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Saturday, December 31, 2011

Guy Sebastian

Via Flickr:
Sydney’s biggest New Year’s Eve party: Jamiroquai, Culture Club and Pet Shop Boys, as well as Australia’s very own Guy Sebastian, Pseudo Echo and Lyndsey Ollard

Sydney Resolution Concert Series is thrilled to announce Sydney’s biggest New Year’s Eve party, which will be staged at Sydney’s Glebe Island overlooking the iconic Sydney Harbour on Saturday December 31st 2011. The inaugural Sydney Resolution Concert Series will feature international superstars including Jamiroquai, Culture Club and Pet Shop Boys, as well as Australia’s very own Guy Sebastian, Pseudo Echo and Lyndsey Ollard.

Sydney Resolution Concert Series is sure to be an unforgettable night of music and festivities, showcasing some of the biggest acts in the world against a backdrop that only Sydney can provide.

With unobstructed, stunning views of the city and the fireworks display, there is no better place to be on New Year’s Eve than Glebe Island. See 2011 out with a bang with some of the world’s biggest classic and contemporary artists, playing all the songs you know and love.

Sydney’s Glebe Island will turn into a ‘mini city’ for this very special event, with a custom-built venue providing the very best in entertainment and bars, an incredible on-site ‘village’ showcasing Sydney’s best local and international food, and a unique array of retail and market stalls.

Sydney Resolution Concert Series will be the hottest ticket in town for New Year’s Eve!
Please be advised that Sydney Resolution Concert Series is a licensed event – all patrons must be over 18 years of age.

Glebe Island is situated on the beautiful Sydney Harbour. All patrons will arrive and depart by ferry or bus service from terminals and wharfs provided by Sydney Resolution Concert Series.

Please note there is no parking at the event. Gates open at 2pm, entertainment commences at 4:00pm and all performances will conclude by 1:45am.

Gates close at 3.00am

Tickets go on sale at 9am on 28th November through Ticketmaster.

Websites

Sydney Resolution Concert Series - New Years Eve
www.sydneyresolution.com/

Eva Rinaldi Photography
www.evarinaldi.com

Music News Australia
www.musicnewsaustralia.com

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Sydney’s biggest New Year’s Eve party: Jamiroquai, Culture Club and Pet Shop Boys, as well as Australia’s very own Guy Sebastian, Pseudo Echo and Lyndsey Ollard



Sydney Resolution Concert Series is thrilled to announce Sydney’s biggest New Year’s Eve party, which will be staged at Sydney’s Glebe Island overlooking the iconic Sydney Harbour on Saturday December 31st 2011. The inaugural Sydney Resolution Concert Series will feature international superstars including Jamiroquai, Culture Club and Pet Shop Boys, as well as Australia’s very own Guy Sebastian, Pseudo Echo and Lyndsey Ollard.

Sydney Resolution Concert Series is sure to be an unforgettable night of music and festivities, showcasing some of the biggest acts in the world against a backdrop that only Sydney can provide.

With unobstructed, stunning views of the city and the fireworks display, there is no better place to be on New Year’s Eve than Glebe Island. See 2011 out with a bang with some of the world’s biggest classic and contemporary artists, playing all the songs you know and love.

Sydney’s Glebe Island will turn into a ‘mini city’ for this very special event, with a custom-built venue providing the very best in entertainment and bars, an incredible on-site ‘village’ showcasing Sydney’s best local and international food, and a unique array of retail and market stalls.

Sydney Resolution Concert Series will be the hottest ticket in town for New Year’s Eve!
Please be advised that Sydney Resolution Concert Series is a licensed event – all patrons must be over 18 years of age.

Glebe Island is situated on the beautiful Sydney Harbour. All patrons will arrive and depart by ferry or bus service from terminals and wharfs provided by Sydney Resolution Concert Series. 

Please note there is no parking at the event. Gates open at 2pm, entertainment commences at 4:00pm and all performances will conclude by 1:45am.

Gates close at 3.00am

Tickets go on sale at 9am on 28th November through Ticketmaster.

Websites

Sydney Resolution Concert Series - New Years Eve

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Cory Monteith Meets Fans At Westfield Sydney

Via Flickr:
Cory Monteith Meets Fans At Westfield Sydney

Today over 500 Australian Glee fans met Canadian actor and musician Cory Monteith at Westfield Sydney - city store.

