Sunday, February 26, 2012

"YOU DESERVE AN OSCAR FOR YOUR VISUAL PERFORMANCE" - AT THE 84TH ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS

At the 84th Academy Awards, stars glistened, glared, and glowed. But, all that glitters isn't gold - or black. Anna Faris and Rose Byrne definitely didn't listen in for that cue, when they neglected to double check attesting to the same gown. Of course, travesty comes in all different shapes, sizes, and colours. Let me begin.


I could've inserted this selection at the conclusion of my piece, but I think I speak on behalf of everyone when I say "WTF?" Since when does Borat take vows of silence?


With her red hair and red gown, Emma Stone ensembles a true lady in red. Thanks to her classic beauty and talent, Emma has rightfully earned her place on the red carpet. But while that belt around her waist may accentuate her waist, that belt around her neck does not accentuate - her neck.


It's a bird! It's a plane! It's - superstar! Gwenyth Paltrow is wearing a cape, ahem, shawl to an awards ceremony? Not to mention all dressed in white? Is this a wedding or a Halloween party? Or perhaps life imitates art. That's one way to humbly step up as the queen of movies.


JLo certainly does not show any jello - or have any jello to show, for that matter. That dress is pretty tight and transparent, but JLo is booty-ful enough to pull it off. (Ok, enough for the butt jokes. Moving on...)


At first, I wasn't quite fond of this black and silver piece, but I insist - my heart grew fonder with time. It's a modern spin to your traditional/posh award show frock. The criss-cross neckline aligns Judy Greer's lean shoulders, while the vertical "stripes" further streamline her already svelte physique. Very figure flattering.


And then there are those dresses that don't streamline your body. Melissa McCarthy, you look like you've been swallowed up by a pink parachute - and no, that is not silver lining. Fashion tip: thin belts work wonders, not chunky ones.


The star is always golden - and the case should be no different for Meryl Streep. But, again, all that glitters isn't gold - and what's gold does not always glitter.


Michelle Williams may be no Marilyn Monroe (in real life, anyway), but she sure can execute pinup red lips and a strapless red dud at once. I'm just not too crazy about the waist. It sets the scene for Curly Sue's hair hanging in the shape of a chandelier.


Milla, Milla, Milla...you look fabulous! I wouldn't wear white after Labour Day, but the sheen fabric and one shoulder warrant an A+ in my book.


Curvy gals do one better. Octavia Spencer beautifully represents the average woman in this short-sleeved rhinestone number. She may be fully covered, but the form fitting nature reveals everything we should see. Sexy and modest.


As for Rooney Mara...are you wearing a cone-shaped bra? Don't rob Madonna of her signature staple - on the red carpet, in front of everyone who's anyone! Of all places - you should know better! Guilty as charged. You are under arrest for committing a fashion felony.


Finally, Rose Byrne. Tsk, tsk. They say Anna Faris copied you, but I say you copied her. Black is slimming - and this dress is too slimming for your own good. Sorry.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

VONNY THE KEN DOLL IN THE CITY


2012 may be the year the world ends, but it's also a year Vonny The Ken Doll will end off with a bang! This year will be all about Vonny and the Vonny brand. Vonny entered this year with his own talk show, entertainment website, reality television program, and even his own production company! Here, Vonny talks about his upcoming projects, juicy celeb interviews, Lake Shore, Perez Hilton, and more! Check it out!

V.B. So, you have a new reality show: Vonny in the City. Where can we see it? Should we expect any catfights, tears, celebrity secrets? Tell us more.

V.S. Yes! Right now, we're still in production on Vonny in the City. The show's sizzle reel will premier January 23rd via my website VonnyTheKenDoll.Com. Full length episodes from the first season will be featured on a large Canadian network, but I can't comment right now. We're still in negotiations, but catfights? Yes. Tears? Yes. Celebrity secrets? Definitely! The show basically follows me and my staff, as we take over the city's media scene. It showcases a lot of the operational aspects of my company: days at the office, planning interviews; attending fashion shows, concerts, and events, arranging photoshoots, and - of course - operating my live studio talk show.The viewer really gets a behind-the-scenes look at my life, and what goes into building and operating a multi-media company. They get to see firsthand the tension and drama between a large team of assistants, photographers, website content writers, and more. They'll also get to see the negotiations between a-list artists, and myself as we handle interview bookings and joint deals. I think the easiest comparison to Vonny: In The City would be the Gossip Girl series - only more entertainment industry interaction and, of course, real life!
 
 
V.B. Who have you interviewed so far? Who would you say was your best, worst, or most memorable interview, and why? Were you surprised about anything you've learned about these celebs from these interviews?

