2012) was published through Bookmarc, a division of Marc Jacobs Intl. He has also created work for bands Skaters, Unsolved Mysteries, and Of the Opera.BOREGASM will be open to the public from Friday, May 3 until May 16 at the edgy downtown Fig.19 Gallery in the Lower East Side of New York City.
Jewelry Art
Los Angeles based artist, Lillian Shalom finds her passion through the art of creation. She received a BFA from Otis College of Art and Design where she studied painting. Shortly after, she came up with the idea to begin her own jewelry line, where she could create some of her favorite pieces. “My goal is to create pieces of jewelry that speak to the individual and have them develop their own personal connection.”
Now let’s bring our attention to Tebazile Jewelry . This line is known for their uniqueness and lack of symmetry in every piece. The fact that not one piece has symmetry is what makes their pieces so unique. “A jewelry collection that defines a vision of color and texture, for individuals who desire a certain level of quality, sophistication, and individuality.”
And lastly, we have Mishka Piaf, a jewelry line designed by Michael David. This talented designer has designed for celebrities such as Naomi Campbell, Mariah Carey, Carrie Underwood, Nikki Minaj, and more, who can all be found wearing Mishka Piaf jewelry.
Everyone loves a good piece of arm, neck, and ear candy, right?
Makeup Artist: Hilary Montez
Twenty year old, Hilary Montez has been makeup obsessed since the day she picked up her first makeup brush. She had always enjoyed being her own canvas, until people began asking her to do their makeup, and that is when she knew this was something she had a passion for, and decided to pursue it without any doubts. “Katy Perry & Lana Del Rey are my biggest inspirations because they are both beautiful, powerful women that went for their career and succeeded.”
Hilary has worked on a few independent films for the University of Southern California as a makeup artist, and has also been a makeup assistant on a short film which was shot in Los Angeles.
This past weekend, Hilary worked an event in Orange County with RAW Artists where she was able to showcase her talent on the four lovely models above.
The talented artist has also done makeup for a wedding which was located in Laguna Beach, and will soon work another wedding in San Diego. For bookings, she can be contacted at the addresses pictured below:
James Franco’s Gucci Documentary “The Director”
James Franco‘s newest project changes gears from acting to producing a documentary, The Director, that focuses on Gucci’s creative director, Frida Giannini. Franco attended the Tribeca Film Festival to debut his documentary last night. According to Refinery29, the film “follows the brand’s creative director, Frida Giannini, during an 18-month period, which gives us a glimpse behind the scenes of the Gucci empire”.
“The idea of the documentary was really born out of a provocation,” said Giannini. “James Franco and I were asked to interview each other for a special magazine feature and when I asked him, ‘What’s your next project?’ he replied, ‘to make a documentary about you.’ I actually thought it was his dry sense of humour at play, but then somehow the provocation became a reality.” (Vogue UK)
The Director premiered on April 21st.
Time to Wake Up & See the Beauty: Dove Real Beauty Sketch Ad Campaign
We all have parts of ourselves that we don’t like. Women in particular can always find something that can be changed about themselves, whether it’s for their thighs to be smaller, their boobs to be bigger, or their nose to be straighter. We can all look in the mirror and be critical, no matter how confident we are.
Dove, a company famous for creating videos that boost self-love instead of self-dislike, launched a new video pointing out this fatal flaw of being over-critical.
They commissioned a forensic sketch artist to draw women’s faces based off of their descriptions of themselves and then a second sketch according to a person that had observed them during the project. At the end of the video, you see both sketches side by side, the ones on the left being the critical “self-portraits” and the ones on the right being those that were dictated by the person that had observed the women. The forensic artist did not see any of the women’s faces until the end of the project.
The difference between left and right is outrageous- the sketches look like two different people. The one on the left usually being less attractive and almost angry or depressed as compared to the confident looking beautiful woman on the right.
The artist asks: “Do you think you are more beautiful then you say?” And even though it’s directed to the woman in the video, it is truly a question that we should all ask ourselves. And I could look into the mirror and say “Well, I have a bump in my nose and people have asked me if I’ve broken it but I never have. I really don’t like it at all.” Or I could say “I have my great-grandmother’s nose. And I love that a part of her is a part of me.”
This video encourages you to be kind to yourself. And to love everything that makes you who you are, because at the end of the day, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. And if we behold our true beauty, then there really isn’t anything to dislike is there?
Michael Kors Beauty Line
Featured on the cover launch for Michael Kors newest beauty collection, “She’s sporty. She’s Sexy. She’s Glam” are the three collections of beauty products that will be a part of his new line. In an exclusive interview with WWD, The New York based designer shared, “I think those three things–sexy, sporty and glam–have always been the DNA of Michael Kors, and in a strange way, the Michael Kors woman really is all three of those things–it’s just that she feels more strongly about one of them at certain given times.” Kors also chose to collaborate with beauty line Estée Lauder to produce his new products.
The Michael Kors beauty line will be sold exclusively for ONE year at Macy’s. Each cosmetic collection will include two shades of lipstick and lip lusters, a fragrance, and two shades of nail polish. The line will also launch with three bronze powders, a self tanner, and body cremes for skin care.
Since I’m a sucker for clever beauty product names, here are the official chosen names for the collection:
- Diva lip lacquer
- Hint nail lacquer
- Bombshell lip lacquer
- Scarlet Sensation nail lacquer
- Icon lip luster
- Envy nail lacquer
The items will launch late this August, right as we begin to welcome the Fall.