Cory was there to promote Glee The Concert on Blu-ray and DVD, which fans snapped up from the JB Hi-Fi pop-up store.

It was wonderful to see Cory speak and get up close with the fans, as its the fans who ultimately tune in and buy merchandise which keeps actors in a gig.

Cory told the crowd that he was looking forward to holding a koala, which has long been a favourite wish of overseas actors while visiting our shores.

Something tells us a few of the young women in the audience might have imagined Cory was a koala, and wanted to cuddle up to him.

Show business bottom line - a lot of Glee DVD's were sold today, so it looks like long trip out here has paid for itself, and then some.

Glee can be seen on pay TV channel Foxtel many times per week, and of course now there's even more opportunities to own some of the Glee franchise on DVD.

A new series of Glee will be hitting Foxtel in 2012.

About Cory Monteith...

Cory Allan Monteith (born May 11, 1982) is a Canadian actor and musician, best known for his role of Finn Hudson on the Fox television series Glee.

Websites

Glee
www.fox.com/glee

20th Century Fox
www.foxmovies.com

Westfield
www.westfield.com.au

Westfield Sydney Events
www.westfield.com.au/sydney/news-and-events/events

JB Hi-Fi
www.jbhifi.com.au

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr
www.flickr.com/evarinaldiphotography

Eva Rinaldi Photography
www.evarinaldi.com

Splash News
www.splashnews.com

Media Man News
www.mediamannews.com

Music News Australia
www.musicnewsaustralia.com

Meet Cory Monteith At Westfield Sydney Today; Glee Fans Unite!


Glee fans unite!

You are invited to meet Cory Monteith from Glee in person

When: 29th December 2011
Time: 1PM
Where: Level 2, Pitt Street Mall next to Zara.

Buy Glee The Concert on Blu-ray or DVD from the JB Hi-Fi pop-up store on the day, for your chance to be amongst the first in line to meet Cory!

About Cory Monteith...

Cory Allan Monteith (born May 11, 1982) is a Canadian actor and musician, best known for his role of Finn Hudson on the Fox television series Glee.


Websites

Glee

20th Century Fox

Westfield

Westfield Sydney Events

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

Eva Rinaldi Photography

Splash News

Media Man News

Music News Australia

St. George Openair Cinema Celebrates Its Opening Night With The Sydney Premiere Of My Week With Marilyn



Sydney will get a bit of the Hollywood glam treatment when the premiere screening of 'My Week With Marilyn' opens the 2012 season at St. George OpenAir Cinema on 11 January.

The Oscar® buzz has continued on Michelle Williams' due to her impressive portrayal of Marilyn Monroe.

The flick covers matters such as her charm, sexiness, daring, challenges and Monroe's trip to England for 'The Prince and the Showgirl' with Sir Laurence Olivier (Kenneth Branagh).

Movie Summary...

Colin Clark, an employee of Sir Laurence Olivier's, documents the tense interaction between Olivier and Marilyn Monroe during production of The Prince and the Showgirl.

St. George Openair Cinema...

Also announced as features of the 2012 season are preview screenings of THE ARTIST, a gorgeous homage to silent films that proved a sensation at Cannes earlier this year where it was awarded best actor, J. EDGAR directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Leonardo DiCaprio as the FBI’s infamous boss, and GOODBYE, FIRST LOVE a poignant French film which explores our lasting attachment to first love.

The 2012 OpenAir program will also include blockbusters such as MONEYBALL, which stars Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill, and the hilarious comedy THE INBETWEENERS MOVIE, which follows on from the edgy UK TV series about the over-imagined sexual ambitions of a group of young males.

The 2012 St.George OpenAir Cinema program will feature fourteen premiere or preview screenings, all the major summer releases, and a selection of the year's best indie films.

The full program will be announced on Friday 9 December with tickets on sale from 9am on 15 December. Last year more than 30,000 tickets and over a dozen screenings were sold out in the first half hour alone, so be quick.

The full 2012 program will be available online from Saturday 10 December, visit www.stgeorge.com.au/openair

Where:
Mrs Macquaries Point, Sydney - adjacent to Royal Botanic Gardens

When:
January 11 to February 18 2012
Gates, bar and restaurant open from 6.15pm
Films commence shortly after nightfall (approx. 8.30-8.45pm)

Tickets:
Tickets on sale from Thursday 15 December via the event website www.stgeorge.com.au/openair
Advance Bookings*: General $30 / concession $28 + booking fee Door Sales*: General $35 / concession $32 *additional costs may apply for special presentations.

