Saturday, February 28, 2015
PHOTO OF THE DAY : JOAN'S ON A TREK TO BE A STAR GUEST!
This photo montage features Joan as Edith Keeler in the classic episode of 'Star Trek', 'City On The Edge Of Tomorrow', along with William Shatner & Leonard Nimoy who died earlier today...
Friday, February 27, 2015
PHOTO OF THE DAY : JOAN IS FANTASTIC IN FUR!
Thursday, February 26, 2015
PHOTO OF THE DAY : JOAN WAS ALWAYS IN CHECK FOR STARDOM!
Following on from yesterday's 50's shot, here is an earlier shot of Joan, prior to her first film role...
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
PHOTO OF THE DAY : JOAN WAS ALWAYS ONE GLAMOROUS DAME!
Monday, February 23, 2015
PRESS UPDATE : DAILY EXPRESS .. FEBRUARY 23RD 2015 ..
She's still got it! Joan Collins stuns in beaded gown at Vanity Fair Oscars party
IT MAY have been almost a quarter of a century since Joan Collins last donned her shoulder pads to play scheming socialite Alexis in Dynasty, but she hardly appears to have aged a day since her stint in the iconic TV show.
The star looked stunning as she arrived at the Vanity Fair Oscars party last night, wearing a knockout black gown with gold detail which proved that Hollywood's young starlets could still learn a thing or two from the queen of 80's glamour.
Sporting her trademark voluminous locks and heavy eyeliner, Joan cut a sleek figure on the red carpet as she happily posed for photographers outside the event, which took place at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills.
Earlier this week, Joan uploaded a photo to her Twitter account showing her getting some last-minute adjustments to the frock - in the far less glamorous setting of her kitchen.
The actress - who was made a Dame in this year's New Year's Honours list - has obviously learnt a thing or two since 2011, when she was taken away from the Vanity Fair shindig in an ambulance after fainting due to an overly-tight dress.
"I made the wrong decision to wear a very tight dress, and had something rather like a Victorian swoon," she joked afterwards.
Despite beaming for the cameras, Joan didn't appear too impressed by the Oscar ceremony itself, tweeting: "Oscars2015 so far…so dull" earlier in the evening.
EVENT UPDATE : VANITY FAIR OSCAR PARTY .. THE WALLIS ANNENBERG CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS .. FEBRUARY 22ND 2015 ..
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Joan & Jackie catch up with Best Actor Nominee Benedict Cumberbatch |
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Dame Joan meets Lady GaGa! |


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Joan & Kylie |
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Joan with Kylie |
PHOTO OF THE DAY : IT'S BULLY TO BE ASKED ON OSCAR NIGHT!
This classic photo from 1959 features Joan with Angela Lansbury & Dana Wynter singing the number 'It's Bully Not To Be Nominated' at the Academy Awards Oscar Show...
EVENT UPDATE : VANITY FAIR OSCAR PARTY .. THE WALLIS ANNEBERG CENTRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS .. BEVERLY HILLS .. FEBRUARY 22ND 2015 ..
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Joan's place setting |

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Joan & Jackie arrive.. |
Sunday, February 22, 2015
PHOTO OF THE DAY EXTRA: GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN AT OSCAR TIME!
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Joan with Jackie & Shirley.. |
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Joan with admirer Lauren Suthers in the Oscars Gifting Lounge |
Saturday, February 21, 2015
PHOTO OF DAY EXTRA : JOAN HAD A DAME GOOD ANNIVERSARY!
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Joan & Percy with George Hamilton |
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A Dame good cake! |
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Jackie, Evie & Joan with George.. |
PRESS UPDATE : MAKE ART NOT WAR BEAUTY BLOG ... FEBRUARY 21ST 2015 ..
MEET THE ARTISTS - ALYN WATERMAN
As makeup department head on many huge british hit TV dramas and comedies Alyn's work has certainly been seen by the masses. From the groundbreaking and incredible Queer as Folk, the massive hit Footballers Wives, four series on the huge hit Hustle, My Mad Fat Diary, Fat Friends and the brilliant The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret (one of my favourite shows, go see it) Alyn has designed on a succession of fantastic British shows. Currently working on the third series of My Mad Fat diary, while also working as Joan Collins personal hair stylist, I am thrilled Alyn took time to speak to me and share his career stories, and as always I get him to share some of his pro tips.

