Valentino celebrated his 45th anniversary as a top designer with a star-studded three day affair in Rome this weekend to the tune of over $10 million. Celebrities including Uma Thurman, Claire Danes, Sarah Jessica Parker, Anne Hathaway, Jennifer Hudson, Liz Hurley, Eva Mendes, Claudia Schiffer, Joan Collins, Rupert Everett, and Guan Yin attended a fashion show, exhibition, dinner, and gala ball in honor of the famed designer.

The bash kicked off on Friday with a gala dinner in the 2nd century Temple of Venus in the shadow of the Colosseum.

Valentino, 75, spent a reported £135,000 restoring the ancient monument built by the Emperor Hadrian and flew in royal florist Rob Van Helden from London to bedeck columns with garlands of flowers.

He also launched an exhibition of his creations in the city’s Ara Pacis museum with examples of his coveted designs showcased behind bulletproof glass.

Visitors were greeted by a giant red glass cube encasing one of his earlier dresses, then led along a walkway featuring 300 of his designs in red, black and white on mannequins.

The collection included sequined and ruffled gowns worn by the likes of Audrey Hepburn after Valentino opened his first boutique in Rome in the 1960s.

On Saturday a 1,000-strong audience watched him unveil his latest collection of 61 outfits in the medieval Santo Spirito in Sassia church near the Vatican.

The opulent bash continued with a lavish party in the grounds of historic Villa Borghese and the launch of his new perfume, Rock’n'Rose Couture.

[From The Daily Mail]

While the 74 year-old Valentino has not mentioned that he’s retiring, his fashion house was taken over by a private equity group in May, with the handover to be finished sometime this summer. His partner said that everything would continue as usual under the new owners, but the equity group that has acquired the firm is known for cost-cutting and are expected to reign in Valentino’s excessive spending. At least he’ll always have Rome.

Thanks to PRPhotos for these pictures.

Penelope Cruz must be hard up if she’s resorted to hanging out with Diddy, who was recently dumped by his longterm girlfriend and the mother of three of his children, Kim Porter. Star Magazine reports that Diddy was trying to make the moves on Penelope Cruz while they were out at an event in LA on June 23rd. Pharrell tried to win her away without success, and Diddy ended up taking Penelope to Prince’s concert afterwards:

Diddy and Pharrell Williams fought like third-graders for Spanish spitfire Penelope Cruz’s attention at the Bombay Sapphire dinner on June 23 at Mr. Chow’s in L.A. When Pharrell spotted Diddy and Pen getting cuddly, he rushed over - and she wound up wedged in the middle! But Diddy did win in the end. After dinner, he escorted the blazing beauty to Prince’s concert at the Roosevelt hotel.

[From Star Magazine print edition, July 16, 2007]

How much sake did Penelope Cruz have to drink before she made the wise decision to let Diddy take her somewhere? Maybe they were both headed there anyway and went as friends. Still, I would pick Pharrell over Diddy anyway. Maybe it’s his baby face, but he seems like a much nicer guy. Compared to Diddy, just about anyone is a nicer guy.

Meanwhile The National Enquirer reports that Penelope’s ex Josh Hartnett and model Helena Christiansen are more than friends. There was a story a short while ago that Helena was trying to set Josh up with her friend Rosario Dawson, but he nixed that idea in favor of dating Helena himself. She’s even said to be taking Josh to Copenhagen to meet her family:

At first Helena planned to fix Josh up with her close plan… Rosario Dawson…

“But before Helena could play matchmaker for Rosario, Josh made it clear that he wanted to date Helena,” said [a] friend.

Josh’s attorney denies that he’s romantically involved with Helena. But she’s already invited Josh to Copenhagen later this summer to meet her family, said the source.

[From The National Enquirer print edition, July 16, 2007]

I can see Josh and Helena lasting, but Penelope doesn’t seem like the type that can stick to a long term relationship. Maybe that’s why Diddy is so keen to get with her.

Thanks to PopSugar for the header image, which is from the Armani fashion show in February, 2006.

Harry Potter mania is about to hit. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is out in US theaters on Wednesday while the last book in the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, is out next Saturday, July 21.

Advance reviews for the film are overwhelmingly positive, with a current 87% aggregate critics rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Several critics have written that it’s the best Harry Potter film yet, and that it’s darker and scarier than its four predecessors.

As for the book, I have to admit I’ve read all the other Harry Potter titles and although I won’t be waiting in line for it I’ll be sure to snatch up a copy within a few days of its release.

Diehard Harry Potter fans are planning a media blackout next weekend so that the end is not spoiled for them. JK Rowling has said that two characters will die at the end of the series, and a lot of speculation has surrounded her claims. She said she was crying while writing the end of the book and that she was devastated to end it. Fans want to know who dies, but not until they get a chance to read the whole book first.

