Art & Galleries – Classy and fabulous way of living

Inside The V&A’s Christian Dior Exhibition

Georgia Papadon — Mon, 22 Oct 2018 22:38:26 +0000

Who was Christian Dior?

From Princess Margaret’s 21st birthday dress and Princess Grace’s favorites to Jennifer Lawrence’s red-carpet couture, here is a preview of what to expect from Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams.

Christian Dior ( 21 January 1905 – 24 October 1957) was a French fashion designer, best known as the founder of one of the world’s top fashion houses, also called Christian Dior, which is now owned by Groupe Arnault.

Christian Dior was born in Granville, a seaside town on the coast of Normandy, France. He was the second of five children born to Maurice Dior, a wealthy fertilizer manufacturer (the family firm was Dior Frères), and his wife, formerly Madeleine Martin. When Christian was about five years old, the family moved to Paris, but still returned to the Normandy coast for summer holidays.

Dior’s family had hoped he would become a diplomat, but Dior was artistic and wished to be involved in art. To make money, he sold his fashion sketches outside his house for about 10 cents each. In 1928, Dior left school and received money from his father to finance a small art gallery, where he and a friend sold art by the likes of Pablo Picasso. Three years later, after the death of Dior’s mother and brother and a financial disaster in the family’s fertilizer business, during the Great Depression, that resulted in his father losing control of Dior Frères, the gallery had to be closed.

From 1937, Dior was employed by the fashion designer Robert Piguet, who gave him the opportunity to design for three Piguet collections. Dior would later say that ‘Robert Piguet taught me the virtues of simplicity through which true elegance must come. One of his original designs for Piguet, a day dress with a short, full skirt called “Cafe Anglais”, was particularly well received. Whilst at Piguet, Dior worked alongside Pierre Balmain, and was succeeded as house designer by Marc Bohan – who would, in 1960, become head of design for Christian Dior Paris. Dior left Piguet when he was called up for military service.

In 1942, when Dior left the army, he joined the fashion house of Lucien Lelong, where he and Balmain were the primary designers. For the duration of World War II, Dior, as an employee of Lelong — who labored to preserve the French fashion industry during wartime for economic and artistic reasons — designed dresses for the wives of Nazi officers and French collaborators, as did other fashion houses that remained in business during the war, including Jean Patou, Jeanne Lanvin, and Nina Ricci. His sister, Catherine (1917–2008), served as a member of the French Resistance, was captured by the Gestapo, and sent to the Ravensbrück concentration camp, where she was incarcerated until her liberation in May 1945.

In 1946 Marcel Boussac, a successful entrepreneur known as the richest man in France, invited Dior to design for Philippe et Gaston, a Paris fashion house launched in 1925. Dior refused, wishing to make a fresh start under his own name rather than reviving an old brand. On 8 December 1946, with Boussac’s backing, Dior founded his fashion house. The actual name of the line of his first collection, presented on 12 February 1947, was Corolle (literally the botanical term corolla or circlet of flower petals in English), but the phrase New Look was coined for it by Carmel Snow, the editor-in-chief of Harper’s Bazaar.

Grace Kelly in Dior for ‘Rear Window’ film, 1954

The house of Dior was led by Marc Bohan from 1961 to 1989, one of the biggest designers of the era. During her years in Monaco Grace Kelly often turned to the timeless elegance of his pastel-pale looks, made-to-measure wool suits and classic Dior accessories, with a particular weakness for his hats.

In 2014,

the french fashion house announced its longstanding partnership with The Princess Grace Foundation. A perfect match, indeed. Fashion and celebrities’ never-ending romances make us wonder…Is haute couture anything without its icons?

“…Zest is the secret of all beauty. There is no beauty that is attractive without zest..”

Christian Dior

February 26 2012

Natalie Portman in a vintage Christian Dior couture red dress from 1954, accessorised with Harry Winston jewellery and a Charlotte Olympia clutch, at the 2012 Oscars.

“…I wanted to be considered a good craftsman. I wanted my dresses to be constructed like buildings, molded to the curves of the female form, stylizing its shape..”

Christian Dior

Jennifer Lawrence in red Dior dress at Golden Globes 2013

Dior’s designs were more voluptuous than the boxy, fabric-conserving shapes of the recent World War II styles, influenced by the rations on fabric. He was a master at creating shapes and silhouettes; Dior is quoted as saying “I have designed flower women.” His look employed fabrics lined predominantly with percale, boned, bustier-style bodices, hip padding, wasp-waisted corsets and petticoats that made his dresses flare out from the waist, giving his models a very curvaceous form.

