La Dolcissima Vita Mia

Last Post

2006-09-11T20:59:00.000+02:00

I am sorry to say that this is the last post in my blog. I hope you have enjoyed it so far and I'm sorry to have to end it so soon but my life has become rather too frenetic to write interesting posts and I think you deserve better. Thank you for all your encouraging comments and your attention. I will miss you all.

*picture taken at Hyde Park, London

So Long Oxford!

2006-09-06T02:22:00.000+02:00

I left Oxford on Sunday and I'm in London now. Although I was really stressed out and couldn't wait for the course to be over I am somehow saddened by leaving Oxford and all the people I spent all this time with behind. Nevertheless, I am very happy to be in London again and am having a great time. Here is my hommage to Paris Breakfasts (a picture of my last Oxford tea and scones at The Rose on the High Street.

Je vois Alice en Rose

2006-08-29T13:24:00.000+02:00

Phew! I'm done filming. Sigh. That was seriously intense. It doesn't mean I'm finished though. I turned in the film for development today so hopefully I'll have it back by tomorrow and start editing it. The screening will be on Friday. That gives me a grand total of two days to edit. Hilarious. I'm also catching a cold. Can't wait to get out of here. No really, I am having a good time though. I managed to take some pics while I was directing. We all act in each other's films so the lovely girl you see here is another film student, hard to believe huh? I've also acted on three films this weekend.. so exhausting but tons of fun. This is my version of Alice in Wonderland. I searched everywhere for the right Alice dress to no avail. Finally I just decided to rent this whimsical creation... I think it works. We filmed at the Botanic Gardens and people asked if she was Alice so I guess it was rather obvious despite the pink! Loved the shoes too, wish they had my size!

Cinematic Oxford

2006-08-24T01:10:00.000+02:00

As you all know I'm in Oxford doing a very intensive 4-week filmmaking program. I had no idea I would have absolutely no free time whatsoever as I'm in class during the week from 9am-10pm (now that we're editing too) and then we're filming on weekends... so no time at all.
Nevertheless, I am somehow really enjoying the experience. ( I had just written a longer post but my program crashed an I lost the post!). So, as I am literally falling asleep as I type this I won't elaborate on my experience. I also wanted to post some pics but my computer is not cooperating with me in that department either.

By the end of next week however, it will be over and I will then let you know all about it and about Edinburgh. No, I haven't forgotten! In the meantime, wish me luck on my last film this weekend!

Swingin' London

2006-08-03T12:55:00.000+02:00

I'm in London!!! I promise I'll write about Edinburgh soon but I'm a little over-whelmed by the number of pictures I have. For now, I'll show you what I've done in London so far. I arrived on tuesday and will leave tomorrow so that doesn't give me as much time as I'd like to soak up the ambiance but I have stayed in London several times before including one whole summer two years ago. If everything goes well I'll be living here before the end of the year... God I hope so. London is my favorite city in the world.

I'm staying with my friend at his flat on the King's Road in Chelsea. Chelsea has to be the loveliest neighborhood in London, in my opinion. It still retains its village-like feel with the different colored houses and quiet streets (except King's Road and Fulham Road of course). I'm staying right next to the Chelsea Cinema and to my surprise as I emerged from the classic black London taxi I was greeted by another classic: the " Breakfast at Tiffany's" poster at the cinema. Unfortunately it's playing on Sunday which means I won't be here anymore but it's still wonderful to see that others appreciate this gem of a film as much as I do.

Yesterday I walked to the V&A museum. It is without a doubt one of the best museums in the world. I headed towards the garden and was pleasantly surprised by an enormous Jeff Koons pink diamond ring. The display reads " A two-metre, mirror-polished stainless steel sculpture in the shape of a cut diamond. A new work never before on public display in the UK, by the world-renowed contemporary artist Jeff Koons. " I love how the different views of the museum and sky are reflected within the cut of the diamond.

The V& A has a fantastic collection, the British Gallery in particular, is astounding. The museum spent a fortune remodeling these rooms and I can say that they are the most interactive and fun galleries I have ever visited. You can open drawers, listen to music, create your own patterns and print them, touch different fabrics,even try on crinolines! Sooo much FUN. There was also an exhibition of "60's London" with a mini movie and Mary Quant/ Twiggy galore. It's hard to imagine the King's Road full of punks and Vivienne Westwood look-alikes now but it's interesting to imagine it.
Here are some paper dresses which were all the rage back then, who knew?