My Week With Marilyn: The Cast...

Michelle Williams as Marilyn Monroe
Kenneth Branagh as Sir Laurence Olivier
Eddie Redmayne as Colin Clark
Judi Dench as Dame Sybil Thorndike
Emma Watson as Lucy
Dougray Scott as Arthur Miller
Dominic Cooper as Milton H. Greene
Julia Ormond as Vivien Leigh
Derek Jacobi as Sir Owen Morshead
Zoë Wanamaker as Paula Strasberg
Richard Clifford as Richard Wattis
Philip Jackson as Roger Smith
Simon Russell Beale as Admiral Cotes-Preedy

Studios: The Weinstein Company, BBC Films, Lipsync Productions

Directed by Simon Curtis
Produced by David Parfitt and Harvey Weinstein

Box Office to date: $11,106,287









Websites

St. George Openair Cinema

My Week With Marilyn official website

NIX Co.

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

Eva Rinaldi Photography

Media Man News

Music News Australia

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

The Star Lyric Theatre To Open Annie The Musical In Sydney by Eva Rinaldi



The Star, owned and operated by Echo Entertainment, has organised a media call for this coming Tuesday 3rd January at the Lyric Theatre.

We will be attending to cover the ever-popular Broadway musical Annie prior to the official opening night of the show at 7pm on Thursday January 5, 2012. 

Three musical numbers from the show will be performed, and afterwards producer John Frost and lead cast members Anthony Warlow, Nancye Hayes, Todd McKenney, Chloe Dallimore, Julie Goodwin and Alan Jones will be giving interviews and be available for photograph opportunities and more.

The musical numbers will be:

It’s the Hard Knock Life – featuring the children’s cast

Easy Street – featuring Nancye Hayes, Todd McKenney and Chloe Dallimore

A New Deal for Christmas – featuring Anthony Warlow, Julie Goodwin, Alan Jones and the ensemble cast.

Based on the popular Harold Gray comic strip “Little Orphan Annie”, the musical Annie burst into popularity in 1977 when it opened on Broadway. After running there for nearly six years, it has played in over 22 countries worldwide including the UK, Argentina, Japan, Germany, Sweden, Spain and Australia. Annie became a smash-hit movie musical in 1982 starring Aileen Quinn, Albert Finney and Carol Burnett that is adored worldwide and a fixture of popular culture references.

Annie is full of toe-tapping hits which have become staples of musical theatre repertoires worldwide and now, 34 years on, it remains one of the most loved and universally appealing musicals of all time.

Annie plays in Sydney until March 25 before a national tour.

It all marks another interesting development in the Australian casino wars, as agency, Media Man has been calling it for a few years now, and it will be interesting to see how Melbourne based competitor of The Star, Crown Casino, responds with their entertainment line up, which is also ramping up on the west coast on Australia with the newly named Crown Perth (formally Burswood Entertainment Centre).

The battle for the Australian entertainment dollar continues, and certainly Sydney's The Star is going full speed ahead and betting that world class entertainment will remain paramount in the quest to bring more punters to land based casinos and entertainment complexes.

Media blurb we secured...

The timeless tale of Little Orphan Annie is back, giving a whole new generation the chance to experience this classic musical about never giving up hope. Boasting one of Broadway's most memorable scores, including It's the Hard-Knock Life, Easy Street, N.Y.C. and the ever-optimistic Tomorrow, Annie is one of the most awarded and loved musicals of all time. Reprising one of his all-time favourite roles as the charismatic and sophisticated New York ‘zillionaire' Daddy Warbucks, is Anthony Warlow. He will be joined by the ever-popular Nancye Hayes playing everyone's favourite villain, Miss Hannigan. Todd McKenney, Chloë Dallimore and Julie Goodwin also bring their talents to this delightful musical. And in a special treat, radio star Alan Jones will join the cast in the role of Franklin D. Roosevelt.

A MESSAGE FROM PRODUCER JOHN FROST

It gives me great pleasure to bring ANNIE back to Australian audiences. When I produced this show 12 years ago I was overwhelmed by the response it received. ANNIE is such a well known, well loved production that appeals to so many different age groups. Its popularity means that it is staged once a year in many countries around the world, and I have no doubt that the Australian audiences are well and truly ready to see it again.