The “Bar” suit, Corolle, 1947, as displayed in Moscow in 2011

Christian Dior died while on holiday in Montecatini, Italy, on 24 October 1957. Some reports say that he died of a heart attack after choking on a fish bone. Time‘s obituary stated that he died of a heart attack after playing a game of cards. However, one of Dior’s acquaintances, the Paris socialite Baron de Redé, wrote in his memoirs that contemporary rumor was that the heart attack had been caused by a strenuous sexual encounter. As of 2018, the exact circumstances of Dior’s death remain undisclosed.

In February 2019, the V&A will open the largest and most comprehensive exhibition ever staged in the UK on the house of Dior. Spanning 1947 to the present day, Christian Dior: Designer of Dreamswill trace the history and impact of the couturier, and the six artistic directors who have succeeded him at his namesake brand, in what will be the museum’s biggest fashion exhibition since Alexander McQueen: Savage Beautyin 2015.

The V&A team, led by fashion and textiles curator Oriole Cullen and set designer Nathalie Crinière, will reimagine the major exhibition Christian Dior: Couturier du Rêve, organised by the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris, for the south-west London gallery space.

Jennifer Lawrence’s sculptural Dior gown, on the Oscar 2013 red carpet

“We have about 50 per cent new content and it is all haute couture,” Cullen tells Vogue. “It’s quite phenomenal to think that every single garment in the show is handmade. Throughout the 70 years of the house, we see the high points and the amazing imagination of the designers at the helm. The garments themselves speak volumes, so this is very much a show that focuses on the fashion.”

Christian Dior with model Lucky, circa 1955

Within the 11 sections, which include “The New Look” (a focus on Dior’s famed Bar suit) and “The Dior Line” (the designer’s 10 defining looks from his 1947 and 1957 tenure at the house), will sit a new installation exploring the designer’s fascination with Britain. “It’s a story that hasn’t really been told before,” Cullen says of her extensive research into what the 21-year-old man from Normandy connected with upon his first visit to the country to perfect his English. “It was a very formative moment, and something he really associates with freedom and falling in love. From the grandeur of the great houses and gardens and British-designed ocean liners to the food he ate, which, most found less than appealing in the ’50s, the culture became an endless pool of inspiration for him. “And he loved British women – the way they wore their tweeds as well as their ballgowns,” adds Cullen.

Princess Margaret, 1949

“..Deep in every heart slumbers a dream, and the couturier knows it: every woman is a princess…”

Christian Dior

Princess Margaret, who paid his boutique a visit during her first European holiday in 1949, was one such woman Dior was “delighted” to count as a client. “He was very proud of the secret shows he staged for the royal family,” Cullen explains. After he had shown his first collection at The Savoy in 1950, he presented the looks to the Queen, Princess Margaret, Princess Marina and Princess Olga of Greece at the French embassy. “The models were told they were going there for lunch!,” Cullen laughs of the covert operation. Accordingly, a highlight of the exhibition will be the Dior dress Margaret wore for her 21st birthday celebrations on loan from the Museum of London.

Christian Dior 1956

Dior’s historical approach to fashion – he said of Britain, “I love this country because the past lies all around” – is often linked with the sober figure he presented in later life. But, Cullen advises, one of the most striking personal possessions on display will be a portrait of Dior from the 1920s. “He’s portrayed as a young, colourful figure, not the grey suited one that comes to mind,” she says.

Christian Dior with his models at his fashion house, 30 avenue Montaigne in the 50’s. Christian Dior founds his own house with backing from textile manufactures Marcel Boussac in 1946. Christian Dior shows his first collection in 12th February 1947 and the “New Look” is born. Paris, FRANCE – 50’s

Another piece that piqued the interest of the curator was Dior’s lucky star – an old metal token the designer found outside the British embassy in Paris. “He spotted it just when he was being approached to set up his own house, saw it as a sign and retained it as a lucky charm throughout his life,” notes Cullen. “He was always very superstitious – he consulted a medium and believed in signs and symbols. What’s lovely, though, is that the star has survived and it’s something that his successors have referenced.”

Christian Dior – Evening dress, 1950

Each successive artistic director – Yves Saint Laurent, Marc Bohan, Gianfranco Ferré, John Galliano, Raf Simons and Maria Grazia Chiuri – and the sensibilities each has brought to the house are given equal weight within the exhibition, as well as the beauty division that has thrived under each helmsman.