V.S. Oh, boy. I've done so many interviews at this point. We've done everyone from MTV and Bravo Networks, to Playboy, to music and fashion. I would have to say my best interview was with Janine Jarman from Bravo's Sheer Genius Season 3 series. She's a famous celebrity hairstylist who has worked with stars like Gweneth Paltrow and Lil'Kim. I interviewed her right after her wedding, which was covered by People. She was the least favourite cast member of the show due to what some called a bad attitude, but I had a total different experience with her. We really hit it off. I love that girl and can't wait to visit her salon the next time I'm in California. I think we hit it off so well, because we're just so alike. I could understand her without scrutinizing her personality. She's just a no-apologies, upfront and in-your-face kind of person - and I can relate to that. As far as my worst interview goes, hmmm, that's a tough one. I love working and sitting down with people and artists from all walks of life, so there's never really a "bad" interview in my books. However, you do get those occasional interviewees who do nothing but give one word answers, because they're so nervous. That's always a little difficult, but I'm such a ball of energy that they tend to quickly get over that and become comfortable with me right away. I'd have to say I was most surprised by my Jersey Shore interview with Samantha K. She gave me some secret information about the rest of the Jersey Shore cast that just made me want to dig deeper.
 
V.B. Going back to the drama - on any one of your shows - could you clue us into any really defining moments that would make us want to watch more?

V.S. Oh yeah. For sure! Even in the show's sizzle reel, you'll get a lot of that. I think one defining moment was when I showed up late to a fashion show and had my front row seats given away. There was a whole lot of drama around that situation. You'll even see me fire one of my assistants in the promotional trailer. I generally have a rule: If I'm not front row, I don't go. A lot of people think of that as me being a diva, but it's actually not. When I go to cover an event, I bring an entourage. I travel with photographers, a camera crew, and a promotional team, who are all used to capture the best footage and interviews, as well as promote the event I'm at. Having said that, the minute I walk through the door, there is an automatic cost to my company. Not to mention I'm interviewing the artist or public figure heading the event and giving them very valuable promotion via my website and large social networking fanbases. I mean, altogether we're talking about an audience of nearly one hundred thousand. On Twitter alone, we have about 40 or 50 thousand fans and followers. So in a nutshell, when I'm doing all of these things for an artist or for an event, the least they could do is give me adequate accomodation. It's not a diva thing; it's a mutual industry respect. The press deserves special treatment. Period. No questions asked. The last thing you want is Vonny The Ken Doll at your event, being treated unprofessionally, having a bad experience, and then going back and tweeting/writing about it. That automatically ruins your reputation and damages your ability to sell yourself or product. I'm a very influential figure. I can either be a benefit or a detriment to you. You'll get to see these types of situations unfold during Vonny: In The City.


V.B. Of course, you also own VonnyTheKenDoll.com - how do you conduct your research? Without divulging any blogging secrets, what advice would you give to anyone who wants to get into entertainment blogging or journalism?

V.S. You know this is a question I get asked quite often actually. VonnyTheKenDoll.Com has an entire team of story contributors who stay on top of all of the latest gossip in Hollywood and our native city of Toronto. We have a very TMZ style newsroom approach to our web content. The contributors have weekly target meetings with me where they pitch story ideas and topics. If I like them, I write about them; if I don't, they get scrapped. There are definitely a lot of steps up-and-coming bloggers need to take if they're expecting to build a successful blog or online print source. Our world is becoming more and more tech-based each year. Did we think we'd be able to access our social networking pages through our mobile phones, five or six years ago? It would have sounded like a miracle. In 2012, over 2 billion of the world's 7 billion people will be online. Blogging is becoming the ideal career for those who want a voice, and based off of those numbers, there is definitely a clear market. But, amateur bloggers need to ask themselves, "What can I do to stand out?" It's a very competitive market, and garnering success is not as simple as creating a pretty blog and jotting down your opinions. You yourself need to be just as much of a celebrity as the people you're writing about, in terms of having a presence. That's the first bit of advice I'd give to those wanting to pursue a career in this industry, but you are very right. These tips are definitely secret, and I can't divulge too many of them. I will be writing a book soon though, so you'll have all of the tips you need at your fingertips soon enough.

V.B. Who can we plan to see on The Vonny Show?

V.S. You can plan to see any and everybody under the sun. I have very strong relationships - both locally and abroad - so no one is off limits. As much as I've interviewed public figures from large productions and labels, I would also like to work with up-and -coming talent. This is why you've seen me do an interview with someone from, say, Jersey Shore, and then a little while later, do one with a local artist or rapper. I have a great eye for talent and won't deny it when I find it. My dream interview would be Lil'Kim or Donald Trump.


