A SPECIAL PLACE IN HELL FOR SOLICITORS

There must be a special place in hell for solicitors?. How can they justify the price of three hundred pounds an hour, when their written advice is just cut and paste? It is after all only common sense made official?  My sons are pretty good solicitors already without the training.   I am trying to buy my Freehold and am shocked about the amount of hidden costs involved.  
The Bank wants the valuation made official, which cost two and half thousand pounds, the solicitors want another two and a thousand pounds to do it, and the estate agent wants three and a half thousand pounds, to give a valuation. I think the figures just drop from the trees.  
I then asked for my new idea for a film to be made official, that also cost two and a half thousand pounds. The costs seem to be the same?. Of course the solicitors have all done ten hours of work?.  Oh yes? I wish there was a camera on them as they snooze, speak to friends and read their messages on facebook.
When I got divorced I actually found my solicitors charming, but when when I look at the fees, I was not exactly living with them and I became best friends with their secretary. Their fees were so high that I could buy another house in Battersea? They were never available on Friday afternoons and remember that to moan costs you another five hundred pounds, but thank goodness I got their secretary. They actually seemed to have more holidays than my children. I refused to pay the last bill where they did not manage to get my ex husband to agree to remove a put and pull option on my house. (That means should you not understand, that my husband was able to buy my house back for the amount we agreed at the time. If someone paid more than that amount I had to pay him the difference, the way the solicitors told me was so complicated. Basically in a down market I would be covered but a rising one I would lose.  I was therefore unable to stay in my marital home due to their advice. 
I spent the week end happily with two friends writing a new script.  What fun it is to make up stories and imagine a horror film coming alive. Thrilling.
I have two projects  and they are no longer on a back burner, so my next few weeks should be incredible, except for the bills from solicitors.

Virginia Ironside in 'The Virginia Monologues'

I LIKE THE COMFORT OF SMALL ROOMS FOR FASHION SHOWS

Despite being revolted about my 91 pairs of shoes discovered unused, I am still totally addicted to the world of fashion.  I am officially a hoarder.  I am constantly in the state of fear that there is about to be a war, and I am taken in by Tim Blank's and Hamish Bowles wonderful writing during the fashion shows, as indeed my 'eyes are bigger than my feet'. 

 I am constantly asking PR's nicely for tickets but by the time I get through, it is often too late and I am lucky to have a few make up artists and hairdressers who allow me to stand comfortably in the wings of great halls.  I am not a snob.  I do not need first row tickets, although I do feel good when I naturally get one, as I did from the Phillip Treacy show or indeed Jasper Conran's show.  I actually prefer exhibitions.  A natural lover of art I am happiest when some effort has been put into showing clothes in an interesting way.

MICHEL KLEIN

 For example Rushka Bergman's brilliant show for Bebe or Edeline Lee's at the National Geographic, Tom Ford's too.  Michel Klein also has an interesting way of showing clothes which are done in his atelier paradise in St Germain. 
 I prefer this to the shoving, the heat, the standing in the freezing cold, treated like shit by big bouncers that loath fashion.  

Edeline Lee's wonderful clothes were inspired by the writers and artists of the Bloomsbury Group. Beautiful and structured, they are classically designed with a twist, this Canadian Girl should be watched.  The viewing was pleasant and we were able to take photographs as the girls performed.

PARIS                                 LANVIN

Lanvin was on the funway as usual. As usual his show was slick and wearable showing clothes that I want straight away. It is a pity I am on a diet from shopping. Black dresses in wearable sexy shapes showing bits of legs, arms, structured yet not. 

I loved Olivier Rouseing's clothes for Balmain influenced by Miami, Cuba and like Balenciega's Nicolas Ghesquiere these two houses are brilliant at keeping everything up to day.

BALMAIN

BALENCIEGA

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I have come to the big conclusion I like the comfort of small rooms for fashion, fuck the traffic.

TOO MANY PARTIES NEVER TOO MANY IDEAS

So many people have helped me with this film. I am grateful to all of  those  who encouraged me, and my ex husband who was teasing me, without them I would not have done it. Today two handsome supposed husbands walked through the door.  Justine Glenton chose the pick of the crowd and in walked two Gods.  Husband number one  was Steve Pound and Husband number two John Cusworth.  It has been a busy week, no time to write as have been between Gods. Another friend Bozidar Ristic helped me with some music for the film and teaser.  