MANW: How did you start your career and what was the progression it took?
AW: I started my career by practising make up on myself.. in the late 70s and early 80s punk and new romantic bands had these very iconic looks which inspired me to experiment with makeup and hair. I also became involved backstage with school plays and fashion shows. There were very few makeup courses or schools when I completed my A levels, I trained at the Dawn Cragg School of Film & TV makeup for 2 years and I loved every minute of it. Dawn was very forward thinking with her training (I learnt airbrushing there) and she was made an MBE for her permanent makeup skills which she pioneered in the late 80s. After the course I spent most of my first year testing and building my portfolio in Manchester and after working successfully in fashion and advertising I returned to the school to teach short courses which is where I met Linda Davie who gave me my first break in television working on Brookside.
MANW: You are an accomplished hairdresser and make-up artist. Which path did you start on and do you see yourself as either a hairdresser first and make-up artist second?
AW: I always wanted to be a makeup artist first however, after completing my first year of makeup training, I was told by agencies that a hair qualification was needed. It wasn’t my original plan but I’m really glad that I did my City and Guilds hair training, I think it’s really important to know how to cut and style hair if you want to work in television drama. But I am always learning and adapting my talents, I often take courses to learn new skills and refresh existing ones. Creative Media Skills and Nasmah offer very good courses taught by professional and established artists.
MANW: Do you have a preference for the type of jobs and make-ups you like to do? Designing characters for TV dramas or do you prefer being a personal and working with just one person?
AW: I’m just happy to be busy and loving what I do. I like the variety of working in lots of areas of makeup and hair, whether it’s working with just one person like Joan Collins, with a team on a television drama, or at my studio with clients.
MANW: What is your process of creating character looks and how much say do you have in the designs?
AW: The process begins with the script and then the casting and it’s a really exciting process tracking a character through a story with makeup and hair changes. Usually the actor has the most input into how their character looks and then you have to blend these ideas with direction from the writer, producer, director and costume designer.
Queer As Folk was a really exciting and groundbreaking drama to work on, Davy Jones designed the first series and I looked after Charlie Hunnam (Nathan) and Carla Henry (Donna). Carla was great. she let me have free rein with hair designs and I received a lots of great feedback as at the time afro hair in drama was rarely more than just tied back. I then designed the second series which was my first big job as a designer and it was the perfect way for me to step up.
MANW: How much does logisitcal issues come into play with character designs, were there any ever limitations on something you wanted to do?
AW: Budgets and time seem to get tighter with each production, nobody wants to wait ages to see how clever you can be adapting a cheap wig to look amazing. I think as a designer you have to be both strong and honest to a production about what is achievable with the time and the money available.On Hustle it would have been great to do more disguises however the schedule rarely allowed this to happen.
MANW: You have worked on and designed some legendary shows like Footballers Wives, the ground breaking Queer As Folk and one of my favourite shows The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret. Can you tell us about some of the stand out moments of your career?
AW: Oh thank you, the shows you mentioned were all great to work on. I worked on a Lottery funded film “PURE” with a group of young adults and to see them put together their own film with the help of an experienced crew, and the positive effect that had on their lives, was really rewarding for me. Other highlights were shooting a promo with Zoe Lucker In LA for Footballers’ Wives which was great fun, and also working for Spanish Vogue with Joan Collins last year.
MANW: You've been in the industry a long time, how do you think it has differed and what advice would you give to new artists starting out?
AW: When I started out there was no internet, no mobile phones and product choices were limited, the industry is very different now. As one makeup artist said to me, “Anyone can pick up a bag of MAC and a brush and call themselves a makeup artist these days.” I think it’s a bigger and more exciting industry; the internet and social media provide a great platform to show your talents and network. I would advise new artists to practice and absorb as much creativity as possible; not everyone will be the next Pat McGrath. However, I think there is enough diversity in the industry for someone to find their niche, never give up on your dreams.
MANW: All artists have 'the wish list'; a face they would love to work on or a show or film they would have loved to have worked on. I've been obsessed with The Rocky Horror Show makeup since I was 3 and my current obsession is Nashville and getting hold of Connie Britton's hair. Who or what are yours?
AW: Toyah Wilcox, and Richard Sharah's makeup designs on her, were a huge inspiration at the start of my career, I would still love to do her makeup. I love Kevyn Aucoin's work, to work on the Supermodels would have been amazing. Audrey Hepburn’s hair in My Fair Lady was beautiful and inspiring and I also love all the Bond Girl styles, especially from the 1960s.
MANW: On to the good stuff, what are your tricks for flawless looking skin?
AW: When you work with an actress over a period of filming you really have to be on top of her skin care regime without becoming too dictatorial. I try to introduce good habits slowly, if she gets a breakout it will be you the production will look to for solutions. I think good skin prep before you start make up is really important, I have used Dermalogica products for years. I also use airbrush makeup which gives great results for television drama.
MANW: What are your top 5 holy grail kit products?
AW: You will always find MAC and Dermalogica in my kit, they have supported my work for a very long time. I always use L’Oreal Tec Ni Pli to set hair and The London Brush Company Brush Shampoo is fantastic. Bourjois is a fabulous brand that I have used for years and Bare Minerals is my favourite brand for sensitive skin and bridal work. I may also appear slightly biased however the Joan Collins Timeless Beauty range is really great, I especially like the bases and concealers. Joan has used cosmetics and beauty products for years and written four beauty books, she was determined not to put her name to anything she did not like herself.
MANW: What's your best make-up artist tip to give women?
AW: Happiness is the best beauty tip and also lots of sleep.
MANW: Finally, false eyelashes - the longer the better or enough already they look ridiculous?
AW: I think it depends entirely on the project and the look you are trying to achieve. I really like the false lashes from House of Glamdolls but I’ve seen some beautiful makeups ruined by thick heavy lashes.
For more info on Alyn visit his website here, on Facebook here or follow him on Instagram here.
If you liked this interview and would like to read other leading industry makeup artists stories have a look at the rest of the series here.

