Now, I wasn't sure whether or not to wait to do this post, seeing as the Cannes Film Festival is still in full swing, and there are still several red carpets to, so maybe I'll end up doing some special weekend posts about the rest... or maybe not. Anyway, I realized a fun way for me to cover red carpet events without it just being another runway fashion review - I'll sort the gowns I like or don't like by time period! Here we go:
1900s
Romantic lace, a soft decolletage, and the diamond collar necklace all make for a beautiful Gibson Girl silhouette on the lovely Eva Herzigova. The a-la-Draper hair is simple and elegant.
1910s
Grecian detail, a wide belt, and chiffon shoulder panel all give a dash of Lucille to Eva Longoria's gown.
1920s
The simple design, drop waist and tiered ruffle skirt all give Ms. Rossy de Palma a Flapperish Flair. This gown is also reminiscent of the Sevillanas.
Honorable Mention
1930s
A Clingy silhouette, halter top, and bangles bring back memories of Nancy Cunard.
Honorable Mentions
1940s
Woah. Who brought Gilda to life? This is 100% Rita Hayworth. Lovely!
Honorable Mentions
1950s
It's no surprise that Marion Cotillard should be chosen for the 50s when she's decked out in Dior. Gorgeous.
1960s
I find it ironic that Ms. Fonda should have been picked for this decade, as it was the decade of her youth. Her sweetheart neckline, ratted hair, and cinched waist all bring back the stylin' sixties.
1970s
I'm torn. I really can't tell how I feel about these disco era digs. They are very seventies, and very very much the color of mustard. Either way that is Charlie Chaplin's grand-daughter.
Hope this was fun! I might go through this again next week to round up some more dresses... Or I may simply update this post. Either way you'll be updated of anything I do with this. Have a great weekend, readers!
It tells the story of (fictional) silent film legend George Valentin and (equally fictional) bright new starlet Peppy Miller during the advent of 'talkies'. While Valentin stalwartly stands by silent film, Miller embraces the new medium, to very different results
What really sets this film apart from its competitors is that it's both black-and-white and silent. That's right folks: a silent film took the Golden Globe this year! Here's my review in three parts.
Story This was the weak-point of the film. The story follows the expected talkie-takeover plot until you near the end of the film, when the two characters meet again (under circumstances I shan't reveal). Here though, the film takes a couple of odd twists and turns, and doesn't really end up where you'd expect it, especially with the googly-eyes the protagonists are making at each other in the poster (have I said to much?). Then again, it's kind of refreshing to watch a movie that doesn't just follow the standard expected endings. I'll give this film a B for story.
Craft This is where "The Artist" really takes the cake. It's been a while since I've been completely captivated by every moment of a film, and you might think a movie with no talking would put you to sleep, but here the silence electrifies the audience. I'd compare it to the idea that when one sense is taken away, the other senses take over. Since you can't hear the actors talk (and since you obviously can't taste, touch, or smell them), your eyes are drawn in as the only thing that can connect you to the story. The cinematography is outstanding, the actors are just the right amount of expressive without going overboard, and the black and white just made each scene delicious to watch.
The film isn't 100% silent, actually - there are two scenes where sound is present, and the first (a nightmare sequence) takes full advantage of the audience's malaise at the sudden introduction of sound. There is also at the very least one instance where they take advantage of the silent film title cards to play around with the audience. My friend put it best when she said, "it's been a long time since movies have been coy." For craft, the film gets an A+.
Costume The story covers the years 1927-1932, and though the costumes are beautiful, for the most part one fails to see the gradual transition over the course of the film. This might be understandable for a character who gets hit by the Great Depression, but Peppy Miller's Hollywood wardrobe doesn't really change for the greater part of the film, even after the Stock Market crash.
The only costume I had real issue with was the uber-short fringed number pictured above and featured abundantly in the trailer. It was really short by 20s standards, even in pre-code Hollywood, that skirt would have raised eyebrows. Of course, if the script called for a Burlesque dancer or other such temptress then that would have been fine, but the scene they film in the movie is a sort of evening party. Basically the dress was pretty but just too short. Overall, I'd give the costumes a B.
Please, please, please see this film while it's still in theatres. I guarantee it will not be the same on home video. This is a cinema experience you do not want to pass up.