In between praying at some alter or other. I went to a great drinks party for Kelly Hoppen and Smallbone of Devizes. Her new kitchen range is exactly what you would like. Strong clean lines with a twist.  Beautifully made. This collaboration is bound for success. I sat talking with the delightful Ronnie Sassoon who was preparing Vidal's Memorial. 

I also went to see Marc Newson's opening at Taschen's bookshop next to the dynamic Saatchi Gallery off the Kings Road.  Charmingly he signed his interesting and stimulating book of design for me. I chatted with Johnnie Pigozzi who is a brilliant entertainer and photographer.  I met Marc with Azzadine Alaia and Carla Sozzani in Paris many years ago.  Azzadine does wonderful lunches for his friends and work colleagues and we were lucky guests. 
I awoke to find my blog was updated, and have my face checked out by Jean Louis Sebagh. All was positive. I am a very lucky woman.

I sadly did not make the fashion shows in Milan, I loved the retro look created at Dolce and Gabbana. Photographs were sent to me back stage by Snowden Hill.  The show looked cheerful and colourful and took me back to my grandmothers swimming costumes from Positano in the 1950's and 60's.  Bohemia was celebrated too, in fact the show had everything to make you feel good.

For those that want to entertain deliciously Julie  Anne Rhodes and the lovely Debbie Soloman, friends of mine in LA have opened their catering company. Both are terrific cooks and beautiful to look at too.  Debbie worked at Sunset Marquis and used to do all my parties in Beverly Hills for me. Beautifully presented  I am happy these two have got together, I wish them every success.
Debbie also worked for Michel and Ayako Comte who I had dinner with last night. 
Go have fun there are never too many good ideas for a Party.

Welcome to My World - Duggie Fields

AMO AMAS AMANDA TRAILER 2

SUNDAY AND IT RAINS

What do you do when your son develops an "East End twang" sounding like Bill Sykes. He came into my room first thing in the morning, saying "I only like easy women, the last thing I need is a woman who lectures me on the culling of Tuna fish". All before ten this morning. He had been football training at 6am on a Sunday morning. in fact he trains every morning at that time and is determined to play well.  He showed me his muscles which were indeed rippling. He has a fresh unexpected wit. If I am lucky I hear him singing like Frank Sinatra.

I was taken to the Fresh Food fair on the South bank next to the National Theatre.  Full of delicious curries and cheeses, hamburgers and cheesecakes.  As it was pouring with rain, there was little else to do except write. So this afternoon I have been putting pen to paper in a ferocious way.
I was most disappointed not to find tickets for David Hare's play on Oscar Wilde, The Judas Kiss ,which I heard was brilliant from Sir Tim Rice on Friday night. The same night his play, Jesus Christ Superstar was opening at O2.  I went to see it on Broadway earlier this year.
I also realised that I wanted to see Anthony and Cleopatra starring Kim Catrall, at the Chichester Festival Theatre, so on the telephone I try to see what I could find.  It is a brilliant play about the thoughts and feelings of women, clever women. I met Kim at the weekend in Berlin arranged by Liberatum and she was intelligent, witty and earnest, a delightful combination, I then saw her earlier this week at Phillip Treacy's show. However, I have a feeling my son would not approve. 

Great Expectations Official International Trailer 1 (2012) HD - http://f...

I HAVE GREAT EXPECTATIONS, DON'T THINK YOU CAN PULL THE WOOL OVER MY EYES

People think I am malleable because I am happy and okay financially.  They think they can pull the wool over my eyes. They think they can take my money, muck me about, do a shitty job, and that I will continue to support them.

 The builder chose not to build things well and did not put in a damp proof course where water was pouring in.  If I get cross it is because their behaviour was not professional.  Through each experience I have learnt to be stronger  and now I have found a better builder, talented DP and a much better editor. The motto is "Never think you cannot be replaced in life".  There are six billion people on the planet.  