There was also an exhibition on "Che Guevara: Revolutionary & Icon" which I didn't have time to see but maybe I'll swing by there today. It was quite humurous how they posted his face all over the entrance hall and on the pavement right outside the museum.

After my V& A visit I couldn't resist a look at Ladureé at Harrod's. I had just bought the Marie-Antoinette biography by Lady Antonia Fraser, "Marie-Antoinette: The Journey" which Sofia Coppola based her screenplay on. I decided to sit, read, and have a cup o' tea, and bien sûre, des MACARONS. I have to admit that I was not too impressed by the London Ladureé. It was very busy and loud, and a bit tacky even but their macarons are still divine! I ordered the Violet tea and 4 macarons: fruit rouges, citron, pétales des roses, menthe. The only one I wasn't crazy about was the mint, it tasted too much like chewing gum!

On my way back to Chelsea I was confronted by a hint of the Swingin' London of the past. Yes, it's still there if you look hard enough.

Off to Edinburgh!

2006-07-25T12:34:00.000+02:00

I'm leaving for Edinburgh tomorrow for a week! I have never been to this magical city before but I've only heard wonderful things about it. I really cannot wait to be there. Also, it'll be 20 degrees or less! YES PLEASE. I can't stand the heat anymore. I don't care if it rains everyday as long as it's not HOT.

I might not be posting for a while because after Edinburgh I'll take a train to London and then Oxford for the whole month of August. I'm doing a 4-week filmmaking course there. Should be lots of fun as well as very instructive. Wish me luck!

Here's a little taste of Scotland from the Alexander McQueen Fall 06 collection.

To create your own tartan go to:
http://www.vam.ac.uk/vastatic/microsites/
1231_vivienne_westwood/tartan.html
(no I can't do links because I have a Mac and use Safari, blogger.com only offers me spell-check and "add a picture" yes, I know, tragic. I can't even change the font!)

An Ad, a Glass, and a Camera

2006-07-23T19:51:00.000+02:00

The other day while waiting for my Moroccan meal at "Le Riad" in Cannes, I experimented a little with my camera. The results make me want to take a photography course really badly!

I got this ad at a bar and I really liked the photograph in it. Then, I decided to place the handblown glass on top of the images and capture the effects with the macro lens of my digital camera.

What do you think?

A Little Fashion Prayer

2006-07-20T02:57:00.000+02:00

I made up this little prayer a few years back. Hope you enjoy it.

Dear Father Oscar de la Renta,
Please hear our fashion prayers.
May pink never cease to be in style,
the mighty stiletto reign supreme,
and deliver us from the evil of fake
designer bags.

A Swiss Laduree

2006-07-18T01:05:00.000+02:00

Favorite of favorites Ladurée has opened a boutique in Geneva. I don't often go to the swiss city, but still, it's somehow comforting to know that their sublime delicacies will be available outside of Paris. I know that they have also opened a store in Harrod's, London. That is definitely good news since I plan to move there in the coming months. When I lived in Paris for a year, back in 1998, I developed an obsession for their rose macarons and of course the ambiance and deliciously decadent décor (unintended alliteration overload). The years have passed and Ladurée still takes up valuable space in my memory.

An hour spent there is an otherworldly experience, a welcome respite from the contagious "Paris Blues" or should I call them "the mean reds" à la Holly Golightlly? I don't think anyone is immune to this maladie in the city of lights. No matter how much you love Paris, if you live there for an extended period of time you slowly morph into a nostalgic, frequently ill-humored but ultimately überchic Parisian. I could always rely on Ladurée to cheer me up on one of those grisaille laden days. So, thank you, merci beaucoup Ladurée, I won't forget you.
My interest has been further reawakened with Sofia Coppola's "Marie-Antoinette," since they were exclusive pastry consultants and their creations feature prominently in the film. Ladurée fits in perfectly with the themes of decadence, excess, and pleasure which so characterize Marie-Antoinette's legacy.