Christian Dior – Bride 1950

“Dior was always very interested in scent, it’s an important part of his story,” Cullen says of how the two have been interlinked since 1947, thanks to his childhood friend Serge Heftler-Louiche and his sister, Catherine, who worked closely on the perfume business with him.

Though the curation of 500 objects and transformation of the Sainsbury Gallery into the Dior world has been quick in relation to the V&A’s usual time frame, the museum laid the foundations of Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams long ago. “We’ve worked closely with the house and Soizic Pfaff, the wonderful archivist there, since the ’60s, so they were happy for the Paris exhibition to come to us,” Cullen summises. “The V&A audience has a real hunger for fashion, so we thought it would be great to show the amazing spectacle through our own lens.”

The exhibition “Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams” runs from February 2 – July 14, 2019 in the V&A’s Sainsbury Gallery. Tickets will go on sale in autumn 2018.

by Georgia Papadon

part of source: British Vogue

Big Thanks !

London Fashion Week meeting points, what’s new

Georgia Papadon — Sat, 15 Sep 2018 14:09:20 +0000

As the international fashion set descends on the capital for London Fashion Week, here’s our guide to the hottest new places to drink, dine, shop, sleep, and recharge in the city of London.

To Eat: L’oscar Hotel

Lucky for us, one of London’s most exciting new hotels opened its doors only a stone’s throw from The Strand earlier this year. L’oscar (named after dedicated follower of fashion Oscar Wilde) is situated in a Grade II-listed former Baptist church in the heart of Holborn. The boutique hotel is the first in the capital from décorateur Jacques Garcia (of New York’s NoMad, Hôtel Costes in Paris, and La Mamounia in Marrakech) and has been characteristically, impressively restored. The octagon-shaped Baptist Grill, headed up by Michelin-starred chef Tony Fleming, is the place to while away a long lunch or dinner, while Café L’oscar (illuminated by a glowing onyx bar and signature glass birds) is perfect to pop in for a bite, a drink, or a late-night dessert. And the rooms promise a sumptuous night’s sleep.

2-6 Southampton Row, London WC1B 4AA

Book online L’ Oscar Hotel London , here .

COURTESY OF L’OSCAR LONDON

To Drink: Neptune , at The Principal Hotel

Bloomsbury has been abuzz with good openings this year. Neptune, located in Russell Square’s The Principal hotel, is already a favourite local haunt, despite only a few months in existence. The modern seafood-focused restaurant is great for breakfast, lunch and dinner. But there’s also a drinks bar with an intriguing cocktail list, an oyster bar, and a menu designed by brilliant gastronomy duo Brett Redman and Margaret Crow (who were previously of popular Hackney hangout The Richmond). Drink Nepotisms late into the night.

1-8 Russell Square, Bloomsbury, London WC1B 5BE

Book online The Principal Hotel London here

To Recharge: Glow Bar

New wellness Glow Bar , captivated attention and a flurry of bookings from the Vogueeditors on launch last month. There are superfood replenishments aplenty at the Glow Bar cafe and its full range of supplements is available to stock up on in the shop. But most notable are the private, infrared sauna pods. 45 minutes in-between shows? Sweat it out here and leave feeling rejuvenated and looking glowing. What’s more, its Mortimer Street locale means that you can combine with a visit to DryBy for a manicured spruce up.

70 Mortimer Street, London W1W 7RY

To Blow Dry: Hershesons

Fitzrovia is the pampering place of choice for the fashion set now, it would seem. And it is all about being a 360-beauty destination, rather than a specific salon. Luke Hersheson’s new Berners Street space offers the brand’s brilliant cuts and blow dries – favourites amongst the Vogue editors – alongside treatments from Suman Brows, The Light Salon, DryBy, Dr. Barbara Sturm, Sunday Riley and Ministry Of Waxing. 360 indeed.

29-32 Berners Street, Fitzrovia, London W1T 3LR

To Shop: Matches Fashion Townhouse

Just in time for fashion month, Matches Fashion pulled a trump card in townhouse form. Unveiling its beautifully refurbished bricks-and-mortar in Carlos Place, on the corner of Mayfair’s Mount Street, the brand has uncovered an innovative vision of luxury shopping. Browse the rails yourself (it’s currently home to a covetable Prada takeover), have an appointment with an expert Matches stylist, but – best of all – drop items into your wish list at home or in the office, then 90 minutes later pop in to try your picks. Ideal for those last-minute fashion week buys. There’s even a cafe, hosting a rotation of chefs (currently a Milanese patisserie), to refuel from shopping fatigue.

