Saturday, November 30, 2013

EVENT UPDATE : HENNESSY FESTIVAL GOLD CUP DAY .. SATURDAY 30TH NOVEMBER 2013 ..

Joan with Amanda Holden
Joan enjoyed a day at the races earlier as guest of Hennessy at Newbury Racecourse for the Hennessy Festival.. Joan met up with old friend Elaine Paige and had a catch
up with Amanda Holden...
Joan with Elaine Paige




PHOTO OF THE DAY : JOAN'S GOT THE LOOK!


This rare shot of Joan is from 1999...

Friday, November 29, 2013

PRESS UPDATE : OK! MAGAZINE ... NOVEMBER 2013....


Joan featured in the last weeks issue of OK! magazine.. Here is a look at the two page article .....

PHOTO OF THE DAY : IN LINE FOR A LEGEND!

 
As it was the Royal Variety Show on Monday night, thought would feature this shot of Joan meeting the Queen in the line up for the 1985 Royal Command Performance along with legends Lauren Bacall, Jean Simmons, Alice Faye and Celeste Holm. The show, which in those days was an actual star studded occasion, unlike the more recent editions of the show, the latest which you can see on ITV 1 on December 9th. Also on ITV1 on the 9th , you can catch Joan live on The Paul O' Grady Show.. More details in an upcoming post!

Thursday, November 28, 2013

EVENT UPDATE : JACKIE RECIEVES HER OBE / LUNCH AT SAN LORENZO .. NOVEMBER 28TH 2013 ..

 There was great celebrations in the Collins household today as Jackie collected her OBE from The Queen at Buckingham Palace and was joined by her granddaughters.. After which she met up with Joan and brother Bill at San Lorenzo for a celebratory lunch...



PHOTO OF THE DAY : JOAN'S RADIANT IN RED!

Joan looks sensational in this 1983 shot...

FILM ALERT : SAVING SANTA .. GENERAL RELEASE FRIDAY 28TH NOVEMBER 2013...



 
Just in time for the holiday season, Joan's latest film release gets it's UK  premiere tonight at The Mayfair Hotel in London ahead of it's general release this Friday the 28th.. Joan plays the role of villainess Vera Baddington in this 3D family adventure...

Vera & Neville Baddington (Joan & Tim Curry) with Bernard the Elf and Snowy!

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

PRESS UPDATE: THE HUFFINGTON POST .. NOVEMBER 27TH 2013 ..

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THE CHRISTMAS TREE AT CLARIDGES DESIGNED BY DOLCE AND GABBANA.
My Christmas started with an Italian themed Christmas tree, designed by Dolce & Gabana at Claridges Hotel. Claridges is by far the best hotel in London and one of my all time favorites. The service and manners guests are treated with are second to none. Whether you're a regular Joe like me or a wealthy Arabian princess I've observed all guests are treated with equal grace and a smile. The concierge, with his bank of chargers behind his desk, makes you feel like he is honored to charge your phone. It also helps that they're based in an area of central London where it's easy to park.
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On pulling up outside the door, I noted that the banks of paparazzi were already gathered and clicking away at VIP guests entering. First came the leggy, willowy lovely Laura Bailey in her red coat and flowing ponytail. Then we had a bevvy of lovely ladies from Pixie Lott to Poppy Delevigne and the ultimate diva-Joan Collins! (It took all my will power not to jump up and down in mutual diva envy when I spotted Joan and recalled my early Dynasty viewing days).
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JOAN COLLINS.
Designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana created a special Christmas tree for the Claridge's Hotel in order to bring the warmth and traditions of Italy to London.
The Claridge's Christmas tree has long been a festive landmark, drawing visitors from around the world to marvel at its magnificent design and for the 2013 Christmas tree the other guests that attended and enjoyed the event were: our host- Stefano Gabbana (who reminisced with me about our many MTV filming adventures and staying at his home in Sardinia to film his MTV Cribs show), Eva Herzigova (who was a stunning classic in her red polka dot dress and so tall!), Oliver Cheshire, rapper Eve (who attended with her dashing man Maximillian Cooper - founder of Gumball car fabulousness and her stylist Richard Shoyemi), Mary Charteris, Olivia Grant, James Cook, Laura Bailey, Thom Evans, David Gandy, Tara Ferry, Isacc Ferry, Sam Webb, James Rousseau, Andrew Cooper, Marissa Montgomery & Jamie Rueben, Amy Gilliam, Holly Gilliam and Ron Arad.

