Fashion for Charity

Fashion for Charity hosted an incredible evening of high fashion and live entertainment, showcasing the avant garde collections from Y-3, G-Star Raw and Custo Barcelona at the Moore Building-located in the heart of Miami’s Design District.

More than 800 people attended the elegant soiree which began with a VIP cocktail reception and silent auction as celebrity guests including Adriana De Moura, one of the “Real Housewives of Miami”, graced the red carpet.  A series of fashion shows showcased this season’s hottest fall/winter collections including designs from Y-3, G-Star Raw and Custo Barcelona.

All proceeds from the evening will be donated to Project Start Off Smart (SOS) and The EDGE Charitable Foundation.  Project SOS is an initiative of the Homestead Police Department dedicated to identify victims of domestic violence, child abuse, neglect, sexual abuse and human trafficking and provide services to help these victims.

2011 Event sponsors include Rik Rak, Motives, Pasha’s Healthy Mediterranean Cuisine, Parties by Pat, AVER Productions, Y-3, G-Star Raw, Custo Barcelona, Hpnotiq Hamonie, Peroni Beer, Steve’s Margarita, SX Liquors, Premier Beverage Catering, Treskoi PR, Sobie Fabrics, PrintHouse USA and The G.R.O.W.T.H Foundation.  Media sponsors include WFOR-TV (CBS) and Lite FM 101.5.

Dog bones? Are they safe or not

I’m sure you’re aware of the recent FDA warning reminding consumers to toss out bones from their meals rather than feed them to their dogs. I’ve read several opinions from veterinarians around the country both in support and in opposition of the FDA guidance. The FDA points out several potential pitfalls with feeding dogs bones, among them broken teeth, mouth or tongue injuries, constipation, and bone fragments getting stuck in the dog’s digestive system resulting in surgery or in rare cases death. According to the FDA, “bones are unsafe no matter what their size.”

I take issue with such a blanket statement with regards to bones and dogs. Dogs wouldn’t be around if their digestive systems weren’t capable of processing bones. It is true that some bones are certainly potential hazards to dogs (e.g., cooked chicken bones, ham steak bones, small bones given to large dogs). However, with proper supervision most bones are safe and promote healthy oral hygiene. While I agree that feeding dogs bones from the dinner roast may not be the safest and best option, there are several reputable companies out there that provide quality meat bones of the proper size, shape and density. I do carry several different USA meat bones in my boutique (along with other options for people who are not comfortable with giving their dogs bones). It really comes down to educating yourself and providing your customer with the best options based on the size and chewing nature of their dog. The general rule for bones is “Bigger is better.” Some dogs will try to swallow bones or pieces of bones that are too big to be digested. For this type of dog, you want to stay with a larger, denser bone like a beef marrow bone rather than a smaller, less dense bone like a pork femur. For smaller, less aggressive chewers, a lamb shank or trotter bone is appropriate. Whatever bone is chosen, dog owners need to be aware and responsible for disposing of the bone when its size is such that it could become a choking hazard.

I’ve been giving my 13 year-old Chocolate Lab USA meat bones (e.g., beef marrow, pork femur, lamb shank) since she was a pup. I can remember two or three instances of stomach upset and/or loose stools attributable to the bones. However, I can accept that given her immaculate dental health at this point in her life. With just about anything, you have to weigh the benefits versus the potential hazards. Every year, hundreds of dogs are accidently strangled to death by their collars. Should we then discontinue using collars on our dogs? Of course not, since the benefits of having our dogs restrained by our side outweigh the potential pitfalls. Feeding dogs bones is no different.

Sherel 's hat

Sherel’s is a New York-based hat house, and celebrity favorite of Leighton Meester, Hilary Duff, Blake Lively, Betsy Johnson, Mischa Barton, Selena Gomez, and Elizabeth Olsen.

With a collection of more than 2,500 wooden hat blocks, some dating back before 1900, Sherel’s is one of the most dynamic millineries in the world. Best known for their ultra chic shapes and lux, quirky fabrications, Sherel’s hats are crafted from the most exclusive materials around the world – including custom dyed straw from Switzerland and Italian velour that takes more than 100 steps to produce.

Sherel’s is designed by real life mad hatters (and brothers) Tomer (29) and Omri Amar (25), who recently took over the twenty-five-year family business. The two take great pride in the quality and workmanship of every hat they create, finishing each piece by hand on sewing machines from 1880 - 1920, mirroring the craft of hats made in the 19th century. The duo has designed two runway collaborations for Betsy Johnson and has been featured throughout the current season of Gossip Girl. Sherel’s offers casual and dress styles for men and women, and is available at their five (5) New York boutiques, on www.sherels.com, or at select fine retailers nationwide.

