“It is a true gift to wear these dresses and jewelry for festivals. As a filmmaker, there are a lot of parties and events to plan for and choosing what to wear can be just another thing to add to the ‘to-do’ list and of course, we always want to look our best at these gatherings.” – Ana Valine, director of Sitting on the Edge of Marlene
Fashion and film (at least film premieres) have gone hand-in-hand since the Golden Age of Hollywood. That style tradition has passed its significance down from big Hollywood events to international film festivals, including the Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF), which has gained worldwide attention in the last few years. Vancouver’s historic Rio Theatre served as the backdrop for the film’s opening.
Director, screenwriter and producer Ana Valine exemplified this tradition perfectly Wednesday, October 1st at the VIFF premiere of the dark comedy, Sitting on the Edge of Marlene which stars Suzanne Clément and Paloma Kwiatkowski. The film won the Leo award for Best Direction in a Motion Picture.
Great style on the red carpet comes with a little help from our friends. Ana was stunning in a black, satin piece provided by Vancouver-based Rada Designer Fashion, an online boutique that distributes exclusive European designer dresses and coats and is managed by fashionista Ekaterina Sytcheva.
The right dress requires the best accessories. Ana’s exquisite, chunky jewelry was provided by Carolyn Bruce of The Painted Cookie & Carolyn Bruce Designs. Ana completed her ensemble with a pair of Victorian, knee-high, laced-up boots, giving her chic Old Hollywood-style appearance an eclectic finish.
I asked Ana her thoughts on her dress, accessories and the marriage between industry events and fashion.
Ana:
“When someone like Ekaterina steps forward and offers these beautiful Rada Designs it makes such a difference,” says Ana pointedly. “She makes sure the clothes work well on me and accessorizes with these big, fantasy-inspired pieces from Carolyn Bruce. It’s a huge relief and privilege to have this kind of support,” She continues.
“When it’s time to put a film forward there’s enough stuff going on that it’s great to know the ‘what to wear’ questions are taken care of. I feel stronger and more feminine when I’m well-dressed. It’s part of my creative nature.”
Ana Valine
Sitting on the Edge of Marlene (VIFF webpage)
www.rodeoqueenpictures.com/ana-valine
Rada Designer Fashion
Ekaterina Sytcheva, President
Ekaterina@radadesignerfashion.com
The Painted Cookie & Carolyn Bruce Designs
Carolyn Bruce, Principle
www.facebook.com/paintedcookie
Photography
John Spooner
Sitting on the Edge of Marlene premiered at the historic Rio Theatre. The after party was hosted at The Libra Room on Commercial Drive.
