The EE BAFTAs with CÎROC

There is being invited to celebrate the EE BAFTAs, and then there is being asked to celebrate the EE BAFTAS with CÎROC, the well-known (and I freely admit, well loved by me!) vodka brand!   Knowing that delicious CÎROC cocktails would be a’flowing provided new levels of theatrical appreciation... January, with all it’s associated detoxing and sombre behaviour, was truly about to end, and not a minute too soon! 

Wearing a dream of a Matthew Williamson cocktail dress, with Malone Soulier shoes, a Natalie Trad clutch and Monica Vinader Baja jewellery, I headed to the STUNNING Berners Tavern, alongside Ella Catliff (La Petite Anglaise), designer Charlie May and Doina Ciobanu (The Golden Diamonds). Ella and I had not planned on being feathery, sequined sisters that night (above), but fully embraced the sparkling situation (obviously read that as, 'took lots of sparkly selfies together!') 

After a delicious meal, which was peppered with regular and exciting updates from the ceremony (#TeamEddie!), I decided that éclairs were due a massive come back... Soz macaroons.

We then headed to Grosvenor House for the official EE BAFTA after-party (no one approves more of shaking their tail feathers on a Sunday than me... especially if those tail feathers happen to be Matthew Williamson!) and several hours/CÎROC cocktails/trips to the photo booth later we eventually called it a night.

Thank you CÎROC!  For a full list of winners see HERE. 

SHOP TLC'S LOOK:

The next day I poured over the red carpet fashion from the night before and quickly decided that there was undeniably one stand out look… French actress Lea Seydoux, the latest Bond Girl, shone brightly in her sunshine marigold Prada gown (below). Just... WOW!

Special mentions definitely go to a glowing Keira Knightley in Giamnattista Valli, Laura Bailey in her high neck and full skirted Emilia Wickstead dress and to Julianne Moore, who looked red hot in Tom Ford. 

Golden Globes 2015

Yessssssss… Award season has begun, which to me means the red carpet’s Battle of the Dresses is ON good people of Hollywood!  The Golden Globes, a ceremony I have always viewed as the drunken, more entertaining version of the Oscars, gives us not only an early indication of the season’s winners, but also a welcome glimpse at the latest show stopping frocks (or sparkly jumpsuits, as the case was this year).   

It is worth mentioning, before we get to the fashion nitty gritty, that the glorious Tina Fey and Amy Poehler presented the awards for the very last time on Sunday (a total travesty, someone throw even more money at them, QUICK!) Their opening monologue (below) was, once again, my serious highlight of the night… These two ladies and their on-point humour shall be greatly missed. 

Right, back to the fashuuuuun and my Best Dressed of the night… With so many of the stars dressed immaculately, but oh so predictably, at these events, I will always be drawn to the women who choose not to play it so safely (or clevagey).  No one, in my opinion, looked better at this year's Golden Globes than TLC's serial red carpet winner, Emma Stone.  Wearing a bejeweled Lanvin jumpsuit, the actress oooozed confidence and cool, with just the right amount of quirk.  Diane Kruger looked every inch the blonde and icy screen siren wearing one of my favourite designers, Emilia Wickstead.  I also adored beautiful Brit Felicity Jones’ unusual, teal Christian Dior gown, which although divided opinion, had me at hello. 

Special mentions must go to Leslie Mann for her yellow Kaufman Franco sequinned dress/green clutch combo (and for just always being the sweetest, most cute-as-a-button thing I ever did see), Sienna Miller’s stand out Miu Miu dress worn with rocky, choppy hair, and Anna Kendrick in her Cinderella by name/role, Cinderella by nature/dress, in fairytale Monique Lhuillier.