Vancouver’s Eco Fashion Week kicks off with stellar collections and re-styled Value Village wears

Mother Nature clearly approved of the kick-off to the Fall 2012 edition of Eco Fashion Week. She gave a long, wet, chillier-than-usual Vancouver winter its first dry spring high of 16 degrees. The runway, set atop an iceless 2010 Olympiad legacy rink in Robson Square, warmed up with a show featuring no new clothing.

It was stylists, not designers who took centre stage using some $500 worth of pre-loved Value Village finds. Sarah La Greca and Deanna Palkowski styled 21 waste-not, wide-ranging looks from pastel-on-pastel and print-on-print to ‘70s rock and ‘80s glam sent out to a Grimes soundtrack. My favourite: a Chinoiserie smoking jacket that wouldn’t have been out of place in Jason Wu’s fall collection, followed by a Cher Horowitz-esque pastel blue pleather jacket worn over a ladylike ivory ensemble—albeit more spring than fall—and a double scoop of polka dots on a blouse and pencil skirt.

Next, Eco Fashion Week founder Miriam Laroche styled her pick of pre-loved threads. There were rich, clashing colours overall, with tartan skirts atop sequins tops, and scarves reworked as tops, skirts and finally a whole cocktail dress. A little ‘80sYves Saint Laurent meets ‘80s Ralph Lauren meets present day Marc Jacobs,perhaps. In fact, one actual YSL dress of yore, magenta with abstracted roses, traveled the runway for a second time.

Perhaps I’ve been reading too many dystopian teen novels, but could all-vintage be the post-apocalyptic future of fashion? There were even contestants in attendance, of the Miss World variety that is.

It got even more apocalyptic, and punk too, yet new and never-worn at Unlokk byEason Wang. The young Shanghai-born designer, a former Blanche Macdonald student, opened his presentation with a conceptual video of a girl in a gas mask struggling to come untied then staggering through a distorted forest. The clothes, both men’s and women’s, showed sparks of creativity but lacked polish. A cape-type topper with sharp, angular shoulders reminiscent of armor I liked, a shaggy Sasquatch hair hem on a dress I did not.

Next was Snap, a line from Whistler-based F As In Frank that reworks men’s vintage pieces for women. A remix of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” was selected and aptly sums up their aesthetic. It was all very Grunge Prairie Western corralling plaid, denim, lace, floral and sweats.

Eponymous jewellery line Bitru Fariel ended the evening. To say her handcrafted baubles are statement pieces is an understatement. There was a necklace of batteries bunched and wrapped in wire, what looked like white electrical cable coiled into two breasts, and coral and wire shaped like a skeleton as a finale. Not to beat a dead comparison, but these too befit a fictional Hunger Games’ Capitol.

Hands Up People, one of the best 2012 club music :)

Emil Lassaria & Caitlyn - Tu amor

Kate Bosworth and Lara Stone party for Calvin Klein!

       

Kate Bosworth, Lara Stone and Chloe Moretz jet to the Calvin Klein Infinite Loop party in South Korea – SEE FASHION PICS!

Bombshell model Lara Stone, aka the new face of Calvin Klein Euphoria, jetted from Cannes to Seoul, South Korea yesterday to join Kate Bosworth and Chloe Moretz  for the Calvin Klein Infinite Loop party.

CALVIN KLEIN EUPHORIA PARTY IN CANNES

Sporting a plunging LBD and a pair of cobalt sandals, supermodel Stone posed for snaps with the fashion house’s designer, Francisco Costa.

Meanwhile, Kate was the ultimate futuristic fashionista in a monochrome number that boasted a leather shell top and metallic belt and Chloe was perfectly girly in a red tulip dress and T-strap platform shoes.

What a stylish trio!

Cannes Film Festival 2012

Judge Diane Kruger certainly made a style statement at the Cannes Film Festival in a Medieval-style hooped gown by Christian Dior Couture. Can we just say WOW?!

Oscar winners Audrey Tautou and Adrien Brody took to the stage at the closing ceremony of the Cannes Film Festival.

At the Hemingway and Gellhornpremiere in Cannes, Nicole Kidman was a modern-day flapper in a stunning beaded metallic halter dress by Ralph Lauren. With her ringlets styled in a cute bobbed updo, doesn't she look straight out of the Roaring Twenties?

January Jones for Versace Accessories

Now that we’ve said goodbye to 2010, the countdown for ad campaigns for the Spring/Summer 2011 collections begins. One of the first off of the mark is Versace, who have the lovely Mad Men actress, January Jones, modelling their Spring/Summer 2011 Accessories; so glad to see January getting some recognition from the fashion industry. The campaign was shot by legendary Mario Testino and girlfriend looks fierce.