She's sad because you're not buying tickets RIGHT NOW. (via)
As you all know, I'm a complete history voyeur. I get a strange thrill out of even the slightest insight into the lives of periods past. Well, I've once again been lucky enough to stumble onto another delightful series on Youtube. The wonders of the internet never cease to amaze me. This show is called Supersizers, a BBC Series originally filmed as part of a series of programs on Edwardian England. The show was so popular, however, that Supersizers Giles Coren (Food critic) and Sue Perkins (Comedienne) ended up doing around 12 episodes on a wide range of time periods, from the Roman Empire through the 1980s. This is the first part of one of the episodes - The Supersizers Go Elizabethan!
Now, you might be surprised that I like it. The show is no stickler for historical accuracy outside of the food. However, it brings a freshness to history that many television shows lack. Perkins and Coren don't pretend to like the food or customs they endure. They poke fun at what they go through, but they still have a sense of respect for the history.
I must warn you: if you are a vegetarian for moral reasons or are otherwise sensitive to any sort of visual carnage, be prepared to shield your eyes during the cooking sequences.
You'll definitely be hearing more about this series!
Bon Appétit! Nostalgically Yours
PS: Doesn't Giles Coren look positively delectable in that Jerkin?
So, thanks to Joe at Joe.My.God, I've had the fortune of stumbling onto this delightful character:
Steve Hays is the actor/comedian turned classic film critic. If you ask me, he almost puts TCM to shame, making classic film accessible to a generation that seeks only constant entertainment. Don't get me wrong, I'm a huge Turner Classic Movies fan, but it can become a trifle stuffy at times. Hayes manages to shake off the dust and move past the pomp and circumstance and just get to what makes these films wonderful! Here is his review of "The Heiress" from 1949:
See? Wasn't that fun? Anyway, I thought I'd share a little tidbit of my own regarding the aforementioned "Heiress". Edith Head, the world-renowned costume designer, specifically cut Ms. de Havilland's gowns so they would pinch and gap, making her feel uncomfortable in her own skin and enhancing the character's general self-consciousness. The only gown that was made to fit properly was the one de Havilland wears at the end of the film, once her character has come into her own. Now, I'm not saying that costumes can make or break a performance, but de Havilland did win an Oscar for this film (don't worry, so did Edith)... Just sayin'...
You know it's a good film, 'cause it says so on the poster.
I hope you enjoy Hayes' reviews as much as I do, Nostalgically Yours
No, this not a post about rude jokes through the ages - a new episode of "Sex and the Austin Girl" has just gone up on Babelgum! This week: Sports!
I'd also like to take a second to thank the folks over at The Jane Austen Addict Website for publishing my review on their Press Page! It's quite an honor to be published on such an accomplished author's website. Do give them your traffic if you've got a moment or two - the website will give you information on how to enter for a chance to win copies of Laurie Viera Rigler's books:
I don't consider this review to contain "spoilers" because the historical people and events this film is based on are common knowledge. If you do not wish to know what happens in the movie, you can skip the synopsis.
I have only recently discovered the wonders of Netflix, and I've created a sizable dent in their classic film collection since I joined a few nights ago. The first film I watched was "The Young Victoria".
Emily Blunt plays Alexandrina Victoria
Unlike the young, inexperienced queen seen in this film, most probably remember HRM Victoria as the dowdy and somewhat cross-looking widow Queen of England, whom you learned about in history class:
The story begins with an overview of Victoria's youth, oppressed by her position as the only living heir to the throne. Her day-to-day life is completely controlled by a set of strict rules - called the "Kensington System" - designed to keep her safe but ultimately extreme in nature. The young heiress presumptive was not even allowed to go up or down stairs without holding the hand of a servant or companion.
Victoria exchanges sideways glances with Sir John Conroy (Mark Strong), who helped her mother, The Duchess of Kent (Miranda Richardson, in green) develop the Kensington System. He was also allegedly her lover.
Victoria's 18th birthday arrives and a Regency is avoided, just in time for the death of King William IV a few short months later. Just like that, the young woman found herself queen. In the midst of political intrigue involving questionable advice from Lord Melbourne (then Prime Minister of Parliament), and her family vying for political favor, she is introduced to Prince Albert of Germany. The connection was almost instant, and historically genuine, which makes this film all the more compelling.
Blunt and Friend as the infectiously charming Royal Couple.
