[IMG:L]One of the fantastic privileges of having V.I.P. press status at the Cannes Film Festival is attending the magical yacht parties hosted on the French Riviera’s majestic Cote d’Azur. For the launch of her forthcoming film Major Movie Star, an extravagant soiree was orchestrated on the Budweiser Select yacht in honor of the glamorous paparazzi magnet, Jessica Simpson. When promoting films in Cannes, there’s nothing done that is short of fabulous!
Reporters and photographers waited anxiously alongside the red carpet for the headline-making, singer-actress to make her appearance. Alas, the slick cars pulled up, one by one, with papa Joe Simpson–one of the producers of the film–emerging first. Surrounded by other executive suits, he mingled and posed for pictures awaiting for the ‘apple of his eye’ to turn up.
Finally, anticipation and curiosity was somewhat subdued when a dark, tinted Benz slowly approached with a vague profile revealing that of Ms. Simpson‘s. Fashionably late as expected, Jessica lingered in the car with her mom, while her confidant and devoted hairstylist Ken Paves executed the final touches of her robust mane.
A newly reverted blonde, Simpson made her grand appearance in a shimmery, vintage navy Herve Leger gown topped with a sequined, strapless, fitted bodice, leading to a flowing chiffon bottom. Her stunning ensemble was completed with a pair of Jimmy Choos, and a brilliant diamond-crusted, Bulgari sapphire necklace draped around her polished neck. Looking radiant and elegant, she worked the red carpet while sending the paparazzi into a snapping, feuding frenzy!
As she strutted her way down the red carpet, Simpson divulged that her inspiration for her choice in outfit was “being on a yacht. I definitely wanted to look glamorous, sophisticated, young–and that’s why I started to go back blonde.” Making a risky fashion switch the night before a fete, she noted that “I was a brunette yesterday and today I’m back to being blonde for the movie Major Movie Star…. People think that I’m trying to be dark and mysterious–meanwhile I’m not.” Most conceded with her decision to go back to blonde as it suited her best. And truth be told, I concur with Simpson: when she’s “on the screen, blonde pops.”
[IMG:R]Simpson went on further to disclose her enthusiasm and excitement for partaking in the Cannes Film Festival, and attending the premiere parties. When asked about her stardom, relentless pursuit by the paparazzi and dealing with incessant public scrutiny, Simpson confessed that as a preacher’s daughter she’s felt “like my whole life has been under a microscope and like being in a glass fishbowl. Everyone always watched what I did, so I’m used to it.”
Although a lack of privacy is the requisite price people pay in exchange for fame and stardom, I imagine Simpson’s mega level to be completely intolerable, even if her previous child-of-a-preacher-man life was good practice for a scrutinous future in Hollywood.
Rightfully so, many stars have mixed emotions about the online community and Simpson’s proclaimed, “The internet has been pretty brutal lately. It can hurt, make, and break careers. It can also help, so it’s a positive and negative thing…a catch-22.” With an amazing amount of confidence she offered that she doesn’t “read too much of the gossip and bad stuff, because people are too harsh on me.”
Calmly, maturely and with million dollar smile, the luminous Simpson furthered, “I have control of who I am, and how I feel.”
In the meantime, Simpson has resumed with a strict workout schedule and extreme diet regime in preparation for her upcoming role in Major Movie Star for which she will start filming in July.
The movie concerns a big star who joins the marines after continuous disappointments and ungratifying blonde bimbo movie roles. Simpson’s attraction to the script was its reminiscence of Goldie Hawn’s Private Benjamin; and for one-of-a-kind Goldie, Simpson proclaimed her love. She declared, “ I look up to her and I aspire to be her. She inspires me!”
[IMG:L]Simpson excitedly furthered, “This film was so cute, and very much my personality–I get into extreme physical shape and get to wear designer duds, at least half the time.” In addition to her admiration for Hawn, she also revealed that one of other favorite all time actresses is Diane Keaton, particularly in Annie Hall which is one of her favorite movies.
Simpson’s upcoming movie venture, and corresponding training has given her insight to the armed forces. When asked about her interests in helping the troops, she remarked, “I am very involved with the USO. During 9/11, I went over to Afghanistan and brought over my voice, autographs and smile; and since then I’ve been to Bosnia, Iraq and all over.”
An outspoken patriotic gal, Simpson affirmed, “I do support our troops–and believe that they deserve the best. To go over and entertain is a blast. It’s just you giving back what they give to you. I still want people to smile. Dr. McGee is one of the most amazing men I’ve ever met who runs Operation Smile, and he knows I support Operation Smile with all my heart.” With that, she is whisked away to the yacht to proceed with her networking and publicity obligations.
After the red carpet interviews, the press followed smiling Simpson aboard the Budweiser Select Yacht to commence with the festivities. Overwhelmed with a sense of euphoria, I so was elated to be part of this intoxicating evening that I felt the need to pinch myself as a reminder that this sensational dream was for real.
Making my way to the top of the deck, I helped myself to a glass of champagne while observing my surroundings, the party guests and the delectable offerings.
My immediate attention was drawn to a center table adorned with exquisite appetizers and miniature deserts. Among the divine servings were assorted veggie cups, pate, guacamole, raspberry garnished salmon slivers, quail eggs a top of diced veggies; and an endless array of cheeses, crackers and fanciful sweets.
[IMG:R]The yacht emanated old world money with glossy, dark wood furniture, gold fixtures and colorful crystal decorations. Every room in the yacht was more enticing than the next. As I glanced around, I took note of Maria Menounos conversing with producer Bob Yari. Once again I spotted Jessica Simpson, this time with her entourage doing their publicity rounds.
From the ogling onlookers, it was clear that my fellow guests were relishing in the eve’s magic. With champagne glass in-hand, I mingled with several attractive guests and met big-shot producer of Major Movie Star, Avi Lerner. Everyone was buzzing about the hotness of Cannes.
As if the event couldn’t get any better, the night concluded with an explosion of vibrant fireworks from a distance, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. We all gathered around to admire the colorful demonstration, and absorb the everlasting memory that would forever be etched within our minds.
Regretfully, like all good things, this evening found its end, but not without leaving an indelible impression. I wish every evening could be as extraordinary as this Cinderella night set on a sparkling yacht, in the ever surreal Cannes.
