0 Tezz (Movie Review)

For a thriller that created more buzz for an item number than for its action, you know what to expect. And you don’t even have to wait too long…. barely a few minutes into the film and Mallika Sherawat pops up to do her Laila act.

Over and done with the song, as you wait for the action to unfold, there’s another coming along… Ajay Devgn and Kangna Ranaut break into a romantic number.

Never mind that there’s a bomb ticking away on a train, lives of 500 passengers are at stake and time is fast running out.

In a bid to infuse the melodrama bits into Tezz, scant attention has been paid to the plot that keeps going off the track. What’s most vital in a thriller is the frenetic pace with which things have to move.

There has to be that visible sense of urgency. But this is missing, as an assortment of characters get tossed around doing their own bits. And most importantly there is no one keeping tabs on the time elapsed, these guys seem to be in no tearing hurry.

The plot revolves around Akash (Devgn) who is an engineer but an illegal immigrant in London. Finding himself on the wrong side of the law, he is taken to task.

But he decides to take revenge along with his accomplices Adil (Zayed Khan) and Megha (Sameera Reddy) by planting a bomb on a train. He is not a terrorist but is simply a victim of circumstances.

Now how many illegal immigrants get caught and go around planting bombs to seek revenge?

The premise itself is far from intriguing. Akash also wants to make some cool millions by asking for a ransom to live happily ever after with wife Nikita (Kangna Ranaut).

South star Mohan Lal may be the director’s buddy but looks out of place as a cop.

There is also Boman Irani as the railway traffic in-charge and Anil Kapoor as the counter terrorism chief who is pulled back into the job moments after his retirement speech and exclaims, “Woh English filmein bahut dekhta hoga” when the perpetrator leaves him befuddled. Just in case if you thought that the makers weren’t!

What catches your attention are the sequences featuring Sameera in a raft and later speeding on a bike (yup… you read it right it is Sam, no less) with the cops tailing her. And then Zayed resorts to some parkour stunts with Anil trying to keep pace with him.

These two moments apart, what you also remember are the deeply-stained teeth of Devgn and the different shades of orange that Kangna’s hairdo has.

Credit: Mid-Day.com

0 The Avengers (Movie Review)

Film: In a multi-hero film it is tough to do justice to each character. Imagine a multi-superhero film? Yet to the delight of movie lovers, second-time feature director Joss Whedon proves himself to be a superhero as he pulls the impossible with fun, humour and unbelievable panache in "The Avengers".

SHIELD director Nick Fury (Jackson) manages to assemble six superheroes when Loki (Hiddleston) threatens to destroy the Earth. Sadly, strong personalities don't make a good team and our superheroes fight with one another.

It is only when everything seems lost, that our superheroes realise that alone they might be lost, confused souls, but together they become something they never thought they could be - the invincible avengers.

The film is so engaging that despite some flaws, you choose to ignore these. It is witty, smart and funny, with enough comic-book humour and elements of delight for everyone from a five-year-old to an 85-year-old.

So, everything you can imagine in a film with multiple superheroes - great action, good costume, witty writing, good subplots and most of all, the superheroes fighting one another - is there in the film. It's been designed for success and this design works like a charm.

Not one character has been given extra attention while giving enough time to establish the characters of the two who don't have a separate film yet - Black Widow and Hawk Eye.

"The Avengers" thus become a surprising example of too much being put in one film, yet it working out in the end.

The long-winding, extended climax is an absolutely delight. The length is just perfect. Any shorter and it would have not done justice to the characterisations and any longer would have made it boring.

Yet, you do miss a few elements while a few others jar. A cameo by Natalie Portman (from "Thor"), like that of Gwyneth Paltrow is missed. "The Hulk", who so far we learnt couldn't control his anger, in the climax suddenly develops it becoming an adorable green monster who's as strong as he is cute. A little on how he got there, would have been better.

Tom Hiddleston as Loki, the evil but vulnerable villain outdone by his megalomania, does the best job of "acting".

"The Avengers" is a watershed film because it is a new concept. It is the culmination of the build-up of multiple films - two "Iron Man", "Hulk', "Thor" and "Captain America". This culmination also marks the beginning of a new franchisee.

Thus, this multi-hero film itself becomes a metaphor and a tribute to the literally thousands upon thousands of people who worked in unison in the films mentioned above to lead to this very satisfying end which is also a beginning.