5 Carlos Place, Mayfair, London W1K 3AP

COURTESY OF MATCHES FASHION

Reservations : Annabel’s

Baccarat New York Hotel, the ultimate luxury destination…!

Georgia Papadon — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 10:51:46 +0000

COMMISSIONED BY A KING. CREATED BY ARTISANS.

LIFE AS AN ART FORM.

Baccarat brings modern French luxury to a hotel in NYC. A Luxury Hotel in Manhattan, known for the perfection of crystal, brings this artisanship to their hotel. See all the details here:

LOUIS XV had simple needs: he demanded all things haute. Since 1764, when Baccarat was founded
by his Royal decree, it has embodied that exacting standard, creating the stuff of celebration for
the most discerning clientele, the few who can conceive, command and, most of all, appreciate
excellence. Banish the mundane. Celebrate the extraordinary.

The Baccarat Hotel & Residences, located across from MoMA on West 53rd Street, has corrugated exterior paneling that’s inspired by the crystal brand’s products.

An LED light show featuring over 2,000 of the company’s Harcourt glasses graces the hotel’s entry.

The bold, geometric, quintessentially French restaurant, created by chef Shea Gallante,
formerly of Cru, and the legendary long-time manager of La Grenouille, Charles Masson,
resurrects the spirit of the illustrious Gallic establishments like The Colony and La Cote Basque
that were midtown landmarks for decades.

The entrance from the second-floor reception area into the Grand Salon.

Hand-pleated silk wall coverings, parquet flooring, Baccarat chandeliers, and display cases with some of the brand’s special pieces in the Grand Salon. Chef Shea Gallante, who helms the street-level Chevalier restaurant, will also oversee the all-day menu that’s offered in this area.

Adjacent to the Grand Salon is the Petit Salon, with dark wood paneling and a sparkling mica-covered vaulted ceiling.

The barrel-vaulted bar area is inspired by the stables at Versailles. The space contains custom-made chandeliers as well as artwork produced during the 251 years since the brand’s inception. There are also original works commissioned from French artists François Houtin and Armand Jonckers.

The bar area—with its velvet and leather upholstery, crystal chandeliers, and 60-foot bar—looks out onto a French-style landscaped terrace with views of MoMA. Delicious cocktails are served in Baccarat glassware.

The living-and-dining area of the one-bedroom Prestige Suite.

The bedroom of the Prestige Suite. Guest rooms feature custom-made Mascioni jacquard bed linens, cashmere throws, crystal lighting, and marble baths. From $899/night; baccarathotels.com

Bentley Luxury at Cholmondeley Pageant of Power 2015, in Cheshire

Georgia Papadon — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 18:04:42 +0000

The Cholmondeley Pageant of Power 2015 will be held 12-14 June on the grounds of Cholmondeley Castle in Cheshire, England. Organisers said the event will go back to its roots in 2015 by celebrating ‘power’ in all its forms.

With a wide range of races, stunts, competitions and displays covering on-road, off-road, water and air, the three-day Cholmondeley Pageant of Power 2015 aims to give visitors their most thrilling experience yet.

Reinforcing the ‘power’ theme will be a 1,000bhp-plus class on the 1.2-mile Cholmondeley race track. Backing this up will be the world’s most powerful rally cars from the notorious Group B era and Formula One cars from the fearsome Eighties turbo era.

Each day of the Cholmondeley Pageant of Power 2015 will also have its own special theme. On Friday 12th, visitors will be treated to the first-ever parade of all production Lotus models ever manufactured, organised by the Historic Lotus Register. Featuring everything from the original Seven to the Esprit to the most powerful Lotus ever, the Evora GTE, these models will also be taking part in a special Concours dedicated to the British marque.

Two further power-focused Concours events will take place during the weekend. Saturday 13th will see American Muscle cars battling it out to take the grand prize, with Plymouth Barracuda HEMIs taking on Dodge Challengers in a high-octane gathering.

Sunday 14th will feature the assembly of a host of Eighties supercars. These bedroom-poster heroes were also the most powerful cars of their era – just take the Lamborghini Countach 5000QV with its 455bhp 5.2-litre V12 for example, a car that will be one of the stars of the show, alongside contemporaries such as the Ferrari Testarossa.

All elements of the event will be set against the backdrop of Cholmondeley Castle and its parkland and 20-acre lake.