This time around, I am especially delighted to be able to work once more with Australia's favourite leading man, Anthony Warlow and theatrical legend Nancye Hayes.

To be taking this wonderful show and the star studded cast on tour in 2012 presents a unique and exciting opportunity to reach a new generation of Australians and it gives me enormous pleasure to think that people Australia wide will again be able to experience this special production.



Websites

The Star

Annie The Musical

Lyric Theatre

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

Eva Rinaldi Photography

IP Publicity

Media Man News

Casino News Media

Music News Australia

Monday, December 26, 2011

Shore Thing 2011


Since 2005, Shore Thing has been Sydney’s favourite New Year’s Eve party, taking over the most famous stretch of sand in the world, Bondi Beach, with the biggest names in music. From Fatboy Slim, Groove Armada, Basement Jaxx, Armand Van Helden to David Guetta last year, it’s an event making sure New Year’s Eve keeps its reputation as the ‘Party of the Year’. 

But this year’s line-up ensures it will be remembered as the ‘Party of the Decade’, with the one and only ‘Doggfather of Rap’ – Snoop Dogg guaranteeing we end 2011 on a high note. Calvin Harris, arguably the world’s biggest DJ kickstarting 2012 in total party style, the always epic Pendulum live and a heap of fireworks lighting up the ocean, welcome to your most dazzling New Year’s yet.

See you at Shore Thing 2011.

Snoop Dogg

Snoop Dogg wants to spend New Year's Eve with us. When one of rap’s biggest icons wants to throw a party for you on the most famous beach in the world the only response is 'I'm there'.

He could've just stayed home throwing down beats with Dre, baking cookies with Martha Stewart, starring in the next Ben Stiller flick, or eating candy with California Gurl, Katy Perry, but he chose not to. With a hit new album Doggumentary to show off, the kingpin from Longbeach is ready to do what he does best. 

"I spent New Year's Eve with Snoop". 
Think about it. Say it. Do it.

Calvin Harris

New Year's Eve is the party of the year. It should involve copious amounts of dancing. It should involve big party anthems everyone knows the words to. So it absolutely, positively needs to involve Calvin Harris, Master of Parties and craftsman of some of the finest sing-a-longs in recent years. 

It was proven long ago to be physically impossible to not shuffle your feet (trust us, we’ve tried) while listening to ‘Acceptable in the 80s’ or ‘Bounce’ and New Years Eve isn't the time to try. Involve yourself.

Pendulum

Pendulum, the DJs rock fans love dancing to and the band dance fans love moshing to. With a huge sound and a live show known to buckle brains, even U2 and Beyonce found themselves upstaged by the local lads after their Glastonbury appearance. 

Collecting fans worldwide with their latest album Immersion, we're flattered the Perth boys chose Bondi beach to kick us into 2012. With their metal-infected drum'n'bass sounds, and a killer remix of the ABC news theme it's gonna be a helluva welcome home party.

When and where?
December 31, New Years Eve
Bondi Park, Bondi Beach
8:30pm – 3am

How much is all this gonna cost? 

Standard $138+bf SOLD OUT

Final Release: $175 + bf SOLD OUT

'More Expensive Ticket' *$225+bf SOLD OUT

The aptly named 'More Expensive' ticket includes a dedicated express entry lane to the event plus access to the very exclusive Beach Bar, which includes:
• Fully stocked Cocktail Bar
• Entry to the exclusive and exotic Beach Bar featuring a raised platform with direct views of the stage and the whole of Bondi Beach
• S**t load of toilets
• Dedicated concierge with phone charging, cloak room and information services
• Canapes, massages and more
• 2 x complimentary drink vouchers*
• Dedicated luxury coach transfer to and from Bondi Junction*

Websites

Fuzzy

Music News Australia

Eva Rinaldi Photography

Bondi Beach Directory

Media Man News

Boxing Day Movie Releases In Sydney, Australia


Boxing Day Movie Releases In Sydney, Australia

Boxing Day Movie Releases In Sydney, Australia Boxing Day Movie Releases In Sydney, Australia
Welcome to Boxing Day at the movies. We review blockbusters War Horse, The Iron Lady, Albert Nobbs and more.

