Simon, How did you first discover Jacqueline Susann?
Growing up in the U.K. and seeing movies like Harold Robbins’ “The Carpetbaggers” and then “Valley,” I got the distinct impression that contemporary sexuality was an American invention. Glossy, luxurious sexiness was totally missing from the Brit landscape. Then I saw the famous Diane Arbus photo of Jackie sitting on her husband’s hairy thigh and I thought: "Oh! Now I totally get it! It's all about SWINGING!”
How was Jackie perceived in the U.K.?
American broads always seemed to be much more tarty than their U.K. equivalents. Ditto J.S. In the U.S. you had Jackie with her rock-hard bee-hive and lashes — in the U.K. we had Iris Murdoch in a tweed skirt and bowl haircut. I guess we had Barbara Cartland, but she was sort of in a category all by herself.
As Creative Director of Barneys, you are in charge of all the windows for the store. What would an homage to Jackie look like?
An homage to Jackie would encompass four windows: A tableau of Jackie at work, clad in Pucci, pounding away on her pink typewriter with her poodle at her side; juxtaposed next to this would be a vignette of Jackie the tireless promoter, signing books for a line which winds off into infinity; next, I would depict Jackie arriving at a premiere with all the stars of “Valley of the Dolls”; lastly, a tableau of the famous moment when Jackie was protecting her wig from catching fire at the launch party for “The Love Machine.” (The theme was flambaaay!)
Which other of Jackie’s books do you love and why?
I have read all of them. I enjoyed “Valley” and “Once is Not Enough” the most because the movie images were so strong and they play in your head as you bounce through the pages.
What’s your favorite Jackie-ism?
"Ted Casablanca is NOT a fag... and I'm the dame who can prove it." This was a daring early piece of gay visibility. Every gay guy in the audience was cheering.
Which character would you like to take on a date?
Tony Polar would come pick me up around 8 in his Corvette. We would go somewhere very Guido, but intimate and classy, for an authentic Italian dinner. Probably a relative’s restaurant in Bay Ridge. After dinner we would go dancing at the Copa’. He would drink too much and start making goo-goo eyes at some other broad. I would slap him and leave in a huff and catch the N train home. The end of a purrfect evening!
If you could be one of the characters, who would it be and why?
For obvious reasons I would be Ted Casablanca. You get to spend loads of down time with Neely. Always a plus.
Why do you think Jackie and “Valley” are still so relevant today?
Growing up in the U.K. and seeing movies like Harold Robbins’ “The Carpetbaggers” and then “Valley,” I got the distinct impression that contemporary sexuality was an American invention. Glossy, luxurious sexiness was totally missing from the Brit landscape. Then I saw the famous Diane Arbus photo of Jackie sitting on her husband’s hairy thigh and I thought: "Oh! Now I totally get it! It's all about SWINGING!”
How was Jackie perceived in the U.K.?
American broads always seemed to be much more tarty than their U.K. equivalents. Ditto J.S. In the U.S. you had Jackie with her rock-hard bee-hive and lashes — in the U.K. we had Iris Murdoch in a tweed skirt and bowl haircut. I guess we had Barbara Cartland, but she was sort of in a category all by herself.
As Creative Director of Barneys, you are in charge of all the windows for the store. What would an homage to Jackie look like?
An homage to Jackie would encompass four windows: A tableau of Jackie at work, clad in Pucci, pounding away on her pink typewriter with her poodle at her side; juxtaposed next to this would be a vignette of Jackie the tireless promoter, signing books for a line which winds off into infinity; next, I would depict Jackie arriving at a premiere with all the stars of “Valley of the Dolls”; lastly, a tableau of the famous moment when Jackie was protecting her wig from catching fire at the launch party for “The Love Machine.” (The theme was flambaaay!)
Which other of Jackie’s books do you love and why?
I have read all of them. I enjoyed “Valley” and “Once is Not Enough” the most because the movie images were so strong and they play in your head as you bounce through the pages.
What’s your favorite Jackie-ism?
"Ted Casablanca is NOT a fag... and I'm the dame who can prove it." This was a daring early piece of gay visibility. Every gay guy in the audience was cheering.
Which character would you like to take on a date?
Tony Polar would come pick me up around 8 in his Corvette. We would go somewhere very Guido, but intimate and classy, for an authentic Italian dinner. Probably a relative’s restaurant in Bay Ridge. After dinner we would go dancing at the Copa’. He would drink too much and start making goo-goo eyes at some other broad. I would slap him and leave in a huff and catch the N train home. The end of a purrfect evening!
If you could be one of the characters, who would it be and why?
For obvious reasons I would be Ted Casablanca. You get to spend loads of down time with Neely. Always a plus.
Why do you think Jackie and “Valley” are still so relevant today?
Every day, girls arrive in New York, hoping to make it. The dream of the big city, whether LA or NYC is still very much alive. If you are an outsider in your hometown with big dreams you have to come to the Valley... You don't have a choice.
If you were in charge of casting the “Valley” remake, whom would you pick to play Neely, Jennifer, and Anne?
Natalie Portman would be a fierce little Neely and she would keep it real and stop it getting too camp. Jennifer as played by Halle Berry would be great. She is so beautiful, and why not have a moment of diversity in the Valley? Megan Fox would be great as Anne: Demure but smoldering.
If you were in charge of casting the “Valley” remake, whom would you pick to play Neely, Jennifer, and Anne?
Natalie Portman would be a fierce little Neely and she would keep it real and stop it getting too camp. Jennifer as played by Halle Berry would be great. She is so beautiful, and why not have a moment of diversity in the Valley? Megan Fox would be great as Anne: Demure but smoldering.