Styling The Stars And Attending The London Premiere Of The Unseen
What a buzz to attend the London premiere of the new psychological thriller ‘The Unseen’ last week, let alone style two of the films stars and the director!
‘The Unseen’ is the brainchild of effervescent Hollywood Director Gary Sinyor, who’s passion for the piece he has written, produced and directed is unavoidably infectious. The story follows a couple who struggle to cope having tragically lost their son, and the emotional rollercoaster of the mother (Gemma), as she starts to have terrifying panic attacks which affect her vision. www.imdb.com/name/nm0802551/
Gary Sinyor is best known for directing the Hollywood smash hit ‘The Bachelor’, starring Renee Zellweger and Chris O’Donnell. His previous films have gained him BAFTA recognition, and won many awards including the International Critics’ Prize at the prestigious Venice Film Festival, and Most Promising Newcomer at the Evening Standard British Film Awards. Known for directing comedy, ‘The Unseen’ is a new territory for Sinyor, and is undoubtedly a resounding success, having received rave reviews from the early press viewings. In my humble opinion, I can honestly say that I found it totally gripping and engrossing – and think I held my breath the whole way through!
The part of Gemma is portrayed by award-winning actress Jasmine Hyde, who is most well known for playing Leonie Snell in BBC Radio’s ‘The Archers’. Jasmine has received much acclaim for her sensitive portrayal of Gemma’s harrowing journey in the film; her performance has been hailed as ‘hypnotic’ and ‘sublime’ by the critics and she is tipped to become a huge star. Jasmine was utterly charming to work with, incredibly apologetic (for nothing) throughout the process, and endearingly appreciative of my efforts – something that does not always come with the territory in this business! It was a real pleasure to make her look and feel fabulous for the night of her life and remain by her side for the evening, ensuring that everything ran smoothly. She is no doubt a huge talent and a lovely lady to boot. www.imdb.com/name/nm1543264/
I knew that Jasmine needed a show-stopping dress for such a momentous moment in her career, and was absolutely delighted when American Couturier Misha Kaura agreed to make her a bespoke gown for the occasion. http://www.mishakaura.com The designer – who trained with fashion powerhouses Alexander McQueen and Christian Dior – worked through several nights at her Miami studio, to produce a stunning emerald green, haute couture gown, and even flew to the UK to personally deliver her creation! It was such a shame that I didn’t get to meet Misha in person, as she literally safely deposited the gown at my hotel reception, and dashed straight back to Gatwick to catch her return flight! (Welcome to the crazy world of show business! Next time I hope).
I selected some beautiful statement earrings and a bracelet from Belgravia based jeweller to the stars, Vicki Sarge, to give the look a little edge, teamed the ensemble with a fabulous purple faux fur by Dries Van Noten which complemented Jasmine’s winter colouring perfectly. Jasmine’s ‘glamsquad’ also included celebrity makeup artist Evan Huang, who created a sultry smokey-eyed look, with a nude lip and radiant, glowing skin. www.vickisarge.com www.evanhuang.co.uk
I also had the pleasure of styling Gary Sinyor himself, as well as talented actor Simon Cotton, (known for portraying Ronnie Kray in the 2016 film ‘The fall of the Krays’), who plays the villain of the piece. www.imdb.com/name/nm6550217/ The obvious choice was to take both gentleman to see Tom at the one and only Scabal on Savile Row for the full VIP treatment. Scabal are recognised industry-wide for their sharp tailoring and notably their fine fabrics which are still crafted at their heritage mill in Yorkshire and preferred by tailors all over the world. They have dressed royalty, film stars and american presidents, but unlike other brands prefer to keep their client list under wraps. www.scabal.com
Gary’s humour and tales of Hollywood antics put everyone at ease and Tom, who used to be an actor himself and now designs for the brand, demonstrated his considerable expertise, as together we selected two killer ensembles. On the night, Simon smouldered in a black tuxedo which perfectly complimented his dark role in the film, while Gary looked every inch a Hollywood star in striking midnight blue, accented with a one of a kind Ollivier Saveo Arabesque timepiece. http://olliviersaveo.ch/
Vue Cinema on Haymarket was filled with the great and the good from the film industry from both sides of the Atlantic, as well as several London celebrities including Tracy-Ann Oberman, most well known for her role as Chrissie in ‘Eastenders’ and a very pretty Fiona Wade, who plays Priya in ‘Emmerdale’. The showing of the film ended with rapturous applause from the audience, and was rounded off with a light-hearted Q&A session with Gary and the cast. There was much celebrating all round at the afterparty which was held at Jewel in Piccadilly, culminating in much hilarity as the cast posed wearing Pudsey ears to raise funds for Children in Need. The party didn’t go on too late however, as the cast were due to fly to Glasgow the next morning and commence the UK tour of the film.
The Unseen is released in UK cinemas on December 15th.
www.mirandaholder.london
