The Monkees - I'm a Believer [official music video]

Bel Ami Trailer

3D IS ALL AROUND US.. simplicity is the interesting thing.

"What is 3D?,

 I suggest you go outside and touch a leaf, go into a car and drive, that is 3D, go pick some flowers, that is 3D is for free.We soon won't move, we soon won't write, we soon won't see our friends,we soon won't read, we soon won't love, we soon will be slugs on the floor unable to move.
3D is not real its fake..What is wrong with an envelope and a stamp on the corner with the Queen on it?
I want a real life man with a pumping heart"
Simplicity silence imagination are all interesting.
It is why I am going to Paris.  Why should I get the Eiffel Tower in 3D when I can go up it, breath the air round it?
Screen 3D is fake and I want real. To laugh with real friends, to try new things to eat real food.

WHERE WERE ALL THE STARS?

ROONEY MARA

THE CAPTIVATING MILA JOVICH

For The Weinsteins this is truly a golden year, winning Oscars for so many of their films, but none altogether, has made as much money as The Kings Speech last year.  No one can deny they have taste, but not everybody except for me, understands the passion for The Artist.  A wonderful film that received 5 oscars. 


Also where were all the stars? Do you know the glamorous Hollywood hideaways? In an attempt to be normal, Mr and Mrs Brad Pitt are almost seen in supermarkets these days. The fact is they, our stars, have all become homely,  too much publicity? Too many adopted children?   


You never heard Marilyn Monroe, Brigitte Bardot, Greta Garbo or Marlene Dietrich have children?  You remember Garbo and Marilyn and not the films? Oh I do remember "Gentleman prefer blondes" They were famous for not being seen and not wanting to be seen.  MM had to change her persona to become MM.


I think that the three best things of the night was one getting ready; two, laughing with Zeta Graff and fighting about the best way to drive to the party; and three, seeing Elton John's speech for these poor Aids victims.  Even if you had no compassion you would feel it when you see his and David Furnish's sincerity and energy that they put into the whole charity.


The whole award ceremony has the feeling of work, work for films, work of selling films, work for looking good, work for beauty,  work for jewels, work for fashion, remember this is business and not so much fun. The food was good, the party fun, but it is work lest we forget.

AMANDA ELIASCH IN ALEXANDER MCQUEEN AND A JACKET BY RICK OWENS

 Elton John looked like Elizabeth 1 with his entourage, who in turn gave the air of Catholic Priests.  A brilliant man raising over 5 million for Aids. Now that is something?  The party looked exceptional and I loved the Godiva stand where you could     choose any selection of chocolates you wanted. The Elton John Aids Foundation party is sponsored by Wells Fargo Bank and Chopard. I was kindly invited and  went with Zeta Graff who looked ravishing and slender in a white Herve Leger dress that nobody else could have worn. With two hundred and fifty thousand dollars worth of diamonds in her hair, there was star quality here.  I sat next to Natasha Henstridge who looked incredible too?.  


The winners of the night for me on the red carpet were  Rooney Mara in a white Givenchy dress,  and Milla Jovich who simply looked the best in Elie Saab, along with the very elegant wife of Harvey Weinstein, Georgina Chapman, who obviously wore her own brand Marchesa. The most interesting couple Mr and Mrs Gary Oldman,  she wore Roberto Cavalli and he wore Bespoke Paul Smith. Sadly he did not win. 

MRS HARVEY WEINSTEIN, GEORGINA CHAPMAN

ALEXANDRA AND GARY OLDMAN

MY LOVELY FRIEND ZETA GRAFF

GEORGE BLODWELL AND NATASHA HENSTRIDGE

ROONEY MARA

There was a quiet feel to the whole evening, perhaps it was the films? The Artist stole the whole show, and perhaps because it was a French production the party was quieter.  The cast and producers probably went home and laughed together with a great bottle of french wine, rustic loaf and cheese. That is where I ended up at one o'clock in the morning with Peter Medak and Nicky Haslam who was back from the Vanity Fair party, laughing and eating Goats Brie with Ritz biscuits and him saying "Where are all the stars" ...I think they were in my kitchen.