THE ADVENTURES OF TINTIN
Action/adventure; rated PG; opening December 26
Iconic filmmakers / producer / directors Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson bring Herge's beloved books to life in this 3D animated film. Made using performance capture, it follows Tintin (Jamie Bell), his dog Snowy, and Captain Haddock (Andy Serkis) on an adventure to uncover the mystery surrounding a model ship - the Unicorn. Also starring Simon Pegg, Nick Frost and Daniel Craig (from James Bond and Casino Royale fame).
 
HAPPY FEET TWO
Animated; rated PG; opening December 26
Tap-dancing penguin Mumble (Elijah Wood), has a problem - his tiny son Erik is choreo-phobic. Even worse, the world is shaken by powerful forces and Mumble has has to bring all creatures in the Antarctic together to put things right. Also featuring the voices of stars such as Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Robin Williams and Pink.
 
THE IRON LADY
Drama; rated M; opening December 26
Meryl Streep gives a brilliant performance as Margaret Thatcher, Britain's first female prime minister, who overcame gender and class barriers to be heard in a male-dominated world. When in her 80s, she decides to clear out the clothes of her late husband (Jim Broadbent), triggering memories of the key moments in her life and looking at the price she paid for power.
 
WAR HORSE
War/drama; rated M; opening December 26
Directed by Steven Spielberg, this follows the story of a young man in England named Albert and his horse, Joey, who are separated when Joey is sold to the British army and sent to the trenches of World War I. This follows the horse's journey through the war as he changes the lives of all those he meets, from the British cavalry, to a French farmer, to a German soldier.
 
WE BOUGHT A ZOO
Comedy/drama; rated PG; opening December 26
Writer/director Cameron Crowe (Jerry Maguire, Almost Famous) makes a return to feature films after six years with this true story of a widowed father (Matt Damon) who moves to a home in the middle of a zoo with his two children. With the help of its devoted head zookeeper (Scarlett Johansson) and the local community, they try to return it to its once-glorious state.
 
TOWER HEIST
Action/comedy/crime; rated M; opening December 26
Ben Stiller stars as Josh Kovaks, the manager of a luxurious New York City condominium, who along with his co-workers had their retirement fund stolen by one of the billionaire residents (Alan Alda). To get revenge, they team up with petty crook Slide (Eddie Murphy) and plot the ultimate heist to reclaim what was taken from them.
 
ALBERT NOBBS
Drama; rated M; opening December 26
A period drama about the staff working at Dublin's most luxurious hotel, one of whom is Albert (Glenn Close), a butler with a secret - he is actually a woman, who has been acting as a man 'his' entire life to make money and survive. When a handsome painter arrives at the hotel, he inspires Albert to escape this false life. Also starring Aussie Mia Wasikowska.
 
THE SKIN I LIVE IN
Thriller; rated MA15+; opening December 26
In the latest film from renowned director Pedro Almodovar, Antonio Banderas stars as Dr Robert Ledgard, a plastic surgeon interested in creating a new skin that could have saved his wife, who burned in a car crash. On top of years of study, he needed: no scruples, an accomplice and a human guinea pig. The first two requirements were easy, but as for the third...
 
THE SALT OF LIFE
Comedy; rated PG; opening December 22
Gianni di Gregorio wrote, directed and stars in this melancholy comedy as Gianni, a man pushing 60 who lives with his busy wife, student daughter and eccentric mother, and spends his days walking the streets of Rome alone. An old friend suggests he find a lover to spice up his life and he begins dreaming of potential affairs.
 
DON 2
Action; rating to be classified; opening December 23
This sequel to the 2006 blockbuster Don: The Chase Begins Again, is directed by Farhan Akhtar and stars Shahrukh Khan as Don, who having conquered the Asian underworld, now has his sights set on European domination. Also starring Priyanka Chopra and Lara Dutta.
 
Websites
Event Cinemas http://www.eventcinemas.com.au/
Hoyts Australia http://www.hoyts.com.au/
Eva Rinaldi Photography http://www.evarinaldi.com/
Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr www.flickr.com/evarinaldiphotography
Music News Australia http://www.musicnewsaustralia.com/
Media Man News http://www.mediamannews.com/

'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' movie release



Renowned director David Fincher ('Fight Club', 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button') has signed on to create this American remake of Stieg Larsson's best-selling 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo', which will be released nationally today.