Bentley is attending this year’s Cholmondeley Pageant of Power in Cheshire (12-14 June) with an extensive array of cars. Prominent models from the brand’s history and current line-up will be on hand, with a pair of Continental GTs in action on the famous track.

With 635 PS (626 bhp) and 528 PS (521 bhp) respectively, the Bentley Continental GT Speed and GT V8 S Grand Tourers will set a blistering pace around Cholmondeley’s narrow, twisting circuit.

The Continental GT Speed coupe is Bentley’s fastest production car ever. Its Crewe-built, twin-turbo W12 engine produces a mighty 820Nm, which helps propel the car to its top speed of 331 km/h (206 mph).

Visitors will also find the Mulsanne Speed and Flying Spur – two of the world’s finest four-door saloons – on the Bentley stand. Hand-built at the home of Bentley in Crewe, the flagship Mulsanne Speed combines state-of-the-art technology with traditional craftsmanship.

It takes over 400 hours for the dedicated team of 298 skilled craftspeople and artisans to build each car.

The origins of Bentley’s celebrated story will be on display at the event, held on the grounds of the Cholmondeley estate. The EXP2 is the oldest Bentley in existence. Built in 1920, the 3-litre 4-cylinder car has a top speed of 80mph, so it’s unsurprising that it was a successful racer in its day – claiming the brand’s first ever victory.

The famous Bentley Blower will join its forebear at Cholmondeley. Featuring the legendary supercharger installation developed by Amherst Villiers, the Blower is arguably the most famous model from Bentley’s illustrious past.

This year is the 85th anniversary of that most famous Bentley Boy adventure – the Blue Train race. The car that (probably) accomplished the feat will also be at the event.

In 1930 Captain Woolf Barnato, Chairman of Bentley Motors, was staying in Cannes when he accepted a wager that not only could he beat the Calais-Mediterranée Express (or ‘Blue Train’) back to Calais, but that he could be at his club in London before the train even reached the English Channel. He was, and the remarkable victory has resonated with Bentley enthusiasts ever since.

Richard Charlesworth, Director of Royal Relations & Heritage, said: “The Cholmondeley Pageant of Power is a local event for us – just 13 miles from Crewe and the home of Bentley. It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase the craftsmanship and skills of our 3,800-strong workforce, and the great heritage of our famous brand.”

Tickets are now on sale at www.cpop.co.uk for the event at Cholmondeley Castle, Malpas, Cheshire.

Tony Awards 2015

Georgia Papadon — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 14:40:19 +0000

The 69th Annual Tony Awards were held on June 7, 2015, to recognize achievement in Broadway productions during the 2014–15 season. The ceremony was held at Radio City Music Hall in New York City and broadcast live by CBS. Kristin Chenoweth and Alan Cumming hosted this year’s ceremony.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time and Fun Home each won five Tonys in the play and musical categories, respectively.

A good night for Brits on Broadway, Dame Helen Mirren was named best actress for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in The Audience,

Helen Mirren wore a Badgley Mischka gown.

while Alex Sharp was named best actor for The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time – a play that started life in London’s West End, and also bagged the awards for best directing and best play.

Winners & Performances

“Fun Home” won for best musical.
“The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” won for best play.
Kelli O’Hara broke her losing streak winning best leading actress in a musical in “The King And I.”
Michael Cerveris won for best leading actor in a musical for his role in “Fun Home.”
Alex Sharp won best leading actor in a play for “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.”
Helen Mirren won best leading actress in a play for “The Audience.”

Carey Mulligan wore a Balenciaga gown.

Ruth Wilson wore a bespoke Ralph Lauren Collection gown.

Kendall Jenner wore a dress by Calvin Klein Collection.

Elisabeth Moss wore an Oscar de la Renta pre-spring/summer 2016 gown.

Jennifer Lopez in Valentino Couture.

Joan Smalls wears Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci autumn/winter 2015 gown.

Bella Hadid wore a Prabal Gurung autumn/w inter 2015 gown.

Emily Ratajkowski wore a Marc Jacobs gown.

Hilary Rhoda wore a custom-made Michael Kors gown.

Taylor Schilling in a Michael Kors dress.

Joe Manganiello in an Ermenegildo Zegna tuxedo.

