Couture Undressed

VMagazine offers a close-up of body conscious Fall 2009 Haute Couture collections.

Do You Question the Value of Celebrity? Do You Love Beauty?

Julianne Moore as Ingres's 'Grand Odalisque', New York City, by Michael Thompson, 2000, publ. April 2000. Michael Thompson. © 2000 Michael Thompson.

If you haven't yet visited Vanity Fair Portraits: Photographs 1913 - 2008, please make the effort to take in this fabulous exhibit. The recent celebrity portraits are obviously a huge draw, but the real jewels are the photos taken during the first half of the twentieth century. It is incredible how creative and inspired these photographers were considering their limited technological resources. This exhibit will give you a new appreciation for portrait photography.

Even more exiting is the accompanying 'Question of Celebrity' film series going on tonight. Two films will be screened. Choose one, or stay for both! The first is a documentary on photographer Annie Liebovitz entitled "Life Through a Lens." The second film is one that I have seen. "Valentino: The Last Emperor" is an amazing behind the scenes look at the creation of Valentino's final Haute Couture collection, and the retrospective exhibit that was produced in his honour. You will not want to miss it. The preview below is a hilarious insight into his personality..."I love beauty, it's not my fault."

Screening Information: Monday November 23, 2009: 7pm Annie Leibovitz: Life Through a Lens (2006) Annie Leibovitz, chief photographer for Vanity Fair magazine, has produced some of the most iconic images of the last 30 years. Director Barbara Leibovitz reveals her sister’s artistic process and personal journey. (82 minutes) 9pm Valentino: The Last Emperor (2008) Director Matt Tyrnauer takes an intimate look at the world of high fashion through the relationship of designer Valentino and his longtime business partner, Giancarlo Giammetti. (96 minutes) both films are playing at the Royal Ontario Museum, Signy and Cleophee Eaton Theatre, Level 1B Please enter through President's Choice Entrance, at south end of Museum. Single film: $10 / ROM Members: $8 / Friends of ICC: $6 Both films on the same night: $15 / $12 / $10 This film series is presented by the Institute for Contemporary Culture. A collaboration between Vanity Fair and the National Portrait Gallery, London. Vanity Fair is a registered trademark of Advance Magazine Publishers Inc.

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