Now, as the July 21 release of the seventh and final book in the series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, approaches, fans who have waited the better part of a decade to find out the ultimate fate of Harry, his friends and his nemeses are taking no chances.

But how far do they have to go? Must they close their eyes, cover their ears and scream, “LALALALA?”

Pretty much. In fact, if you want to get in touch with a rabid Harry Potter fan on the weekend of July 21-22, you might be out of luck.

Readers are planning media blackouts — no computers, no cell phones, no TV, no radio. And if that’s not enough, they’re threatening to get physical.

“I’ll beat the crap out of the person who spoils it for me,” Pritthish Chakraborty wrote in an e-mail. Chakraborty, 17, who runs a fan Web site, Harry Potter Beyond, in his native Bangladesh, was spoiled two years ago when a “friend” sent a picture message to his cell phone of the page describing Dumbledore’s death.

Many fans don’t want to give up the excitement and camaraderie of a midnight release party, but they know they’re putting themselves at risk.

“We advise people — I know this is terrible — to bring headphones to the book release and put them on as they leave the store so they’re not subject to the idiot across the street screaming the end to them,” said Melissa Anelli, a webmaster of the Leaky Cauldron, a prominent Harry Potter fan site.

[AP Article from the Houston Chronicle thanks to Viv for e-mailing it.]

In 2005 some fans were upset to have the end of the last book yelled out at them as they left bookstores early in the morning of the release.

I’m the kind of person that can’t resist looking up spoilers, but that wouldn’t keep me from reading the book as all the fun is getting there.

Here are pictures from the LA premiere of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix including Daniel Radcliffe. Emma Watson with brother, Alex, Rupert Grint, Imelda Staunton, Melissa Joan Hart, and Masi Oka. Rupert Grint is wearing a cute shirt with a picture of Harry on it.

Thanks to PRPhotos for these pics.

A ten minute clip from The Simpsons movie has whet the appetites of fans in London, and included a little cartoon nudity!

The clip offered several clues as to the plot, suggesting that the environment and religion would be major themes.

Rock band Green Day is booed and pelted when it starts speaking about the environment to a Springfield crowd, while Homer’s daughter Lisa is a green campaigner shunned by the town’s inhabitants who simply don’t care.

She may also find love, however, after she swoons upon meeting a fellow campaigner from Ireland who insists he is not the son of U2 frontman and celebrity campaigner Bono.

The Simpsons also turn up late at church, where Homer’s father has a seizure and warns of trouble to come.

[From Stuff.co.nz]

Bart Simpson also skateboards nude through town in an incident similar to the Austin Powers scene, where Austin moves around a hotel room nude, objects hiding the bits that change a film’s rating. Except we get to see Bart’s private parts in all their animated glory. I guess it being a cartoon means that full-frontal nudity doesn’t make it a film for adults.

Other spoilers revealed include Lisa presenting a lecture on pollution called “An Irritating Truth.” Matt Groening also pointed out “It’s a romantic movie. Homer falls in love with a pig.”

The Simpsons Movie is out on 7/27/07.

This sounds disgusting. Catherine Zeta-Jones goes to a salon, where a combination of Sturgeon eggs and truffles are smeared on her head. At the cost of $400 a pop.

“Catherine discovered the caviar treatment last summer and was astounded by the difference it made to her hair,” said a source.

“She has an incredibly rich and vibrant natural hair colour but the creamy, almost oily nature of caviar really brings this out, making the colour even richer and making it so much more glossy.

Husband Michael Douglas is also a fan of caviar, but he uses it for eating, not conditioning

“The eggs are packed with omega-3 fatty acids necessary for the formation of structural proteins. It is these proteins that repair dry and damaged hair and smooth over any split ends.”

The two-hour pampering treatment at the celebrity salon, Hari’s, also includes a complimentary glass of champagne and caviar canapÈs to nibble on.

[From The Daily Mail]

Even if I could afford this (I’m trying to do the math, to work out how much it is is $NZ. Lots.) I don’t think I would. Are you sure it wouldn’t smell? And why would you take up the offer of a serve of caviar while it was on your head?

This must be why she and husband Michael Douglas didn’t donate at a recent charity event held for tsunami victims, Petra Nemcova’s Happy Hearts Fund. Too many hair treatments.

In the header photo Catherine Zeta Jones is shown at The Legend of Zorro premiere in October, 2005. She does have gorgeous hair. Thanks to PRPhotos for this image.

Paranoia sets in at Luton airport - beware of beards!! James Hetfield, lead singer for Metallica, was held at Luton because of suspicions he might have been a terrorist.

James Hetfield, the frontman with US metal rockers Metallica, was apparently questioned by security officials at Luton airport when arriving for the Live Earth gig at Wembley. Friends put it down to his “Taliban-like beard”.