Laura Bell Bundy

Tommy Tune

Rita Wilson in Tom Ford

Anna Wintour

Ashley Greene in Jason Wu

Ivanka Trump

Bill Gates’s Summer Reading List

Georgia Papadon — Sun, 24 May 2015 01:10:36 +0000

From the editors of Vanity Fair

Each year, Bill Gates picks a handful of books that he enjoyed reading, reviews them, and suggests you do the same. This year, the philanthropist tried to stay away from financial tomes and historical narratives (last year’s list includedStress Test by Timothy Geithner and Doris Kearns Goodwin’s examination of presidential power) in favor of lighter fare.

VF.com and Gates Notes, the Microsoft co-founder’s blog, teamed up to exclusively debut this year’s list. While Gates may have opted for more seasonal reading material this time around, rest assured that this year’s books are still engaging.

“Last year, there was only one book on my summer reading list that you could reasonably call a beach read,” Gates writes. “This year I tried to pick a few more things that are on the lighter side. Each of these books made me think or laugh or, in some cases, do both. I hope you find something to your liking here.”

The seven books on Gates’s list are as follows. More information and Gates’s reviews are available on Gates Notes:

Hyperbole and a Half: Unfortunate Situations, Flawed Coping Mechanisms, Mayhem, and Other Things that Happened, by Allie Brosh

“The book, based on Brosh’s wildly popular Web site, consists of brief vignettes and comic drawings about her young life,” Gates writes. “You will rip through it in three hours, tops. But you’ll wish it went on longer, because it’s funny and smart as hell.”

The Magic of Reality: How We Know What’s Really True, by Richard Dawkins

“Dawkins, an evolutionary biologist at Oxford, has a gift for making science enjoyable,” Gates writes. “Dawkins’s antagonistic (and, to me, overzealous) view of religion has earned him a lot of angry critics, but I consider him to be one of the great scientific writer/explainers of all time.”

What If?, by Randall Munroe

“People write Munroe with questions that range over all fields of science: physics, chemistry, biology,” writes Gates. “Questions like, ‘From what height would you need to drop a steak for it to be cooked when it hit the ground?’ (The answer, it turns out, is ‘high enough that it would disintegrate before it hit the ground.’) Munroe’s explanations are funny, but the science underpinning his answers is very accurate.”

XKCD, by Randall Munroe

“It’s that kind of humor, which not everybody loves, but I do,” Gates writes of Munroe’s sometimes macabre view of the world.

How to Lie with Statistics, by Darrell Huff

“I enjoyed [this book] so much that it was one of a handful of books I recommended to everyone at TED this year,” Gates writes. “It was first published in 1954, but aside from a few anachronistic examples (it has been a long time since bread cost 5 cents a loaf in the United States), it doesn’t feel dated.”

Should We Eat Meat?, by Vaclav Smil

“Smil takes his usual clear-eyed view of the whole landscape, from meat’s role in human evolution to hard questions about animal cruelty,” Gates writes. “While it would be great if people wanted to eat less meat, I don’t think we can expect large numbers of people to make drastic reductions. I’m betting on innovation, including higher agricultural productivity and the development of meat substitutes, to help the world meet its need for meat.”

On Immunity, by Eula Biss

“When I stumbled across this book on the Internet, I thought it might be a worthwhile read,” Gates writes. “I had no idea what a pleasure reading it would be. Biss, an essayist and university lecturer, examines what lies behind people’s fears of vaccinating their children.”

In-depth reviews of a number of the books and more information can be found on Gates Notes.

Courtesy of Gates Notes

Inspiration from Cannes , 8th day & more

Georgia Papadon — Thu, 21 May 2015 23:54:10 +0000

For the eighth day of the 68th Cannes Film Festival, all eyes were on the cast of ‘Youth’, its director Paolo Sorrentino, and actors Michael Kane, Jane Fonda, Harvey Keitel and Rachel Weisz.

Rachel Weisz wearing a Prada dress and Chaumet jewelry

The cast of Youth: Michael Caine, Jane Fonda, L’Oréal Paris ambassador, wearing haute couture Schiaparelli, a Salvatore Ferragamo clutch, Roger Vivier heels and Cartier jewelry, Harvey Keitel, Paolo Sorrentino, Rachel Weisz in Prada Chaumet jewelry, Paul Dano, Alex Macqueen and Madalina Ghenea.