Vive Ladurée!
7 Cours de Rive-1204 Genève

Artists I admire: Ryan McGuinness

2006-07-16T23:07:00.000+02:00

If I had an unlimited budget to create a fabulous contemporary art collection, Ryan McGuinness would surely make the list. I came accross several of his striking prints at MOMA in April and it was love at first sight. I had no idea that he was such an art star. I admit I am a little abashed since I majored in art history, but when it comes to contemporary art I definitely have a lot to learn! I think that all you need in order to learn about art is a little curiosity coupled with an open-mind, and of course a tolerance for museum visits. I think it may end up being a gene, "the museum gene," I know some people who are absolutely allergic to museums and will just break out in hives at the mere mention of them. I try to avoid these people at all costs. No, but seriously, you don't need to be a pompous tweed-wearing preppy or a cooler-than-thou Williamsburg hipster to discuss art.

After four years of overanalyzing and researching paintings to death I'm trying to return to my initial intuitive, or emotional connection to art.
So, forgive me if I don't wax intellectual about art here. I just wanted to share the work of artists which I, for some reason or other, forged a special bond with.

Ryan McGuinness is visually refreshing and exciting, at least to me. I used to be very conservative in my artistic tastes but that is changing rapidly. I love the flatness and the swirling, psychedelic feel of his work. I understand that he has done commercial work such as designing skateboards, clothing, and posters. I don't think commercializing his work will damage his career, it only shows the range of his multifaceted talents. However, when commercialization gets a little out of hand, i.e. Munch's "The Scream", or Van Gogh's "Starry Night," the originals loose some of their soul. But I believe Mr. McGuinness knows his limits.

I especially like this last one entitled "Bronzino Crunch", 1999. Bronzino, a Mannerist portraitist, is one of my most beloved artists, and his "portrait of a young man" pictured here, is a particular favorite. I even developed a crush on him while gazing into his lulling eyes at the Met for half an hour. I love the odd juxtapositions and overlapping effects he achieves. Truly out of the ordinary.

Natural's not in it

2006-07-14T19:40:00.000+02:00

I forgot to mention that I did watch Marie-Antoinette again, this time in the French dubbed version. I actually enjoyed it more than the first time at the premiere. Perhaps it's because I had my own expectations to deal with the first time and now I was free to watch at ease. The dubbing was very well done. Obviously French fit in "à la perfection" in Versailles. I thoroughly relished the beauty of the images while trying not to get my mind to ask too many questions. It is not plot-driven, nor does it try to make any political statements. The movie says "love me as I am" and "don't turn me into something i'm not." I still can't get enough of it. The sountrack is supposed to come out in October in France and probably in the rest of Europe. However, I have been listening to a few of the songs from the movie such as "Age of Consent" by New Order, "I Want Candy" By Bow Wow Wow, and "Natural's not in it" by Gang of Four.

"Natural's not in it" is used for the opening credits and having read the lyrics it is absolutely perfect. Bravo Sofia!
Observe:

Natural's Not In It

The problem of leisure
What to do for pleasure
Ideal love a new purchase
A market of the senses
Dream of the perfect life
Economic circumstances
The body is good business
Sell out, maintain the interest
Remember Lot's wife
Renounce all sin and vice
Dream of the perfect life
This heaven gives me migraine
The problem of leisure
What to do for pleasure

Coercion of the senses
We are not so gullible
Our great expectations
A future for the good
Fornication makes you happy
No escape from society
Natural is not in it
Your relations are of power
We all have good intentions
But all with strings attached

Repackaged sex keeps your interest
Repackaged sex keeps your interest
Repackaged sex keeps your interest
Repackaged sex keeps your interest
Repackaged sex keeps your interest
Repackaged sex keeps your interest

The problem of leisure
What to do for pleasure
Ideal love a new purchase
A market of the senses
Dream of the perfect life
Economic circumstances
The body is good business
Sell outs [? out ?] maintain the interest
Remember Lot's wife
Renounce all sin and vice
Dream of the perfect life
This heaven gives me migraine
This heaven gives me migraine
This heaven gives me migraine
* * *
(www.goldlyrics.com)

Leche-Vitrines A St. Tropez

2006-07-12T21:16:00.000+02:00

Last week we decided to drive down to St. Tropez. We probably chose the worst day as it started to pour as we arrived, it even hailed! We parked in the indoor parking of the Place des Lices but it was full of people taking shelter, waiting for the storm to abate. After waiting like chickens, we mustered up the courage to brave the weather. Fortunately, once we got to the Vieux Port it stopped raining and the sun made a welcome entrance.