Stefano told me that
''the seven metre-high Christmas tree represents iconic traditional, Sicilian elements drawn from the designers heritage land of Sicily''. He added that ''more than 450 festive Italian baubles that have been hand painted with images of the Sun, Citrus groves, Almond blossom and prickly pears to recreate the idea of a Sicilian Garden. At the base of the tree there are 30 hand crafted Sicilian Pupi made to resemble the Charlemagne and other Medieval Knights. The Pupi have been carved out of wood and dressed in velvet robes, Green, Red, Yellow and Blue the colours that have always been associated with Italian festivities''.

The grand staircase led to the balcony area, where we were served the most festive food menu of delicacies I can ever recall experiencing. Fois gras mince pies, festive mincemeat macaroons, white chocolate truffle snowmen and mini edible Christmas trees were all offered by waiters from festive Christmas gift boxes. Therest of the menu looked like this;
Canapé Service Quail Egg Faberge Severn & Wye Pate de Feuille Olive Pepper & Comte Cep, Pine & Truffle Macaroon Foie Gras Mince Pie Cornish Lobster & Caviar Terrine . Cold Foie Gras & Cherry Goat Cheese & Pear Smoked Salmon Orange & Green Pepper . Hot Brioche Tart Venison & Juniper Skewer, Pheasant, Sage, Onion Goose, Chestnut en Croûte Gougeres . Dessert Snowman - Milk Chocolate Truffles Spiced with Cinnamon Montblanc - Vanilla Meringue with Kahlua Cream & Chestnut Snowball - Brioche filled with Vanilla Cream & Coconut Snow Nutmeg Praline Pinwheels Christmas Puddings, Dark Chocolate & Orange Speculoos Skis Snowflake Crisps
The champagne flowed all evening as I caught up with Eve and other journalists from the fashion and bourgeois worlds. Male supermodel David Gandy was such a gent and afforded his time to all clearly trying to get just a few seconds with him. An opera singer and pianist did their thing at the top of the staircase and made the whole night feel more Italian than ever. At the end of the night we were handed a fabulous goody bag with perfume on our exit. We left having treated each of our five senses to a jovial whirlwind. What could be more festive!

 

PHOTO OF THE DAY : JOAN IS FULL OF HOLIDAY CHEERS!

Joan gets in the holiday mood in this promo shot for Cinzano..

EVENT UPDATE : CLARIDGES CHRISTMAS TREE UNVEILING .. LONDON . NOVEMBER 26TH 2013


Claridge’s, London’s legendary Mayfair hotel, has unveiled Claridge’s 2013 Christmas Tree in its lobby, designed by long time guests and friends of the hotel, designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana. Joan and Percy attended the unveiling earlier this evening...

The 7 metre-high tree, which depicts iconic elements from a traditional Christmas tree reinterpreted with Sicilian elements, draws on the Italian heritage and origins of the designers. The tree is adorned with more than 450 Italian festive glass baubles blown by master artisans from Verona and Lake of Como, which have been hand-painted with images of the sun, citrus groves, flowering almonds and prickly pears to recreate the idea of a Sicilian garden. A bespoke, multi-colored ‘luminarie’ framework, created in Southern Italy, surrounds the tree and references the traditional illuminations seen in Italian streets and Piazzas during Christmas time. The colors of green, red, yellow and blue have always been associated with Italian festivities. At the base of the tree are 30 hand crafted Sicilian marionettes, or ‘pupi’, made in the likeness of Charlemagne and other medieval knights, carved in wood and dressed in velvet robes.
The Claridge’s Christmas tree has long been a festive landmark, drawing visitors and Londoners alike to marvel at its magnificent design. This is the fourth year that Claridge’s has invited one of its favorite guests to create and decorate the Christmas tree in their own inimitable style.
Commenting on the collaboration, Thomas Kochs, Claridge’s General Manager, said, "We are delighted to welcome Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana to spread their special Christmas magic in our lobby. Both Claridge’s and Dolce and Gabbana are synonymous with timeless glamour, innovative spirit and traditional family values that are so important at this time of year."
Designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana commented, "To us, Christmas is the most magical moment of the year. We spend the holidays with our families and the people we love. Christmas is the moment to give, not only in terms of gifts we put under the tree but especially for emotions and LOVE. The tree we created for Claridge’s is special because it brings to London a bit of Italy, of its warmth and traditions
Claridges Christmas Tree 3

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

EVENT UPDATE : THEO FENNELL CHRISTMAS LUNCH PARTY .. LONDON .. NOVEMBER 26TH 2013 ...