Karlie Kloss, L’Oréal Paris ambassador, wearing a bespoke Louis Vuitton dress

Doutzen Kroes, L’Oréal Paris ambassador, wearing a Mugler dress from the Fall/Winter 2015-2016 pre-collection and Lynn Ban jewelry

Jane Fonda, L’Oréal Paris ambassador, wearing Schiaparelli haute couture, a Salvatore Ferragamo clutch, Roger Vivier heels and a Cartier necklace, accompanied by Harvey Keitel

Anja Rubik wearing an Atelier Versace dress from the Spring/Summer 2015 collection, Giuseppe Zanotti heels and Chopard jewelry

Lara Stone, L’Oréal Paris ambassador, in a Gianni Versace vintage dress

Nikki Reed wearing an Azzaro haute couture Spring/Summer 2015 dress accompanied by Ian Somerhalder wearing Azzaro

Izabel Goulart wearing a Zuhair Murad haute couture Spring/Summer 2015 dress and Chopard jewelry

Jane Fonda, L’Oréal Paris ambassador, wearing Schiaparelli haute couture, a Salvatore Ferragamo clutch, Roger Vivier heels and a Cartier necklace

Chanel Iman in a Donna Karan Atelier dress and De Grisogono jewelry

Sara Sampaio wearing a Stella McCartney bespoke dress and Giuseppe Zanotti heels

Soo-Joo Park, L’Oréal Paris ambassador, wearing an Oscar de la Renta dress from the Spring/Summer 2015 collection

Aishwarya Rai, L’Oréal Paris ambassador, in a Ralph & Russo haute couture Fall/Winter 2014-2015 dress and Chopard jewelry

Madalina Ghenea

Petra Nemcova in a Zuhair Murad haute couture Spring/Summer 2015 dress, Giuseppe Zanotti heels and Chopard jewelry

Nikki Reed wearing Azzaro haute couture Spring/Summer 2015

Cate Blanchett wearing Armani Privé Spring/Summer 2015 and Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry

Nieves Alvarez wearing Elie Saab Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2015-2016 and Chopard jewelry

Sara Sampaio wearing Vionnet Spring/Summer 2014

Mélanie Laurent wearing Zuhair Murad haute couture Spring/Summer 2015 and Chaumet jewelry

Andie MacDowell, L’Oréal Paris ambassador, wearing Elie Saab Spring/Summer 2015

Poppy Delevingne wearing Chanel haute couture Spring/Summer 2013 at the Chopard event

Julianne Moore, L’Oréal Paris ambassador, wearing Chanel Paris-Salzbourg PreFall 2015 at the Trophée Chopard

Charlotte Casiraghi in a Gucci Fall/Winter 2015-2016 and Montblanc jewelry

Natasha Poly, L’Oréal Paris ambassador, wearing a Atelier Versace Fall/Winter 2014-2015 dress and De Grisogono jewelry

Via Vogue Paris

Big Thanks

Haute Couture at Cannes 2015

Georgia Papadon — Sun, 17 May 2015 13:43:38 +0000

The Cannes Film Festival has a certain magic to it – the vast red carpet framed by the shimmering Mediterranean in the distance and the golden sunlight casting a soft-focus glow on its star attendees. Here we take a look at the best latest appearances from the glorious event.

Cheryl Fernandez-Versini in Ralph & Russo at the ‪premiere‬ of Irrational Man (film)

Emma Stone in a pale green crêpe silk and lace dress from Dior ‪Couture at the premiere of Irrational Man (film)

Natasha Poly dressed in a custom gold dress from Michael Kors at the Sea of Trees ‪‎Premiere at Cannes2015

A touch of Gold by Michaele Kors

‪DianeKruger‬ in Dolce & Gabbana at the Disorder ‪photocall‬

Fan Bingbing in Ralph & Russo Couture Spring Summer 2015 at the 2015 Trophée Chopard party at ‪Cannes 2015‬

Miranda Kerr in Emanuel Ungaro at the Magnum Black and Pink Launch Party

Glamour is continued in Cannes…

Georgia Papadon — Fri, 15 May 2015 15:15:13 +0000

THERE’S little to rival the glamour and spectacle of the Cannes Film Festival. Responsible for some of the most memorable red carpet moments, it’s also one of the biggest dates in the international film calendar. As the great and the good of Hollywood once again descend on the French Riviera and with actors Sienna Miller and Jake Gyllenhaal among the famous faces on this year’s judging panel, but in my opinion, this is Charlize Theron that makes all the difference…! Make sure you don’t miss a moment of the action of the Croisette.

Nicholas Hoult, Charlize Theron, Tom Hardy and Zoe Kravitz.

Irrational Man photocall – May 15 2015

Parker Posey, Woody Allen and Emma Stone at the photocall for Irrational Man.

Rachel Weisz wore a Narciso Rodriguez jumpsuit to promote The Lobster on Friday morning.