I took this picture of the colorful Vieux Port buildings reflected on the wet pavement. I hope these images will dispel the notorious party-animal image of St. Tropez. It's not all about fancy cars, models, and yachts, though admittedly they do play a big part during the summer months. I thought I'd show you the sweeter side of St. Trop, this being "la dolcissima vita mia."

Here I am enjoying a capuccino ice-cream in the sunshine. Barbarac is the best place for ice-cream in St. Tropez, I believe. It is situated in the port really close to Häagen-Dazs, and is a much better alternative.
These were their "nouveauté" I didn't try them but they look so beautiful, don't you think?

Later on we walked down Rue Sibilli to do some shopping, but unfortunately I came home empty-handed. That's why I've called this post "lèche-vitrines" which means "window-shopping" in French. I passed by the new Diane Von Furstenberg shop in St. Tropez. She was the quintessential "it girl" of the 70's here, well apart from Brigitte Bardot of course who has become St. Tropez' s patron saint practically. Brigitte's style is seen everywhere, from the fashions in the shop windows to the thin and impossibly tan teenagers swarming around town in cute vespas sporting their micro shorts, cowboy boots, and messy long hair. Yes, they are chic, but it's really not my style, so I opted not to give into temptation. I think we should all find what works for us and try not to veer away from it too much. It's not that I'm against experimenting, it's fun and creative but I think we all know that when your closet is in the throes of an identity crisis, your personal style will suffer.

As I wandered about the enchanting streets, I was suddenly aware of every detail, a lovely door-knocker, a beautiful color on a door, a cat peeking out the window. All of these everyday images were suddenly full of new meaning in the surge of appreciation.

Peek-a-boo!

I just fell in love with this door-knocker...

This lovely Pâtisserie had the typical "Tarte Tropézienne" in their window. This is a St. Tropez specialty created by Alexandra Micka, a Polish immigrant who set up a bakery in St. Tropez in the 50's. When Brigitte Bardot and Roger Vadim were filming "And God Created Woman" in nearby Ramatuelle. Micka was asked to cater for the whole film crew. This creamy cake was an instant hit among the crew and it soon came to be known as "la tarte tropezienne." I didn't get to go to the original bakery, next time I hope! C'est délicieux.

Englishman in Monaco

2006-07-08T01:55:00.000+02:00

Monday night was the Sting concert at the Sporting Club in Monaco. Every year they have a music festival and invite famous singers and bands to this most stylish setting. After getting completely stuck in a huge traffic jam for an hour on the A8 autoroute on our way to Montecarlo, we thought we'd never arrive on time. As a last resort, we all began chanting the magic affirmation "the traffic is flowing, the traffic is flowing" like maniacs. Well, guess what? It worked! After about 5-10 minutes of that impromptu surge of positivity the roads cleared up and we made it in record time!

We sat at a long table with a group of friends, there were 20 of us in total. The Sporting room is shaped like a half-moon and the huge windows overlook the glittering Montecarlo bay. As soon as we sat down, I eyed the menu being a bit of a gourmande myself.
Here it is:

STING

L'ORCHESTRE DU SPORTING

DIRECTION FRANCOIS LEGRAND

Menu

Monday 3rd July 2006

Lobster salad with cepe mushrooms and rocket salad,
exotic fruit tartare, vodka and lime granita,
strong citrus fruit juice

Beef tournedos on foie gras crouton,
asparagus meunière-style
and Maxime potato with truffle

Raspberries dacquoise,
champagne sorbet, red fruit coulis

Sporting Montecarlo delicacies and chocolates
Coffee

I have to admit that the menu sounds better in French than in English, if you don't believe me here's a little comparison:
"Lobster salad with cepe mushrooms and rocket salad" as opposed to "Salade de homard aux cèpes bouchons et riquette"
OR, "maxime potato with truffle" vs. "pomme maxime à la truffe"... et voilà! Am I right or am I right?

Just as the coffee was being served, the lights went out and all 900 guests grew quiet as Sting appeared propelled by a sliding stage sailing forwards until it reached the very center of the room. IT WAS BEYOND!

He was rather close to where we were sitting. I have to say that he looks unbelievably fit for his age (55), must be all that yoga he and his wife Trudie Styler, do. I keep meaning to make yoga a regular practice but for some reason or other it never sticks, I go through periods where I do yoga everyday and then I won't do it at all. It's strange because I'm usually not an extremist in any sense of the word, maybe it's just yoga-specific.

