Tuesday, January 31, 2017

PRESS UPDATE : UNIWORLD BOUTIQUE RIVER CRUISE COLLECTION .. MARCH 2017..

Dame Joan Collins to Serve as Godmother for New Uniworld River Cruise Ship



January 30, 2017
 
Joie de Vivre
Dame Joan Collins, the award-winning actress, author and producer, will serve as the godmother of new river cruise ship, S.S. Joie de Vivre, which will be unveiled by Uniworld Boutique River Cruis Collection March 2017.
The company chose Collins because she has a love for France; Joie de Vivre has been designed to sail on the Seine River and will be based in Paris, where it will dock in the heart of the city. It will carry 128 passengers and will reflect all things French, including the country's food, wine, art, music and design.
In its release, Uniworld noted the fate of Joie de Vivre seemed uncertain after terrorist attacks hit Paris November 2015. But "after more than 70 years of bringing travelers to Paris, the company decided it was more important than ever to show its continued support for both the city where their guests have always enjoyed great experiences, and also to the Parisian people."
Collins, who is probably best known in the U.S. for her diva role of Alexis Carrington in the '80s TV series "Dynasty," has a residence on the French Riviera and frequently attends Paris Fashion Week, the company noted.
"We are delighted to welcome Dame Joan Collins to the Uniworld family as Godmother of the S.S. Joie de Vivre," said Ellen Bettridge, President & CEO of Uniworld. She epitomizes the 'joy of living' philosophy that is reflected in every bold detail and gentle touch of our newest Super Ship."
Joie de Vivre's christening will be held March 27.
"I hold France and its 'City of Light' close to my heart, and now, thanks to Uniworld, my ties to the beautiful country are even closer," Collins said in the statement. "I am honored to be the Godmother of the S.S.Joie de Vivre and welcome guests from all over the world to fall in love with Paris just as I have."
--By Chris Gray Faust, Senior Editor


S.S. Joie de Vivre



Uniworld’s newest Super Ship—S.S. Joie de Vivre—is designed to reflect the “joy of living” as it cruises the Seine River in northern France. This luxurious 128-passenger vessel is a showcase for handcrafted furniture, sumptuous fabrics, beautiful antiques, gilded accents and every modern convenience. The Salon de Toulouse features a full-service bar and art and antiques curated from renowned auction houses and private collections. Enticing dining venues include Le Restaurant Pigalle, Bistro Saint-Germain and CafĂ© Flore. Intimately scaled so it can dock in the heart of Paris, the Joie de Vivre features two Royal Suites, eight Junior Suites, and 54 staterooms, all with made-to-order Savoir of England beds and marble-lined bathrooms.

Monday, January 30, 2017

PHOTO UPDATE WITH THESE STAR GALS.. LIFES STILL A PARTY FOR LESLIE!!

Joan sparkled as she attended a party to celebrate her longtime friend Leslie Bricusse's birthday and had a catch up with firends Angelica Huston and Stefanie Powers...

Saturday, January 28, 2017

PROMO UPDATE : THE TIME OF THEIR LIVES TRAILER..


Check out the trailer for Joan's upcoming film release 'The Time of Their Lives' out on March 10th... 

Friday, January 27, 2017

TV ALERT : LORRAINE .. ITV1 .. 8:30AM .. JANUARY 27TH 2017 ..

Don't forget to tune into
'Lorraine' on ITV1 with Lorraine Kelly to catch an exclusive first look at the trailer for Joan's exciting new film 'The Time Of Their Lives' which also stars Pauline Collins & Franco Nero which is due for release on March 10th in cinemas nationwide in UK & Ireland... Catch 'Lorraine' on ITV 1 at 8:30am..

Thursday, January 26, 2017

PHOTO UPDATE : WHEN IT COMES TO IMAGE .. JOAN IS PURE HOLLYWOOD!

Here is a preview of Joan's sensational new publicity shots for 2017, superbly created by wonderful photographer Fadil Berisha.. Joan as ever the ultimate in Hollywood glamour in this destined to be a classic shot..

Monday, January 23, 2017

PHOTO UPDATE : WHEN IN VEGAS.. JOAN PARTIES TO THE MAX!