V.B. Do you guys plan on producing any more shows (whether it be your own or other people's) in Vonny Productions? What kinds of content would you include? Reality shows, talk shows...what about fictional shows or movies?

V.S. Oh yes, for sure. Vonny Productions is definitely something that we will continue to build over the next few years. No matter who I sign with, I'll still be keeping my title as executive or associate producer throughout the project. I mean, to this point, we've really worked magic and have done a great job for a first project production company. However, I'm not naive and do realize the important of bringing a more experienced company on board for Vonny: In The City. There are certain elements to a production that only experience can teach, and that is invaluable. At the present time, we're just continuing work on both my live studio talk show and reality series. We just got an offer for a music video as well. Beyond that, I'd have to say let's just wait and see what else the future has in store. I do see more reality shows for us, though - as well as documentary style filming. I just have a keen sense for developing emotionally strong pieces, and I personally feel you can do that best through real life.

V.B. Artistically speaking, you seem quite versatile. You even have experience in musical theatre and musical critiquing. Tell us a bit more about that. What would you say is your favourite or least favourite genre/album/song/artist, and why?

V.S. Oh, one thousand percent! That's something I think a lot of people don't know about me. Artistically speaking, I've done everything: music, theatre, writing, etc. What separates me from the millions of other people who say they have experience in those fields is the level in which I participated in them at. A lot of people say they can sing, act, or write, but I have legitimate training and credentials in these fields. At the age of 8, I was in vocal lessons at the Royal Conservatory, and by 12, I had started acting landing principal roles in stageplays like The Nutcracker and The Lion King. That's why in my interview with 103.9, the interviewee labelled me as a "child star." I've been in the industry ever since I was a little child. I also had published literature from the poetry genre by the age of 15. It is this exact experience that qualifies me to judge music and talent, hence my doing so many of the music reviews at VonnyTheKenDoll.Com. A lot of people assume I'm just a blogger with something to say; however, that assumption is very wrong. I'm well-versed in all genres and have the experience to match. I'm a critic with a respected opinion. My favourite genre of music is - of course - pop, and second would be hip hop. If I'm judging a pop single, I'm looking for strong vocals, and of course something that is commercially viable. If it's a hip hop single, I'm looking for flow, delivery, lyrical content, and punchlines. I have no least favourite genre. Vonny The Ken Doll listens to everything (laughs). My favourite album and artist would have to be Lil'Kim and her 2000 album Notorious K.I.M. Favourite song? Hmmm. I'm going to have to pick my own theme song from the show! (laughs)Yeah, the Vonny: In The City theme song written and recorded by an artist named Mike Black. Least favourite song: I have too many to list!



V.B. You also appeared on the TV program Scare Tactics. Describe your role on the show.

V.S. My role in Scare Tactics was simple: The unsuspecting idiot (laughs). About a year ago, I was pranked on that same show by one of my cousins. I don't know what came of the actual episode, but I do know I was scared out of my witts! I ran probably about 6 blocks and left the entire production scene in attempt to get away from some the people who were chasing me. They all later turned out to be actors! I was so upset, but nonetheless, I ended up calming down and meeting all of the producers and production staff backstage. They were all very professional and showed me a great time. One thing they said was, had the situation been real, I would have survived and gotten away! They were shocked at how quick my survival skills kicked in, because I outsmarted them into thinking I had to use the washroom before fleeing the scene (laughs).

V.B. All the exposure you've attained - your website being featured in the National Post, etc. Would you say Lake Shore facilitated any of your success in a sense, or would you attribute your built fan base to your own strategy of social networking and word of mouth? Speaking of Lake Shore, what ended up going on with that?

V.S. I don't really want to answer that question, to be honest. I mean, common sense dictates that Lake Shore gave me a platform to get my character out there, but I wouldn't say that everything I have today was because of Lake Shore - because it's one thing to get your foot in the door, but it's another to keep it there - and that's what I've done. Since then I've carved out my own lane. Vonny The Ken Doll is an entire brand now, and I owe that to nobody but myself. I've hosted nightclubs and events, had cameos on other shows, appeared in papers like the National Post, have been interviewed at radio stations, etc. I even have a jewelry line coming out this Spring through an American company called NB'S Closet. I've worked hard and fought all the way to the top. I don't know what happened to Lake Shore. I heard it got cancelled, but I don't really follow news unless it's pertinent.



V.B. Would you say your comparisons to Perez Hilton are somewhat valid?