It has to be said, shiny Golden Globes may have been highly sought after by many a Hollywood hand, but the real winners were these three dapperly dressed dudes, all holding super smokin' and strikingly dressed ladies in their arms;  Benedict Cumberbatch with his fiancé Sophie Hunter (in Erdem), Joshua Jackson with long-term love Diane Kruger (in Emilia Wickstead) and Jamie Dornan with wife Amelia Warner (in another of my favourite designers, Husihan Zhang).  High five gentlemen, we salute you.

Below:  When Bad Dresses Happen to Good People.  Ohhhh… There’s always one who lets the side down… ok, perhaps five.  I met Lana Del Rey in LA once, she was LOVELY, unlike her dress on Sunday.  Rosamund Pike was scarily good in 'Gone Girl,' ironically as her cutom-made Vera Wang dress was scarily bad.  Lupita Nyong’o, who topped EVERY best dressed list last season, clearly has decided to let everyone else have a go this year, wearing this Giambattista Valli 'thing.'  Michelle Monaghan wearing a 'Throwback Thursday' to the awesome nineties… except it was a Sunday, and this Jason Wu dress was not awesome.  Kate Mara in Miu Miu. Has the 'House of Cards' actress stepped in a puddle?  Do puddles even exist in LA?!  And don’t get me started on that belt... No Kate. No. 

For the full list and details of the evening's winners see HERE

Secret Cinema's 'Dead Poet's Society' Screening

Only a few days after Robin William’s sudden death, I attended a sell-out Secret Cinema screening of the 1989 coming-of-age film, ‘Dead Poet’s Society,’ at the Troxy in London. 

Suited and booted, my friends and I dressed in our very best (rather last minute, in my case!) Welton Academy uniforms, and watched live poetry recitals, lit candles in memory of the much-loved actor, swapped well-thumbed, old books and nostalgically tucked in to some ‘school dinner’ (alas, the crumble was juuuust as I remembered it…!) 

The Secret Cinema actors really enriched the film’s atmosphere, at times even running around in the dark with torches at the same time as the actors on screen.  The Secret Cinema actors also stood on desks underneath the screen (whist we in the audience stood on our chairs) during the film’s (especially) emotional and poignant last scene, where the students stand on their desks in solidarity for their incredible, unorthodox teacher, John Keating (below).  My spine tingled from hearing the copious bellows of, ‘O Captain, my Captain,’ from within the weepy crowd.  This was the perfect tribute.  

Several other screenings of the film were organised elsewhere in the UK, as well as in New York and Prague, and in Robin Williams’ memory, the £24,000 raised from these screening's profits and text donations, is going to mental health awareness charities.  Contributions can still easily be made by texting CINEMA to 70660 to give £3.00 to Mind. 

RIP Robin Williams (1951-2014)

Having studied acting at the Juilliard School in New York City, 63 year old Robin Williams shot to stardom in the 1978 TV sitcom, ‘Mork and Mindy.’  This mischievous, irresistible force of nature made us cry with laughter in his various comedies, and had us captivated during his more powerful, heartfelt performances.  Robin Williams, simply, made millions of lives brighter… mine being merely one of them.  This is just unacceptably sad.

I have just spent a (bittersweet) hour watching various scenes from the beloved Oscar winning actor’s much adored films, varying clips from hilarious interviews he gave and several teasers from his stand-up shows... Robin Williams was a true comic genius!

Below:  After the news broke, thousands of tributes began to pour in from heartbroken friends, colleagues and fans a like (and even from President Obama!)

Below:  The actor's 25 year old daughter, actress Zelda Williams, posted a beyond perfect quote from Antoine De Saint-Exupery’s beautiful 1943 classic, 'The Little Prince...'

Thank you Mr. Williams, the original Rockin'Robin, for bringing an extra dose of magic to my childhood, and leaving me inspired as a teenager. I hope your spirit has found peace… The world is an infintely less sparkly place without you. 

If you are dealing with depression, the charity MIND has many helpful resources. 
Alternatively, call the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90.