Lavin for H&M Autum/Winter 2010

I am too excited by this; gorgeous Parisian fashion house, Lavin, has joined forces with high street giants H&M to bring an amazing, luxuriant collection to the masses. Well, maybe not entirely to the masses – it will only be available at selected H&M stores across the World – hitting the UK high street on the 23rd November 2010. All designed by Lavin’s artistic director Alber Elbaz.

You may be under the impression that the collection has a purely monochrome palette but you would be wrong! There are dresses in rich reds, pinks, canary yellows and brightly coloured floral patterns available and accessories galore, including vintagesque beaded jewellery and leopard print court shoes.

Spring/Summer 2012 – Print Trend

Prints are a big Spring/Summer 2011 trend – whether bold and fruity at Stella McCartney (picture above) or horizontally striped at Prada, there will be no getting from them this season. I for one adore prints and especially love clashing them. Floral and stripes are a particular favourite combination of mine.

This zebra print mustard shirt may not be floral, fruity or stripey but hey – throw an animal print on a vibrant coloured shirt, tie it at the waist and I’m a happy girl. This H by Henry Holland Zebra print, mustard shirt sounds a nightmare on paper but I absolutely love it. It would look so good with seventies inspired denim flares, open toed tanned platform heels and a wide brim floppy hat and is an absolute bargain at only £25 at Debenhams.

Inside Jessica Biel, Justin Timberlake's Star-Studded Engagement Party

Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake are one step closer to living happily ever after!

On Saturday, the pair, who got engaged in December, ware feted with an engagement party that took place at the California home of Timberlake's longtime friend and HomeMint collaborator Estee Stanley.

At the soiree, guests were dressed in cocktail attire with the men wearing suits and the women donning black dresses. Timberlake, 31, wore a black suit and a fedora; Biel, 30, worked a leopard-print halter dress cinched at the waist with a hot pink belt and matching shoes. Gourmet appetizers were served by Wolfgang Puck Catering along with wine and champagne.

Celebrities on the guest list for the 100-attendee soiree, which included the couple's friends and family: Lance Bass, JC Chasez, Trace Ayala, Ellen DeGeneres, Portia DeRossi and Amy Adams.

"Jessica and Justin were mingling both separately and together throughout the party," an insider tells Us Weekly. "Jessica seems to be very close with Justin's friends and vice versa. You can see that they have been dating for a long time and really know each others friends and family well. The party was a fun celebration and a preview of what's to come with the wedding."

Earlier this month, Biel and Timberlake tried on wedding bands at jewelry boutique Eli Halili in New York City's Soho neighborhood ahead of making their red carpet debut as an engaged couple at the 2012 Met Ball.

Set to wed this year, the couple of five years spent over a half an hour in the shop with jewelry designer Halili, trying on wedding bands and perusing other pieces in the shop, including one-of-a-kind ancient rings and precious stone necklaces.

Although they didn't select their wedding bands during the jaunt, the twosome did drop $6,500 -- buying a $2,200 ring (a 24 carat gold ring with a labradorite semi-precious stone) and two necklaces ($2,500 and $1,800, respectively).

Jennifer Lopez & Marc Anthony together again ?

Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony,together on Vegas stage, make pace for business sake ?

The  separated couple, nearly 11 months ago after seven years of marriage, appared hand-in-hand at the  concert show in Las Vegas.

Denise Richards: ‘I’m a Very Forgiving Person’

Denise Richards must sleep well knowing the karma gods will forever be on her side. Despite her ex-husband Charlie Sheen's antics in recent years (which included insulting her as part of his bizarre live show tour last year), the actress with the impressively sunny disposition has continually taken the high road time and time again, keeping up a friendly relationship with her ex, never uttering a disparaging comment about him, and even, mostly recently, agreeing to appear on his new TV series, which will surely help him out with his ratings.

But why be so … nice?

"I've always been a very forgiving person and I think that you should move on from situations. I don't like to have that toxic energy and hold on to things. I like to move on and move past it," she tells omg! from Yahoo in an exclusive interview.

But there are bigger reasons too. A couple of them, actually.

"As the world has seen … it's been up and down and I'm honest about that. There's times where it's good and times where it's not," she admits. "So I do it for myself to not hold on to that and also for the kids. I've always come from a place of putting things aside for our children. And, you know, everyone benefits from that, especially the kids."

Though Richards and Sheen divorced in 2006 after the couple had two daughters together — Sam, now 8, and Lola, who turns 7 next week — today, Richards is a mom of three after adopting daughter Eloise as an infant about a year ago.