THIS IS THE LIST OF WINNERS

Best cinematography

Robert Richardson, Hugo

Best art direction

Hugo

Best costume design

The Artist

Best make up

The Iron Lady

Best foreign language film

A Separation

Best actress in a supporting role

Octavia Spencer, The Help

Best film editing

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Best sound editing

Hugo

Best sound mixing

Hugo

Best documentary feature

Undefeated

Best animated film

Rango

Best visual effects

Hugo

Best actor in a supporting role

Christopher Plummer, Beginners

Best original score

Ludovic Bource, The Artist

Best song

Man or Muppet, The Muppets

Best adapted screenplay

Alexander Payne, Nat Faxon, and Jim Rash, The Descendants

Best original screenplay

Woody Allen, Midnight in Paris

Best live action short

The Shore

Best documentary short

Saving Face

Best animated short

The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr Morris Lessmore

Best director

Michel Hazavanicius, The Artist

Best actor in a leading role

Jean Dujardin, The Artist

Best actress in a leading role

Meryl Streep, The Iron Lady

Best picture

The Artist

DARLING DO NOT BE SAD: A POEM

Darling do not be sad

I do love you

perhaps not the way

you would

like

but I have wonderful

feelings being

with you

Darling do not be sad

If I can't make

love with you

if I can't be sweet

as the girls in 

your youth

Darling do not be sad

If Autumn comes

sooner than you 

would like

it happens to us

all

so be in your time

as I love you

in a different

way than

you may like
but it is still love

Darling do not be sad.

I NEED PARIS

I need to walk 

the cobbled 

streets of time

gone 

by

I need to have the rain

in my face

I need to see the grey

faces

and french bread

I need to smell the bakery

I need to look at

old perfumeries

I need to visit the Louvre

I need to listen to the

ghosts of Versailles

hidden in my imagination

I want to sit in my chairs

by Prouve

and visit a friend in

in rue St Peres

to open the door

hiding inside

true laughter

I need to feel lives

gone by

and see the ghosts of time.

WHAT I AM DOING IS WHAT I AM DOING. THANK YOU GOD FOR A LOVELY TIME

I keep reminding myself the pearls of wisdom Gizzy gave me a few years ago from Raja Yoga in London, for those not in the know, it is a Yoga for cultivating the brain.  Her words were this."Do not forget that what you are doing is what you are doing" So what I am doing is having an incredible time if I think about it.  I am hugely grateful to all those who are part of my life.  Tonight I dashed around, I wanted to stay put, but could not less I offend someone.
First I went to Focus Feature party at The Chateau Marmont, for their films and in particular I was kindly asked to go with Jack again to see his friend Gary Oldman and his wife Alexandra. She was beautifully dressed in a emerald green sequin dress by Dolce and Gabbana.  She looked ravishing.  I talked to Gary who I truly admire. He is down to earth and you would never believe he was up for an oscar tomorrow. He was so pleasant, relaxed and focused.  He was describing his dinner jacket tomorrow by Paul Smith,  it sounded  incredible with navy blue velvet piping.  His mother is going too, she is 92 and has a wonderful sense of humour. Three weeks ago I took her to lunch at Soho House where we talked about musicals and film. This woman was on the ball. Attractive and vital she was definitely the mother of one of our greatest living actors.

Then I went to Chanel and Charles Finch's party at the best Italian Restaurant in town. Medeo. I truly love chatting with Sidney his wife. Sadly it was too busy but there was Dustin Hoffman with all the beautiful people, Charles, always give a great party.  I was invited by Sydney his wife and sat talking with the charming Susan and Richard Young who was photographing everybody. I see them usually with Tracey Emin in London. Tracey gives good parties too, she knows how to entertain and is totally egalitarian.  If you are there, she loves you. I think this is a rare and beautiful characteristic.  We sat and commended her.   Leaving the Chanel party with a bottle of delicious Gardenia Scent I felt a  very lucky girl. So what I am doing is what I am doing. I am spraying myself as I slip my toes into delicious new sheets and know that I shall sleep well after reading Finch's Quarterly.

