Sherry Huang: August 2009 Archives

Idol Chatter blogger Donna Freitas recently asked the question, "Is Merchandising Ruining 'Twilight'?". While she focused on how the "Twilight" actors are becoming too exposed on random merchanise such as puzzles, I'm wondering if the "Twilight" brand itself is becoming too exposed.

There are "Twilight" Barbies, werewolf shoes (though not directly "Twilight" related, one can't help but think of the series), and fantasy wedding dresses for Bella. Even Nordstrom's is carrying a line of "Twilight: New Moon"-inspired clothes that range from worn-in tees and tanks to a plaid, hooded jacket to a chunky charm necklace.

On the subject of jewelry, DailyCandy.com highlighted jewelry designer Jules Smith who has a "New Moon" collection of jewelry that includes silver and gold necklaces and bracelets with fanged jaw charms.  Styles are named "Edward's Smile," "Jacob's Nemesis," and "Bella's Good Luck Charm."  Nothing says "I love 'Twilight'" than sporting a pair of sharp teeth around your neck or wrist.

What other random "Twilight" merchandise have you seen? Do you think merchandising is getting out of hand? Or are you in the fray, submitting a patent for a fang-shaped "Twiilght" waffle iron?

 

InStyle.com asked a bevy of famous, upscale designers to imagine Bella Swan's wedding dress for "Eclipse," the third movie in the "Twilight" saga.

Runway favorites Monique Lhuillier, Erin Fetherston, Max Azria, Badgley Mischka, Zac Posen, and even "Project Runway" winner Christian Siriano have submitted sketches of how they imagine the anticipated "Twilight" wedding gown.

In the book "Eclipse," the wedding dress is first envisioned by Bella, and then later described more in detail by Alice Cullen:

"I saw myself in a long skirt and a high-necked lace blouse with my hair piled up on my head." (pg. 277)

"It was my Anne of Green Gables vision all over again.... 'Nineteen-eighteen?' I guessed. "More or less," [Alice] said, nodding. 'Some of it is MY design, the train, the veil...' She touched the white satin as she spoke. 'The lace is vintage.'" (p. 614)

Twilight Lexicon also quotes author Stephenie Meyer further describing the dress:

"Two key words...art nouveau. It's a simpler style than the frillier Edwardian stuff. Elegant white satin, cut on the bias, with long sleeves..."

Click here to view the InStyle 'Twilight' wedding dress gallery.

Which of the designer dresses is your favorite? (Mine is a toss-up between Monique Lhuillier and Lela Rose). How did you imagine Bella's wedding dress?

 

G.I. Joe: Rise of the Cobra was #2 at the box office this weekend--not bad for a movie highly anticipated by boys who grew up with G.I. Joe action figures but a movie panned by almost all movie critics.

Actor and former model Channing Tatum, who plays "Duke" in the movie, was recently interviewed by Parade magazine about how action film combat differs from real war combat and his recent marriage to "Step Up" co-star Jenna Dewan. Along the way, he also offered a surprising nugget on his spiritual outlook:

"People that are your guardian angels just come from funny places. I remember I got so pissed off one day about something. I don't remember what it was now, but I had one of my friend's little boys with me. I had to take him out for the day and I was like 'God, I hate this, I hate it so much.' He looks up and says, 'You shouldn't hate anything.' I was like, 'You're right! I'm sorry.' He was so young. He could barely even walk and he was like 'You shouldn't hate anything.' That's a lesson I hope I don't forget."

Even actors need some heavenly guidance once in a while.

Watch the movie trailer for G.I. Joe: Rise of the Cobra, here.

Life seems to be imitating art: Emma Watson, aka. Hermione Granger from the "Harry Potter" movies, is the descendent of a woman who was accused of being a witch during the 16th century.

Telegraph.co.uk reports that a genealogist from Ancestry.co.uk, Anastasia Tyler, traced Watson's lineage to a woman named Joan Playle from Essex. Playle was accused of witchcraft, along with 270 other people under Queen Elizabeth I, in 1592 and excommunicated from the church (instead of being burned at the stake).

While Watson's lineage seems appropriate for her role, her "Potter" co-stars have lineages fit for muggles. According to People.com, Daniel Radcliffe's (aka. Harry Potter) ancestors were bakers, grocers, and plumbers while Rupert Grint's (aka. Ron Weasley) ancestors include a gunsmith.