Date: Thursday, January 12, 2012

Directed by David Fincher

Starring Daniel Craig, Stellan Skarsgard, Rooney Mara, Robin Wright

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is the first film in Columbia Pictures' three-picture adaptation of Stieg Larsson's literary blockbuster The Millennium Trilogy. The film is based on the first novel in the trilogy, which altogether have sold 50 million copies in 46 countries and become a worldwide phenomenon.

See you at the movies.

Websites

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Sony Pictures Australia

Sony Pictures

Music News Australia

Media Man News

Thursday, December 22, 2011

X Factor Star Reece Mastin Peforms For Teen Fans At Westfield Parramatta



Parramatta overflowed with Mastin mayhem (and traffic jams) as the popular X Factor winner performed at Westfield.

The crowd is mainly teen girls with some holding banners and i-phones up in the air filming and taking photos. Oh, some were seen throwing bras and panties on stage too! Others who got the opportunity to give teddy bears, toy guitars and jewellery to the star. Reece's Mum Debbie even got some gifts from fans.

Dozens of security guards struggled to hold steel barriers in place. News media jostled for position, all attempting to get the best line of sight on the teen idol sensation of the nation.

With a number of sold-out shows across the Australia and his debut album going gold before it was even released, Mastin said he had found his rise to fame "weird".

"I don’t feel famous - I just feel like I did six months ago," he said.

"I kind of am just like all of my fans. Six months ago I was in school, my mates and I went down to X Factor and I auditioned, and this happened."

Music News Australia wishes Reece and the rest of the X-Factor finalists well.












 

Websites

Reece Mastin official website

Sony Music

BandIt.fm

The X-Factor Australia

Westfield Parramatta

Eva Rinaldi Photography

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

Music News Australia

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Australia's Next Top Model job; Elle Macpherson, Miranda Kerr, Jennifer Hawkins or Megan Gale?



A foursome of Australian women have emerged as replacements for Sarah Murdoch at Australia's Next Top Model.

The frontrunners include Elle Macpherson and Miranda Kerr, while Megan Gale and Jennifer Hawkins are apparently counting themselves out.

Jen's management advised they declined a Foxtel approach last week..

"Jen was approached last Friday and said no. She had to decline because the shooting schedule will tie her down too much, not freeing her up for her other commitments," agent - manager Sean Anderson told the press.

Gale is committed to Foxtel's Project Runway.

Macpherson has presented the show's British edition, while the talk is that Murdoch is privately backing Miranda Kerr for the top job.

Kerr's DJs contract is believed to be up midyear, which would likely allow her to do the show.


Elle Macpherson: The Next Fashion Star TV Show Interview...

Elle Macpherson, the toned and tanned athletic girl from Australia who rose to supermodel glory with five Sports Illustrated Swimsuit covers, is expanding her brand as co-creator and host of NBC’s new fashion design competition, Fashion Star.

“The Body” has quite a hot lingerie and skincare business, but she's on the lookout for other opportunities.

According to Fashion Star producers, “what viewers see on TV that night will be on the streets and in stores the very next day.”

Elle has been doing the media rounds and here's some of the best coverage of late...

As an executive producer for Fashion Star, what was your role in creating the concept for the show?

Elle Macpherson: Co-creating and producing Fashion Star with Ben Silverman and the guys from Electus (Ben Silverman's production company), Five by Five Media, and NBC has been a brilliant experience. It's the first time that a fashion related show has come to network TV. In the past, fashion has been confined to cable. Fashion Star is big and glossy, but at the same time quite approachable. It's also a new concept, because the viewers at home can buy the clothes, immediately, at the end of each episode or directly from retailers: Macy's, Saks Fifth Avenue and H&M. Fashion Star is just as much about the shopping as the fashion, and everyone loves to shop!

Will you, Jessica Simpson and Nicole Richie be wearing the contestants’ designs on the show?

Elle Macpherson: No. The contestants' designs will be shown on the runway in a fun, entertaining and exciting way.

In the past, fashion has been presented as an exclusionary club. You had to be a certain height, a certain weight, and you even had to have a certain budget to be able to afford much of the designer clothing. Would you say that a show like Fashion Star makes fashion more inclusive and attainable to people of different shapes, sizes and budgets?

Elle Macpherson: Fashion Star is different from other design competitions in that its goal is to make clothes that are specifically designed for the public to buy immediately. I believe Fashion Star is about everyday clothes for everyday women who want to look spectacular. Anyone who tunes in to Fashion Star will be really surprised that they'll be able to buy fashion for different shapes and sizes and budgets.