Each one of them showed, like the film's main theme of brotherhood, what it is to work together for a common goal. Perhaps in it lies a message for real life, that our governments could do the same with the world. For even in real life, planet Earth is in desperate need of saving with no superheroes in sight.

0 Aamir in a film on AIDS?

Superstar Aamir Khan is likely to feature in Priyadarshan's much-awaited film based on AIDS.

"The project on AIDS is on, but the script is not yet ready... (I had) too many schedules and things to do so couldn't finish the script. I had discussed it with Aamir earlier and that time he wanted to do the film," the director.

The 55-year-old filmmaker has been talking about this project since 2009. It has been learnt that after Priyadarshan wraps up his current project, 'Kamaal Dhamaal Malamaal', he would start work on the untitled AIDS film, which will be without songs, comedy and free of commercial trappings.

"I will complete the script first and approach him (Aamir) again. If he has time he will do it," the National Award winning director said.

Earlier, filmmakers Revathy and Onir had explored this subject (AIDS) in their films 'Phir Milenge' (2004) and `My Brother Nikhil' (2005), respectively.

While 'Phir Milenge' had a star-studded cast that included Salman Khan, Shilpa Shetty and Abhishek Bachchan, 'My Brother Nikhil' featured Sanjay Suri, Juhi Chawla and Purab Kohli. Both films did not have a successful run at the box office but they received critical acclaim.

Credit: Mid-Day.com

0 Red Carpet Minute: White House Correspondents' Dinner: The "Uh Oh's"!!

Time for a Stylist Re-Hire...

In my last post, I talked about my "Best" and "OK" Dressed at last night's Washington DC-Hearts-Hollywood Correspondents' Dinner. There were some nicely dressed ladies in attendance, however, it's time for the "Uh Oh's"--Let's begin...

Lindsay Lohan: Miss Lindsay...gotta love her. She was a "Guest" of Fox New's Greta van Susteren (in other words, they payed for her First Class LA-Washington DC flight plus a very super duper suite in a five-star DC hotel). She was also there with her attorney, Shawn Holley. OK, now to the important stuff: what she wore. Lindsay wore a halter-neckline black duchesse satin gown. To be blunt: she was two minutes away from being a bridesmaid. 

First, duchesse satin is a difficult fabric to wear--especially if you have to sit in a limo for a while, then get up and do a red carpet. Therefore: wrinkles. The midriff is all wrinkled (from sitting down in the limo fall-out), and yes, there is the oh-so-unsightly "side boobage". In addition, it's always odd to place a seam right through the apex of the breast section. Also, what is up with the 10" hem marking on the gown? Is that the horsehair on the hem? Was it taken up? Is there a seam near the hem of the gown? I am confused. Lindsay: please help me!!

Alicia Keys in Diane von Furstenberg: Huney, I LOVE ya, but did you know you were going to a BLACK TIE event? Alicia looks as if she's attending a cocktail/shopping party at Macy's. Which is fine. But she's actually NOT attending a cocktail/shopping party at Macy's. This is a great dress for a "Girl's Night Out" in NYC, San Francisco, LA, etc. But for the White House Correspondents' Dinner...not so mucheyyy.

Martha Stewart in Marchesa: It's my "Fantasy Crazy Drunk Aunt from Boca!". Here's the positive: a tunic shift dress is a great style, especially for ladies who A) are not a size 0 and B) Ladies who are over 50. I do like the white color with gold detail. It's the fringe that then goes into "Laugh-In" mode and it looks TOO big for her. Look how low the armholes are? And I could pinch in about an inch on the double on the sides (sorry for the "Fashion Instructor Terminology").

 

Zooey Deschanel in Oscar de la Renta: I think Zooey is just the "Cat's Meow" (do people even say that in 2012?). And I admire an Oscar de la Renta ball gown, because in my past life I'd like to think I was one of them "Ladies Who Lunch" and wear Oscar de la Renta ball gowns!  However, there are two things wrong with this: First the top bustier section needs about about an inch more fabric added to the neckline; it's too teeny tiny. But more importantly, what is happening to that drooped hem?? This is UNACCEPTABLE. I'm sure it's a runway sample and it's made for the 5' 10" Fit Model (and Zooey is 5' 5")...however, you then need to alter it!!!

