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...
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.
Joan looked great in her black and gold beaded gown
Joan attended the party with her husband Percy Gisbson
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.
Joan posed for her a photo with her sister Jackie Collins
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...
Joan enjoyed a week of parties with the pre Oscar excitement and celebrating her 13th wedding Anniversary.. Here are some shots from Joan & Percy's Anniversary dinner..
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.
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.
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.
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.
This unusual shot features Joan with Darren McGavin in the little seen comedy caper 'Zero to Sixty' from 1978.. I watched it recently and it's a fun movie and I hope it might get a dvd release sometime in the future..
I recently featured a promo reel for the upcoming fantasy 'Molly Moon - The Incredible Hypnotist' in which Joan stars as the films villian Knockman (Dominic Monagan), gangster's moll mother. Raffey Cassidy plays Molly who has special powers.. Expect a trailer very soon! In the meantime here is a still from the film featuring Joan.. Watch this space for more details...
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..
Here is the first promo reel for 'Molly Moon', film Joan shot in 2013 and finally it has found distribution and set to be released shortly.. No dates have been confirmed but watch this space!
Joan as well as been an award winning actress, bestselling author and producer is also a successful business woman with a selection of award winning and bestselling products including beauty products, wigs, fragrances and eyewear.. Here is a promotional photo for one of the many styles of frames in 'The Joan Collins Eyewear Collection .... See the following for more details.. http://newyorkeye.net/joan/index.html
Joan attended her friend Clive Davis's annual Grammy Party held at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills last night.. Clive spoke to the star studded gathering and gave kudos to Joan on been made a Dame.. Performances during the party included legends Smokey Robinson & Johnny Mathis..
Here is an article from an issue of The New Yorker last February looking at behind the scenes of the Grammy Party with Clive Davis.. This years event was held last night in Beverly Hills..
You’ve probably seated your share of dinner parties: writing the names of the guests on place cards (wishing your handwriting was better) and trying to calculate who might thrive next to whom. So imagine the dinner is for some nine hundred of the most famous and sought-after people in the world—luminaries who, at any other party, would be the cynosure of all eyes but on this evening might not even merit favorable placement.
That was the challenge facing Clive Davis, the music mogul, and his son, Doug Davis, an entertainment lawyer and sports agent, late last week, as they met in Bungalow 3A at the Beverly Hills Hotel to seat the Davises’ annual pre-Grammys gala, which is always held at the Beverly Hilton, the night before the awards. Each guest’s name had been written in Sharpie on a white magnetized tile, and the tiles were affixed to a whiteboard, on which an outline of the Hilton’s International Ballroom had been drawn, showing the stage and some eighty tables, of twelve seats each, arrayed throughout the room.
Joan & Jackie at last year's Grammy party with Shauna Robinson
Assistants had arranged the tiles alphabetically around the edges of the board. The Davises stood before it—the son a head taller than the father—absorbed in social calculation. Clive wore a blue blazer, a crimson tie with a matching pocket square, cream-colored slacks (“slacks” was the only word for them), and red patent-leather Prada sneakers. (“I’ve got a pair in every color,” he noted.) Doug wore jeans. Were you ignorant of the proceedings, you might have assumed they were engaged in a family parlor game that combined Celebrity, Scrabble, and Jenga.
Davis père, who is eighty-one, read some of the names on the tiles, rolling them in his mouth like sips of Pétrus.
“You’ve got India.Arie, Buzz Aldrin, the astronaut, Irving Azoff, the manager, Apple’s Tim Cook, Miley Cyrus, Daft Punk, Neil Diamond, Missy Elliott, Gloria and Emilio Estefan, Jane Fonda,Joan Collins, Jackie Collins, John Fogerty, Jamie Foxx, David Foster, Larry Gagosian, Berry Gordy, Lucian Grainge, Herbie Hancock, Jennifer Hudson, Magic Johnson, Quincy Jones, Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz, her husband, Gladys Knight, Kris Kristofferson, Lang Lang, the Chinese pianist, Cyndi Lauper, Jared—is it Laito or Leeto?, Lorde, John Mayer and Katy Perry, Metallica, Doug Morris, Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne, Nancy Pelosi, Bob Pittman, Brett Ratner, L. A. Reid, Rihanna, Robbie Robertson, Smokey Robinson, Nile Rodgers, Rod Stewart, Taylor Swift, T.I., Robin Thicke, Steven Tyler, and Neil Young. Did I say Katy Perry?”
The sausage-making began. The evening includes performances as well as dinner—Doug Davis said that organizing the party was like putting on the Grammys and the Golden Globes at the same time—and Clive was determined to seat the most enthusiastic music fans, such as Sean (Diddy) Combs and Mary J. Blige, at the tables in front. Their tiles were deployed on the “A-list ledge.”