The Oscars - 2014

With surprisingly less ‘stand out’ frocks on the red carpet this year than the last (what were these drably dressed women thinking, that we cared about their actual films?!) the uncontested best dressed ladies at the 86th Academy Awards were Cate Blanchett andLupita Nyong’o.  In a sea of black gowns and (we’ve seen them all before) nude-toned dresses, both these actresses dressed to impress and with every intention of walking away with those golden statues… which they did.  

Best Actress Cate Blanchett wore a flesh toned, delicately embellished and very romantic Armani Privé dress which almost looked like her own beautifully pale skin.  As faultless as she always dresses, and this was no exception, I’d have loved her to have worn a brighter, red or coral lipstick to really perfect the look.   Best Supporting Actress Lupita Nyong’o, who hasn’t put a (well heeled) foot wrong during the lengthy awards season, wore a custom-made ‘Nairobi Blue’ Prada gown (the colour reminded the actress of growing up in Nairobi) with a plunging neckline and sparkling embroidery.  I wasn’t entirely sold on the actress’ Fred Leeighton diamond headband, but hey, who am I to judge a girl for having her Cinderella moment?!  The award winning actresses, who we are more used to seeing wear bolder (Lupita) and quirkier (Cate) designs, both looked elegant, super-feminine and timeless.

A special mention must also go to Kate Hudson (above), who was presenting an Oscar on the night.  Wearing a stunning, low-cut Atelier Versace dress with amazing caped sleeves, the gorgeous actress evoked an old Hollywood glamour, accessorizing with an Art Deco inspired clutch.   Also, Angelina Jolie’s make-up (below) deserves a special mention. Neutral, earthy and simple, Angie's thick lashes, soft smokey eyes and nude lips looked subtle and flawless. 

Below:  Ummm... déjà vu much?!  Clumsy Best Supporting Actress nominee Jennifer Lawrence, wearing Dior (like last year) and a Harry Winston back-necklace (like last year) fell over (like last year) on the red carpet at the start of the evening.  The loveable clutz then hid behind a giant Oscar statue.  Ellen Degeneres later mocked J-Law by saying if she were to win an Oscar that night, they would bring the award to her... Safety first.

Below:  Singer/Rapper/Producer Pharrell Williams arrived at the Oscars wearing schoolboy-like Lanvin Tuxedo Shorts… Please tell me this is not going to become ‘a thing!’  Come back Vivienne Westwood Canadian Mountain Ranger Hat, aaall is forgiven!! 

Below:  A big new red carpet trend at year’s Academy Awards was… Photobombing!  Jennifer Lawrence’s love of the red carpet photobomb has gloriously caught on andBenedict Cumberbatch’s magnificent airborne photobombing of U2 was worthy of anOscar in itself! Other note-worthy photobombing was achieved by Jared Leto to Anne Hathaway, who then in turn photobombed Jessica Biel. Boom!!  

Below:  ​Pharrell Williams (thankfully out of those shorts) performed his song ‘Happy’ from ‘Despicable Me 2’ (catchiest song EVER?!) and shared short, impromptu dances and shoulder shimmies with nominees Lupita Nyong’o, Meryl Streep and Amy Adams.

Below:  Jared Leto, with enviably perfect ombre hair, won the Best Supporting Actor award for his role as transgender AIDS patient Rayon in 'Dallas Buyers Club.'  Jared is 42 years old... HOW did that happen?!  He doesn't look a day over Jordan Catalano. 

Below:  ​John Travolta introduced the performance of (award winning song) ‘Let It Go’ from the Oscar winning animated film ‘Frozen.'  The actor however, some how introduced the song’s singer, well-known Broadway star Idina Menzel, as Adele Dazeem… Car crash.  You had one job John… Just one.  Believing that you’re nobody until you’ve had your name mangled by the actor, Slate immediately created its own widget allowing you to “Travoltify” your name (mine is Kirsty Edians!) Pleeeease next year can he introduce Benedict Cumberbatch and/or Chiwetel Ejiofor?!  ('Travoltify' your name HERE)

Below:  In the most memorable moment of the entire night, a tearful Lupita Nyong’o accepted the award for Best Supporting Actress and became Kenya’s first ever Oscar winner.  Eloquently and humbly, Lupita dedicated her award to Patsey, the brutalized plantation slave she so powerfully portrayed in ’12 Years A Slave,’ "it doesn’t escape me for one moment that so much joy in my life is thanks to so much pain in someone else’s."

