CANNES Part 2: the Movies

CANNES as usual left me with a must-see movies list. However, generally it's quite long, and is likely to get even longer - about many films shown at the fest there is very little information yet. So I give you the five Cannes films I want to see ASAP!

THE ARTIST

Without a doubt, a top number on the list. It's set in the 1920s, it's shot as a silent film, and, on top of everything else, it stars one of the biggest French screen charmers ever - Jean Dujardine, who, by the way, got BEST ACTOR for this performance! Since I'm in love with the 1920s as the fashion and lifestyle era, am a lover of silent movies and a fan of Dujardine - "The Artist" seems like a movie made especially for me. And it also has John Goodman in it - a treat!

MELANCHOLIA

In general I pretty much watch all of Lars Von Trier's films, because he's like no one else, a master-provocateur, and, considering that I often avoid the really dramatic, tragic films, it makes him something of an exception. However there are also extra reasons to see Melancholia. First is Lars Von Trier's ban from Cannes that somehow instantly made the movie 10 times more interesting - after all it's talking about its "risky" aesthetic is what got him into trouble. Second reason is that it's about a planet rushing towards the Earth threatening to put the end to its existence - sounds alluring. Third reason is Kirsten Dunst's BEST ACTRESS award. It's not the end of the list, but you get the picture.

MIDNIGHT IN PARIS

I'm a big fan of Woody Allen, and even though not all his films are very good, especially lately, since he's been totally repeating himself, but lots of critics did praise "Midnight in Paris" which fills me with excitement! It also has a great cast and apparently includes some time travel. In short I would love to see Woody make "passionate love" to Paris as it was described by some reviewers.

SLEEPING BEAUTY

One word: mysterious. That's the one thing I understand about this film so far. Also, Emily Browning is doing a lot of scenes here in her underwear ... and probably nude too. Judging but what's revealed in the trailer she's being hired by some pretentious lady at a mansion as something of a call girl, or maybe prostitute - only it's much more fancy, exquisite and complex than that. Let's see...

TREE OF LIFE

First off, it did win the Palme D'Ore and I usually watch the top winners. Secondly it has Sean Penn playing the son of Brad Pitt - it's one of those seriously weird things that you just have to see to believe. Overall, based on some reviews I've read, Terrence Malick's "Tree of Life" is mostly a meditation on, well, life, its origins (they say there are even dinosaurs in there!), fathers and sons etc. with breathtaking visuals and not much of a plot.

Home Of The Week - Sevenstar Amat Shares Her Unique Home.

I am thrilled to bring you this week's feature on SL Home Lifestyle. The home belongs to an amazing designer and creator who I have been inspired by through both SL and through her real life art. It is a pleasure and honor that I was able to visit her sanctuary and capture these photos of a truly warm, inviting and inspirational home. 

(Photo: Outside view of Sevenstar's home.)

Most people know Sevenstar Amat as the influential designer and artist behind "Stitch By Stitch". Her clothing is created with passion, love and imagination and her home is no different. The home is as individual and original as the owner. It is colorful, surprising and truly unique. 

I found myself wanting to re-visit her home over and over to take photos, look at her beautiful collection of furniture and to quite rudely, make myself at home. It would be so easy to curl up in one of the wonderfully comfortable vintage chairs or sofas she has around her home, sip a cup of tea and lose yourself. 

(Photo: Sevenstar Amat.)

If you have any love of art or photography, you should check out Sevenstar's flickr stream here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sevenstar_amat/. She has a remarkable collection of her real life art work, her SL designs and of course, wonderful photos she has taken in world.

You can also check out Sevenstar's fantastic store "Stitch By Stitch" here. Not only will you find an expansive array of clothing, jewelry and hair, you will also find some of the cutest boho furniture and accessories for your SL home. *Taxi To Stitch By Stitch*

Can you please tell us a little bit about yourself?

I have been in SL 3 years now, and after being quite active and known here as a fashion designer, I´m taking a creative break right now, seeing SL only as fun and not as a business at the moment. Maybe I´ll build for SL again one day, but right now, I´m regaining the fun and the beauty that SL has , as I lost it on the way lately, being stressed out and involved in the more and more exaggerating SL fashion market. So you can say, I am pretty much private now.

(Photo: Some of the amazing little details in Sevenstar's home.)

In your own words describe what your home means to you?

It's a place to be myself, to relax and regenerate after hard work. It is reflecting my inner state I think, I change things a lot, so you can say it's in constant change. Also it's important to me that the sim surrounding is beautiful.

(Photo: Sevenstar's amazing living room. It is so colorful and inviting.)

How long have you lived at your home?

I am in this home since end of 2009. After a long odyssey through residential sims with really ugly neighbourhood, that was changing every week to worse, my partner and I decided to turn back to the Wunderbar Islands, where we have been in the very beginning. These sims will always stay what they are: beautiful nature, that's what the owners guarantee.

How long did it take you to achieve and be happy with the look of your home?

Oh, it was quite a work, its a constant process that never ends in fact. I start somewhere and ad matching pieces as soon as I find them. So its never finished I´m afraid :D

(Photo: Sevenstar's front doorway, which is always open for visitors.)

What did you use as influences when you were creating your home?

I use quite everything that crosses my way and inspires me. Sudden finds, pictures in a blog (like yours blogging for SCD inspires me a lot), my momentary moods...

(Photo: The view from the back porch)

What would you love to add to your home if you had the prim allowance?

It would be a little vintage Bakery with all kinds of cakes and breads, some tables to serve tea and coffee and an always smoking chimney

What is your favorite piece of decor in your home and why?

It's my little kitchen corner in the back of my house, because its cosy and I can imagine to hang out there in the arm chair, while the washing machine is running, and something is sizzling on the stove.

(Photo: The gorgeous kitchen area)

Where do you love to shop for your home?

Almost everywhere...like Poppet McGimsies stores, BP, Mudshake and all the other well or less known stores that cross my way.

(Photo: Sevenstar's bedroom, how comfy does the bed look.)

Thank you so much Sevenstar for sharing your home with us all. It is an amazing home filled with love, warmth and happiness. I don't think I have ever felt more at home in someone else's home.