Anyway, back to the concert. Sting played a lot of songs from The Police. "Every breath you take", "Englishman in New York", "Spirits in the Material World" and of course "Roxanne" were on the repertoire.

Only in Monaco would you see someone with a french manicure, cartier watch and diamond ring in the "mosh pit".

He was ELECTRIC!
Oh, and speaking of electric Sting the day after the concert I went swimming in the sea and got STUNG by a JELLYFISH! It was super painful but now it's all gone, thank Sting!

Here's a pic of the Casino de Montecarlo taken on our way back home to Cannes.

Vive la France!

2006-07-07T14:47:00.000+02:00

On a gagné, on a gagné!! Wednesday night we got together with a few pals at L'abreuvoir, a little bar in the small town of Mougins, (close to Cannes) to watch France play against Portugal.
L'abreuvoir, as its name indicates, used to be a watering place esp. for horses and still retains its cave-like appearance inside.
After a few bottles of rosé and many a "Zizou, Zizou!" and of course, the obligatory "Allez les Bleus" the French team had beat Portugal 1-0 thanks to a penalty shot by Zidane....
We decided to head to Cannes and celebrate the victory. It was so much fun honking at cars, cruising with big French flags out the window. We walked around the croisette dancing and yelling and then did a bit of bar hopping. Finally we got home around 4 am, which really wasn't that late if you think about it. I'm really looking forward to the final on Sunday! Party time! ( I hope).

Back to La Douce France

2006-07-05T00:12:00.000+02:00

On Saturday we drove back to Cannes but we still listened to both football matches on the radio. First England vs. Portugal and then Brazil vs. France. As we crossed the Spanish border into France we could tell that everyone was off the roads and eagerly awaiting the match at home or at a lively bar.
We stopped by the Chateau de Salses and took some pictures but it was closed and the town was practically empty. We then stopped at Fitou, where there are many wineries. We bought some wine in a bit of a hurry as the match was about to begin and they were already closing the little establishment.

A few hours later, France had beat Brazil and by the time we got to Cannes, everyone was on the streets waving the French flag and going out of their minds! Vive la France!! Allez les Bleus!

Corpus Christi

2006-06-24T14:40:00.000+02:00

Last Sunday was Corpus Christi and being in the small mediterranean village of Sitges (where I used to spend every summer as a child), the festivities were quite special. I just wanted to share some pictures I took of the procession and the wonderfully detailed "catifas", exquisite carpets made of flowers, mostly carnations.

This was the first-prize winner of the catifas:

The design was taken from Andalusian tiles housed in a nearby museum.

The second prize winner:

"Sitges", the Catalan flag and Santiago Rusiñol, a local painter author, and playwright. This year is the 100th anniversary of his birth making it the "any Rusiñol".

Look at how cute the palettes are!

It is a shame to see these time-consuming yet ephemeral works of art destroyed by the same procession-but alas, that's the way it goes.

Here is one of the lovely giants impersonating a Catalan Medieval King.

An enchanting Turkish Queen,

And here are the proud Catalan regents. When they began to move along the procession they looked eerily alive. I don't really know where this tradition comes from... perhaps the citizens had always viewed royalty in such a lofty way that the only way to depict them or impersonate them would have to be as giants. That way one could be sure of gaining the people's respect and awe.

A pause in the procession...

I thought this little boy was sooo adorable! Look at his cute catalan espadrilles.

While witnessing all this I felt like I was in a scene from "The Talented Mr. Ripley", the Virgin Mary emerging from the transparent waters of the Mediterranean, and the supersitious inhabitants so lovingly recreating the same rituals year after year.
Beautiful. Spooky. Magical. Both spiritual and material. Tradition doesn't die in these villages; past and future become one.

Rewind...to New York

2006-06-03T23:14:00.000+02:00

Here are the New York recommendations as promised, but first of all a special thanks to Newyorkdely of Sprezzatura for being a wonderful host and guide to the Big Apple, if it weren't for her I wouldn't be writing about these fabulous places.

Cafés & Restaurants Etc.

Café Sabarksy- located at the Neue Gallery ( a collection of German and Austrian Art). This Viennese café exudes an air of sober elegance with its high ceilings, wainscotting and views of the park. The food is delicious and if you're lucky the pianist will arrive and add a bit of magic to the refined surroundings.