Tables began to fill. “We have two-thirds of Nirvana,” Doug reported to his father excitedly, “because Krist Novoselic is coming, and we’re seating him with Dave Grohl.”
“What about Russell?” Clive asked. Simmons was placed with Rihanna, and next to Tim Cook, who was next to Lucian Grainge, the head of Universal Music. “That’s a good table,” Davis said approvingly.
Where to put Nancy Pelosi? An assistant noted that Andrew Cuomo’s office had called to say that the Governor had made space in his schedule for the party. He went next to Pelosi. (He later cancelled, and was replaced by Hoda Kotb, from the “Today” show.) Maybe Buzz Aldrin could discuss “Gravity” with a movie producer? “Brian Grazer is coming,” Clive said. No one was next to Miley yet. How about Robin Thicke? Definitely not.
Though the elder Davis remains active in the music business, he is not always up to date on the latest feuds, firings, and flings among his guests; that job falls mainly to his son. When Clive wondered about putting Katy Perry at a table with Taylor Swift, because they share “a commonality of being young female artists,” it was pointed out that they also shared a commonality of boyfriends, in John Mayer (Swift had an unhappy affair with him; Perry is dating him now). “We might look for a different seating,” Clive allowed. Perry and Mayer ended up at a table with Sara Bareilles, Lorde, and Lorde’s father, Vic.
Last-minute changes were called in from other rooms in the hotel, and the staff fielded R.S.V.P.s. Quincy Jones wanted to bring Rashida and Kidada, two of his seven children. David Geffen cancelled. Kenny G confirmed. They were still waiting for Britney Spears. “Tom Brady’s manager sends his regrets,” Doug reported, “but he wants an invitation anyway. He just wants to see it.”
Davis took these changes in stride. Nothing could compare to the disruption the party suffered two years ago, when Whitney Houston was pronounced dead, three hours before the gala. Their last meeting was in Bungalow 3A, two days prior to her death. “She was sitting there, I was sitting there,” Davis recalled. “She was showing me ‘Sparkle’ ”—her last film—“and I was playing songs I was gathering for Jennifer Hudson.” He fell silent, composing himself. At the awards ceremony, Hudson sang “I Will Always Love You,” as a tribute.
By the end of the day, the board was mostly filled, but the senior Davis continued shifting tiles. “I’m still tweaking,” he said, “until they tell me I have to go.” ♦
Joan with Beverly Johnson .. Nikki Haskell & Denise Rich at The Tower Bar
In advance of tonight's star studded Grammy Party hosted by music mogul Clive Davis, Joan attended a couple of pre Grammy parties in honour of Clive.. Here are some super shots, thanks to Nikki Haskell for sharing...
Party at Robert Day's with Greg Shreifer,, Jackie .. Barbara Davis .. David Foster .. Nikki Haskell .. Beverly Johnson
Mark Dabbs enlists more than a HUNDRED star names for new book
A roving Walsall fan has enlisted a stellar array of celebrities to hold his beloved club’s scarf aloft for
charity.
Mark Dabbs criss-crossed the country to rope in more than a hundred famous faces for a book to raise money for the St Giles Walsall Hospice.
The nurse, 35, has posed with sports broadcasters Gary Lineker and Adrian Chiles, been welcomed by former Prime Minister Gordon Brown in Downing Street and visited former MP Edwina Currie at her home in Surrey. TV host Lorraine Kelly waited patiently for him at ITV studios but he had to sit through two recordings of Jeremy Kyle’s chat show before being whisked backstage.
Singer Jayne MacDonald and TV presenter Angela Rippon met the Saddlers fan at a stage door in Birmingham - though it took him three attempts to track down the late Lynda Bellingham in Yeovil.
Even Mike Tyson donned the scarf at a dinner in Wolverhampton.
Mark said: “At first I wanted to raise the profile of Walsall because I’m passionate about the town and then I thought if I could raise money for the hospice with a book it would propel me along the way.
“It’s been good, lots of people ask me about the book and to see it as a completed project is really good. I’ve probably got 110 pictures overall and there’s a quite a few I’ve kept back which I’ll put in the next book.”
Ken Dodd was another showbiz legend to help Mark on his quest. The comic invited the picture-hunter backstage before a show and his clowning about meant Mark had to dash to get to his shift at Walsall Manor Hospital.
Astronauts Charlie Duke, Ed Mitchell and Dave Scott were three of six moon-walkers to pose with the red-and-white woolly.
Gordon Brown invited Mark to Downing Street, but blinked for the picture, as did Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
Mark even managed to get renowned Baggies supporter and ex-One Show presenter Adrian Chiles to take part.
And he also enlisted the support of Dame Vera Lynn and Des O’Connor.
Sadly, Lynda Bellingham is not the only celebrity to have passed away since holding the emblem, as through the years Mark has also posed with the late TV and film stars Leslie Nielsen, Geoffrey Hughes, Susannah York, Kate O’Mara and astronomer Sir Patrick Moore.