Sigourney Weaver: OK, here's the positive (yes, there is one!), on an 18-year model from Brazil, in a studio, standing there, in a "Look Book" photo shoot...I can see this black crepe back satin side-cowl draped gown--looking quite chic and directional. I can also see this on a "quirky" guest at a Paris Gallery Opening as well. But...on Sigourney Weaver, it looks a mess. It does NOTHING for her. You would think that a 6 foot tall actress who is so fabulous as Ms. Weaver is, could just about pull off anything. Not so much. Her hair and make up don't help. If she were to have skewed more directional or extreme with the entire look, it would have at least made a bit more sense.

But now, to the "GURL What Were You Thinking" Award of the Night:

Rosario Dawson in Armani Prive: I just about fell off my couch when I saw this (and not in a good way)...and then realized that she was wearing a $40,000+ Armani Prive Haute Couture hand-made gown. This is shameful. For all parties involved. It was an emerald green silk organza (with an iridescent finish) fitted gown with complex seaming, defined shoulders and yes...

There is THAT oh-too-plunging neckline. The bust section is WAAAY too tight. It was made for a girl (well, a model) who had a 32" bust circumference (the standard for runway models) and that is why Rosario's sisters are all out there. But it's not just that--the entire gown is way too tight. The entire abdomen area is rippling and pulling and those delicate seams are pulling...it just makes me cry knowing that this is a hand-made gown that took many, many hours to create and if Rosario had purchased, would cost a high 5-digit figure. And not to mention, she is such a beautiful actress, so this decision doesn't do her beauty justice. Rosario, next time: email me. Or have your stylist email me.

0 'Think Like a Man' tops North American box office

LOS ANGELES: Romantic comedy “Think Like a Man” easily beat four new films to win the U.S. and Canadian box office race for a second time while superhero movie “The Avengers” stormed into overseas theaters with record-breaking sales.

“Think Like a Man” led domestic charts with an $18.0 million total from Friday through Sunday, according to studio estimates compiled by Reuters on Sunday. New movies including adult comedy “The Five-Year Engagement” didn’t come close, each grabbing about $11 million or less.

Big-budget, effects-filled “Avengers” hauled in a massive $178.4 million since Wednesday from theaters in 39 international markets, Walt Disney Co said. The 3D film from Disney’s Marvel studio set opening-weekend records in 12 territories including Mexico and Brazil and opening-day records in four countries.

“Avengers” reaches North American (U.S. and Canadian) theaters on Friday to kick off the summer movie season. Box office forecasters predict super-sized sales that will rival this year’s record set by teen death match drama “The Hunger Games,” a blockbuster that debuted in March with $152.5 million domestically.

Anticipation for “Avengers” likely kept many filmgoers home from multiplexes this weekend, said Paul Dergarabedian, president of the box office division of Hollywood.com. Overall ticket sales slumped 30 percent from the same weekend last year.

“It just seemed like audiences are saving their time and money for next weekend” and the “Avengers” debut, he said.

“Think Like a Man” brought its 10-day sales to $60.9 million. The movie features an ensemble cast and is based on a best-selling relationship guide by comedian Steve Harvey.

Among the newcomers, animated family film “The Pirates! Band of Misfits” performed best with $11.4 million and second place. The film cost about $55 million to make. Total sales overseas, where the movie has been playing since late March, rang up at $75.1 million through Sunday.

Close behind in third place, love story “The Lucky One” took in $11.32 million domestically during its second weekend in theaters.

Action movie “The Hunger Games” slipped to fourth with $11.25 million. Worldwide sales to date reached $601 million, distributor Lions Gate Entertainment Corp said.

“Five-Year Engagement” opened at a disappointing No. 5 with $11.2 million, slightly below projections by Universal Pictures for the low-teens. The movie stars Jason Segel and Emily Blunt as a couple whose walk down the aisle runs into repeated interruptions. Audiences had a lukewarm reception, grading the movie a “B-minus” in polling by survey firm CinemaScore.

Universal and privately held Relativity Media produced “Five-Year Engagement” for about $30 million. “A reasonably priced film that slightly underperforms is not the worst thing in world,” said Nikki Rocco, Universal’s president of distribution.