Below:  After losing out on Best Supporting Actress for her role in ‘American Hustle’ pranksterJennifer Lawrence jokingly tried to steal Lupita Nyong’o’s award. 

Below:  Love was certainly in the air at this years Oscars.  Bradley Cooper lost out on Best Supporting Actor but does he look remotely phased or disappointed? Hell no, he was too busy canoodling with his gorgeous girlfriend, the British model Suki Waterhouse! Likewise, after winning  Best Actor for his standout performance in 'Dallas Buyers Club,' Matthew McConaughey told reporters that he and his beayoooticul wife Camila would not “stay at the after-party long – I want to go home and make another baby!”

Below:  When Steve McQueen's modestly budgeted slavery odyssey, based on Solomon Northup's 1853 memoir, ’12 Years A Slave,’ won Best Picture, the joy and excitement amongst the cast and crew was almost tangible.  After leaping for joy, British filmmaker Steve McQueen poignantly dedicated the award to all those who had suffered, and still suffer, from slavery, saying “everyone deserves not just to survive, but to live."

Ellen DeGeneres took the ‘selfie’ to end all ‘selfies’ mid-ceremony, which later broke all Twitter records (and even Twitter itself momentarily!) for the most retweets (3 million times and counting!), a record previously held by President Obama.  The EPIC picture included Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Jared Leto, Channing Tatum, Bradley Cooper, Kevin Spacey, Meryl Streep, Lupita Nyong’o, Jennifer Lawrence and… ummm… who? Ohh hi there Junior Yup, Lupita’s brother Junior made his way into the most Hollywood of Hollywood ‘selfies’ and I personally think he MADE this picture.  I can imagine his Christmas card is sorted for the next few years/forever...   

All She Wants for Christmas 2013

We all know that most men fear, dread and loathe shopping so rather than ‘accidentally’ flambéing him instead of the Christmas Pudding as thanks for that last minute, delightfully flammable red underwear he left for you under the tree (“but it’s festive!”) may I suggest you help the poor fella out this year by kindly leaving this page open on his desktop…!  

Above (Clockwise) L-R: Kate: The Kate Moss Book – RRP. £50.00, Jonathan Adler’s Mr and Mrs Muse Mug at Amara – RRP. £24.30, Topshop Rasberry Bow Heels – RRP. £55.00, Anya Hindmarch Girlie Stuff Wash Bag – RRP. £95.00, Princess Tam Tam’s Folie Bra – RRP. £58.00

Above (Clockwise) L-R:  Dannijo Joanie Stud Earrings at Matches – RRP. £125.00, Topshop Collar Jacquard Dress – RRP. £75.00, Monica Vinader’s Gold Vermeil Stacking Rings - RRP. £50.00 - £100.00, Anthropologie Lady Bugs Dinner Plate – RRP. £24.00, Anthropologie Multitude Hairbands – RRP. £14.00 

Above (Clockwise) L-R:  Smythson 'Shoe Queen' Leather Notebook at Matches - RRP. £38.00, Topshop Velvet Sequin Pencil Skirt – RRP. £42.00, ‘Isabella Blow: Fashion Galore!’ at Amazon – RRP. £37.50 £23.25, Limited Edition Diptyque Candles at Space.NK– RRP. £25.00 -£45.00. Graham and Green Ceramic Animal Boxes – RRP. £15.00 - £18.00 