AS I LIKE IT. A play by AMANDA ELIASCH. Directed by JOHN ALAN SIMON

MONTBLANC AND MY FACE CHANGE

It has been red carpet week in Los Angeles and I have looked terrible. I just could not get it together.  I was tired and washed out . I did not recognise my face, the skin looked like cottage cheese and I had dark shadows everywhere.  A friend on the internet said to me "you look exhausted"  Sun at my age is out of the question, if I don't get skin cancer I will get leathery skin. If I use a spray tan it somehow looks a little fake on my face.  I do need a holiday that is true, I hate them but need one.  I did two plays back to back, and two exhibitions and moved houses whilst doing the new one up.  I love that frantic pace, the adrenaline of working.  My girl friend, the make up artist,  Tonya Crooks said crisply "Change your make up. I was a little horrified, I have been using Chanel make up for many years and she was suggesting I use La Prairie?  I thought at first it was bullshit.  She suggested I use the Nars oil free pro prime and then put skin caviar concealer foundation, from La Prairie, on afterwards.  Hey presto I looked back to my normal self. All it took was a trip to Saks to feel a million dollars.  Check for yourself. My hair I was worried about too, am I too blonde, is it too curly should I give up?. Tanya said "No, why give up when you have just bought the most incredible house and you are happy?" I suppose sometimes I would like to get the slippers out and curl up with my new book and read some of the poetry by Ezra Pound I have just been sent.  Angela Kalinowski said she will add some highlights when she comes back on Monday and Gia Sinatra set to work or following her careful instructions which she did beautifully. That with my new Karl Lagerfeld collar I felt as if I was game set and match.

AMANDA WEARING A KARL LAGERFELD COLLAR FROM NET A PORTER,

A dress by Emilia Wickstead, Coat by Chanel, Belt from Louis Vuitton, Handbag Marc Jacobs, glasses by Prada. Hair by Gia Sinatra.

ME AND YASSI MAZANDI ARTIST AND WIT

Montblanc's breakfast today to celebrate Princess Grace of Monaco, was set at the Bel Air Hotel, serving Caviar we were all totally spoilt. I saw half of London there. among the guests were filmmaker, Julia Verdin, Pilar Boxford, Lady Victoria Hervey and artist, Yassi Mazandi.

PILAR BOXFORD AND JACK ENGLISH

JULIA VERDIN and JACK ENGLISH

THE PRESS RELEASE

"For the first time, Montblanc showcased the complete Collection Princesse Grace de Monaco, a tribute to the timeless iconic elegance of Princess Grace of Monaco. Regarded as the epitome of classic beauty, this collection features fine and high jewellery as well as writing instruments and timepieces in the Swiss watch-making tradition.  The style and spirit that captivated film audiences around the world during the golden age of Hollywood and made Grace Kelly a subject of adoration, returned to Los Angeles to shine on the red carpet during the Academy Awards."

It had actresses choose pieces that they loved.  It was a perfect setting and timing to put all worlds together.  With perfect manners Ingrid Roosen-Trinks, greeted us at the door.  What a change that is in this mad mad world, where people forget to say thank you.


Here I am making a wish for them.

VARIETY IS THE SPICE OF LIFE

As The Artist sweeps the board we should all be asking ourselves, why?  This film  is black and white, an old fashioned story a la Norma Desmond, of course the other way round and silent. It has done  well as it was way above all the other films in so many ways. I am totally fed up with films like the Descendants and Hugo, there are some adults among us who want to be stimulated intellectually. What about a little variety next year, something quirky.   How many of the Academy saw or could sit through, In the land of blood and honey?  It was brilliant.  So  I will probably agree with the results. All the male actors are good but of course I have a soft spot for Gary Oldman and Tinker Tailor.  I actually loved it, slow and brown as it was, and Gary's performance was brilliant.  To follow in Alex Guinness's footsteps is a tall order, but I think everybody will agree he followed well.

This year is a lot quieter, although I have been out every night. The films reflect the crowd and in turn that changes the atmosphere.

I am going to Elton John's party with a girlfriend, my male friends all being away. It will give me the perfect freedom to have fun.  Nicky Haslam is staying the night and going to the Vanity Fair Party so we will be living the best of both worlds. You know I think that is the best method?. My dress is from Alexander McQueen's Spring 2012 collection. Plain and Simple.