New thriller “Safe” secured $7.7 million and the No. 6 slot. The movie stars Jason Statham as a former elite agent who takes on a mission to rescue a kidnapped girl. Another new thriller, “The Raven” starring John Cusack as Edgar Allen Poe, landed in seventh place with $7.3 million.

Sony Corp’s film studio distributed “Think Like a Man” and “Pirates! Band of Misfits.” Time Warner Inc’s Warner Bros. studio released “The Lucky One.” “The Five-Year Engagement” was distributed by Universal Pictures, a unit of Comcast Corp.

Lions Gate Entertainment Corp released “Hunger Games” and “Safe.” Privately held Relativity Media released “The Raven” in the United States, and Alliance Films distributed the movie in Canada.(Reuters)

0 I am ready to work with Rekha again: Big B

MUMBAI: Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha shared magical chemistry on the silver screen and the pair became one of the most sought-after couple of B-town.

But they haven’t been seen together since they last sizzled in Yash Chopra’s brilliant ‘Silsila’, way back in 1982. However, years after, Big B has once again expressed that he doesn't mind working with Rekha.

Amitabh, who still manages to enthral the audience with his performances, is open to work with his alleged ex-flame, but what he demands is a good script. "If I get a good story and I like it, then we can certainly work together," explains Senior Bachchan.

On being asked about Rekha’s and Sachin Tendulkar's nomination in the Parliament, he said, "People who are nominated in Parliament are honourable and are eligible for appreciation." Well, we’ll surely convey your appreciation to her, sir. I am ready to work with Rekha again.

0 Prize-winning film's Cuban actors to seek asylum in Miami

MIAMI: A pair of lead actors from a prize winning film about escaping Cuba have emerged from hiding to confirm they are seeking political asylum in the United States.

The young Cuban actors went missing last week while en route to the Tribeca Film Festival in New York where they were due to appear at the movie's U.S. premiere.

Actress Anailin de la Rua and actor Javier Nunez, cast members of "Una Noche" ("One Night"), broke their silence Friday night in a TV appearance on the Miami-based Spanish language channel America TeVe.

In an interview with Reuters, de la Rua and Nunez said their life imitating art saga was not quite as dramatic in real life as the harrowing story depicted in the film.

"Una Noche" follows three Cuban teenagers who try to escape their homeland by sea on a raft to start a new life in Miami. De la Rua and Nunez, who fell in love during filming, play a brother and sister, but only one of them survives the risky journey.

The pair said their real-life decision to leave Cuba stemmed from the success of the film and invitations to travel to festival premieres - Berlin in February and then New York.

They spent six days in Germany in February, their first overseas trip, but returned to Cuba and only began to think of leaving the island permanently when they got news of the invitation to New York.

"In part it's hard to leave your family and friends behind," said de la Rua, who has two sisters and divorced parents in Havana. "But at the same time you do it so you can help them. There's no future in Cuba."

Nunez said his mother lives alone in Cuba and he plans to help her out economically along with his older brother who left Cuba for Ecuador several years ago and works as a waiter.

The actors, both aged 20, said they were surprised by the film's success, especially as it was their first - and only - acting roles. They were 15 when they auditioned separately for the film, and then spent two years preparing for their roles after being selected by the film's director Lucy Mulloy.

"She told us what she liked and didn't like. She likes very natural acting," said de la Rua.

But nearly three years passed before the film's release, during which time the pair took regular day jobs. "Our friends in Cuba kept on asking us 'when is the film coming out,' and they almost didn't believe it was for real," said de la Rua, who worked at a Havana street stall selling home-made handicrafts and jewelry to tourists. Nunez worked in a pizza restaurant.

ATHLETES AND ARTISTS

"It never entered our minds that we would get to travel because of the film. We never imagined that it would go this far," de la Rua added.

There is a long history of Cuban athletes and artists defecting to pursue careers outside their home country, including the 1997 defection of baseball pitcher Orlando "El Duque" Hernandez who smuggled his way out of Cuba by boat and became a star with the New York Yankees.

More recently the desertions have included talented ballet dancers and soccer players.

A Miami immigration lawyer, Wilfredo Allen, who is representing the actors, said he planned to file for political asylum on their behalf in the next two weeks "based on possible persecution if they return to Cuba."

Under U.S. law Cuban citizens enjoy special immigration rights to remain in the United States, either by applying for permanent residency or by seeking political refugee status.