Above (Clockwise) L-R: DVF Diane Von Furstenberg Lips-Print Iphone Cover - RRP. £30.00£21.00, Wilbur & Gussie’s Penny Clutch - £295.00, Soru’s Double Green Opal Ring in Gold –RRP. £120.00, Beulah’s Shibani Shawl – RRP. £120.00 (10% from each Shabani shawl purchase goes to the UN’s Blue Heart Campaign against human trafficking), Biscuiteers Nativity Biscuit Set – RRP. £35.00, Just Ballerinas’ Leopard Print Slippers – RRP. £139.00

Thank you to actresses Anna Kendrick, Sienna Miller, Tara Summers and Ella Smith,  presenter Louise Roe and fashionistas Savannah Miller, Tanya Semikoz and Natasha Rufus Isaacs, for sharing with The London Chatter their 2013 Christmas wishes. xxxx


Chanel's 'Once Upon a Time'

To celebrate its 100th anniversary, Chanel has released a Coco Chanel film entitled 'Once Upon A Time.'   Shot by the brand's creative director Karl Lagerfeld, the 18 minute short film stars Keira Knightley as the label's iconic designer and focuses on the opening of her debut store in 1913, situated in the French seaside town of Deauville  which Lagerfeld allegedly went to great lengths to reproduce.  Models Stella Tennant and Lindsey Wixson, actress Amanda Harlech and Chanel muse Tallulah Harlech also make cameos.  
This definitely demands a short coffee break Ladies... with a Kit Kat peut-être...?!

Cannes Film Festival 2013

There's Something About Carey...  Carey Mulligan was this years Belle du Jour at theCannes Film Festival, with red-carpet and photo-call outfits being as elegant and quirky as the actress herself.  Accessorising her sleek and refined outfit choices with a couple of beautiful co-stars and a giggle, Carey wore a striking concave-chested Balenciaga jumpsuit to the 'Great Gatsby' photo-call with Leonardo Di Caprio, and an art deco inspired Vionnet gown at the 'Inside Llewyn Davis' premiere with Justin Timberlake.  
A masterclass in understated glamour.

Left:  Speaking of understated glamour.... I have absolutely no idea who this lady is and why she was on the red carpet at Cannes... But with her golden Ferrero Rocher tray dress, I kinda just love her!! 

Below:  Another actress who NEVER fails to make me style-swoon on the red carpet is the beautiful Marion Cotillard.  The French actress looked perfect at the 'Blood Ties' photo-call wearing a teal mini dress from the Antonio Berardi A/W14 collection and Jimmy Choo nude heels and then later at the Chopard lunch in a Vivienne Westwood Couture pink and ivory striped dress.  Ooh La La.

Below:  And then there was Cara... Cara Delevigne looked showstopping at the premiere of the Great Gatsby wearing a Burberry gown and Chopard jewels.  Wow. 

There's Something About Carey

What a beautifully ethereal cover Harper's Bazaar have for their June issue.  Photographed by Tom Allen, the cover features Great Gatsby actress Carey Mulligan in a pink Prada coat surrounded by cherry blossom, and the result is completely dreamy.  
A newstand knockout!

The 'Great Gatsby' opens on both sides of the Atlantic on 10th May 2013.

The Gosline

Just like when Neil Armstrong stepped foot on the moon, or JFK was assassinated, people will NEVER forget where they were when they first heard last week’s Earth-shattering headline, 'Ryan Gosling Announces Break From Acting.' 

It’s true Ladies.  Ryan Gosling (misguidedly) feels that we’ve all had a bit too much of him in our cinemas of late and has decided to focus on directing for the foreseeable future.  Why Ryan? Whhhhhhhhhhy??! 

Luckily, website Blinkboxwas quick to provide an emergency support helpline (‘The Gosline’) so distressed fans can now listen to endless recordings of their favourite actor’s most famous movie quotes.  A Blinkboxspokesperson said, ”we hope that this goes some way to relieving the pain and hurt caused by his selfish decision to take a break."
 
I promise I haven’t rung this number... Twice.