BEAUTIFUL MIMI DEAN WITH ME

Luckily water coming through my ceiling and a lazy cameraman,  does not alter the fun I have in life. I was asked by the BFI and Amanda Nevill to see an early screening of Great Expectations at the stunning Bulgari Hotel in Knightsbridge. Directed by Mike Newell this is a magnificent portrayal of Charles Dicken's greatest novel.  I loved Helena Bonham Carter as Miss Havisham.  Eccentric and ravishing to look at, the BFI, were among investors rescuing this wonderful remake. With Ralph Fiennes, Jeremy Irvine, Stephen Woolley you cannot go wrong.  There was then a dinner and a very revealing and fascinating talk given by the director about making of the film. 

So much made me think about the people trying to be tricky with me. It feels the same as building a house. As producer, director, writer and actress you understand everything. Three people on the film took advantage of my good nature.  I can imagine what it was like to make Great Expectations.. All spongers and layabouts out there stay away.

Yesterday I did some more shooting for the film. My lovely actress Mimi Dean aged five will be leaving the country soon and I wanted to get a few more days in before she leaves for her new life. Talented and funny she was ideal casting.

BREATHLESS TRAILER

LONDON FASHION WEEKS TOP DRESSES

PAM HOGG's BRILLIANT IMAGINATION

BERARDI STYLISH DRESSING

MARIA GRACHVOGAL

MEADHAM KIRCHOFF

The Master - Official Trailer (2012) [HD]

IN THE NICEST POSSIBLE WAY PLEASE COVER UP YOUR GRACE, AT ALL TIMES

I can imagine the conversation when Her Majesty goes to bed at night, while she cleanses, tones and moisturises. Talking to her corgies, under her breath so her maid doesn't hear "Darlings Holly and Willow. What was Kate thinking of when she went in the garden in the nude, I must have a word with with young William, surely she knows the press are always ghastly and photograph given the opportunity, this is the problem when you marry social climbers?" 
The truth is that all my very grand friends and not so grand friends stay very covered, and for instance my Aunt would be appalled. Maybe she would cut me off for at least a year if she heard I went nude on holiday. She is definitely appalled by facebook which she thinks is terribly common. Of course I ignore her and love it to probably my detriment.

I  ACTUALLY LIKE TO COVERED UP AT ALL TIMES. I LISTENED TO KARL LAGERGELD WHO ONCE SAID TO ME, "SKIN AFTER 35 SHOULD BE NEVER SEEN"

Should we go topless? I am by no means a prude but  I really do not like seeing any womens breasts, good or bad.  I don't understand that if you are in a position of power, a princess, a queen, a socialite, or indeed a cashier, why you want the world to see your pendulous breasts, especially if you are going to be Queen of England.  Henry V111 would have used it as an excuse to have your head off. Cover up, is my advice, Your Grace, because there are straightforward rules. Nobody forced you to be married to Royalty and nobody forced you, The Duchess of Cambridge, to remove your bra. Best assume, like his HRH Prince Harry that everybody is watching, because they are.  Equally a word of advice, in the nicest possible way, be careful, as the tides turn in the world of royalty, one minute you are popular and the next minute you have too many dresses, so my advice this year would be to tread carefully. 
Of course her mother, Mrs Middleton will be most upset, she has worked so hard to bring up her daughters. Indeed, The Duchess has been incredible too, working hard since she married. Although if they blame the press they will be in great difficulty, they will only nag more. The press may be the only truth left on this planet,  and they are not trustworthy. Beware of ALL friends, because photographs like this are worth a fortune.
She will have to use old fashioned common sense and my advice is just keep to opening hospitals and worthy institutions as the Duchess has been doing. Give her a chance, she made a mistake to have a normal holiday and she will learn from it. After all she is extremely astute.