The couple's reappearance came a day after Nunez shared the best actor award at the Tribeca festival, along with Dariel Arrechada, a fellow actor in "Una Noche." Arrechada accepted the award on his own, and apparently plans to return to Cuba.

"Una Noche" also picked up the Tribeca Festival's best cinematography award and best new narrative director for Mulloy.

Mulloy, a London-born 32-year-old who shot the low-budget film in Havana and was inspired by a tale she heard on a trip to the island nation 10 years ago, told Reuters she wished the missing actors could have attended the award ceremony.

"I haven't heard from them," she said. "Honestly, it's all happened so quickly ... it's a shock," she added.

"I'm sad for them because they are my friends," Arrechada told Reuters in broken English and Spanish after accepting his award on Thursday, referring to his missing fellow actors.

"I wish they were here, but ... you could be happy for them, for Javier and for Anailin and for everyone. It's weird. I miss him."

The couple is staying with de la Rua's uncle in Miami and plans to move into their own place as soon as they find jobs. They said they would like to act again, but are willing to do any kind of job to kick off their new lives.

They said the director of "Una Noche" is hoping to make a sequel, titled "Una Noche Mas" (One More Night).

"We'd like to do that," said Nunez. (Reuters)

0 Red Carpet Minute: White House Correspondents' Dinner--Best Dressed

Dinner Dress Up

Last night Hollywood and Washington DC collided--and colluded--in the 98th Annual White House Correspondents' Association Dinner. The White House Correspondents' Association (WHCA) is an organization of journalists who cover the White House and the President of the United States. The actual intended purpose of the White House Correspondents' Dinner is to "acknowledge award-winners, present scholarships, and give the press and the president an evening of friendly appreciation". But in recent years it has become an event where the press and Hollywood get to hob nob with each other. Members of the media/press are allowed to "invite" Hollywood stars to be at their tables, therefore paying for their First Class travel and Five-Star Hotel accommodations, in exchange to sit with them and yes, get some press. It's also a chance for some "Red Carpet Critiquing". There were some MESSES last night (in a later post, darlings, don't worry) but let's start with some Good Ones (and "OK's") of the night:

First Lady Michelle Obama in Naeem Khan Spring 2012: Mrs. Obama chose a printed silk gown from one of her favorite designers, NY-based Indian-born Naeem Khan. It's from his Spring 2012 Collection and on the runway (as you can see above), it was shown with a one-shoulder drape. As we all know, the First Lady has some AMAZING shoulders and intelligently knows that they should be showcased. Therefore the one shoulder over-drape was removed for Mrs. Obama. I think she looks great. I love the "ethnic" feel of the mixed print and it is very ON TREND with what is happening in prints.

Elizabeth Banks in Antonio Berardi Fall 2012: Banks wore a lipstick red strapless gown with peplum detail; (very NOW ladies!!) from British designer of Sicilian descent Antonio Berardi. Originally, the designer showed this style in a gunmetal sequined fabrication (as seen on the runway photo above). I like this dress on Elizabeth Banks. The shape is fabulous and fits her really well and to top it off, her hair, make-up and  jewelry are just right.

Kate Hudson in Jenny Packham: let's start from the top: LOVE the bun!! Usually we see Hudson in a very "Carefree California Girl" 'do but here she "bumped"-up (sorry for the pun) her hair quotient. It's very "Miss Universe" meets my Mom in Caracas in 1975! The dress: love the color, fabrication and the fit. I assume she was styled by her pal Rachel Zoe and well, kids, she did (as usual) a FABULOUS job.

Elle Macpherson in Romona Keveza: Let's begin with the fact that it helps to have Elle "The Body" Macpherson wearing your dress. Designed by Romona Keveza, who is better known for her very popular wedding gowns. This black satin gown features a folded-and-pleated top section with an asymmetrical peplum (yes, kids, it's a MAJAH trend!). Elle looks pretty amazing and let's not forget: she is showing Angelina Jolie how its done...in terms of how to walk and pose with a high slit. How do you say "Atta-Gurl" in Australian slang?