Joan spent the afternoon shopping with Jackie who is in London to collect her OBE on Thursday, they also stopped by old friend Theo Fennell's Christmas Lunch Party as his flagship Store ...

Joan & Jackie with Theo
Joan & Jackie with Kathy Lette
Joan with Ruby Wax

PRESS UPDATE : THE STYLIST .. NOVEMBER 26TH 2013 ..

Tracey & Joan

Tracey & Joan  

25 Nov 2013

Issue 200’s Entertainment Editor, Tracey Emin, interviews her friend Joan Collins exclusively for Stylist. (NB It’s our favourite email exchange ever)
From: Tracey Emin
Date: 26 September 2013 05:15:12 CEST
To: Joan Collins
Dear Joan You are in New York. I’m at my house in France. When ever I think of you... In my minds eye… I see you in the south of France. Where do you consider home? And how important is it to you?
Sent from my iPhone

From: Joan Collins
Date: 30 September 2013 17:24:32 CEST
To: Tracey Emin
Subject: Re: First Question
I’m lucky enough to have 4 places I call home: London, south of France, New York and Los Angeles. We try to divide our time somewhat equally and I feel very much at home in each of my abodes, as I have family photos and memorabilia in each of them, and each time I arrive at each one I go off to the nursery and fill it with flowers and plants!
Sent from my iPhone

From: Tracey Emin
Date: 1 October 2013 00:45:53 CEST
To: Joan Collins
I have only ever been to your home in the SoF.
It is very homely and comfortable, you as a host are also very relaxed and make all your guests feel totally at ease.
I once came for lunch and ended up staying for three days. It was so damn relaxing!
You always have beautiful plants and flowers...
And yes you have a very lovely garden.
I know you have a gardener but I also know you do a lot of gardening yourself.
In fact you are a very self-sufficient person. You take care of a lot of things yourself. You are very hands on. From what I know of you, you have always been this way.
In your first answer you refer to yourself as lucky. But you said something brilliant to me. And I’ve run around quoting you. “Funny isn’t it how lucky people always work really hard.” You have worked exceptionally hard all your life at times even having reversible turns of fortune. What do you think gave you your faith and determination? And do you think its inherent in The British nature to resent success. Even if it is really worked for?

From: Joan Collins
Date: 4 October 2013 21:28:13 CEST
To: Tracey Emin
There will always be people who resent success, whatever country they come from. Sadly the American dream everyone expected in the 1950s has evaporated for too many.
My faith and determination came from my parents. My father said “don’t expect anybody to do anything for you. If you want to get on in life you got to do it yourself”. I try to make each day count: I want to achieve something and enjoy something every day.
My parents, like most parents of my generation, were quite insistent on good manners, discipline and self-sufficiency.
I love gardening! I find it very relaxing and gives me a great sense of accomplishment when I see something I’ve tended flourishing.
Love, Joan


Who wouldn't want to go on holiday with Tracey Emin and Joan Collins?

From: Tracey Emin
Date: October 7, 2013 12:33:18 AM PDT
To: Joan Collins
I left School unofficially at 13. At 15 I went back and sat five CSEs. Certificates of secondary education. I was told I had two work options. Rovects factory or Butlins washing up.
And that I’d never go to university. I proved them wrong. Going to art school was the biggest break in my life. Earning my first degree was by far the greatest achievement. You are pretty smart and brainy. Do you ever wish you had gone to university; If so what would you liked to have studied? (Excluding theatre or drama)
Sent from my iPhone

From: Joan Collins
Date: 9 October 2013 16:15:53 BST
To: Tracey Emin
I did go to University. The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art where I studied drama. But if I had not done that I probably would have gone to University and studied fashion, my second love. Xx
Sent from my iPad

From: Tracey Emin
Date: 10 October 2013 07:00:43 BST
To: Joan Collins
I would say love was your first love. Percy is your 5th husband. You both seem ridiculously happy. What’s your secret?