The Times

I initially thought this was amusing, and then I remembered that an email I sent to my sister-in-law, who lives in London, was blocked because I discussed the recent terror attacks with her. Since we’ve had no statement, for all we know he was detained because of the more usual rock star deviance of drugs?

Metallica were actually travelling to England to perform at Wembley Stadium for LiveEarth, followed by their own show the next night at the same venue.

Are we going crazy with anti-terror precautions? Maybe, but then, James Hetfield’s beard is perhaps crazy in its own right. Personally, I’m looking at it this way - we’ve had BandAid, WaveAid (Boxing-Day tsunami victims), Live8, and LiveEarth. Next, TaliAid, for those of us who are discriminated against and put down under suspicions of being a terrorist.

In other LiveEarth news, a group named Carbon Footprint have calculated that 100,000 trees will need to be planted to offset the pollution caused by the concerts. The Sydney show was marred by the fact that the queues for beer were too long - leading to people who had made it to the bar being offered as much as $AUD50 for a glass.

Header image is of Hetfield performing in Portugal on 6/28. Thanks to WENN for this image.

Lionel Richie performed at the Essence Festival in New Orleans this past weekend. After his show, he talked about his daughter Nicole’s recent behavior, ranging from drinking and driving, drug addiction, and possibly (but who the heck knows) being pregnant with boyfriend Joel Madden’s baby. Here’s a recap of some of Nicole’s legal issues:

In February 2003, Richie was arrested in Malibu, California and charged with possession of heroin. She was also driving with a suspended driver’s license. On December 11, 2006, Richie was arrested by the California Highway Patrol after she failed a field sobriety test and was charged with driving under the influence on California State Route 134 in the Burbank/Glendale, California area. Several motorists had reported a black Mercedes-Benz G-Class entering the freeway on the exit ramp and traveling in the wrong direction. She admitted to using marijuana and Vicodin before the incident.

[From Wikipedia]

As a result of her latest run-in with the police, Nicole is scheduled to go on trial on July 10. She pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence. She likely pleaded not guilty due to her previous arrests, and thought it better to take her chances than go to jail for sure. Theoretically Nicole could get more time than Paris did, and could be sentenced to 90 days to a year in jail.

I am continuously amazed at what an enabler Lionel Richie is. The first time or two I saw him interviewed regarding Nicole, I thought, “Wow, she’s lucky to have such a supportive parent.” But then she just kept messing up, and he kept making excuses, and after a bit you realize he’s a big part of the problem. In past interviews Nicole has talked about Lionel not allowing her to be around her younger siblings due to her erratic behavior, fearing for their safety. He seems to think that just because she’s not quite as messed up as she used to be, she’s okay. When asked about Nicole’s recent trials, Lionel said:

“’She keeps apologizing to me. I told her, You’re doing exactly what you’re supposed to be doing to your father at this age.’”

[From Newsday]

Wha… what? You’re supposed to have a heroin addiction? Eating disorder? Drive under the influence? I think Lionel really missed the memo. You’re supposed to stress out your parents. You’re supposed to stay out late, not call enough, date a few guys that aren’t good enough for you, and make them worry in that way. You’re not supposed to go to jail. He really needs to get his act together just as much as she does. She needs to surround herself with people that are good for her, not people that tell her it’s okay to do seriously unhealthy things.

It’s been a while since we’ve had an Anna Nicole Smith story. TMZ is reporting that the California Department of Justice is investigating two of Smith’s doctors. Remember all those years of crazy, half-asleep interviews she gave? Turns out it wasn’t just the Trim Spa! Okay we all knew that, but it appears that the California DOJ knows it too, and is interested enough to take some action.

“Sources tell TMZ the DOJ’s Bureau of Narcotics Enforcement has contacted Larry Birkhead, Big Mo (Anna’s bodyguard) and others. We’re told DOJ is particularly interested in two doctors — Khristine Eroshevich and Sandeep Kapoor. TMZ broke the story that Dr. Kapoor prescribed methadone to Anna under an assumed name when she was eight months pregnant. Dr. Eroshevich ordered a virtual pharmacy of drugs for Anna, five days after her son Daniel died.”

[From TMZ]

Anna’s life was so tragic, and she was responsible for a lot of it. But you can’t help but feel terribly for someone who experienced so much tragedy. I don’t have kids, but I can tell you that God forbid should anything happen, I’d want a pharmacy prescribed to me too. The point of having good people around is that they look out for you during those times, and don’t actually prescribe half the Merck Pharmaceuticals manual to you. Dr. Sandeep Kapoor prescribed a crazy amount of drugs for Anna, including Dilaudid (Hydromorphone), Lorazapam (Ativan), Soma (Carisoprodol), Prexige (Lumiracoxib), and Methadone. Those are all some pretty serious medications, few of which are safe to combine. I can’t help but wonder who in Anna’s circle feels responsible for her death. She was surrounded by enablers. Do any of them really see what role they played in her life? Each person is responsible for their own decisions, and Anna was responsible for her own choices, including the choices to keep a lot of “yes men” around her. But at some point the woman was clearly so out of it. Lots of people, not just one or two, should have stepped in. Hopefully her doctors will be thoroughly investigated, and have their medical licenses taken away if appropriate.