Ivanka Trump in Naeem Khan: Kids, THIS is how you do PLUNGING! Period. It's flawless on Ivanka. She's wearing a gown by "Designer of the Night" Naeem Khan--a silver sequined gown with cap sleeves and yes, that plunging neckline. It is "inspired" by a dress from his Fall 2011 RTW collection as seen in photo above. Finally kids, I need to add as a "PS": THE ONLY WAY for the Trumps to recover from last year's "Donald Roast" is to send Ivanka looking stupendous!

 

Reese Witherspoon in Monique Lhuillier: she looks great! The black gown by LA-based designer Monique Lhuillier is elegant, very "Old Hollywood Glamour", draped beautifully. I also like the pop of turquoise in the earrings and side-swept hairstyle. Hard to tell she is even pregnant!

Charlize Theron in Emilio Pucci by Peter Dundas: One word: wow. Again, you really can't go wrong when you begin with a stunner like Charlize. The lace over nude lining fitted gown, features a scalloped boat-neck and long sleeves. It's such a busy lace that she chose wisely to finish it off with a simple and elegant center parted chignon.

Good But Not Great:

Dakota Fanning in Prada: this light plum sequined gown is just "OK" for me. There are several "Not Sure's" here. The keyhole seems odd-especially since the neckline already has such a nice "V" shape; the front length is odd, looks too short and the shoes, they look a bit "Grandma-About-To-Play-Mahjong-In-Boca" (which, incidentally, is SOOO Miuccia Prada!). I wanna know what YOU guys think here? Help me!!

Eva Longoria in Marchesa Fall 2012: I think the top section of this white Marchesa Fall 2012 dress is fantastic and right on trend with the drop-shoulder/cap sleeve detail as well as the original applique. It's the odd multi-cowl draped skirt section that troubles me. I have to say that somehow it looks a bit "puffier" and with more volume on Eva than on the runway model, and this I do like.

Kim Kardashian: Kim K. went for a more "demure" and less "Va-Va-Boom" Kim at last night's White House Correspondents' Dinner. She wore an emerald green silk velvet floor length sleeveless bias-cut gown with "peek-a-boo" back and sequined shoulder and waist trim. From far away, it's pretty great but then...

Close-up, the top looks wonky; I know that it's bias and therefore it is stretching...but I still have the urge to go up to her and get some pins and pin out about 1" excess from the top shoulder area (sorry, it's the draping instructor in me!).

Sofia Vergara in David Meister Signature Collection: Again, it's "OK" for me. It is a great shape for her--accentuates her tiny waist, hides the "cha-cha" hips, and so on, but...this would be great if she was going to an afternoon wedding in Connecticut. But the White House Correspondents' Dinner?? I'm a little disappointed. She should have stolen Viola Davis' gown...speaking of Viola Davis...

Viola Davis in Amsale Spring 2012 Bridal: Ethiopian-born fashion designer, Amsale, is very well known for her wedding dresses. In fact, this gown on Viola is from Amsale's Spring 2012 Bride Collection (originally shown in white on the runway as seen in photo on the right). It's a one-shoulder ziberline gown with a fit-to-flare princess seamed shape and folded-and-pleated top detail. It's a stunner of a gown. However, I just have to take issue with the "I'm about to have a Janet Jackson Wardrobe Malfunction" side-breast spillage (almost) occurring as a result of how scooped that side is on the underarm/neckline section. There needs to be about 2-3" of extra fabric up in there. Other than that: Fab!

0 Nick TV Minute: SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA--Don't Miss the FIDM Debut Fashion Show TOMORROW (Sunday) 9PM KLCS-TV, PBS Channel 58

Fashion Show TV!!!

Debut 2012 Fab (Photo courtesy of abimages.com)

This past March was the FIDM Debut 2012 Fashion Show! This is where graduates of the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM (my alma mater!) Advanced Fashion Design--as well as  Theater Costume Design--get to showcase their collections in a FABULOUS stage of the Santa Monica Barker Hanger in front of industry professionals, their peers--oh and yes, over 5,000 other people!!!

Host With The Fashion Most: Nick Verreos MC'ing FIDM Debut 2012 Fashion Gala

I had the pleasure of MC'ing and hosting FIDM Debut 2012 and introducing the fashions and the very talented graduates. The designers are tomorrow's Next Rising Fashion Stars--and who knows--maybe future Project Runway contestants...or Winners!!!