Bobby Flay: I Wouldn’t Win ‘Food Network Star’

Celebrity chef Bobby Flay was a chef long before he was a celebrity, but which part is more important when it comes to becoming a successful TV cooking show host — on-camera panache or solid culinary skills? The 47-year-old restaurant mogul — who just kicked off the latest season of reality competition series "Food Network Star" as team leader of a gaggle of wannabe stars competing for their very own series — gave omg! the lowdown on what he's looking for in a future Food Network host, why he would probably lose if he competed on the show, and what just might be the best gift he ever got.

So what did you focus on more when you were deciding which contestants you wanted on your team — cooking chops or how they handled themselves on camera?
Before I was on TV I owned and was the chef in two of my own restaurants and so I was cooking for many years before I started doing this and I felt confident enough to, you know, pick up the food that I was cooking with and then at some point became comfortable in front of the camera. So that's sort of the process that I think about in terms of getting people there, so I picked people out of the audition process that were probably the best cooks in competition.

How could you tell? 
Just the way that they are sort of around the stove, the finesse with their hands … and then what they decide to make, I can see if they're creative and they actually have good technique. From that point forward then I can say, "All right, you know, do I think their personality has a glimmer of hope of being a star in front of the camera with the skills that they already have and possess?" So that's the way that I looked at it.

Do you think you could win "Food Network Star" if you competed as a contestant?
No.

Why not? 
I don't know. I'm sure something would come up that would just kind of throw me. It's sort of the luck of the draw in terms of what kind of challenge that they throw at you. One of the challenges was you had to open a restaurant as a team. I would probably thrive at that, I mean it's what I do for a living. But if you had me, you know … make something with gummy bears, I couldn't care less. I'm not interested, you know, and there's a lot of challenges like that. So my guess is that somebody's going to be more creative in that department than I would be, so maybe I would get cut on that one.

Robin Williams Dead? How The Internet Rumor Mill Kills Off the Same Celebrities Time and Again

The rumor that actor and comedian Robin Williams is dead is just the latest in a long line of Twitter death hoaxes or users conflating information to reach an erroneous conclusion, and usually, a mix of the two.

Every few months, it seems there is a spike in “Robin Williams dead” searches after a spate of Twitter activity claiming the actor has died. And Robin Williams is far from the only celebrity frequently killed off accidentally by Twitter users, or on purpose by web trolls seeking out lulz or traffic.

So is Robin Williams dead? No. Neither is Mel Gibson, who has been pitched off an imaginary cliff at intervals by the internet death hoaxing webizens. Nor George Clooney, who was purported to have fallen off the selfsame cliff in New Zealand. Or even Rick Astley, Miley Cyrus, Reba McEntire or Tom Cruise, all celebrities who have been prone to the death hoax urban legend.

One of the things that makes the “Robin Williams dead” rumor and those of its ilk so “sticky” is the fact that it comes from an undated, unverified web tale that may will mistake for an actual news story. So while some elements of a story like one that would run were Robin Williams dead remain (location, details, comment), a date is suspiciously left off, allowing the rumor that the actor has died to pop up every six months or so and confuse many people who are new to the story.

But it appears another unrelated circumstance has reignited the rumor that Robin Williams died- yesterday the music world lost Robin Gibb, a Bee Gee and a fellow 70′s star. Those too young to remember rollerskating to “Stayin’ Alive” or watching Mork and Mindy on the TV might have searched for a dead Robin from the 70′s, turning up one false story about how Robin Williams died in place of a truer one and giving the rumor credence once again.

Latest Fashion Trends

Latest fashion trends are showcasing checkered coats and pants in shades of grey, navy blue and maroon. Leather fitted pants in black worn under double breasted coats in shades of grey looks super hot and sexy as per latest fashion trends. Wear black and white minuscule checkered coats over black pants with checkered trimmings. Women this year are wearing men’s boots with laces or really long and fitted wellington boots under skinny leather pants.

Bright coloured pants in shades of yellow and orange are very IN this year. You can wear silk shirts in blues and blacks over them. Checkered coats in red and bright blue are also very in fashion this year.  You can wear high heel strappy sandals if you want to look like a hip woman wearing the latest fashion trends

Over sized fur coats are also very much in fashion this year. You can get them in powder pink. Grey or shades f fawn and black. Sky blue coats with buckles across in chest in black leather worn over a pair of sheer sexy leggings make you look smoking hot like a woman who knows how to follow the latest fashion trends. Electric blue shirts and pants are all the rage this year. Wear them with gold jewellery and other accessories of metallic shades of gold, high heel shoes in gold with electric blue is a sizzling and sexy combination.