JACK ENGLISH PAINTED BY Michael Foulkrod

PRE OSCAR EXHIBITIONS LOS ANGELES

MARK EVANS, AMANDA ELIASCH, GEORGE BLODWELL, AMANDA ELIASCH

GEORGE BLODWELL WITH ME AGAINST THE NORMALLY COLOURFUL URS FISCHER

GEORGE BLODWELL  AND AMANDA ELIASCH Marc Jacobs Jacket, Dress Petite Filles des Ecoles, Shoes YSL

There are so many exhibitions here in Los Angeles that I am wondering how I am going to go to them all and certainly no shortage of talent.
Richard Young had an exhibition of photographs in Stephen Webster's gallery of Elizabeth Taylor, her story. My favourite one was Richard Burton drunk, gregarious. The pair looked happy together. I fell in love with a diamond butterfly broach of Stephen's. Who wouldn't?. Saw lots of friends, Damien Harris and Julie Anne Rhodes among his faithful followers. Richard is the number one party photographer in England with access to all the greatest shows.  His photographs of Elizabeth are strong and very real, grainy in their truth. It is a fact that the photographers in this situation are your friends, she probably saw them more than her clan, definitely she didn't seem to mind,
Gagosian Gallery showing Urs Fischer, colourful works of the famous, were apparently all sold. George Blodwell and I adored them especially the Grace Kelly with a nut in front of them. Apparently Urs wanted the objects to be more important than the stars.  I understood, and indeed they could be as tasty.There was not the glossy crowd from last year, but the faithful art world. The big parties and budgets have been slashed as they should have been to give a more egalitarian feel.

GARY OLDMAN WITH JACK ENGLISH, AGAINST THEIR PHOTOGRAPHS AT THE PAUL SMITH EXHIBITION

My neon went into the auction of  "The Art of Elysium", the previous one was sadly smashed that I brought from London, "Handcuffed by desire". So I donated "Greed" one of my favourite pieces, my lucky creation.  I was inspired by  Tracey Emin, after all she gives women hope.  I gave them a piece to be auctioned in aid of children who are very ill, they in turn are given  stimulation with the arts. A wonderful charity with very charming staff.

GREED MY NEON AT THE ART OF ELYSIUM

KAY SAATCHI

JOHN BURNHAM AND KAY SAATCHI

 At Paul Smith's shop on Melrose an incredible exhibition was given for Jack English and Gary Oldman. Gary looked very sharp in his Paul Smith suit, I love their suits.  Both are talented photographers and Jack surpassed himself with his moody images of the actors on the set of Tinker Tailor. Michael Foulkrod, Alan Aldridge, Demian Bichir, Tarina Tarintino and Kay Saatchi were all guests.

JACK ENGLISH WITH RICHARD YOUNG

JACK ENGLISH BEING INTERVIEWED

KAY SAATCHI BEING CUTE

I was lucky enough to be invited to dinner afterwards, I could not have had a better time. Vogue covered it too and Purple covered Gagosian. With Terry Richardson who seemed to invite the underbelly of society in LA and Cindy Sherman's exhibitions, this town is hardly without culture. Cindy whose photographs of herself depicting every iconic ideal and everything that is not, fetch over three million dollars, a very heft sum.  She is clearly ironic and self deprecating.  I wish I had the idea first.  Another woman like Tracey who makes us feel proud to be femail.

TO CONTINUE MY SERIES OF INTERESTING PEOPLE: SIR TIM RICE

Sir Tim Rice is really he is surprisingly modest when you understand his talent and achievements.  He is happy doing ordinary things, most powerful of all,  being able to walk across England on foot. Appreciative of nature, he is a man with a dog first, and afterwards a talented wit and champion of music.  His abilities stretch far and wide. With an Academy Award, A Globe and many others this man is understated,very easy going and good company. He has a passion for Tamara de Lempicka, I do too, unfortunately I do not own a beautiful painting like he does, but her artist studio!

Which Hollywood star do you find attractive?
"Lassi"

What moves you emotionally?
"Parent children relationships".

Who in film inspires you?
"Inspiration too strong but I admire Stanley Kubrick".

What food do you most enjoy?
"Unhealthy fry up types".

Which designer do you like to wear most?
"Couldn't even name any".

What was your most successful moment?
"Walking the length and breadth of England".