Café Tacci- An unpretentious locale, serving passable Italian food, surprises with live Opera. With the candlelight and the music, it's almost embarrassingly romantic if you're on a date but it is definitely something different.

Via Quadronno and Botttega del Vino- For the best espresso and paninis look no further, these revered establishments are of high quality and the décor feels authentic unlike so many other places... you'd swear you're in Italy!

Balthazar and Pastis- they are what the French would call "les incontournables" it's almost mandatory to pay your respects to both of these temples of worship when in Manhattan. The food is nothing special I have to say, though Balthazar is slightly better than Pastis. Both are very trendy so go there for the scene and enjoy it! You might see Jude Law and Sienna Miller there (are they together again or did they break up? Who knows!)

If you're still craving something sweet swing by the Magnolia Bakery on Bleecker St. For those "Sex & the City" fans, Carrie and Miranda devour cupcakes in an episode where Miranda questions her relationship with Steve, wait isn't that every episode? Oh and they go to Pastis on several occasions in the last season.

Rice to Riches- An "awesome" psychedelic locale owned by Moby in Nolita which offers all kinds of rice pudding... it's quite a novelty and the plastic container and spoon are sooo cool!

And if you can...

-Have a picnic in Central Park under the cherry blossoms
-Buy your groceries at Agata & Valentina's like other gourmet New Yorkers
-Watch foreign films at the Paris theater
-Shop at the Patricia Field (costume designer for "Sex & the City) store, you might see her there, I did!!

- Get a shiatsu massage for $15 and a manicure for $7
-See the Whitney Biennial and write down the names of artists that speak to you
-Visit the Frick and imagine you live there
-Walk very very fast or very very slowly
-Go to the Met rooftop when you're tipsy and flirt with a security guard, no I have not done this but it sounds like fun.
-Get invited to French Tuesdays and practice your french while partying
-Go to Whole Foods and buy Emergen'C
-Get lost at the Met, extra points if tipsy
-Refresh your eyes at Moma
-Take lots and lots of pics!!!

Gourmet Cannes

2006-05-31T13:08:00.000+02:00

Here are some pictures of delicious entreés and desserts that I had the pleasure of eating during the festival.
Yum! We discovered this wonderful little restaurant serving fresh produce from the marché Forville. L'Ardoise is quite a find!
For lunch I had Daurade with asparagus and then a Mousse de fromage blanc aux fruits rouges... Heaven.

Someone else ordered the mousse au chocolat which was also divine but I think mine was better. Another day we went for dinner and I had the guacamole with shrimp decorated with flowers!

For my birthday we went to La Palme d'Or at the Hotel Martinez. The entrées were better than the main courses I have to say. I ordered the melon creme caramel which was to die for...

They really take presentation seriously in France, don't they?

Cannes Conclusion

2006-05-29T01:14:00.000+02:00

The festival is finally over, yes finally. These past 11 days have been exhausting yet calm in a strange way. The other day The Hollywood Reporter nicknamed this 59th Festival as "The Zen Festival." It is not just me as Vincent Cassel, tonight's prize presenter commented on how exhausted everyone was. I don't think this was ever mentioned on stage before.
So, yes I am glad it is over and that Cannes will return to its "normal" state.

I just want to comment on the films I liked most in competition. Of course I haven't seen all of them (after all I was not a member of the jury!) But I'll write a little about the ones I have seen.

My favorite was without a doubt "Volver" by Pedro Almodóvar, no, not because he's Spanish. In fact, those of you who know me are aware of my general dislike of his style, though I have only seen "All About My Mother" and I was so repulsed that I didn't feel like watching any of his other films. "Volver," however is a gem and I want to watch all of Pedro's previous films now. It is a heartwarming portrayal of family, albeit all female. I was so touched by all the details of the film, having spent my early childhood in Spain I was reminded of my grandmother and my aunt and cousins and how we relate to each other when we're together. It was very emotional for me. I am getting teary-eyed e as we speak when I think of the song "Volver" which my grandmother liked to sing. Anyway, on to the next film before I start bawling.