How was working on Fashion Star with Nicole Richie and Jessica Simpson, who are two successful designers in their own right?

Elle Macpherson: I loved working with Nicole, Jessica and John [Varvatos]. They mentored the young designers with such grace. They brought their many years of experience to the contestants, and the star quality of their critique and guidance is undeniable.

Were you allowed to mentor or put your two cents in at all with the design contestants, or do you have to stick to your role as host of the show?

Elle Macpherson: I chose to host the show. We have three fantastic mentors, and then, of course, we have the three retailers: Saks, Macy's and H&M. I am the liaison between the models, the designers, the mentors, the audience at home, and the retailers.

How has your physical beauty helped you professionally, and in what ways has it been a liability for you?

Elle Macpherson: I've been working in the fashion industry for thirty years, and I started working when I was very young. My entrée into the fashion industry was my beauty. I have sustained my business with great advisors and some interesting creative decisions. I am so lucky to work in the industry; first as a model, and then as a creative director of Elle Macpherson Intimates, my lingerie brand, global spokeswoman for Revlon cosmetics, or producing and hosting Britain's & Ireland's Next Top Model which I have been doing for three seasons, and now Fashion Star for NBC. Not to mention all the other wonderful opportunities I've had in film, television and in fashion. I would never consider beauty to be anything other than a blessing, but it needs to be backed up with discipline, commitment, courage and creativity.

Did you ever feel a sense of relief in having two sons, because a daughter might have felt a need to live up to what you are?

Elle Macpherson: I've been fortunate to provide my children with a very grounded, family oriented and academic upbringing here in London. I am sure that this wouldn't have changed if I had had a girl, and I hope she would be as well balanced as my boys who I encourage in their individual passions and gifts.

I logged on to your personal website (ellemacpherson.com) a few times over the past couple of days. Each time I was treated to a beautiful quote by a famous philosopher or artist. You have these great inspirational quotes that pop up on your website’s homepage. That tells me that you’re philosophical and spiritual. That being said, what philosophy do you subscribe to that gives you a sense of peace and balance?

Elle Macpherson: I had so much fun creating my website. It took me two and a half years. The quotes that were gathered, the photographs, the layout of the website, the content, it's really years of work. So when you log on and you notice things like the quotes of the day, that means a lot to me. As far as any one philosophy, I don't think it would be fair to make a sound bite that encapsulates forty-eight years of [life] experience (laughs). I am a spiritualist, but not a religious fanatic.

I’ll tell you what I got from it. You’re a thinker. You take the time to notice and think about what each of the moments in your life mean to you. You don’t just drift unconsciously through your life, like so many people do.

Elle Macpherson: I thank you for that. The most important thing to me is being clear and conscious in my journey throughout this lifetime. And parenting has been hugely important to me. I enjoy watching my boys grow and become independent, responsible, creative, heart-felt young men. It's been a true gift.

I can see you want to share that part of your life with your fans, because you posted pictures of your pregnancies and your children on your personal website to connect with people on a more intimate level.

Elle Macpherson: Intimate is one of the key words in my brand. It's really important to me as a woman. My company is called Elle Macpherson Intimates. I choose intimacy in my life in every way possible whether it be in my personal relations or in my relationship with my children. I really treasure intimacy. I don't want to go through my life numb, and I don't want to go through my life without connecting with people, places, philosophies, art, music, literature; things that stimulate me or interest me. I want to appreciate it and give it the time and space it requires. I want to slow down in life and just be present.

Many celebrities launch fashion lines focused on upscale casualwear or eveningwear, yet you chose to create a lingerie line (Elle Macpherson Intimates). Why did you go into intimate apparel?

Elle Macpherson: I have always loved lingerie since my mother bought me my first bra and knickers as a young teenager. Coming from Australia I never had a passion for fashion. It wasn't something that was very relevant in Australia. We had surf gear and sports gear, but fashion wasn't something that we were dependent upon as a culture. When it came to modeling I found it really difficult because I didn't really know how to model clothes. First of all, I didn't wear many clothes (laughs). Give me a bathing suit and cowboy hat and I knew exactly what to do. Couture or fashion, I had no idea. I had never even worn heels before I moved to New York when I was seventeen years old. I learned through watching others, work and studying photographs.

Were you that much of a tomboy?