Layer up this fall if you want to follow the latest fashion trends get a bright coloured leather coat and wear it over a woolen polo neck or a suede dress in black. Wear a hot and sexy silk scarf with it or you can go for a woolen scarf if you want to stay cozy. Read chiffon ankle length dress are also quiet in fashion this year. These chiffon frocks have net blouses o that have a closed collar and fitted full sleeves. You can also opt for a topless and sleeveless fitted bodice made of net or lace if you want to look like a siren who follows the latest fashion trends.

Sheer lace and simple leggings are quiet in fashion this year. Make sure you get yourself a pair in fawn, white and black at least.

Calvin Klein Descends on Korea for a 700-Person-Strong BashCalvin Klein Descends on Korea for a 700-Person-Strong Bash

Lara Stone, Kevin Carrigan, and Hanneli Mustaparta  

Calvin Klein's event in Seoul, South Korea, last night was all about making connections—digital and analog. For realization of the concept, the destination had to be special. And, yes, the rooftop party zone above Seoul Station did surprise, kitted out as it was with a long gray carpet, bars, lounges, and media galleries, as well as a terrace overlooking a 23-story building across the street. Projected onto the structure's facade was an installation by New York-based digital artist Rafaël Rozendaal,MuchBetterThanThis.Com, featuring multicolored silhouettes of people kissing.

Adding to the evening's glamour quotient were Kate Bosworth and Chloë Moretz, making rare appearances in Korea. Moretz, star of the new Dark Shadows, said it was her mother who got her into wearing Calvin Klein. And there was no shortage of Korean celebrities, either—from Lee Hyori, Yoon Eun-hye, and Go Ara to supermodel Lee Hyun Yi and the K-pop band EXO-K—all dressed in minimalist Calvin Klein.

Creative director Francisco Costa worked the crowd with Lara Stone on his arm. Having visited South Korea a few times already, the globe-trotting designer was optimistic about the future: "We chose Seoul Station, an important landmark in the world's most digitally advanced country," he said, because "we wanted to show our global connectivity through media, art, and fashion."

Speaking of connectivity, in addition to Rozendaal's installation, the media artist Scott Snibbe and the collective Flightphase, in collaboration with New York's New Museum of Contemporary Art, showed their works against a presentation of the Fall 2012 offerings from all of the Calvin Klein lines. The night's most popular spot was where top model Matthew Terry posed in nothing but the brand's signature briefs. Let's just say it was the smartphones doing the talking.

Justin Bieber & Selena Gomez’s Romantic Lunch Date

The couple shared a meal at their favorite restaurant: Benihana! We love how they have a routine — they’re too adorable together!

Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez are wild about each other, and they continued celebrating her return from Bulgaria with a May 26 trip to their favorite date spot: the local Benihana!

Justin, 18, and Selena, 19, were spotted getting some gas en route and then heading to the Sherman Oaks, Calif. restaurant. It’s crazy that two superstars could be regulars at such a normal place!

Do YOU think Justin and Selena will be in love forever, HollywoodLifers?

Lady Gaga cancels Indonesian show after threats

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — Lady Gaga canceled her sold-out show in Indonesia after Islamist hard-liners threatened violence, claiming her sexy clothes and provocative dance moves would corrupt the youth.

The controversy was a blow to the predominantly Muslim country's reputation for combining free speech and democracy with a mostly moderate brand of the faith.

Fans were devastated, despite the promoter's offer of full refunds. Some accused police — who refused to issue a permit over concerns about security — of buckling to the will of a small group of thugs.

The planned "Born This Way Ball" concert has been on-again-off-again from the start.

But on Sunday, it was final, said Minola Sebayang, a lawyer for Big Daddy, the promoter of the June 3 show.

"It's unfortunate," he said. "But with threats if the concert goes ahead, Lady Gaga's side is calling it off. This is not only about Lady Gaga's security, but extends to those who will be watching her."

Indonesia, a secular nation of 240 million, is often held up by the U.S. and others an example of how democracy and Islam and can coexist. In many ways they are right. Since emerging from dictatorship just over a decade ago, sweeping reforms have resulted in direct elections, while vastly improving human rights and freeing up the media.

But a small extremist fringe has become more vocal — and violent — in recent years, attacking Christians and members of other religious minorities, transvestites, atheists and anyone else deemed "immoral."

The most notorious group, Islamic Defenders Front, called Lady Gaga a "messenger of the devil" and vowed to turn out at the airport by the thousands if she tried to step off the plane. Others said they bought tickets so they could wreak havoc from inside the 52,000-seat stadium in the capital, Jakarta.

Police responded by denying the necessary permits. Then, after public outcry, they said they'd reconsider — but only if Lady Gaga agreed to tone down her act.

Instead, she pulled the plug on what was supposed to be the biggest stop on her Asian tour.