"Babel" by Alejandro Gonzalez Iñarritu was a masterpiece. Four different stories taking place in Morocco, USA, Mexico and Japan intertwine and show how a seemingly meaningless act can lead to unexpected consequences. There is so much love in the film, and generosity, and yet also points to the injustices and political absurdities taking place. It's truly remarkable how Iñarritu can make such disparate scenes ( a troubled, deaf Japanese teenager and a Mexican ilegal housekeeper, for example) work side by side seamlessly. I was speechless. The best scene by far is between Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett, what a profound and heartfelt performance from both of them. ( I don't want to give too much away-when you see the film you'll recognize the scene I'm talking about).

"Pan's Labyrinth," a Spanish-Mexican production by Guillermo del Toro is a fascinating dark "fairy-tale" set in 1940's Fascist Spain. There are several extremely gruesome scenes but the magical world Ofelia creates in order to escape the horrors of her reality is breathtaking and inspiring. An innovative film blending mythological creatures with Celtic undertones and violent, even gory effects. Beautifully poetic and horrifyingly monstruous at the same time, this film is not to be missed.

But the Palme d'or goes to... Ken Loach's "The Wind That Shakes the Barley" (which I didn't see :( )

Cinderella at Cannes

2006-05-25T18:25:00.000+02:00

Yesterday was my birthday, and you know how I'd been dying to see Marie-Antoinette at the festival? Well, there were no tickets to be had anywhere and I had already lost hope when on the very same day I get a phone call from (let's call him Saint Antoine) saying that he wasn't going to the premiere and if I wanted his ticket!! (Saint Antoine is now my fairy godfather) I gladly said YES OF COURSE and ran home in order to prepare for the soirée.

I have been to the "tapis rouge" at the festival many times, but never by myself. However, I couldn't care less about that since I was going to see Marie-Antoinette. I wore a peach silk Jane Austen-like dress with a black velvet choker. I knew I had to get there early as the traffic is homicidal during the festival. My mom dropped me off and I quickly made my way through the fans and well dressed optimists asking for invitations. A handful of people approached me purring "Excusez-moi, vous avez une invitation?" Poor souls.

The entrance to the Palais is always spectacular. A sea of red flanked by photographers and fans lies before you and for a brief moment time stops. You make your way slowly past them and up the famous "marches" and all of a sudden you are brought back to reality by security men asking for your invitation, badge and French women probing your bag for any potentially lethal items.

I was sitting in the Corbeille which is the first few rows of the balcony so I could see everyone downstairs. They also have a huge screen which shows all the stars working the red carpet. Everyone came to see Sofia's new film. The whole Jury of the festival was there ( Wong Kar Wai, Monica Bellucci, Helena Bonham Carter etc. ) and a whole constellation of other stars including Sharon Stone, Penelope Cruz with Pedro Almodovar, Faye Dunaway...)

Sofia came accompanied by the cast and her beau Thomas Mars, her parents, and her brother Roman.
They all looked so happy together.

Now about the film. I have to say that it was not what I had expected from the trailer. I envisaged an energetic and fast-paced frenzy and the film was, despite the punk music, rather indolent and sometimes repetitive. The images were superb as well as the costumes and the surroundings. Many times I felt as if I were looking at fashion photography. But the story was lacking something. I felt like I had eaten one too many macarons and soufflés and I was getting nauseous. I would've liked to get to know Marie-Antoinette's innermost thoughts and desires not just her penchant for shoes, candy and gambling.
But, I trust Sofia and I will watch the movie again to see if there were subtleties I might have overlooked.

(N.B. All the pictures were taken by yours truly)

Back from New York

2006-05-11T12:30:00.000+02:00

I have so much to tell from my New York experience I don't even know where to begin! I had a lovely time with my friends and the weather was perfect! The city was in full bloom, tulips, magnolias and lilacs filled the air with a most refreshing fragrance.

But before I get into the details of my trip I would like to express how excited I am about the Cannes Film Festival which begins next Wednesday! Hopefully I will get there on Monday or Tuesday. The opening film is "The Da Vinci Code" (out of competition), which I would very much like to watch, but Sofia Coppola's "Marie-Antoinette", which I have posted about is far more exciting. There's a new trailer in the French website and most importantly, it will be released in France on none other than my birthday (May 24)!!! Thank you Sofia, that was so thoughtful of you! (www.marieantoinette-lefilm.com)

I have also discovered that el Señor Manolo Blahník was asked (or possibly begged?) to design the shoes for Kirsten Dunst's delicate feet. If you watch the new trailer you'll see just how exquisite his designs are. I believe this is his premier foray into film, congratulations Manolo! I really hope this will be the first of many cinematic collaborations...