Regardless of class, position, wealth, or expectation of other people, what is wrong with elegance?. When has it ever been elegant to show anything?. If a girl wishes to be socially mobile best to keep everything under wraps. When a friend of mine who photographed Madonna in her early stages of success, asked her if he could take risky photographs of her in the nude. She accused him of being seedy, because she said, when she became a star,  he would be selling them on her back. Having said that, I looked up on Google and the first thing I find on Madonna are photographs of her in the nude.. so that is why you should never have nude photographs of yourself, and never relax for a second if you wish to be a success.
The Daily Mail's comment on this subject

PHILLIP TREACY HAT SHOW TONIGHT THE FIRST IN TEN YEARS CONGRATULATIONS, with costumes from the late Michael Jackson. Lady Gaga covered in pink chiffon. The most incredible spectacle of London Fashion Week.

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Nothing will be able to beat the magnificence of this Phillip Treacy show, combined with Michael Jackson's costumes.
Phillip is extremely loyal and looked after all his friends in a wonderfully hospitable way, treating us all to front row seats in the packed Courts of Justice.  With a loyal following of celebrities like Kim Catrall, Zandra Rhodes, Lady Gaga toasting the show, Bryan Ferry, Chantal of Hanover you seriously cannot go wrong. With choirs, bells. lights the models stepped from behind with a bang.  It was an incredible evening and everybody loves him. There was beauty and panache, and Stefan his boyfriend has enormous charm.
Thank you.
Photographs of me in the front row of the Phillip Treacy show with my son Jack

London FASHION WEEK

MY CATS EYE ALEXANDER WANG GLASSES TWICE STOLEN, CHANEL JACKET WITH A MARC JACOBS DRESS

I woke this morning to find fairies had been re doing my site. I hope you like it?  The fairies have
immaculate taste and I am lucky to have them on my side.  Sometimes they can be naughty but usually I find something truly special. Thank you to those that make my dreams true.

EMILIA WICKSTEAD

Fashion Week in London is becoming a big a glamorous event. The models looked wonderful in Emilia Wickstead with their sleek hair by Snowden Hill and nude make up by Emma O'byrne. The clothes although not hugely different from her other collections are wearable for those occasions that you need a proper dress. Beautifully cut.  high waitsted with pleats to the mid calf. The colours were faded pink with lime, although I am not crazy about this combination Emilia is always willing to do your choice too. She is after all mostly about couture. Her collections are for the grand although she wears them on  daily basis. Visit her and you will find her looking fit for a lunch at the Palace any day for the week. I am fond of her because she compromised her designs to follow my idea of putting a white satin collar on a lace dress I liked, despite her reservations she is always willing to expand.  Emma O'Byrne did the make up and Snowden Hill the hair. Very different from the Marc Jacobs show last week. Wherever Charles Finch is you know that you are at a winner of an event.

RAG AND BONE

RAG AND BONE COLLECTION

WAITING TO SEE ANNA WINTOUR OUTSIDE RAG AND BONE's NEW SHOP

Marcus Wainwright and David Neville took the plunge in 2002,  to open a house called Rag and Bone with no formal training to create clothes that fit well look creative, and have a downtown sensibility.  You know you are at the right show when the ageless and gamine Anna Wintour, Editor of American Vogue attends. This was a cosy affair in the heart of Sloane Square with Alexandra Shulman, Editor of British of Vogue sitting in one of the few seats available.  American based fashion company is based in the old National Westminster Bank where they made the most of the stunning space.
Showing wonderful zany casual clothes, chic with a twist, mini skirts in blue with black lace petticoats. Large coats in chiffon to cotton in orange, lime, white and sea blue. The models with long hair again by Snowden Hill, greased back and left with stunning clean make up. No seating except for the front row where I grabbed a place.  opposite me were mirrors so you could see your reflection along with the clothes. A clever idea.  All the fashionable and good looking were there, leggy blondes with round glasses looking like Poppy and Chloe Delevigne wannabees, fashionistas and Jefferson Hack as king, looking suitably bronzed and attractive.  The Eurostrash have long gone, this was an Anglo/American affair.

DAYLESFORDS AT SELFRIDGES

AMANDA ELIASCH WITH EMMA O'BYRNE

Afterwards I went to Daylefords who have the most incredible Pop up shop at the top of Selfridges, where I had tea with Alice Bamford and Emma O'byrne. We talked about horses, Los Angeles and I giggled about my love life, as they planned and schemed.