Header Photo from TMZ.

Who knows why, but NBC has decided to bring back Donald Trump’s lackluster show “The Apprentice” for one more season. In May NBC released its 2007/2008 prime time schedule, and “The Apprentice” wasn’t listed. I assume that really pissed off The Donald, and I didn’t think you’d do that unless you really meant it and were ready to deal with the consequences. Anonymous sources (which I don’t trust) told Reuters (which I do trust) that NBC will announce the show’s renewed contract for either two years or one year with an option on a second year.

Why in the world would NBC want to air this show again? It’s as stagnant as Trump himself. Do we really need to give this delusional egomaniac more airtime? Apparently Trump needs the show more than NBC needs him. Reuters mentioned that “The show is important for Trump’s growing branding effort, which banks on the businessman’s brash image to market products including water, vodka and steaks.”

“The Apprentice” was not doing well – of its original audience, only one-third remained at the end of last season. Originally the show revived Trump’s image, and a lot of articles discussed how viewers found him much more likeable than before. Yet over time that likeability waned. Trump clearly has issues – the whole multiple fights with Rosie O’Donnell prove that he’ll do anything and say anything to make sure he’s still in the headlines.

It’s possible NBC just wants to stay on Trump’s good side – and let’s be honest, if nothing else, he’s a formidable opponent.

“Trump and NBC still remain in the beauty pageant business together. The two announced in March a renewal deal to keep annual broadcasts of the Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants, which Trump co-owns, on the General Electric Co.-controlled network through 2010.”

[From Reuters]

I think if Donald Trump wants to do something to keep himself fresh, he could try being nice. Wouldn’t that surprise everyone enough to give him press for a bit? Or donate more than $250,000 to charities? Trump is consistently listed as one of the least philanthropic (aka greediest) billionaires out there. Can you imagine how much attention he’d get if he did something good?

Picture note by Celebitchy: Trump is shown in the header image at the Trump Tower 1 Ceremony In Las Vegas on 5/25/07. Thanks to PRPhotos. Just to offset that terrible picture, here are some of the Apprentice women in FHM:

Goran Visnjic, one of the cast members of the forever, er I mean “long running,” ER, has a bit of a lady problem on his hands. Well I guess he has a bigger problem as a result of the lady problem - a kid problem. The Croatian actor, once labeled People Magazine’s Sexiest Import, apparently has fathered a child with a Croatian woman named Mirela Rupic. Rupic filed a paternity suit against Visnjic after he refused to acknowledge that her 4-month-old daughter is his.

Rupic said she was originally expecting that Visnjic would take financial responsibility for their child, and Visnjic has been aware of her pregnancy from the start. However she said he would never legally acknowledge their daughter as his own, which would obviously leave the child unprotected if Visnjic ever decided to back out on his financial obligations. It appears relations have deteriorated even further since then.

“The suit, filed in Croatia on behalf of 36-year-old Mirela Rupic, claims the 34-year-old actor refused to acknowledge his paternal role and is asking for a DNA test to prove he needs to take responsibility.

Rupic’s attorney, Nenad Skare, told the Associated Press his client had hoped to reach a settlement with Visnjic, but he turned them down.”

[From eonline]

Visnjic married his wife Ivana Vrdoljak, a sculptor, in 1999 - the same year he joined the cast of ER. The couple adopted a newborn boy this past April.

Visnjic is also leaving ER at the end of the season. It seems like he didn’t give his bosses a ton of notice. According to Hollywood.com, “TV bosses want Visnjic to star in six more episodes, to allow them time to write him out of the storyline, which involves his relationship with Dr. Abby Lockhart, played by Maura Tierney.” Somehow that makes me think they weren’t really planning on his exit anytime soon.

I really doubt the show will be worth watching without him. It feels like NBC is just pushing it way beyond its expiration point, which was about five years ago. It’s so formulaic that it’s hard to be invested anymore. I wonder if his exit has anything to do with the problems in his personal life. Perhaps to avoid anymore negative attention being focused on him? I can’t help but wonder what’s going on with his marriage. If he and his wife adopted their son in April, that’s just a month or so before his biological daughter was born to Rupic. All of this must feel like a shot through the heart for his poor wife. Even though he’s a good actor and his character is fairly compelling, he just strikes me as one of those people that thinks he should have whatever he wants. Wife? Check. Mistress? Check. But being responsible for the consequences? Well that’s someone else’s problem.

Goran and his plastic-surgery challenged wife, Ivana Vrdoljak.