Michael Rusli, head of Big Daddy, promised "Little Monster" fans full refunds.

But that provided little consolation to people like 25-year-old Johnny Purba.

"This only shows to the world how weak security forces are in this country, how police are afraid of a bunch of hard-liners," he said.

"Gaga's two-hour show will not hurt Indonesian Muslims. For God's sake, she is not a terrorist!"

Around 50 others, dressed up like the pop diva, performed a mob flash dance at a shopping mall in the capital, Jakarta, to some of her biggest hits.

Hard-liners, however, were ecstatic.

"This is a victory for Indonesian Muslims," said Salim Alatas, one of the leaders of the Islamic Defenders Front, or FPI. "Thanks to God for protecting us from a kind of devil."

Earlier, Murhali Barda, a spokesman for the group, said supporters had purchased more than 150 tickets to the concert.

He'd posted a picture on his Facebook page of a man hiding his identity with a turban and sunglasses and holding a $50 ticket to the "Ball."

"We have gotten Lady Gaga tickets," the caption said. "Not to watch but for us to enter."

"Our target is to stop the concert," he wrote, providing little more detail. "We would force them off the stage but not harm the audience."

Pattinson leaves vampires behind in 'Cosmopolis'

CANNES, France (AP) — Robert Pattinson has gone from playing a vampire to depicting another kind of bloodsucker — a billionaire financier whose world crumbles in the course of a nightmarish cross-town drive in "Cosmopolis."

The "Twilight" heartthrob stars in David Cronenberg's Cannes Film Festival entry as sleek, self-centered moneyman Eric Packer, who sees his fortune and sense of self evaporate during an eventful day in his stretch limo.

Pattinson's famously handsome face is on-screen in every scene, but "Twilight'''s young fans may be surprised and confused by a film that explores Cronenberg's fascination with physical, social and psychic violence.

The 26-year-old actor is not worried.

"If some 12-year-olds went to go and see that, or got the video for their birthday — sitting down and watching that, it's incredible," the actor said during an interview on a Cannes hotel rooftop. "I would love that to happen if I was a kid."

It's a bit of amiable mischief-making from an actor who wants to be known as more than doe-eyed vampire Edward Cullen, in love with human Bella Swan in the "Twilight" saga.

He said he craves the cinematic understatement that blockbusters don't always provide.

"I remember when I was in the first 'Twilight' movie, I really wanted to not have Edward touch Bella, apart from when he saves her life and when they kiss the first time," said Pattinson, lightly rumpled but friendly and poised after a long day of press interviews. "I was thinking of the (Ang Lee) movie 'Lust, Caution,' and thinking there should be this tension there the whole time — just standing near someone there's electricity.

"But sometimes it just makes things too hard. You kind of forget that most people want to go to the cinema just to watch a movie rather than watch something really weird."

"Weird" is par for the course with Cronenberg, and Pattinson gets plenty of scope to stretch himself in "Cosmopolis," playing a hollow-eyed Master of the Universe forced to confront his mortality.

Events, emotion and violence keep intruding on the hermetically sealed universe of his limo as he tries, futilely, to cross a crisis-wracked Manhattan in search of a haircut.

Packer crosses paths with characters including his aloof wife (Sarah Gadon), his arty lover (Juliette Binoche), a pie-throwing protester (Mathieu Amalric) and a murderously angry former employee (Paul Giamatti).

Packer is not, to put it mildly, a likable character. Some have seen him as an avatar of Wall Street excess, but Pattinson says he watched interviews with serial killers Jeffrey Dahmer and Ted Bundy, rather than real-life financiers, to help him create the character's voice.

"He's like an alien," Pattinson said of the character.

"He's not part of his body. Everything is an abstraction. The world's an abstraction. Everything is."

The film has been widely described as a dystopian reflection of the present crisis of capitalism — but Pattinson sees it in a more cheerful light, as Packer learns to face his humanity.

"I always thought it's kind of a happy story, up until the right at the very end," he said.

"He's suddenly starting to feel and he becomes more physical as the day goes on, more alive. He feels like he's part of the world."

Packer is cut off from other humans by wealth and temperament, cocooned in his car and protected by vigilant bodyguards. Pattinson has, to an extent, been cut off by fame. He and his girlfriend and "Twilight" co-star Kristen Stewart are magnets for paparazzi and fans.

Pattinson said the experience had given him insight into some aspects of Packer's situation.

"Some of the stuff with the bodyguard, because when I'm doing press and stuff and when I'm working I have a bodyguard who I get really close with," he said. "There's a very specific relationship and that was one of the things I kind of got."