Both Emily Blunt ("The Devil Wears Prada", "Sunshine Cleaning") and Rupert Friend (The hunky military officer from "Pride and Prejudice") did an excellent job portraying the Royal couple. The entire cast played out the time period very well, avoiding the somewhat contrived period settings in some movies. Screenwriter Julian Fellows is known for creating authentic but natural period dialog - he also wrote the screenplays for "Gosford Park" and "Vanity Fair". My only complaint regarding the authenticity of the film has to do with the scene in which Victoria goes to inspect the "newly-built" Buckingham Palace. Well, the palace looked pretty much as it does today. I would have liked to see some digital magic to make the stone walls look new.
Blunt wears a fabulous suit in this scene. I also love the top hat!
Needless to say, the costumes were phenomenal. Sandy Powell ("The Other Boleyn Girl", "The Aviator", "Shakespeare in Love") won a BAFTA award for her designs - I've found rare concept art for the costumes in the film. Finding these is always one of my favorite things. I've shared some of them below.
All credit for this work goes to Sandy Powell and/or her illustrators. These images are not my work and are used here for educational purposes and not for profit.
The character of Queen Victoria is an easy subject to lend interest to, since she has so much draw already. Aside from her role as Queen, Victoria singlehandedly shaped the fashions of the later 19th century. When she married Albert in 1840, she wore a white gown. This seems quite normal to us, but at this time the white wedding gown was not the norm. Women wore a variety of colors to their weddings. Victoria's choice of color, though, suddenly became the most popular choice for the nobility and now is the traditional wedding color.
Victoria and Albert's wedding, painted by Sir George Hayter
She and the Prince Regent worked to draw attention to the working and living conditions of the lower classes, and the more "sober" fashions of the 1840s onward reflect this move from romantic idealism to realism. Hemlines dropped back to the floor and long sleeves and high collars became commonplace. Furthermore, when Albert died in 1861, she entered a state of mourning that she would keep until her death. Her black, modest wardrobe influenced Victorian English fashions and lifestyles. If you think the English are sober now, imagine what they were like under a widowed queen.
Victoria with three of her grand-daughters. I can't imagine spending time with her as a child would have been much fun...
I highly recommend this movie to anyone who is a fan of the costume drama genre. It is also a greatly romantic film, but without the excess of mush that some of these period films have. The story and dialog are light and genuine, despite the often tense political and relational conflicts going on on-screen. A+!
From left to right: Paul Bettany as Lord Melbourne, Richardson, Blunt, Friend, and Jim Broadbent as King William IV
Once again, this review contains spoilers. If you have not seen last night's episode of Project Runway, please do so here.
Here again is my caricature of Tim and Heidi
Okay, so Michael Drummond is gone. I'm already bummed at the beginning of the episode... **sigh**.
The challenge this week was to create a head-to-toe couture look. The winner will be featured in a L'Oreal "advertorial" and receive $20,000! The looks have to be inspired by the finishes of L'Oreal eyeshadow: matte, bright, metallic, crystal, and velvet. Naturally, since the look has to be at a couture level, the budget was upped to $300, and the time limit was extended to two days.
The cash prize for a non-finalist winner is completely unprecedented in all the seasons of Project Runway. This challenge, however, is not. Flashback to Season 3: the designers were taken on a surprise trip to Paris, France, and were asked to create couture gowns. I can't find any pictures of this episode, or I would have shared them with you.
Moving on. Since the designers were given a whole extra day, many of them lollygagged and really took their time, something April was quick to point out. She herself was really working quickly saying, "You never know" in a way we'll later understand was foreboding...
Day 1 goes off with only a few minor hitches. Mondo's bodice apparently dramatically changed sizes after his first fitting when he tried to insert the boning. "Wretchen" and Michael Costello exchanged catty remarks because they both (once again) picked Burgundy/Bordeaux as their main color. Here's all I have to say on the issue of this repetitive color choice:
For those of you who don't know, that's from the movie Kinky Boots. Yes, I know, the color isn't the same, but the sentiment still fits for me.
Day 2 began with the designers still seemingly moving at a snail's pace - all expect April that is - but lo and behold, in floats Tim. I can hardly say he walks. He's never really walked, in my opinion. Tim has a greatly irritating announcement: the designers will be required to create a second, Ready-to-Wear look to compliment the main couture design. I thought this was an excellent addition to the challenge. What Tim said is very true. Designers do not make money off of Haute Couture; they make money off of RTW.
Cue designer drama! Everyone had something nasty to say about this addition to the challenge, except April, who was probably really happy she didn't dawdle like the others. Valerie had a complete meltdown and escaped to the restroom. I was actually really glad to see Wretchen and Ivy go to comfort her. Though my faith in the collective talent of this group is waning more and more quickly, it's interesting to see that time and time again the designers seem to bond despite the competition.
