Back in 2009 I was working as a photography assistant and behind the scenes photographer for Mohieb Dahabie. It was an incredible time and looking back now, I still find myself pinching myself at some of the incredible people I had the opportunity to meet and work with.
Although Joan Collins is arguably one of the worlds official Queen Diva’s, she couldn’t have been more welcoming and professional throughout the shoot.
When you get to see someone like Joan Collins work first hand in front a camera, you soon realise what a real pro is.
This is one shoot that I’ll always have fond memories of and a point in my career where I realised how much I love working with personalities and people who are just built to think differently.
I’ve copied the interview from West East Magazine that supported the feature along with the images below that were published in the print magazine.
No one plays bitchy nouveau-riche better than Joan Collins. With a flick of a well-groomed eyebrow, her acerbic wit has brought grown men to their knees, willingly. But on-screen stereotyping aside, the many faces of this iconic actress have intrigued the world over.
Getting an early taste of show biz, Collins made her on-stage debut at the tender age of nine signalling the beginning of her ascent to success. A string of stage performances followed and in 1951 Collins made her first appearance on the big screen. It wasn’t long before Hollywood recognised her talent and ravishing beauty and in 1954 a young Collins was signed by 20th Century Fox as their answer to MGM’s Elizabeth Taylor.
Her first steps into Hollywood’ s spotlight never faltered as the scripts rolled in and her career went skyward. Collins worked on countless feature films with some of the biggest names in the industry such as Bette Davis, Richard Burton, Paul Newman and Kirk Douglas to name drop a few. Hollywood was the playground of the feisty young starlet who was known as much for her onscreen prowess as her cutting wit and appetite for men. At her own admission she has even joked to have dated many men in her time. Not a wild boast judging by her numerous ex-husbands and slew of high profile lovers. But what would one expect from any self-respecting screen goddess?
However Collins’ most recognised role did not come until 1981 when she was asked by TV producer mogul Aaron Spelling to star in a struggling show called ‘Dynasty’. Taking on the role of the vindictive ex-wife and single- minded social climber Alexis Carrington, she created one of the most enigmatic on-screen villainesses to date. Her eight year turn in the role sent the show’s ratings soaring, landing it the number one spot on day-time television States-side.
To this day ‘Dynasty’ is still syndicated world- wide, an achievement due in a great part to Collins’ spectacular performances. Setting the bar for television actresses, Collins was the highest paid TV actress of the 1980s. She enthralled viewers world-wide, firmly solidifying her legendary status as an actress as well as a voracious sex symbol.
Consistently voted ‘ The W orld’ s Beautiful W oman’ by high profile magazines and the public at large, Joan Collins the siren was firmly rooted in people’s minds when at the not so tender age of 49 she posed for Playboy magazine, in which she appeared on the cover and in a twelve page shoot. She sees the bare-all as a victory for independent women of the 80s, proving that women of an older contingent could indeed still be considered sexy . She quipped, “ Age is just a number. It’s totally irrelevant unless, of course, you happen to be a bottle of wine.”
Her latest venture is however not on the screen; she has finally used her legendary good looks and youthful appearance to be the spokesperson of a skincare range Cellex-C.
As numerous as her many lovers are her accolades in acting and writing. Over the years Collins has starred in over 60 feature films and a multitude of TV shows, receiving awards and nominations left, right and centre. It was with her first autobiography in 1978 that Collins the bestselling author took the limelight, proving that this unstoppable self-possessed woman could conquer any medium.
She has since penned a book nearly every two years including numerous beauty and lifestyle books, and scandalous romance novels like her bestselling author sister, Jackie Collins. Her highest acclaim however could arguably be the OBE she received in 1996 from Queen Elizabeth II for her work in the arts and with charities, an award that loyal monarchist Collins holds dear.
In her 70s Collins continues to astonish and surprise her fans and audiences world-wide with her sharp wit and self-deprecating humour. An old-school celebrity of the highest degree, Collins is a dying breed amongst the fickle Hollywood of today. Always on the look out for new ways to develop herself and talents, she’s proved that she’s much more than just super- bitch Alexis Carrington.
We have seen stars come and go, but you have remained an icon. How do you stay so fabulous?
What a question – I do not think of myself as an icon – I’m a woman, an actress, a wife, a mother, a writer, a journalist, a designer and many other things. I have always been incredibly interested in the world and therefore keep an outlook that is modern and up to date.
Your characters on screen and your novels are racy, witty and intelligent with thrilling life stories. Would you ever give it all up for the quiet life?
I have a very great life if I want to… very happy with Percy, my children and grandkids.
You conquered the small screen and the niche of racy novels, now you are moving into skin care. how is each industry different, and what do you enjoy the most?
I like working and I enjoy being the face of Age Less 15 and bringing it to the attention of the world.
Having been consistently voted one of the most beautiful women in the world, what is your personal idea of beauty. is it really in the eye of the beholder and is it really lasting?
After 40 you get the face you deserve. Anger, bitterness, jealousy, rudeness and wickedness will show up on a woman’s face. It’ s important to try to have a calm center . Who is beautiful? Angelina Jolie & Vivien Leigh.
How did this idea for your role as spokesman for age less 15 come about?
It was not my idea. Cellex-C the company which produces Age Less 15 asked me to become involved with the product. I first tried this Skin Serum and it works, extremely well I might add. I’ll only promote a product in which I truly believe.
How exactly do you stay ‘forever Young’?
I’m a great believer that you get out of life what you put into it. Just as adding the best fuel to your car keeps it running, so it should be for your body, as well as your skin, mind and soul. This is not to say I’m a complete purist – I eat dessert and drink wine – but it’s bloody good wine!
Do people still expect you to be Alexis Carrington?
Only idiots. What does the future hold for JoanCollins and what surprises might you have for your public?
I shall continue to work and be involved in projects that interest me.
Fame, fortune, lots of very eligible men. We are totally jealous. What advice could you give to someone who wanted to achieve just some of the same?
I never pursued fame. I just wanted to act and write. People who want fame just for fame’s sake are totally pathetic. It is not what it’s cracked up to be. There are many downsides.
What are the basic principles you live by?
Live for the moment. Enjoy and appreciate what you have and your achievements. Don’t envy others… there will always be richer and better looking people whoever you are. Try not to stress and keep away from aggressive, angry people.
Text: Awon Golding Interview: Jing Zhang Art Direction & Styling: Mohieb Dahabieb Co-ordination: MoDa’s Touch Make-up: Terry Barber @ Pearle Agency using M.A.C Pro Hair: Alyn Waterman Hairpieces: Hairaisers Set Design: David White Production Assistants: Amy Bachem, Becky Moon, Ricquita Percival & Tom Shakir Location: Blakes Hotel, London Special thanks: Lady Weinberg & Cheryl Howard @ Blakes Hotel, Andrew and Mitch @ Andrew Freedman Public Relations
