With the Bafta’s fast becoming a distant memory in the look towards the Oscars, I can’t help but think of the Bafta’s a little like a warm up before the big event. A friendly before the big game, perhaps. The results don’t really count, they’re just preparation. When I sit and watch the Bafta’s I always look on with amazement at the A-listers who have made the effort to attend. ‘Oh My, Quentin Tarantino has deemed our little ceremony worthy of his presence !’. Far from showing my humble appreciation of the international film industry, this mind set is one that many share with regards to the British Film Industry. Despite a sensational history of achievements us Brits just arent that confident with our presence in the industry. Perhaps we’ve had a few quiet years, but we were very much on form this year. We had well deserved wins across categories and yet the inferiority still niggles. Although I appreciate the glorious history of American cinema, I’d like to take the next few paragraphs to remind us Brits of our own achievements.

Ah, the glorious Alfred Hitchcock. Arguably the most impressive British citizen to tackle the big screen. Sure he became an official US citizen by the end of his life but damn it, I bet he was still as proud as punch to be the best of British. Hitchcock directed some of the most iconic films in history, Psycho and Rear Window are two of the most celebrated thrillers of all time. Hats off to the lord of tension.

From one set of thrills to another, The Full Monty captured Great Britain and reminded us why we had so loved Tom Jones...because he encouraged middle aged men all over Sheffield to get their kits off. The Full Monty was a feel good phenomenon, and showed the world that cinematic greatness needn't be steeped in metaphor, they just had to promise the audience a peek at a willy. Think about it, Oscar panel.

The most beautiful, in my opinion, of all of Powell and Pressburger's creations, although feel free to argue the wonders of The Red Shoes in its place. David Niven's character Peter encapsulated what it was to be a British Gentleman; he was well spoken, well educated, and had a sharp sense of humour. He loved so strongly he was willing to argue his way out of heaven to be with his lady, and that shows commitment. The film is a real celebration of the transformation to colour, with contrasting colour and black and white sequences. The idea that Heaven is filmed in black and white and earth in colour could be seen as Peter's interpretation, where Heaven can never be as beautiful as life with June, or could also be seen as Powell and Pressburger's critique of colour film. Either way the film is a beautiful exploration of the visual, and a true British classic.

How could I compile a list of cinematic greats without the littlest mention of David Lean. A truly visionary director with a feel for a good story. Brief Encounter taught the British what it was to lose itself in desire, in a pre-war sense of frivolity that in turn revealed the loss of such self-indulgences that came with war. This film explores the idea of longing and adultery in a way that is barely considered in today's cinema, what it would be to want to spend time with another, infidelity committed with nothing more than your time and affection, and all the more poignant for it.

The Ladykillers, recently undertaking a no doubt awful remaking (Tom Hanks - why would you?), was one of the funniest of the Ealing Studio's creations, starring Alec Guinness in an brilliantly savage role. Five men decide to steal the treasure accumilated by a little old lady by posing as musicians and renting a room in her home. The film is a stark reminder of Britain's quick and satirical wit.

So there we have it, a few little reminders that us Brits have got it going on. I'd love to be able to compile a giant long list that encorporates everything but I'm hesitant to attempt anything more thorough without a little research...maybe some day soon.

High Society

I was watching this today, basking in the glory of the beautiful Grace Kelly. I'd recorded it during the Christmas holidays and not gotten round to watching it yet...oh, the joys of unemployment.

How beautiful she was, its hard to believe that Princess Grace only featured on our screens for six years before retiring from the cinema. High society was her final film, and what a perfect setting for her transfer from Screen Goddess to Monaco Princess. Her style is timeless, and she is still recognised as one of the most influential women in cinema history.

Her style was flawless, and while she benefited from a wardrobe stylist who deserves much of the credit for this, it was Grace's, well, grace, and poise that made mere garments into pure delight. She moved like a dancer, flowing from scene to scene like an angel, like the princess she was to become.

I, for one, cannot wait for the Grace Kelly wardrobe exhibition at the V&A which is set to arrive this April. We'll be given a chance to glimpse the outfits that made her famous, and that she made famous in turn. Film pieces as well as items from her personal collection as Princess of Monaco will be on display, and I urge you to go and learn a little about what made Grace Kelly such a style icon.

My personal favourite dress worn by Kelly is the Helen Rose embroidered dress worn during the party scene in High Society. I think this dress is absolutely stunning, and Princess Grace has the perfect figure for it. She is sleek and elegant, and the dress is absolutely divine on her.

The dress was recently auctioned off for the Princess Grace Foundation, and raised $220,000, along with the beautiful dress worn to lunch at the White House with Jaqueline and John F Kennedy, which raised $135,000. Princess Grace was a beautiful person with a beautiful heart, and a beautiful wardrobe which is worth going to see. I'll see you all at the V&A.

Intro

Why hello, potential avid reader. I decided to call my blog frills and frames because of the two things i think i'' be writing about most often...fashion and film. Don't get me wrong, I'll probably be talking more about being unemployed and the depression that ensues...but still, at least I'm attempting at focus.

At present I'm focusing on getting into magazine editing, and I'm working with drapers fashion magazine, which is all very exciting. I enjoy working for free, cause I can try out lots of different jobs in an attempt to do something interesting, rather than running into telesales or something. I have a feeling it'll be rewarding at some point, but I dont feel it so much when I'm saying no to every night out and taking in packed sandwiches to work to save pennies...thankfully I'm not the only intern so this junior school lunchbox accessory is not just my own.



Theres something about gathering around a table unpacking your sandwiches and babybells that just encourages bonding. its beautiful, really.

With awards season rearing its beautifully accessorised head theres so much to be discussing on the frames and frills side of the equation, who is going to win, and what will they be wearing when they do so? You're gripped, I know it. I hope you're looking forward to reading about it just as much as I am about typing.

In closing, welcome to the blog. I hope you enjoy it/tell your friends/give me a job...the power of the internet is yet to reveal itself for me so I'm full of optomism on this one...see you soon.