Joan with Max & Judy & daughters Samantha & Victoria
Joan is currently experiencing the bright lights of Vegas as she catches up with longtime friend Judy Bryer and husband Max who celebrated his 95th birthday with a family bash at McMullan's Irish Pub in Las Vegas..

Sunday, January 22, 2017

Friday, January 20, 2017

PRESS UPDATE : BRITTANY FERRIES LIFE .. SAILING WITH THE STARS.. JANUARY 2017 ..

 

Sailing with the stars

Brittany Ferries is set to hit the big screen early this year, with Mont St Michel providing the backdrop for scenes in forthcoming feature film, The Time of Their Lives. Director Roger Goldby speaks exclusively to us...
You might not recognise the name Roger Goldby, but you may be familiar with his work. Credits include TV drama series The Durrells and Call the Midwife, while his first feature film The Waiting Room, which he both wrote and directed, played to critical acclaim in 2008.
To passengers and crew travelling on Brittany Ferries Mont St Michel on Saturday 9th July Roger might also cut a familiar figure. This was the man calling the shots among a film crew of 40, getting the best from two superstar performers, Joan Collins of Dynasty fame and Shirley Valentine star Pauline Collins, while filming scenes for his latest feature THE TIME OF THEIR LIVES.
Roger wrote the script, directed the film and is currently editing the final cut ahead of a planned UK cinema release date in March 2017. And the Oscar-nominated director took time out of a busy schedule in September to speak to Brittany Ferries.

Tell us about the The Time of Their Lives:

It's a heartfelt feel-good buddy movie with a fabulous cast. Joan Collins plays Helen, a former Hollywood star who escapes her London retirement home to gate-crash her ex-lover's funeral on the ČŠle de RĂ©.
Pauline Collins (no relation to Dame Joan!) plays Priscilla, a repressed housewife trapped in a failing marriage who joins Helen on a magical escape. Along the way the pair become romantically embroiled with a reclusive Italian artist played by Italian superstar Franco Nero.
 
 Roger Golby, director of The Time of Their Lives

What makes it so special?

First and foremost the main characters, who are the perfect odd couple. These two very different women come together by chance, go on an incredible journey, change each other, and end up as true friends. It's a warm, uplifting tale of two strong, mature female characters that people can identify with - and how they break free. I hope audiences find it funny too of course!

You wrote The Time of Their Lives. What inspired the story?

I've always been drawn to stories about older people. I suppose in a way it was inspired by my grandmothers and great aunt. These were three older women who were really important in my life. They showed me that older people can still to do things, still change, and are perfectly capable of going on an adventure.

Was it a coup to get Joan and Pauline for the film?

Absolutely. A film like this is made or broken by the cast. Joan is a legend, but she also has incredible depth of performance and real charisma. When I first met her and she agreed to do the film, we talked about the role of Priscilla. I had Pauline in mind to play the part, and it was also Joan's first suggestion.
They already knew each other and have a chemistry, a shorthand if you like, that transfers to the screen. They are very different people, but both are incredibly versatile and hard-working. Hilarious too. Franco Nero is a big Italian star and he was a real gentleman. A joy to work with.

Is there a message in this film?

I guess it's something as simple as: it's never too late to change and live bravely, with hope.

And was ČŠle de RĂ© an ideal location for an escape?

Pauline's character needs to get away, go somewhere different. When you go somewhere different it enables you to change and this contrast helps Priscilla come out of herself. France is a beautiful country throughout, but my producer Sarah Sulick recommended ČŠle de RĂ© in particular.
It's a little like Nantucket, with a lovely atmosphere to it, beautiful landscapes, old churches and abbeys, and people riding bicycles everywhere. Lovely little harbours too and a connection with movie stars and media people - lots go there for their holidays. I suppose it could've been St Tropez, but ČŠle de RĂ© was just perfect.
 
 Joan Collins shooting The Time of Their Lives on Ile de RĂ©

After the success of In Bruges, film fans flocked to the 'fairytale' Belgium town. Do you think The Time of Their Lives might do the same for ČŠle de RĂ©?

If the film is successful, definitely! Because we showed it off beautifully, particularly in Saint-Martin-de-RĂ©. Big skies which are glorious and we got some wonderful shots.

Was it a challenge filming on board Mont St Michel?