Elle Macpherson: No, I wasn't really a tomboy. I loved sports and I still do, so I dressed practically, for my beach lifestyle. Today I like to snow ski, water ski, play tennis, hike, ride horses, but I don't think that makes me a tomboy. When it came to modeling swimwear or beachwear I was fine, and when it came to lingerie I just knew exactly what to do. I have a body where the proportions work really well for that kind of clothing. I would just put my hair all over my face and somehow it worked.

So when they put you in high fashion you didn’t know what to do with yourself.

Elle Macpherson: Yeah, I didn't know what to do with myself (laughs). I would start laughing. I felt like those girls who dress up in their mother's clothes!

Do you always wear your lingerie under your clothes?

Elle Macpherson: Always, and always matching. If I get dressed and then I decide to change my shirt and I have to change my bra because of the color, I would have to take off my pants and change my knickers as well. I can't be miss-matched. It's like wearing odd socks! I have a younger sister who makes fun of me and says, "It is so old-fashioned to wear matchy-matchy," and I say, "I don't care. I'm nearly fifty. I'm going to keep wearing matchy-matchy…"

(Laughs).

Elle Macpherson: She wears different bottoms and different tops, and she says that’s much cooler.

Personally, I don’t usually wear underwear, because I find you either get a panty line, or with a thong you find yourself with a permanent wedgy for the day. How do you make the underwear work underneath your clothes?

Elle Macpherson: I'll have to give you some of my lingerie. They're very comfortable, and you might just change your mind and say, "Actually, I really like wearing these." The lingerie that we design is French style with an American fit. It's comfortable, beautiful and sexy, and no VPL (visible panty line).

Tell me about the Elle Macpherson Obsidian lingerie line.

Elle Macpherson: Obsidian is a sophisticated collection; it's elegant and subtle with fine lace, fine detailing, and usually black.

Are you more of a bra and panties girl, or are you into the corsets and garters and things like that?

Elle Macpherson: I think it is interesting that a lot of American women perceive undergarments as underwear [to be] purely functional and that the only bras you can really wear are black, white and tan. Lingerie doesn't only serve a purpose, it can make you feel beautiful. Well-designed lingerie can change the shape of your figure and how you see yourself. My collection's full of unexpected color combinations and is sexy and comfortable. I love to see a peak of color underneath a shirt or underneath a T-shirt. And it's quite important when you put it on the body, the skin looks beautiful. What you see on the outside is one thing, but there is something mysterious underneath. I'm 34C so I don't wear any padding and I don't wear push-ups or anything that increases the shape or size of my bust; that's not my style. I like lace and I like it to be sexy.

Does having the nickname “The Body” come with pressure, especially now that you’re in your late forties? Obviously, you look amazing, but do you feel like you have to live up to it, and that you need to be constantly working out?

Elle Macpherson: "The Body" has been a fantastic nickname because I've built a business around it. In 1989 I was on the cover of Time Magazine and they nicknamed me Elle "The Body" Macpherson. As soon as I saw it I thought, "I have to capitalize on that." I never thought, for one second, "Oh yes, I'm the body!" I just thought, "Ok, perfect business strategy here." So I built my business, really, on that. It's been a really wonderful vehicle and I've been able to express myself in many ways using this name and image. I don't find it a burden whatsoever. And, yeah, I'm nearly fifty. I don't have the same body as I did when I was twenty, and that's ok. The other thing is I don't have the same spirit as I had when I was twenty, thank goodness! I have really enjoyed becoming the woman I am today.

There’s a beautiful irony to aging. In your twenties you have this beautiful shell and hardly anything going on inside. As you age, your spirit, your intellect and your level of wisdom soars and you become more internally beautiful, but the outside ages. I’ve always found that interesting about the aging process.

Elle Macpherson: It is interesting and it’s a great observation from you; having said that, I find that when your spirit shines everything looks more beautiful, anyway.

The “Fashion Star” two hour series premiere airs Thursday, March 13 9/8c on NBC.

Elle Macpherson Intimates lingerie is available at Elle's official website.

References: Google News, Wires, PR.com, ABC News, NBC official website, Wikipedia, News Limited, Elle Macpherson official website

Visit Elle Macpherson today at http://www.ellemacpherson.com/




Websites

Australia's Next Top Model

Elle Macpherson official website

Elle Macpherson Intimates

Fashion Star official website

Music News Australia

Eva Rinaldi Photography

Media Man News