On the radar: HBO’s ‘Mildred Pierce’ premiere in New York, the launch of ‘Parisian Chic,’ and an of-the-moment site

March 22, 2011 by

Kate Winslet and Guy Pearce walked the red carpet Monday night in New York at the premiere for HBO’s “Mildred Pierce,” directed by Todd Haynes and based on James M. Cain’s novel. The mini-series starts Sunday. The 1945 movie version of the book stars Joan Crawford in the title role.

Inès de la Fressange

Look book: Magazine illustrator, Roger Vivier consultant and former Chanel model Inès de la Fressange shares her style secrets in “Parisian Chic” out next month. In addition to fashion pointers, the book includes tips on living well, 70 pages of her favorite places to go in Paris as well as ideas for entertaining at home, and who does that better than the French?

A sample de la Fressange maxim: “A true Parisian is not looking to snag a billionaire husband. She is uninterested in spending for its own sake and sporting the labels to show for it.”

Read more and see highlights on savvy and soigné Shana Ting Lipton’s site, Chic Trek.

Newness to me: I recently discovered the elegant site NOWNESS, which features “stories influencing contemporary culture and global lifestyle, previewing the latest in fashion, gastronomy, art, film, music, design, travel and sport.” Part of the Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton family, the site notes that all content is editorially independent. Bella Freud, Bret Easton Ellis, Joan Juliet Buck and Daria Shapovalova are just a few of the contributors.

Inès de la Fressange image from Chic Trek.

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Meet the Daughters of Veda Pierce

December 3, 2010 by

Ann Blyth as Veda

Most of the men in 1945’s “Mildred Pierce,” starring Joan Crawford, are “heels” as Mildred’s friend Ida (Eve Arden) puts it. But they could all learn a few things from Mildred’s venal and grasping daughter Veda (Ann Blyth), who enjoys taunting her mother in French and taking what she thinks should be hers – pretty much anything that’s not nailed down.

Maybe Veda was misunderstood in the stoic, stiff-upper-lip era of post-World War II America. If she’d come of age in the ’80s or later, she’d be a classic material girl, albeit with a few little boo-boos that warrant a criminal record. And it’s entirely possible that as child she was terrorized by Mildred’s ubiquitous and intimidating shoulder pads. Couldn’t we cut Veda a little slack?

Pica, aka VedaCat

I chose Veda as a nickname for my impossibly demanding and sometimes vicious cat whom I rescued from a shelter. Try as I might to shower her with attention, cater to her every need and lavish her with the finest cat food, treats and toys, she’s quite likely to lash out and give me a scratch for no reason at all. She’s just a natural-born bitch.

So, à la director Jim Jarmusch who founded the Sons of Lee Marvin Club for tall, deep-voiced dudes who like to watch Westerns, my kitty and I launched the Daughters of Veda Pierce Club, for women and pets who keep their claws sharp and aren’t afraid to use them. We’re designing a line of T-shirts, clothes, jewelry, toys and accessories for our members, except we don’t want to do any of the actual work or put up any of our own money.

Ce serait terrible, no?

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Sly guys, coffee, pie: It’s all in ‘Mildred Pierce’

December 1, 2010 by

Mildred Pierce/ 1945/Warner Bros./ 111 min.

“Mildred Pierce” was Joan Crawford’s comeback role and she won an Oscar for her performance.

I saw “Mildred Pierce” for the first time nearly 20 years ago on a Sunday afternoon in my small, studenty London flat – pale gray walls, Venetian blinds, a Victor Skrebneski print opposite the TV.

Just before the opening scene unfolded – a shooting in a shadow-drenched California beach house with a sinister vibe – I remember popping a batch of popcorn in oil on the stovetop and making American lemonade (fresh lemons, sugar and water). Such wholesome snacking for the decadence on the little screen.

Directed by Michael Curtiz, “Mildred Pierce” is based on James M. Cain’s 1941 novel, adapted by Ranald MacDougall with uncredited help from William Faulkner. Joan Crawford plays the title character, a wife and mother, who tries to buy the love of her spoiled and ungrateful teenage daughter Veda (Ann Blyth). Her younger daughter Kay (Jo Ann Marlowe) is easy to love, but Mildred is determined to win Veda over as well.

Hubby Bert Pierce (Bruce Bennett) doesn’t think Veda is worth it and they break up over Mildred’s intense maternal devotion. Some subtexters theorize that Mildred’s love has romantic overtones; I don’t think there’s a strong case for that.

Mildred works as a pie-baker and a waitress, then opens a chain of restaurants to pay for Veda’s clothes, music lessons and extravagant taste. Problem is, nothing’s ever good enough for the Everest-level high-maintenance Veda. “I can’t wear that rag,” she snarls, upon seeing a dress Mildred bought for her.

Besides sniping at loved ones and spending their money, Veda enjoys hatching blackmail plans and singing in sleazy nightclubs. So it’s no shocker that she also has designs on Mildred’s new love interest Monte Beragon (Zachary Scott). Monte is an aristocratic playboy who’s always short of cash but really rather useful for Veda’s plan to become patrician.

Ann Blyth and Joan Crawford as daughter and Mumsy

No matter what, Veda sinks her serpent’s teeth deeper and deeper into Mildred’s flesh, which, by the way, at 40, was still very shapely. Curtiz wisely gives Crawford plenty of opps to show off her gams. And her little hats, tailored suits and ankle straps are the picture of retro chic. [Read more…]

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‘Mildred Pierce’ quick hit

December 1, 2010 by

Mildred Pierce/ 1945/Warner Bros./ 111 min

What obstacle can’t be overcome with the help of ankle straps and padded shoulders? The incomparable Joan Crawford makes this her mantra as she attempts to give her greedy daughter everything her heart desires. Big mistake, hugely delightful movie, directed by Michael Curtiz.

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