 Photo courtesy of abimages.com

Back when I was at FIDM (don't even look for the year!), I was one of those graduates and did the Debut (It's on YouTube somewhere--I DARE you to find it!). So, Debut will ALWAYS have a special place in my heart. So much so, that for several years in the past, I mentored and was one of the Debut Instructors.

FIDM Debut 2012 design from Randy Lee Donato, FIDM Advanced Fashion Design Graduate Photo courtesy of abimages.com

Well, in case you somehow didn't get the invitation to see the FIDM Debut 2012 live...don't fret. You can watch it on TV!  Now, this is just for Angelenos (Southern California folk that is--sorry, rest of the nation): they just TELEVISED the Debut 2012 Fashion Show on PBS local station KLCS-TV last night (Friday), but...
You have a chance to see it TOMORROW NIGHT Sunday April 29, 9pm, KLCS Channel 58 (on some cable providers, it's Channel 3--check your local cable listings)--DON'T MISS IT!!!!

Here are the DETAILS:

 

 

 WHAT: FIDM Debut 2012 Fashion Show


WHEN: Sunday April 29, 2012, 9 pm (PST)


WHERE: KLCS-TV PBS LA Local Station, Channel 58 (check your local cable provider/listings for channel and time)

0 Aamir Khan attends rickshaw puller son’s wedding

VARANASI: Perfectionist Aamir Khan kept his promise and attended rickshaw driver Nathuni's son's wedding in Varanasi on Wednesday.

Aamir especially came down to Varanasi to attend Rajeev's wedding, son of Ramlakhan Paswan aka Nathuni, an auto-rickshaw driver. When Aamir toured the country in various disguises while promoting his 2009 film, 3 Idiots, he had met Lakhan in Varanasi, and bonded with him over three days, says a member of Aamir’s entourage.

It’s been almost three years but Lakhan hadn't forgotten the bond, and he recently arrived in Mumbai with a wedding invitation for the actor.

Aamir Khan was touched by his behaviour and was trying his best to make it to the wedding.

The actor's spokesperson had said at the time, “It’s not yet confirmed but he is trying to make time for it.” And the actor did make it to the wedding!

0 Pot-smoking teddy bear a hit at CinemaCon

LOS ANGELES: Universal brought Snow White, Bourne and a battleship to CinemaCon on Thursday in the hopes of astonishing theater owners, but all it really needed to pack was a pot-smoking teddy bear.

With a reported budget of $65 million, Seth MacFarlane's "Ted" was made for a fraction of what it cost to blow up half the Navy in "Battleship," but the resounding laughter that greeted the extended footage indicates the studio might have a huge R-rated hit on its hands.

The film centers on a boy whose Christmas wish comes true after his teddy bear comes to life. But that dream turns more nightmarish when the pair grows up.

Universal highlighted the stuffed bear, played by McFarlane in a motion-capture suit, hanging out with prostitutes, taking hits from a bong and humping a cash register - all activities that would be pretty foreign to, say, Winnie the Pooh.

Mark Wahlberg and Mila Kunis star along with MacFarlane. The reaction was so enthusiastic that Adam Fogelson, Universal Pictures chairman who was emceeing the event, probably did not mind when he found himself the target of MacFarlane's raunchy zingers.

"You have the boyish charm of Rick Santorum," MacFarlane told Fogelson.

Later, MacFarlane dared the studio chief to expose himself. Fogelson opted to keep his appendage in trou.

Universal also screened footage of "Snow White and the Huntsman," bringing out stars Kristen Stewart and Charlize Theron to preview an extended trailer that has the title character leading a band of knights and dwarves to battle against the wicked queen.

The film is a spectacular epic, directed by a first-time talent, Rupert Sanders, who spun a world of mythical creatures, an imperiously evil Theron and a dark look that is miles removed from the rococo Snow White picture from Relativity, "Mirror, Mirror."

The studio also gave exhibitors a look at "Battleship," which hits these shores on May 18, but has already debuted in many foreign territories. It has grossed north of $150 million, so something must work, but it just seemed to pummel convention-goers into submission with its pyrotechnics and jingoism.

More interesting were "The Savages," a dark thriller that Fogelson said would return director Oliver Stone to the ultra-violent territory he covered in his script for "Scarface" and "Natural Born Killers." The movie, which centers on two pot dealers whose mutual girlfriend (Blake Lively) is kidnapped by a Mexican drug cartel, looks to ride the knife's edge. Salma Hayek plays a drug lord, while John Travolta plays a crooked D.E.A. agent.