A snapshot of Alyn's long career
MANW: How did you start your career and what was the progression it took?
AW: I started my career by practising make up on myself.. in the late 70s and early 80s punk and new romantic bands had these very iconic looks which inspired me to experiment with makeup and hair. I also became involved backstage with school plays and fashion shows. There were very few makeup courses or schools when I completed my A levels, I trained at the Dawn Cragg School of Film & TV makeup for 2 years and I loved every minute of it. Dawn was very forward thinking with her training (I learnt airbrushing there) and she was made an MBE for her permanent makeup skills which she pioneered in the late 80s. After the course I spent most of my first year testing and building my portfolio in Manchester and after working successfully in fashion and advertising I returned to the school to teach short courses which is where I met Linda Davie who gave me my first break in television working on Brookside.
MANW: You are an accomplished hairdresser and make-up artist. Which path did you start on and do you see yourself as either a hairdresser first and make-up artist second?
AW: I always wanted to be a makeup artist first however, after completing my first year of makeup training, I was told by agencies that a hair qualification was needed. It wasn’t my original plan but I’m really glad that I did my City and Guilds hair training, I think it’s really important to know how to cut and style hair if you want to work in television drama. But I am always learning and adapting my talents, I often take courses to learn new skills and refresh existing ones. Creative Media Skills and Nasmah offer very good courses taught by professional and established artists.
MANW: Do you have a preference for the type of jobs and make-ups you like to do? Designing characters for TV dramas or do you prefer being a personal and working with just one person?
AW: I’m just happy to be busy and loving what I do. I like the variety of working in lots of areas of makeup and hair, whether it’s working with just one person like Joan Collins, with a team on a television drama, or at my studio with clients.
MANW: What is your process of creating character looks and how much say do you have in the designs?
AW: The process begins with the script and then the casting and it’s a really exciting process tracking a character through a story with makeup and hair changes. Usually the actor has the most input into how their character looks and then you have to blend these ideas with direction from the writer, producer, director and costume designer.
Queer As Folk was a really exciting and groundbreaking drama to work on, Davy Jones designed the first series and I looked after Charlie Hunnam (Nathan) and Carla Henry (Donna). Carla was great. she let me have free rein with hair designs and I received a lots of great feedback as at the time afro hair in drama was rarely more than just tied back. I then designed the second series which was my first big job as a designer and it was the perfect way for me to step up.
MANW: How much does logisitcal issues come into play with character designs, were there any ever limitations on something you wanted to do?
AW: Budgets and time seem to get tighter with each production, nobody wants to wait ages to see how clever you can be adapting a cheap wig to look amazing. I think as a designer you have to be both strong and honest to a production about what is achievable with the time and the money available.On Hustle it would have been great to do more disguises however the schedule rarely allowed this to happen.
MANW: You have worked on and designed some legendary shows like Footballers Wives, the ground breaking Queer As Folk and one of my favourite shows The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret. Can you tell us about some of the stand out moments of your career?