Pattinson's "Twilight" fame has trailed with him around Cannes, but Cronenberg said it had no bearing on his decision to cast the actor.

"You must ignore the baggage," the director said.

"It is very easy to say that this character, Eric Packer, is vampire or a werewolf of Wall Street, But really that's rather superficial. He's a real character and a real person in the movie.

"This is a real person, with a history and a past. And the history and the past is not 'Twilight.' It's 'Cosmopolis.'"

Pattinson came to Cannes with Stewart, who appears in Jack Kerouac adaptation "On the Road."

"She found out a lot earlier than I did that it ("On the Road") was in competition," Pattinson said — leaving him seething.

He's happy now, though, and still can't believe the reaction to the strange and unsettling "Cosmopolis."

"When there's people screaming outside, I'm like, 'This is incredible,'" he said. "That people are screaming for this, the most bizarre movie — it's amazing.

"I wasn't expecting anyone to get it. Even last night (at the premiere), I was expecting everyone to walk out."

Nicole Kidman's red carpet marriage

Cannes, France (AP) — Nicole Kidman's red carpet date travelled for 35 hours to join her in Cannes.

The actress's husband — musician Keith Urban — made the trip from Sydney, where's he's been filming "The Voice," to escort her up the famous Palais stairs.

And Kidman says his effort meant "everything" to her.

"As long as he's there, he's my rock, everything's fine. I feel a little out to sea if he's not there."

Not that she didn't know what she was doing.

It's the star's fifth time in Cannes, so she's used to the huge photocalls, press conferences and international interviews that take place in the French palm tree scattered coastal resort.

This time Kidman has two movies showing — "The Paperboy," which is competing for the Palme d'Or, and, outside of competition, HBO movie "Hemmingway & Gellhorn."

Her red carpet moment was for the former, directed by Lee Daniels, where she stars alongside Zac Efron and Matthew McConaughey.

A steamy Southern noir, it's about a journalist who returns to his Florida roots to investigate a murder.

"The Paperboy" received mixed reactions at press screenings before the premiere — so the cast were delighted when the audience took to their feet to clap for 15 minutes after seeing it.

But while a teary Efron described the ovation as one of the most profound moments of his life, Kidman remained dry-eyed

"We got an amazing standing ovation, which was great. This is my fifth time so I've had many, many, many different reactions," she said. "That's the longest standing 'O' I've ever gotten at Cannes."

Daniels and the rest of the cast, however, were overwhelmed.

"Lee was crying, but I wasn't crying. I cry at my kids, I cry with my family, I don't really cry outside of that — that's the stuff that brings me to tears!" Kidman said. "All of this other stuff, the glitter, and those sort of things, I'm more sort of immune to at this stage. It's probably because I've been doing it for so long."

She also credits this sense of perspective — one that puts showbiz further down her list of priorities — with keeping her relationship on an even keel, even if it does involve a lot of international travel.

"Keith and I have been at this for a long time. We know where it all stands, so there's kind of a practicality in a sense," she explained.

While that doesn't sound very romantic, Kidman says travelling around is essential in keeping their relationship alive and enjoyable.

"We can have a really cool life together because that's what matters. In terms of romance, for us, that's so much more important than any of this," she says, gesturing to the lights and the cameras pointing at her.

The 65th Cannes Film Festival runs to Sunday 27th when the jury sits down to choose its prizewinners.

Antonio Banderas, Other Famous Leading Men Open Up About Growing Old

      

Not a month goes by that we don't see a female celebrity asked in an interview about aging and how it's affecting her looks. Since we all know metabolism slows with age, what exactly does she do to keep her fit physique? How does she keep her skin looking so fresh (when it's so old, the question seems to imply)? This month, however, it's the men who are opening up about aging. The new issue of AARPmagazine features a list of 21 sexy male celebrities older than 50, including NBC News anchor and frequent "30 Rock" guest star Brian Williams, movie star Antonio Banderas, and actor/Mr. Barbra Streisand of 14 years, James Brolin.

Williams, 53, reveals that, not surprisingly and despite what we read, men do think about growing older. "All guys wake up and expect to see an 18-year-old in the mirror," he said. "Lately, the guy I see looks a heck of a lot more like my late father, but there's nothing you can do about it! Just live your life and realize it may be true that the only guy who really looks good with three days' growth is George Clooney." But unlike many women and men, Williams says he's not too concerned with his diet. "I cannot pass an Arby's or Taco Bell without swerving into the parking lot. I see folks who read the content label on a piece of chocolate. I don't want to live that way. Eating mashed yeast and potting soil is not my idea of a fulfilling meal."