Travolta came on stage and said he had never worked with "...such decent people doing such awful things." As for the Bourne franchise, Fogelson said that after Matt Damon passed on a fourth installment, the studio wanted to open up the paranoid world of the thrillers without recasting the lead.

He said that Universal had decided to let Bourne swim off into the Hudson, his memory restored, "for now," holding out the possibility that Damon could be in for a big payday down the road.

"The Bourne Legacy" sees Jeremy Renner taking over as another super-assassin on the run from the government. Based on the early footage, he is equally adept at turning from prey to predator and single-handedly tearing through an intelligence agency.

Looking farther ahead, Universal also previewed glimpses of its winter and spring slate, including footage from the "This is 40," which centers on the "Knocked Up" characters played by Leslie Mann and Paul Rudd; "Les Misérables" with Russell Crowe and Hugh Jackman flexing their singing voices; and the 3D martial arts adventure "47 Ronin." (Reuters)

0 Project Style Video: Nick Verreos and Jeannie Mai "Project Style" Call To Action!!!

Project Style!

Style Fab: Jeannie Mai and Nick Verreos for "Project Style 2012"

As you may know, it's "Project Style" time again!! We are searching for America's Next Chic Top Trendsetter--Do you think you can style a FIERCE outfit for yourself? What if we gave you a free $150 mall gift card, then have you post that outfit on our website with pictures and a video...

One lucky winner will win a $1,000 mall shopping spree,  plus a chance to win the grand prize trip to attend a show (WITH ME!!) at NYC Fashion Week and a Soho NY Shopping Day (also with ME!!!). My GORGEOUS Project Style 2012 Co-Princess--Jeannie Mai--will help me find... The. Next. Project Style. Chic. Stylista OF AMERICA!!!

Click Below for The Project Style 2012 Call To Action Video starring Jeannie Mai and Nick Verreos--with all the RULES:

0 Runway Report Minute: Bridal Fashion Week Spring 2013

Here Comes The Red, Maroon and Peplum Bride??

Renaissance Meets Infanta Meets Princess: Oscar de la Renta Bride Collection Spring 2013

NYC Bridal Fashion Week Spring 2013 ended last week and so, what were the highlights? What will next year's "Summer" Brides be wearing...or inspired by? By the looks of it, lots of color, ball gowns, frill, and  peplums. Take a look:

Mantilla Diva: Dominican Republic model (and Oscar de la Renta muse) Arlenis Sosa in a fire-red strapless red Bridal Ball Gown, fit for a Goya painting, Oscar de la Renta Bride Collection Spring 2012

Red Bridal Brigade: In Vera Wang's Bridal Collection for 2013, all her dresses were in various shades of red--three looks above

Eggplant Ball: eggplant/maroon colored strapless gowns from the Vera Wang Bridal Collection Spring 2013--These are shown on the runway for "impact" and to deliver a "Designer's Vision" but the samples that end up in the salons will probably be white, off-white and creme, of course. And some could probably work for the bridesmaids, Maid-of-Honor, and so on--if they are willing to do a "Pippa" and upstage the bride!

 

Peplum Ladies:  Several designers showed the peplum detail in some of their Spring 2013 offerings--Here are two from Venezuelan-born designers: (Left to right) Angel Sanchez strapless fitted gown with asymmetrical cascaded peplum detail; Carolina Herrera strapless gown with peplum detail.

Marie Antoinette Goes Hunting vs Princess Di Redux: Two ball gown/"Princess"-style offerings during NY Bridal Fashion Week Spring 2013--(Left to right) Carolina Herrera Bride Collection Spring 2013 strapless gown with a "double breasted" silhouette drop-waist torso and folded-and-pleated gown skirt; Marchesa Bride Collection Spring 2013 ball gown with drop-waist bustier and lace neck-and-sleeve detail and very 80's shape.

NIKOLAKI Brides: Finally, here are a couple of my own NIKOLAKI Collection Bridal gowns: (left to right)  strapless off-white stiffened high-low gown in hand-made sequins/paillettes and "crushed" silk organza; strapless fitted silk duchesse gown with full pleated "Watteau" back.