AW: Oh thank you, the shows you mentioned were all great to work on. I worked on a Lottery funded film “PURE” with a group of young adults and to see them put together their own film with the help of an experienced crew, and the positive effect that had on their lives, was really rewarding for me. Other highlights were shooting a promo with Zoe Lucker In LA for Footballers’ Wives which was great fun, and also working for Spanish Vogue with Joan Collins last year.
MANW: You've been in the industry a long time, how do you think it has differed and what advice would you give to new artists starting out?
AW: When I started out there was no internet, no mobile phones and product choices were limited, the industry is very different now. As one makeup artist said to me, “Anyone can pick up a bag of MAC and a brush and call themselves a makeup artist these days.” I think it’s a bigger and more exciting industry; the internet and social media provide a great platform to show your talents and network. I would advise new artists to practice and absorb as much creativity as possible; not everyone will be the next Pat McGrath. However, I think there is enough diversity in the industry for someone to find their niche, never give up on your dreams.
MANW: All artists have 'the wish list'; a face they would love to work on or a show or film they would have loved to have worked on. I've been obsessed with The Rocky Horror Show makeup since I was 3 and my current obsession is Nashville and getting hold of Connie Britton's hair. Who or what are yours?
AW: Toyah Wilcox, and Richard Sharah's makeup designs on her, were a huge inspiration at the start of my career, I would still love to do her makeup. I love Kevyn Aucoin's work, to work on the Supermodels would have been amazing. Audrey Hepburn’s hair in My Fair Lady was beautiful and inspiring and I also love all the Bond Girl styles, especially from the 1960s.
MANW: On to the good stuff, what are your tricks for flawless looking skin?
AW: When you work with an actress over a period of filming you really have to be on top of her skin care regime without becoming too dictatorial. I try to introduce good habits slowly, if she gets a breakout it will be you the production will look to for solutions. I think good skin prep before you start make up is really important, I have used Dermalogica products for years. I also use airbrush makeup which gives great results for television drama.
MANW: What are your top 5 holy grail kit products?
AW: You will always find MAC and Dermalogica in my kit, they have supported my work for a very long time. I always use L’Oreal Tec Ni Pli to set hair and The London Brush Company Brush Shampoo is fantastic. Bourjois is a fabulous brand that I have used for years and Bare Minerals is my favourite brand for sensitive skin and bridal work. I may also appear slightly biased however the Joan Collins Timeless Beauty range is really great, I especially like the bases and concealers. Joan has used cosmetics and beauty products for years and written four beauty books, she was determined not to put her name to anything she did not like herself.
MANW: What's your best make-up artist tip to give women?
AW: Happiness is the best beauty tip and also lots of sleep.
MANW: Finally, false eyelashes - the longer the better or enough already they look ridiculous?
AW: I think it depends entirely on the project and the look you are trying to achieve. I really like the false lashes from House of Glamdolls but I’ve seen some beautiful makeups ruined by thick heavy lashes.
For more info on Alyn visit his website here, on Facebook here or follow him on Instagram here.
If you liked this interview and would like to read other leading industry makeup artists stories have a look at the rest of the series here.
PHOTO OF THE DAY : JOAN'S THE BELLE OF THE SHOOT!
Joan's the centre of attention in this shot from the famous 'Life' magazine shoot in which Joan depicted famous women .. Here she is Belle Star..
Friday, February 20, 2015
FILM FLASHBACK : DECAMERON NIGHTS .. RKO .. 1953 ..