"Zorro" star Banderas, on the other hand, is more strict when it comes to what he puts in his body. The buff 51-year-old, who married "Working Girl" actress Melanie Griffith in 1996, has a more rigid physical routine. "I work out every morning, and when I'm finished, the first thing I put in my body is white tea," Banderas says. "Everything is about balance." When it comes to another aspect of his looks — his once flowing, full head of dark hair — Banderas admits that things have changed. "I'm a little bald, but I don't think the pressure is just a Hollywood thing," the "Puss in Boots" star says. "It's a social thing."

Former "Hotel" star Brolin, who's still handsome at 71, explains that his secret to aging gracefully is to take everything in stride. "Stress can take years off your life. I don't get rattled about many things," Brolin says. " thinks everything has to get done right now. My theme is, 'What's your hurry?'

Kate Middleton vs. Pippa Middleton — Fashion Faceoff

Kate Middleton, 30, made the blue wrap dress she wore during her official engagement announcement with Prince William in November 2010 instantly iconic. Style-savvy shoppers snapped it up so fast that it sold out in less than 24 hours, and the dress was replicated for the Duchess of Cambridge's wax figure at Madame Tussaud's wax museum in London. So it was quickly recognized when Kate's younger sister, Pippa, 28, stepped out in a different shade of the same Issa "Forever" dress last week, just a year and a half after Kate made it famous. Pippa's been known to upstage the competition, and this was certainly a smart way to steal the spotlight! But did she don the dress as well as her sister? Sounds like this all-Middleton edition of our style showdown is on!


Big sis Kate debuted a royal blue version of the dress (appropriate, no?) with black heels and minimal jewelry, which of course included her engagement ring, an 18-karat oval sapphire surrounded by diamonds that was selected by the late Princess Diana for her wedding to Prince Charles. The sparkler cost $60,000 in 1981. The frock played up Kate's fit physique, which, as was recently reported by British magazine Now, she maintains with an hour-long workout every morning using only a gym ball and dumbbells, and no personal trainer.

Pippa, whose own figure inspired a "butt lift" craze following the royal wedding in April 2011, wore the raspberry version of the dress for last weekend's nuptials of her friend Camilla Hook to Sam Holland, the grandson of Lord Richard Attenborough, in Scotland. She also donned a rosebud fascinator, a black handbag, and black pumps as she reportedly read the lyrics to Bob Dylan's "Forever Young" at the ceremony and mingled with guests.

Now, both Kate and Pippa selected a gorgeous garment. The wrap style of the dress makes it flattering for all body types — not that either of them need any help in that department! And they've both chosen shades that contrast nicely with their dark hair. While I prefer Kate's locks without a fascinator, Pippa can't really be penalized for wearing something that's a wardrobe staple in her world. (Although she probably won't be wearing many hats if rumors that she plans to move to New York City prove true.) The real tie-breaker then is that Kate made the dress memorable, so anyone else wearing it is going to seem as if they're simply recreating a look that truly belongs to her. So I say Kate wins it. Do you agree?

Chris Brown Fans Send Death Threats to Model Chrissy Teigen

Chris Brown fans have a temper as fiery as their idol. After model Chrissy Teigen, fiancée of musician John Legend, tweeted her dismay that the "Turn Up the Music" singer was lip-synching during his Billboard Music Awards performance, droves of members of "Team Breezy" inundated the model with hate messages, even death threats. "You need to be raped and murdered," one fan tweeted to Teigen, while another added, "i hope you are the next 'celebrity' to die." Some even suggested she should kill herself because "your [sic] nothing."

What did Teigen, 26, say to bring on such hate? "Why sing when you can dance?" — which didn't even mention Brown specifically. Still, his fans must have been sensitive since Brown, who is very auto-tuned on his albums, was the only person on the stage that night who clearly lip-synched his performance. And the Sports Illustrated swimsuit model wasn't the only one who tweeted about Brown's lack of vocal ability. Pink and her husband, Carey Hart, also weighed in while he was onstage. "One day if i lipsync, i hope i do it as well as him," wrote the "Raise Your Glass" singer.

Teigen, known for her smart humor on Twitter, took the high road in the matter. "Reallllly makes me sad that 99% of the most disturbing comments come from young girls," she tweeted. "I'll end it there but it makes me sad." She also added that she had taken screengrabs of the hate messages, including the offender's Twitter handles, "And I will do everything I can to make sure people know, internet or not, you CAN'T say this s--t."

So what was Brown's response to all this? Pretty much what you'd expect from the guy who beat up Rihanna and threw a chair through a window at "Good Morning America." Although he told his fans to stop sending death threats, even though "I know y'all bout that life," the 23-year-old warned that their actions are only "turning haters into victims" — implying that Teigen brought on their wrath — "And that only furthers their pointless existence!"