Which reminds me of this magnificent exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art entitled "AngloMania" created by the Costume Institute which also included many of the Spanish genius' dainty creations. I swear I almost burst into sobs when I laid eyes on this show last week. The curators juxtaposed "traditional" British fashion with "transgressional" designs by Vivienne Westwood, John Galliano, Paul Smith, Alexander McQueen, Hussein Chalayan and lovely orchid-shaped hats by Philip Treacy. The show is installed in the Bristish period rooms at the Met which lend a certain grandeur and authenticity to the costumes. The overall effect was quite dramatic and obviously extremely to my liking! I cannot offer enough high praise for it. In one of the rooms the atmosphere of a typical English Manor is conjured by covering the faux windows of an 18th century English room with shadows of trees while dimming the lights and adding rainy/stormy sound effects. I loved it, but then I would, wouldn't I?, being a hopeless Anglomaniac myself. The bottom line is if you find yourself in New York between May 3rd and September 4th and you do not make an effort to see it, our friendship will be doomed for all eternity.

That's all for today, but I promise I will come up with a list of more New York places/recommendations for you soon.

Manhattan Escapade

2006-04-19T11:57:00.000+02:00

I'm leaving for New York this afternoon!! I am beyond excited! I suppose this means that I won't be posting for a while. But don't worry, as soon as I get back I will let you in on all the juicy details of my trip. I'll be staying for two weeks so that will give me plenty of time to see everything on my list. Til then my friends!

Fashion News

2006-04-17T14:58:00.000+02:00

It's a gloomy, cloudy, rainy day here in Madrid, perfect for staying in and rewriting scenes in my screenplay. ( I always try to look on the bright side). I also thought you might enjoy some not-to-be-missed fashion news.

Firstly, the master shoe-maker and fellow Spaniard, Manolo Blahník (notice the accent on the i), has just launched a new line of scented candles inspired by Andalusian scents. Hmm, strange since he was born in the Canary Islands and lives in Bath, England. El Señor Blahník chose top notes of fig, ivy, and gardenia and rich notes of violet, chocolate, heliotrope, vanilla, and musk. YUMMY! Apparently they're only available at Neiman's and Bergdorf's for the paltry sum of $75, what a steal!

Speaking of steals, Silvio Berlusconi and Diego della Valle, owner of Tod's, had a long and heated discussion in which Berlusconi accused him and all entrepreneurs who supported the left, of having "skeletons in their cupboard" to which Mr. della Valle replied, "Mr Berlusconi is a tired man. His family should take him home and take care of him," Oh, poor Berlusconi.
To top things off, the center-left has agreed to endorse Tod's as their emblem and Berlusconi supporters are boycotting everything Tod's....So maybe I won't pack my Tod's mocassins on my next trip to Italy?

Lastly, I wonder what your opinion is on the next JFK: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. In a fashion campaign for Gant, the Kennedy family are photographed in Martha's Vineyard all a picture of preppy elegance.. but to me it's a sad reenactment of the original Camelot.. his wife looks too much like Jackie and well, it all looks so perfect it makes me want to cry. But can we really let ourselves hope that the U.S. could have another President like JFK? I think we've all suffered enough with the Kennedys.. but maybe this time fate will be on their side?

Felices Pascuas, Happy Easter

2006-04-16T12:48:00.000+02:00

Easter is such a lovely time of the year... rebirth.. spring... resurrection.. what more can you ask for?
I wonder what Pope Benedict would want for his birthday today? Perhaps another pair of red Prada loafers? Do you think he has an ipod? He could listen to Gregorian chants while relaxing at Castelgandolfo... just a thought... It's clear from his excellent taste that this Pope is a Taurus (lovers of art and beauty).

With that in mind, why not indulge in these superbly decadent macarons, especially created for Easter by favorite of favorites... Ladureé?

Sofia Style

2006-04-16T00:22:00.000+02:00

I am so into everything Sofia right now... her movies, her style, her favorite music... she's just awesome, what can I say?
I cannot wait to see Marie-Antoinette, perhaps I'll get lucky and see it at the Cannes Film Festival next month.. or I might bump into her at Eden Roc.. Can't wait!