Thursday, February 19, 2015
PHOTO OF THE DAY : JOAN HAS THE KEY TO TURNING HEADS!
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
CHARITY UPDATE : PALM BEACH POSH AUCTION .. LIGHTHOUSE GUILD .. FEBRUARY 17TH TO 19TH 2015 ..
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Dame Joan Collins donated this custom-made Nolan Miller suit to POSH Palm Beach. The silk linen ensemble is a Size 6. |
Their wardrobe loss is going to be some lucky gal’s gain.
Palm Beach’s best-dressed ladies — plus Dame Joan Collins — have completed a closet sweep on behalf of POSH Palm Beach, the annual three-day, designer-clothing sale that benefits Lighthouse Guild, a non profit organization that assists people who are blind or visually impaired.
The offerings are so abundant this year that organizers have divided the 3,000-square-foot space into “shops:” Palm Beach Style, Evening Glam, Basic Black, White Trend, Classics, Neutrals, Boho, and Swim and Beach.With prices at 50 to 80 percent off retail, POSH takes place Tuesday through Thursday in downtown West Palm Beach’s Lake Pavilion.
The Premier Designer shop includes the likes of Armani, Akris and Etro; Chanel, St. John and Stella McCartney; Manolo Blahnik, Bottega Veneta and Badgley Mischka; and Ralph Lauren, Yves St. Laurent and Oscar de la Renta.
Also on the racks and on the shelves: a Nolan Miller suit donated by Collins, a new Pucci dress, a vintage Hermes evening gown, never-worn Valentino lace espadrille wedges, a vintage Louis Vuitton shoulder tote and Kenneth Jay Lane jewelry.
Hours of the sale are 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday; and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday. Tickets are $20 at the door.
The Lake Pavilion is at 101 S. Flagler Dr. For more information, call 561-828-1522 or go to PoshSale.org.
PHOTO OF THE DAY : JOAN'S NOT JUST A COVER GIRL!
This shot featuring Joan with good friend the legendary Valentino, is from an issue of 'Marie Claire' from 1994 in which Joan was guest editor.. One of her features was an interview she did with Valentino.
Monday, February 16, 2015
PHOTO OF THE DAY : WHEN IT COMES TO SCORING ..JOAN'S ON A ZERO TO SIXTY!

Sunday, February 15, 2015
PHOTO OF THE DAY : MUM'S THE WORD FOR JOAN AS REGARDS MOLLY M!
Saturday, February 14, 2015
PHOTO OF THE DAY : JOAN'S GOT LUNCH IN HAND!
Friday, February 13, 2015
PHOTO OF THE DAY : JOAN'S ALL DECKED OUT FOR THE 80'S...
Thursday, February 12, 2015
PHOTO OF THE DAY : JOAN'S GOT A TERRACE FOR TWO!
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
PHOTO OF THE DAY : JOAN'S FINDS THE COMPANY GROWN UP !
Joan caught up with many friends at 'The Movies For Grown Ups Awards' at The Beverly Wilshire last week, one of which was Hollywood favourite Kevin Costner..
PROMO UPDATE : MOLLY MOON .. PROMO REEL.. FEBRUARY 2015 ..

Tuesday, February 10, 2015
PHOTO OF THE DAY : JOAN'S GOT A GOOD EYE FOR BUSINESS!

Sunday, February 8, 2015
EVENT UPDATE : CLIVE DAVIS PRE - GRAMMY PARTY .. THE BEVERLY HILTON .. BEVERLY HILLS .. FEBRUARY 7TH 2015 ..


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