What makes you happy?
"My offspring"

Which film director interests you?
"Donald Rice" (Cheerful weather for The Wedding, Tribecca Film Festival 2012)

What piece of music do you like listening to?
"Too many of course, too many to list".

Where do you like to live?
"England"

What piece of art inspires you?
"Many of course. Too many"

What shoes do you like to wear?
"Slippers and Chelsea boots".

What made you most happy in your career?
"Hearing a song of mine on the radio the first time". 

What person inspired you?.
"Mum and Dad. Granny inspired me"
What sport do you most enjoy?
"Cricket".
Where do you find serenity?
"In the bath".
What do you like to eat?
"See above" (fry up question)
What is your biggest sin?
"Fear of being disliked".
What piece of advice can you give someone?
"Not everyone can like you".
What do you like to do at the weekend?
"Walk the dog"

PREPARING FOR THE MAN OF THE MATCH: TIM WILLIS

Of course I think about you

Just because you

are not 

involved

does not mean

that what I do does not

exist

It does

Do not judge

or assume I am something

because I may not

be what you think

in fact 

I and you may

not exist at all

unless I think 

about you

GENLUX PARTY AND JOAN COLLINS

I was so excited last night going to the Genlux Party at the Sofitel Hotel in Los Angeles. Very glamorous and totally appropriate for the latest issue of their Magazine, where I work as Fashion Editor. There were  photographs by Henri Jean Servat, of one of my most favourite stars Brigitte Bardot. A legend in France, a sex kitten, and international film star.  A beautiful woman in her early years and now a fighter for cats, who made St Tropez in the 1960's and 70's.  I used to dream of looking like her, what a dream that was.  In any case photographs of her hung everywhere so if you are a fan get a long to see them.  I had to be quick though because I was due to have dinner with my other favourite, the brilliant designer from Balmain, Christophe Decarnin.  Truly a creative influence in the fashion world for at least 5 years, his mixture of punk with sharp tailoring, winning  him many accolades.

After dinner I sat with the very funny, feisty and witty Joan Collins and her sister Jacky. I have now seen her three nights in a row, once at opening of the Italian Film Festival in LA and twice at the Sunset Tower. Joan and her husband Percy are my new big favourites,  but of course she probably prefers Jack English.  He is doing his photographic show this Thursday so the internet is all of a twitter so who would not?

I am wearing an Alexander Mcqueen Jacket, Dress by Marc Jacobs, boots, YSL, and jewellery by Erickson and Beamon

PETER MEDAK: I AM DOING A BOOK TITLED COOL PEOPLE NOT FAMOUS...FILM DIRECTOR

Peter  Medak is truly charismatic and very kind.  Living like I do between England and Los Angeles he has made his mark in Films as a Director, among his work he made Ruling Class, Romeo's Bleeding and The Krays. When I met him he was eating Hungarian Sausage with chopped up onion, rather different from what he says here that he likes to eat Vegetarian, Thai and Indian. Everybody asks what my relationship is with him, and it is like this, I like to wrestle with him, we could be champions. 
The Hollywood star he finds most attractive, when asked is Cary Grant but finds inspiration from Frederico Fellini, Bunuel , Bergman and Lean. I asked him for the following questions
Which designer do you like to wear most?"Armani"                      What was your most successful moment?                                  
"Escaping from Hungary in 1956"
What makes you happy?"Music" 
Which film director interests you? "Same as the above"
What piece of music do you like listening to? He answered "Anything by Mozart , Chopin, Beethoven, Brahms, Liszt".
Where do you like to live?  He said "Between London and Los Angeles".                                                                 
What piece of art inspires you?                                                "Paintings" 
What shoes do you like to wear? "Todds"
What made you most happy in your career?                          "Looking through the camera"
What person inspired you? "Bela Kalman, Izsak Bacsi two great photographers in Hungary who opened my eyes to seeing".
What sport do you most enjoy?                                                "Football and swimming"
Where do you find serenity ?                                                       "Walking  in the Sunset on the Beach"
 What do you like to eat?                                                            "Vegetables , salads" 
What is your biggest sin? "Not pushing myself enough". 

What piece of advice can you give someone?  "Go with your instinct"
 What do you like to do at the week end? "Relax and not feel guilty".