From: Tracey Emin
Date: 25 October 2013 10:33:15 BST
To: Joan Collins
Dear Joan I’m now up in Edinburgh. I’m here making a TV program on one of my favourite artists, Louise Bourgeois. She died in 2010 age 98. I deeply admire her and her work.
What women in your life have you admired?

From: Joan Collins
Date: 29 October 2013 17:28:39 GMT
To: Tracey Emin
Darling I’m so sorry we’re so tardy!! Here’s the answers:
The inspirational women I admire are my mother, Maggie Thatcher and Ava Gardner – I know that’s eclectic but so am I!!
As for Percy, our secret is we were friends first and loved each other for the right reasons!
How was The Old Toon? Xoxo
Sent from my iPhone

From: Tracey Emin
Date: 29 October 2013 17:40:21 GMT
To: Joan Collins
Edinburgh is as beautiful as ever but doing television always exhausts me, I feel in the long run it takes something out of my soul.
Another question.
You have been so busy the last week. I went to your book signing and since then you have popped up all over the place.
Does it exhaust you being in the public eye. Or excite you?
If you could have changed one thing in your life what would it have been? And what was the happiest moment of your life?
Do you believe in life after?
love The Trace xxxx

From: Joan Collins
Date: 30 October 2013 14:17:20 GMT
To: Tracey Emin
After several weeks of non-stop promotion and appearances I need to “pull the plug”. I therefore cancel everything and stay close to home and in bed for 2-3 days.
Two things I would have rather not done: I would not have married Husband #1 Maxwell Reed and Husband #4 Peter Holm.
There have been several happiest moments of my life as you can imagine! The birth of all my three children and my wedding day to Percy stand out.
I would like to believe in life after because I’d like to meet my loved ones who have passed on, but alas who knows? Only one way to find out and I’m not rushing!
Love, The Joan*

* All emails printed as written

Tracey Emin

Tracey has been a regular fixture in Stylist since our launch. She has been on the cover, created bespoke artwork for features and written her own column.

PHOTO OF THE DAY : JOAN'S THE TOAST OF THE 80'S!

This classic shot features Joan as the ultimate 80's icon by legendary photographer Annie Leibovitz...

Monday, November 25, 2013

EVENT ALERT : PLACE 2 BE CHRISTMAS CAROL CONCERT .. DECEMBER 9TH 2013 ..

Christmas Carol Concert, London



Join us for a festive evening of Christmas carols, music from a Place2Be school choir, professional musicians and a fantastic line up of celebrity readers.
  • 7pm Monday 9th December 2013
  • St Peter's Church, Eaton Square, London SW1W 9AL
Tickets cost £25 and include a post-concert reception with drinks and nibbles.
Joan Collins
This year guests will be treated to a very special performance by Julian Ovenden.
This year's celebrity readers will include:
Nickolas Grace
Joanna Lumley
Sophie Dahl
  •  A children's choir from St John's Primary Schoolin Ealing and St Peter's Church choir will both perform.
Julian Ovenden
Julian Ovenden
Abi Griffiths
The event sold out last year, so do buy your tickets early to avoid disappointment.
To buy your tickets please fill in the form below (you will need to complete all fields to submit the form)
Thanks to our kind sponsors:
3i_logo_RGB_150_final.png   JUPITER_4-COLOUR_SMALL-final.pnghttps://www.place2be.org.uk/support-us/fundraise/london-carol-concert/

PHOTO OF THE DAY : RON POPS IN FOR LUCH WITH JOAN!

Joan enjoys lunch with then husband Ron Kass and Katy & Sacha in this lovely rare 70's shot...

Sunday, November 24, 2013

TV UPDATE : SUNDAY SCOOP . ITV 1 .. NOVEMBER 24TH 2013 ...

Joan with Gok Wan & Kaye Adams
Joan appeared this morning as the special guest on this weeks edition of ITV's lively magazine show 'Sunday Scoop'.. Her is a shot of Joan on set with presenter Kaye Adams and guest Gok Wan.