Fitness fanatic Mark, of Darlaston Road, Pleck, combines nursing and celebrity-hunting with his self-styled role as Walsall’s “running ambassador”.
He was spurred into promoting health in Walsall after reading a newspaper opinion piece saying the town was “full of unfit, flabby people” and has run marathons on all six continents.
Mark originally wanted to pose with the scarf in front of world landmarks - but decided famous people would attract more interest.
He has published 70 pictures in a book entitled ‘Travels with my Scarf’ to raise money for the St Giles Walsall Hospice Appeal and has a sequel planned. * Travels with my Scarf is available at Waterstones and WH Smith in Walsall and on Amazon.
Taking place under the tagline ‘Not beyond us’, World Cancer Day 2015 will take a positive and proactive approach to the fight against cancer, highlighting that solutions do exist across the continuum of cancer, and that they are within our reach.
The campaign will explore how we can implement what we already know in the areas of prevention, early detection, treatment and care, and in turn, open up to the exciting prospect that we can impact the global cancer burden – for the better.
World Cancer Day is a unique opportunity to raise awareness that there is much that can be done at an individual, community and governmental level, to harness and mobilise these solutions and catalyse positive change. By moving forward together we have the potential to show: Cancer. It is not beyond us. The 2015 campaign will be articulated around four key areas of focus:
Choosing healthy lives
Delivering early detection
Achieving treatment for all
Maximising quality of life
Cancer Research UK is encouraging people to unite in the fight against the disease by purchasing a unity band. They cost just £2 and come in a variety of colours.
The charity says: "The chances are, you probably know someone who has been affected by cancer. A colleague, a family member, a loved one, a friend. Nowadays,nearly half of us will get cancer in our lifetime.
"Each purchase makes a big difference - together, we will help accelerate the progress of our life-saving research."
*Unity bands are available from Cancer Research UK shops across the UK for a suggested donation of £2, and are also available online. Or, by texting UNITE to 70200, £3 can be donated to Cancer Research UK.
The event, which takes place under the tagline 'not beyond us', takes a positive and proactive approach to the fight against cancer, highlighting that solutions are within our reach.
"World Cancer Day is an opportunity to strengthen awareness-raising and social mobilization for the prevention and control of cancer worldwide. In Peru, through the Esperanza Plan, we provide comprehensive care to our patients and by communication actions seek to promote healthy lifestyles that contribute to the prevention of disease. Also, we aim to debunk myths around the disease by promoting positive messages that change the color of pain and give hope to the lives of thousands of Peruvians. INEN is proud to work hand in hand with UICC to meet the goals of an advanced-cancer-free society". Lic. Carla Zavala Castro, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplásicas (INEN), Peru
I have always thought that glamour was underrated. I don’t like that a lot of people don’t tend to make much of an effort when it comes to glamour anymore, or being well dressed. Men and women alike. In the spirit of full disclosure, I can count myself amongst them sometimes. Too often in fact. Joan Collins has always been glamourous and while leaving the house everyday with a full face of makeup is too much of an effort, she really does inspire me to try harder.
She has launched a new beauty range, Timeless Beauty. It is all very impressive. The range has a lot of gorgeous stuff in it. The PR person sent us Lipstick & Nail lacquer in Helene to review. This is what Joan says:
“Lipstick is, to me, the Queen of cosmetics. It brings a hit of distinctive colour that lifts the face even when wearing no other make up. Lip colour itself can be a statement, can say something about the wearer and how the world sees them. I named my lipsticks after characters I have played as they reflect some aspect of the character’s persona.”
The lipstick is gorgeous, great packaging which just screams glamour. The colour is a luscious red cream with a hint of blue undertones. I never usually wear red lipstick. My lips are too big and don’t need anymore attention drawn to them, but this is beautiful. It is long lasting and also hydrates. In fact, it was tested and shown to improve hydration levels in the lips after 30 days.
Joan’s Tip: Look perfectly groomed by matching up lip and nail colour.
Next up was the nail lacquer, also in Helene. A matching red. Joan said:
“I don’t feel dressed without nail lacquer. It’s as essential to me as lipstick. I love the style of this bottle, elegant and practical with a long tapered cap that’s easy to hold, and, helps balance the brush when applying. The ribbing improves grip and ease of opening and closing.The colours are my personal favourites and I wear them all switching one to the other to reflect my mood, the effect I want to make, or simply to compliment my outfit.”
This is the same beautiful colour. The packaging is just gloriously stunning and glamorous. The nail lacquer is easy to apply. It is a smooth, self levelling colour that covers imperfections and leaves nails looking sleek and chic.
I love these and Joan’s Timeless beauty range. It brings a rather wonderful touch of glamour to life. Which makes it worth making that extra effort for after all. I may become more like Joan yet.