The runway was ultimately unimpressive, and it was really anyone's guess who would be in the top and bottom three. You can rate the runway for yourself here. My picks for bottom were Ivy, Christopher and Valerie. I very much disliked Wretchen's as well, but it was well-made so I wouldn't have put her in the bottom. The other three had either questionable concepts or bad execution. Valerie had all three, and I would have booted her. Instead, it was Ivy who went home.
Mondo won the challenge. I suppose it was because his look was the most outlandish. Though I did love his RTW look, and despite being a self-proclaimed member of Team Mondo, I personally would have chosen Andy as the winner. I thought his warrior idea was the most cohesive.
Here's my look for this challenge:
The Haute Couture piece is a gown with a button-down Minoan bodice in crepe with bright blue accents and a delicate chiffon front-piece for modesty. The skirt is asymmetrically layered chiffon. The Ready-to-Wear look is an elegant suit with open Minoan jacket and a bias satin blouse. The look is made for the "matte" finish of L'Oreal eyeshadow. If you're curious about my inspiration, you can read yesterday's post on Theseus and the Minotaur.
The preview for next week showed Tim introducing some guests that sent the designers into joyous hysterics. I'm going to go ahead and predict that members of the designer's families are these secret guests - let's see if I'm right!
On a side note, I've finally understood the point of Twitter. It's not about following someone so you can read about every detail of their lives. It really is a global conversation. I was logged in and posting all throughout the show last night and it was quite an experience. I was literally conversing with people all across the United States who were watching the same show as I. The wonders of technology do still occasionally impress me, despite being a child of Technological Age.
If any of you readers are big Jane Austen fans as I am, I think you'll very much enjoy the new Babelgum exclusive web series Sex and the Austen Girl. Inspired by Laurie Viera Rigler's Jane Austen Addict books, the series tells the experiences of two women switched out of their lives and centuries. Here's the first episode:
It's a very accurate but humorous comparison between the lifestyles of Jane Austen's time and the modern day. Throughout the current thirteen episodes, they discuss a variety of topics: from marriage to make-up to technological advances.
Anyway, this was just a quick post to share this delightful series with you. I'm also quite keen on reading the books now. If you've read those books already or are looking for more recommendations, I'd check out Austenland by Shannon Hale and Twenties Girl by Sophie Kinsella (also author of the Shopaholic series).
In the meantime, here are two more episodes:
Episode 5: Is Clean Sexy?
Episode 11: The 200-Year-Old Virgin
Enjoy!
Nostalgically Yours
On a side note: does anyone else find it a little disturbing that "God Bless America" and "Twin Towers" are trending fifth? And that's behind the Powerpuff Girls and Little Rascals...! Also, to anyone who hates illegal immigrants: "Torres Gemelas" is trending second. Take that, Arizona!
This review contains spoilers. In fact there will be a spoiler in the first line of it, so if you still haven't seen the episode, keep your wandering eyes up here and click this link to watch the episode
Before I start let me get this off my chest:
CASANOVAAaaaaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAA!!!
Thank you. As you well know, my poor dear Casanova was eliminated this week... I would have very much preferred to Ivy go, as much as it would have distressed Michael Drummond...
This week's challenge was to create a resortwear look that reflected the designer's individual style. Additionally, the designers were divided into pairs and were asked to sew the sample garment for their teammate. Yikes! This was going to get ugly and it did, but not where you would think. I was really surprised by the civility that surfaced between Mondo and Mike Costello. I don't know if I could have dealt with him so well... The real drama came from Ivy! I guess the inability to work on her own design really brought out the worst in her. She had absolutely no faith in Michael's abilities, so she dumbed down her design beyond any sort of taste.
I really enjoyed seeing April and Christopher working together. I'm also liking Gretchen less and less each week. As much as I hate to say it, she, Mondo, and either Andy or Valerie are my picks for top three at this point.
My favorite look by far was Andy's. Fabulous. I was surprised that Valerie's look didn't make the bottom three. I mean, Mondo's may have been Junior-ish, but it didn't have holes in it!
Anyway, here's my design for the challenge:
Daywear ensemble: white cotton Capri pants with ties at knee, jersey gathered top and long jersey sweater (for those air-conditioned stores!).
.jpg)
.jpg)