V.S. No, I don't think they're all that valid at all, to be honest. Perez is definitely someone who has created a successful pop culture website in the world, and I commend him on that. But, Vonny The Ken Doll is NOT the next Perez Hilton. I have a live studio talk show with a live audience, an online print source, as well as a production company and reality television show. What I have is a multimedia brand. I've also studied journalism in an accredited post secondary institution. My work transcends just "blogging." Not to mention, people take my work seriously; they don't just read my material to laugh or make fun of me.

V.B. Last but certainly not least, there's the drama off screen. Your personal life - family, friends? Any boyfriends or boy toys? (Hope that's not too much of a personal question). Do we see any of this on your reality show, and how "real" is any of it or how much of the reality is depicted?


V.S. Of course, how could we forget? An interview is just not complete with a little bit of the personal information, right? (laughs) You know, early on, I learned that making a presence in this industry meant bringing attention to your family as well. When I did Canada's Jersey Shore spinoff, there was a lot of talk. My family was constantly asked questions by their peers and relatives. Sometimes, that kind of attention becomes stressful or unwanted when you're simple folk. I come from a family of good ol' Canadians, so to speak. They're simple people who make livings, pay taxes, and raise their children. They don't have any desire for the spotlight. So because of that, I don't like to talk about my family too much or drag them into anything. Despite not wanting attention, they're 100% supportive of everything I do, so there's no drama in my family at all. They know this is what I want to do with my life, and they're there with me every step of the way proud. Friends are another story. Ever since my brand has taken off, I've lost and gained tons of friends. It seems as if the higher up you get, the less and less real friends you have. I can't speak for everybody else working in this industry, but a lot of my friends started to change - and I guess - showed their real colours. People become jealous easily, and jealousy has no place in a good friendship. At this point, I'm only interested in meeting genuine people who don't have hidden agendas or ulterior motives. Relationships? (Laughs). I love the way you worded that! Now unfortunately, I can't really give you much here, and that's not because it's too much of a personal question; but, it's more of the same situation with my family. Not everyone you encounter or come across is comfortable with having their life depicted on camera for thousands of people. What I will say is I am in a relationship. I am very much taken (laughs), but by someone who doesn't wish to be featured on camera. That's something that I respect and understand whole heartedly. Having said that, you won't see my personal relationships on camera, but you will see some brief day-to-day events and activities with my family now and again. To answer your last question, the show is 100% real. I mean, I won't lie; certain events are chosen for production purposes, certain locations and times etc., but the daily operations and communication between the characters are very real!

Monday, January 16, 2012

TAKING THE "GOLDEN" OUT OF THE GLOBES

At the 69th annual Golden Globe's, various female (and male) celebrities selected their wear to depict simple elegance. Yet, some of their choices prove that you can even screw up the simplest of outfits, the simplest of valuable designer gowns. Here's my food for thought.


Charlize Theron usually isn't nominated as a fashion victim in my reviews, or any reviews for that matter. Despite the theory that women with bodies like her's happen to look good in anything (including ketchup?), Charlize only got the top part right. You can still spot a long, lean smidge of her fit leg, but the drapery of the bottom half cuts across mid-thigh (for apparently no reason at all), when it should really just connect or at least flow out with the rest of the gown. No, just eliminate the drapery altogether. The drapery doesn't belong in this gown, especially considering the drapery is literally almost separate from the bottom of the gown altogether.


(As stunning as she is), Evan Rachel Wood somehow pulls off a typically unfavourable mermaid look. The forest green really compliments the glitter and wood-siness mesh appearance of the fabric. However for the rest of Wood's competition, all that glitters isn't "gold"...


Jessica Chastain shouldn't be mistaken for The Help in this shapely yet wholesome white dress. The darker waist cincher and translucent turtleneck really make this decision stand out, but all-dressed-in-white -nd with such a virginal dress length and immaculate neckline (as in no neckline) - can still mesh with the rest in a bridal shop.


Lady in pink? Natalie Portman could've possibly gotten away with this dress, if it weren't for the awkward fabric sticking out at her booty. Wait, is it an optical illusion or the real deal? We'll never know.

Nicole Kidman transforms herself into an Egyptian princess with this intricately patterned criss cross gown. I say Miss Kidman made a smooth transition, a famous yet royal act.


Paula Patton marks the above average, exceeding the usual standard for those of most body types and skin complexions: to look flattering in an unflattering colour. Orange and yellow are both stubborn hues, but Paula manages to pull one of those hues off without looking too "sunny."


Again with the outdoor colours...Sarah Michelle Gellar attempts to emulate the sky in this oversized, strapless flop of blue and white. Unless the purpose of this dress was to to camouflage her bikini-ready bod, then - well - there is no purpose to this dress.