No, it was all very jolly and the crew and passengers were great. The locations looked fantastic, particularly the bar area (half of which was cordoned off for filming). I remember we'd been filming a scene and I was totally absorbed. When I turned round it was like armchair theatre. The area was packed with passengers watching us filming. I just hope they enjoyed it.

Is there a market for this sort of film?

I think we've known this for some time. But films like The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel have proved this for the studios. The older generation are going to the cinema a lot more than the younger generation and have been crying out for more mature, intelligent drama with strong characters.

Where can we see The Time of Their Lives?

March 10th 2017 is our planned release date, showing in cinemas across the UK. And maybe in cinemas on board Brittany Ferries ships too!

Thursday, January 19, 2017

PRESS UPDATE : 'OUR FANS' MURAL .. PETER BLAKE .. MANDARIN ORINENTAL .. HYDE PARK .. JANUARY 19TH 2017 ..


This June will mark the 50th anniversary of the release of The Beatles‘ landmark album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, which boasts a famous cover designed by U.K. artist Peter Blake featuring a collage of celebrities and historical figures. Now Blake has created a new star-studded mural based on Sgt. Pepper’s cover that was unveiled Tuesday in London on the façade of the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park hotel.
The new collage, which is titled “Our Fans,” features 99 noteworthy people, including two who graced the Sgt. Pepper’s cover — Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr.
“This piece is in the spirit of The Beatles 1967 Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album,” Blake tells the hotel’s own MO magazine. “It is therefore entirely apt that Sir Paul McCartney and fellow Beatles’ bandmate Ringo Starr should feature in the poster, during the 50th anniversary of the album.”
Other famous faces appearing in the mural include such music artists as Annie Lennox and Bryan Ferry, as well as Morgan Freeman, Whoopi Goldberg, Maggie Smith, Judi Dench, Helen Mirren, Liam Neeson, Joan Collins and Blake, himself.
The mural, which was commissioned by the Mandarin Oriental, is scheduled to cover the hotel’s façade for nine months as it undergoes renovations.

Sunday, January 15, 2017

PHOTO UPDATE : IT'S ALL POUCH WHEN IT COMES TO LIPSTICK FOR JOAN!

Joan proudly displays a glamorous cosmetic pouch from Pattern LA, given to her by niece Tiffany Lerman who designs the fabulous line of bags for all occasions.. See the following link to peruse the range!
PATTERN BY TIFFANY LERMAN

London-born designer, Tiffany Lerman, has always had an entrepreneurial spirit, a love of bags and an affinity for beautiful prints and colors.
Having studied Fine Art at UCLA and Textile Design at FIDM Tiffany’s pursuit for the perfect bag inspired her to design Chester, a collection of handbags in a beautiful variety of fashion-forward prints. Chester was so popular that she expanded into an array of licensed lifestyle products, including stationery, bedding and kitchen accessories.
When Tiffany became a mother to two sons, she used her sense of style and love of color to create Tiny Tillia, a fun, whimsical line of all-natural bath and body products with enchanting designs and characters all based on Tiffany’s family members, including her mother, best selling author Jackie
Collins! Tiny Tillia was soon met with the same enthusiasm as Chester and grew into a brand of clothing, bedding, and toys that Tiffany successfully sold to Avon.
With her latest brand, Tiffany returns to her first love with her new line of bags and accessories that is quickly gaining a cult following and can be found in some of the most stylish boutiques and resorts across the world. Pattern offers a vibrant collection of essential tote bags and make-up pouches, featuring exclusive and delightful textile designs. Pattern By Tiffany Lerman embodies a simple, fun, casual and charming look that women of all ages will want to carry with them everywhere - from

PHOTO UPDATE: RENE ALWAYS HAS A SHOULDER TO STYLE ON!

It was a most glamorous afternoon in Hollywood as Joan posed for another sensational photo shoot with the wonderful Fadil Berisha.. With the always reliable and handsome stylist Rene Horsch from Mark Zunino Couture on hand!

Friday, January 13, 2017

DVD ALERT : ORSON WELLES GREAT MYSTERIES .. PIDAX GERMANY .. JANUARY 27TH 2017 ..