Colin Farrell.

Charlize Theron is more than amazing in Dior Couture.

Zoe Kravitz, wearing Valentino Couture.

Julianne Moore, wearing Givenchy Couture.

Naomi Watts wore a strapless Ralph Lauren gown from the autumn/winter 2015 collection, with jewels by Bulgari.

Michelle Rodriguez, in a gown from Zuhair Murad.

Magnum Pink & Black party – May 14 2015

Miranda Kerr, dressed in an Emanuel Ungaro gown.

At the Mad Max: Fury Road premiere, Charlize Theron wore her hair in a pretty up-do with a curled fringe, whilst her eyes were defined in subtle metallics and her lips painted a glossy pink.

Julianne Moore wore her hair straight and centre-parted, whilst red lips were the focus of her make-up.

Glamorous set curls and subtle make-up gave Naomi Watts’s look a Hollywood elegance.

Fresh skin, kohl-lined eyes and neutral tones kept Liya Kebede’s make-up simple and pretty in comparison to her detail-heavy Proenza Schouler dress, whilst her hair was worn sleek and straight.

Sophie Marceau, who chose a Alexandre Vauthier Couture dress from the spring/summer 2015 collection.

Sophie Marceau wore her hair in a messy up-do with a fringe, whilst her make-up was pared-back and fresh.

Charlize Theron paired her side-parted ponytail with a subtle beauty look to promote Mad Max: Fury Road.

At the Cannes Opening Ceremony, Sienna Miller wore her hair swept back into an up-do, offset by bold cherry-red lipstick.

Natalie Portman kept her look simple and classic, with set waves, bronzed skin and subtle definition on the eyes, lips and brows.

Karlie Kloss wore her hair in loose waves, whilst her make-up focused upon nude and blush tones.

Magnum event – May 14 2015

Miranda Kerr, wearing David Koma.

Max Max: Fury Road photocall – May 14 2015

Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron and Nicholas Hoult.

Max Max: Fury Road photocall – May 14 2015

Charlize Theron, wearing Valentino autumn/winter 2015.

Via British Vogue

Big Thanks !

Natalie Portman Will Be the Latest Actress to Play Jackie Kennedy – Onassis

Georgia Papadon — Thu, 14 May 2015 23:41:19 +0000

Playing America’s most iconically stylish First Lady seems to be a rite of passage for actresses of a certain brunette hue. Jaclyn Smith, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Roma Downey, Jill Hennessy, Jacqueline Bisset, Jeanne Tripplehorn, and Katie Holmes have all tried on the famous Kennedy pill-box hat or over-sized Onassis shades at some point in their careers. Now Natalie Portman is officially joining the ranks as she signs on to star in a splashy biopic, Jackie, from Chilean director Pablo Larraín.

The project has been a very long time in the making. In its original form, way back in 2010, the film was meant to be a couple’s project for director Darren Aronofsky and his then-fiancee Rachel Weisz. The film was derailed when the Aronofsky/Weisz relationship fell apart and both director and actress backed out.

Then, in 2012 and without a director, Fox Searchlight started courting Aronofsky’s Black Swan leading lady, Natalie Portman, to star. The studio was possibly hoping Portman would be enough to tempt Aronofsky back to the project.

Three years had passed and while they may not have successfully lured Aronofsky back into the fold, Fox Searchlight has landed another stylish director in Pablo Larraín. (Reportedly, Portman’s involvement was contingent on which director signed on.)

While Larraín may not have as high a profile in the U.S. as Aronofsky, fans of his 2012 film No—which won the Art Cinema Award at Cannes and was nominated for best foreign-language film at the Oscars—can see the thread connecting the two auteurs. In short, this won’t be a straightforward, paint-by-numbers biopic.

The Noah Oppenheim script was originally conceived as an HBO mini-series and covers the “four days between J.F.K.’s assassination and his burial, showing Jackie at both her most vulnerable and her most graceful.” You can see why Aronofsky, the king of grief, was originally attached to direct.

Other than her stint as Thor’s girlfriend, Portman has been largely absent from cinemas since winning her Oscar for Black Swan in 2011.

But we are about to enter a new era of Portman with Terrence Malick’s Knight of Cups and Weightless, this fall’s Jane Got a Gun, the Ruth Bader Ginsburg biopic On the Basis of Sex, and the rumored lead in Alex Garland’s Ex Machina follow-up all on the horizon. Brace yourself for the Portman-aissance.

source : Vanity Fair Magazine