HOME

I eventually came back to get ready for the evening changing out of my black satin Marc Jacobs dress. My son was horrified. "Put it back on and don't wear shorts like the girls around town" he cried.  "Why don't you wear fitted clothes, your dresses make you look like you have wide hips" 

MORE FASHION ON THE STREET

IN EMILIA WICKSTEAD

DRESSED IN CANARY YELLOW

THE BEST DRESSED OUTSIDE THE SHOW JULIET ANGUS

                                BRAVE IN THE BALENCIEGA JACKET

QUICK WHISPERS

JASPER CONRAN

JASPER CONRAN

Barefoot and adorable, well cut with a twist to the past.. loved it.
Jasper still keeps modern and often guarantees well cut kit. Something new and I loved it.

KINDER

                                             KINDER

Sweet apple pie mini summer dresses, quite different from the past, if only I were still 25 and could wear cutie dresses.

DAKS
White floaty and see through layers of chiffon, elegant.
ISSA
The same as normal this time in wonderful colours bright, yellows, blues, halter in Jersey. Summery and wearable.

OUTSIDE RAG AND BONE YESTERDAY

P.S on another note Sarah Fergerson's book on a ballerina is a good read for children..LONDON FASHION WEEK

Mannes School Of Music Is one of the best music schools in the world

Under the new leadership of David Van Zandt, Mannes music school is to be changed and under threat because of lack of funds and finances, because of a supposedly stupid property deal, which was no fault of the students. This school is attached to The New School, which includes within its structure Parsons, the famous art college. 
I have had the fortune to listen to many beautiful concerts and performances for the last two years.  The teachers that have dedicated their lives to the school now live in fear of losing their jobs, and the students live in fear of closure of one of the most famous schools in THE WORLD. The future of music is so important that I am willing to write this, and this brilliant school in particular is worth fighting for. Without music there is nothing. If  Mr Van Zandt would like his financial re structuring to effect the way music is taught at Mannes then he is making a grave mistake. Music like all subjects has to be taught correctly and thoroughly and in the old fashioned way. (Unfortunately Handel and Bach are not alive to teach the budding students) It is proven that modern ways of teaching have left children illiterate and lacking knowledge. Mr Van Zandt seems to favour the other side of the New school never mentioning Mannes in his Twittering? Michelle Obama listens to The American National Anthem played by music students who are properly taught, otherwise they could not play... as well as wearing clothes from Parsons students? This is not a particular attack on Mr Van Zandt just that his reasoning does not add up, and as the head of this magnificent school, he has to listen to others views as well as his own.  
Classical and contemporary music are both important, without one there is not the other, and it does not have a time limit. It is often unprofitable, but there are always exceptions: People like Glenn Miller, Andrew Loyd Webber and Elton John, and many others, come from classical backgrounds and they would not exist without it. This is not an elitist subject but a subject that everybody can enjoy one way or another.  Sir Elton John was a classically trained concert pianist from Royal Academy of Music and Glenn Miller studied Schillinger technique with its founder and helped him create pieces like Moonlight serenade:
How sad and short sighted... 
Fight on students without music there is nothing in life. Music is used for adverts, film, art, Wells Fargo, all banks, lifts, clubs, all religions, marriage, death etc. Mannes is a school which crosses barriers and produces talented and enthusiastic performers. It is egalitarian. 

Without music and arts there is no culture and therefore no civilisation in any world including the technological age like ours. Music and art brings people together more than money, bankers, accountants, lawyers or the ipad.

I tried to telephone the school today to ask for an explanation and to voice my concerns, but got nowhere, the telephones are on an automated system which drives any sane person round the bend.

WINGING IT: AMOS AMAS AMANDA

GENLUX MAGAZINE AND KENDALL JENNER BREAKS RANKS FROM THE KARDASHIANS

Kendall Jenner

Kendall Jenner is beautiful, ambitious and wishes to carve out her name as a serious fashionista. Fashion Week is upon us and after her success in the new issue of Genlux magazine, where I am the Fashion Editor, she is bound for success. Taller and more elegant than the rest of her nearly-family, the Kardashians, she is going to go far. Long legs and a beautiful face will get her everywhere on her own, as she desires.