For those in Germany, delighted to say the classic British suspense series 'Orson Welles Great Mysteries' finally gets a dvd release on January 27th..  Joan stars in an episode entitled 'The Dinner Party'. This edition has only a German soundtrack, but wonderful to finally see it available.. Hopefully Network Releasing will finally release it in the UK at some stage throughout 2017.. Watch this space.. You can order the German release here!
ORSON WELLES GREAT MYSTERIES ORDER HERE! 

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

TRIBUTE : BUDDY GRECO .. 1926 - 2017 ..

As it was announced the legendary crooner Buddy Greco has died at 90, here is a shot of Joan with Buddy and her good friends Steve Lawrence and Dani Janseen in the 60's..
Image result for BUDDY GRECO
Buddy with wife Lezlie Anders

PRESS UPDATE : SUSSEX LIFE .. JANUARY 2017 .. PETER JAMES ..




 Sussex Life Logo

Peter James: A-listers being in awe of each other, why I quit the movie business and sandwiches with Joan Collins

16:02 10 January 2017
Peter James and Joan Collins
Peter James and Joan Collins
Bestselling crime writer Peter James talks us through his gastronomic adventures and keeps us abreast of everything relating to his fictional detective, Roy Grace
Celebrity is a curious thing. I learned years ago in my film producing days that even among Hollywood’s A-list there is a pecking order. Back in 2003 I was making what turned out to be a rather lacklustre film, The Bridge Of St Luis Rey, despite its quite stellar cast of Robert De Niro, Harvey Keitel, Kathy Bates and Gabriel Byrne. During the course of filming, Harvey Keitel confessed that he was nervous working with De Niro because he was so in awe of him. Byrne said he was nervous of working with Keitel for the same reason, and Kathy Bates said she was in awe of Keitel and Byrne. I never found out who De Niro was in awe of.
As a producer you pander to the whims of your stars and the riders that are part of every contract these days. Although I guess riders aren’t a new thing. When the late Sir Christopher Soames agreed to take the post of Governor of Southern Rhodesia, it was on condition he would be able to have his customary full English breakfast every morning, and roast pheasant, grouse or partridge, with game chips and all the trimmings for his dinner daily throughout the UK game season.
Not all movie stars have egos the size of aircraft carriers – Al Pacino and Jeremy Irons, who I worked with on The Merchant Of Venice, are wonderfully grounded and fun people. And so are the two stars of my new play, Not Dead Enough – fabulous Shane Richie, who will be playing Roy Grace, and the truly delightful Laura Whitmore – who had a brilliant stint in Strictly – who will be Cleo. I’m looking forward to starting rehearsals. The play begins a nationwide tour on 25 January, and will be at the Theatre Royal, Brighton the week of 13 February.
I’ve had my fair share of difficult actors. One memorable nightmare of an occasion was filming in Toronto with Ernest Borgnine and Michael J Pollard – who shot to fame as CW Moss in Bonnie and Clyde. I was summoned by the night manager of the Hyatt hotel, at 3.30am, to remove a rooster, which was keeping all the hotel guests awake, from Mr Pollard’s suite.
For anyone who has ever wondered why I quit the movie business for a career in writing novels, I rest my case... And the beauty is that in my books my characters do exactly what I want – I don’t have to pander to any of their whims! Although sometimes during the course of promoting a book I come across some challenging requests from my fans. Two in particular stick in my mind. The first was being asked by a husband to sign his wife’s breast, at a very posh Royal Naval Voluntary Reserve dinner in Shoreham! The other was to sign the inside of a gentleman’s coffin – fortunately he was not in residence at the time.
The launch of my YouTube channel, Peter James TV (www.peterjames.com/youtube), has brought me back into the orbit of stars. Among them Joan Collins (pictured with me). I’ve always found her and her husband, Percy, utterly charming.. So imagine how I felt a few weeks ago when Joan was at the Theatre Royal in Brighton, doing her brilliant one-woman show. She has a number of Brighton and Sussex connections, including her father who spent the last decade of his life in the city. We arranged I would interview her for Peter James TV before the show, and afterwards she, Percy, Lara and I would go to dinner at English’s. Everything was arranged with the restaurant, we were to have an upstairs area – totally private. So imagine my surprise and consternation when we turned up at English’s at our booked time of 10.30pm to find it shut. Clearly a big misunderstanding somewhere, and my first black mark for the place in very many years of considering it my Brighton go-to eatery.
So what to do with a tired, thirsty and hungry Joan Collins, in the middle of Brighton on a freezing Monday night? I needed either a bright idea or a knight in shining armour. The latter appeared, just as we turned away from the locked door and darkened windows, asking if we were okay. When I explained the situation he said he was the manager of the pub right across the alley, The Sussex, and whilst his chef had gone home for the night, he’d be happy to rustle us up some cheese and pickle sandwiches.
Joan took it all with good humour. We ended up having a fun time, with great sandwiches, and booze flowing. When we had finished, our shining and very charming knight refused to accept one penny for the food or drink. Sometimes, celebrity rocks… And, hey, how many people have been able to call Joan Collins a cheap dinner date?
 The paperback of Peter James’s latest Roy Grace novel, Love You Dead is out now. He donates his fee for this column to his charitable foundation supporting Sussex charities and this month’s fee will be given to the Terrys Cross Trust.

