In the midst of my crazy schedule, I had all the trade shows and was flying in all over the country. Those were the times when designing your line meant exactly that. (Later thoughts on that subject)
The designers were so super cool and ahead of the times. My line then, was called Enotria Imports (Yes, it was called that. I was present at trade shows all over the country. Tons of media were scouting new trends new designers; therefore, I was one of the fortunate ones to catch the eye of many magazines such as Accessories, Marie Clair, Accent, etc. One day, I landed in Las Vegas to meet with clients. Late afternoon, I received a call from Rita Ryack and her assistant, Johnn A. Dunn. After a brief introduction, they wanted to meet and scout out the possibilities to accessorize the movie, Casino, that was being shot in Vegas! Okay, somebody pinch my ass. Is this for real?
When I first met Rita, my thoughts were on her. In her extravagant simplicity, a true artist shined through. I remember they were in such a rush. We met at Caesars Palace, then upon opening and handing the sample trays, the look Rita and Johnn exchanged told me it was a go! They quickly pulled samples of interest aside, talking about this outfit, that outfit, this scene, that scene. Then when all was done they asked me to provide doubles of everything. See if something breaks, they need a replacement ASAP! They later invited me to the trailer where the most beautiful dresses from Valentino were hanging there with Sharon Stone's name on it and scene. We went over different ensembles for more needed jewelry. I flew back home to California where I resided, put together the doubles, and had some other original designs made up quickly. It was so super exiting! Even more exiting was the chemistry and passion we all shared. So super cool ;) When Mr. Martin Scorsese and Ms. Fina were filming, I had to fly out from wherever I was to be on the set, as this was what Ms. Stone wanted. Universal Pictures was so generous to grant me screen credits amongst such giants as Bvlgari, Valentino, and Anna Natace (I know Anna personally). She was the real furrier of the character played by Sharon, her name was Ginger. The movie took a month longer to wrap. It was truly an amazing experience to be there on the set and see how much work and time goes in to filming!
AHHH!! Meting Mr. Robert De Niro? Sooo very charismatic and down to earth. Rita was also super cool to ask me if I wanted to be one of the country club wives in the scene where De Niro gives the acceptance speech. HAHA No. I also loved hanging out with the design team.
I was to pick up the stills from MCA, the legal department of Universal signing off a disclosure. I would not use them for publicity or sell to the tabloids. Life is full of surprises and irony. Reminds me of the song, Ironic by Alanis Morissette. "Isn't it ironic?"
"Mr. Play It Safe was afraid to fly
He packed his suitcase and kissed his kids good-bye
He waited his whole damn life to take that flight
And as the plane crashed down he thought
'Well isn't this nice...'
And isn't it ironic ... don't you think"
...and so on with similar parodies. Anyhow, one morning, the end of November 2004, I was struck by a facial paralysis! December 13th, I was operated at St. Vincent hospital in LA for a 7th nerve decompression surgery. Needless to say, I wanted no one to know or see me. I simply vanished for 3 years until I worked on myself to recuperate from my facial paralysis. Even by a luminaries such as Dr. Brackmann, I am considered his miracle. Their diagnosis was not good.
Have faith, be strong, and believe in the power of the mind!
Love& Peace
The Bling Queen
Umm... maybe I will call, soon, Universal and get my stills ;)
Click to view original size!
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