Monday, January 9, 2017

EVENT UPDATE : GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS 2017 AFTERPARTIES HBO / NETFLIX .. SUNDAY 8TH 2017 ..

To celebrate the Golden Globe Awards, Joan attended the exclusive Weinstein Company/Netflix Party held at The Beverly Hilton Pavilion.. Joan met up with good friend Donna Mills and were joined by Naomi Campbell.. Another party date for Joan was an appearance at The HBO party at Circa 55 also at The Beverly Hilton..
 

EVENT UPDATE : THE HOLLYWOOD SHOW .. THE WESTIN LAX .. JANUARY 7TH 2017

Joan enjoyed at day at The Westin LAX for The Hollywood Show, where she greeted fans and met up with other familar faces. She also took part in a photoshoot, which included a shot for Marco and Francis who are big admirers of Joan..  Joan came face to face with Alexis! Attending the show was popular female impersonator Morgan McMichael who has been a big admirer of Joan's for many years.. It was the perfect opportunity to meet his idol with the fun of it been he came as Alexis! 
It's a tall tale..but which Alexis is which!
 
The two faces of Alexis!


Thursday, January 5, 2017

EVENT ALERT : THE HOLLYWOOD SHOW - .. THE WESTIN LAX .. JANUARY 7TH 2017 ..

For those in the Los Angeles area don't miss the chance to meet Joan this coming Saturday at The Hollywood Show.. See the following link to book ticket options.. THE HOLLYWOOD SHOW JANUARY 2017
Joan's last appearance at The Hollywood Show

Wednesday, January 4, 2017

ON THE COVER : MY WEEKLY SPECIAL .. JANUARY 2017 .. ON SALE NOW!

Joan appears on the cover of the new lifestyle special issue of 'My Weekly' which is on sale at newsagents now.. Inside is a feature on successful women in business and entertainment, with a small piece on Joan..

Tuesday, January 3, 2017

VIDEO UPDATE : PETER JAMES / AUTHORS STUDIO - MEET THE MASTERS .. JANUARY 3RD 2016 ..





                                               
Joan's favourite crime writer Peter James attended a recent performance of 'Joan Collins Unscripted' in Brighton and took the opportunity to interview Joan for his 'Authors Studio - Meet The Masters' series on Peter James TV... Check out this super video!

Monday, January 2, 2017

PHOTO UPDATE : NEW YEAR CHEER DOWN MEXICO WAY!

New Year Celebrations with Joan in Mexico
Joan raises a glass to another year which will no doubt be another busy one, with lots of exciting projects including the release of her new film 'The Time Of Their Lives' in March... As always watch this space for all the latest on our Legendary Dame! 
Joan & Percy toast the New Year Down Mexico way!

 

Sunday, January 1, 2017

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE!!


Wishing everyone at most wonderful New Year throughout 2017.. May it be filled with many adventures and lots of good luck and more importantly continued good health.. Thanks to all those faithful fans and admirers of Joan, who continue to enjoy The Joan Collins Archive.. As you can see Joan & Percy enjoyed the festivities with family including brother Bill and his wife the fabulous Hazel on a well earned break in Mexico... Happy New Year To All!!!