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Darren: Hi Annie, how are you?
Annie: I’m good thank you…
Darren: Can I first say that this, is a great honour, and I cannot thank you enough, for giving myself and our forum this amazing opportunity of speaking with you today…
Annie: It’s my pleasure!
Darren: Annie, fans on the forum would love to know more about you, so let’s start at the very beginning if that’s ok. Could you please tell me a bit about, you’re family, you’re childhood, where you grew up…
Annie: I grew up in Montreal… east of Montreal actually, and something that’s quite funny is, I have family members who worked with Celine’s sister’s at a company in the area, at the time… so I guess you could say that we are from a similar background, but I only have one brother, poor guy… I would try all styles on him, he was my guinea pig!!!!
My mother always had a strong sense of style, she always says she needs “a look”, she can’t go out looking ordinary!
She used to have this leopard dress that I didn’t like, and I would hide it in the back of her closet. But my mother had a great sense of sophistication and exuberance, which I did not get as a child, but I got it at some point, and I think she’s the reason I do what I do. But my parents have always encouraged me to pursue an artistic career, even though very abstract.
Darren: You studied fashion design at LaSalle College in Montréal, but where did it go from there?
Annie: I worked as a designer’s assistant in the industry, I then did 2 years of made-to –measure work, which gave me a boost of self-confidence in my knowing of clothes making proportions, of body types. And of how to sell ideas to clients, and make them feel good about their look.
Darren: Growing up did you always know that you wanted to have a career in fashion, or did you have another occupation in mind, as most little girls dream of being a vet, teacher or a nurse... was this you’re dream, and do you have any regrets or things you wish you had of done differently?
Annie: Regrets are your worst enemy… no, I always knew I would do artistic work. We make choices, we have to learn to accept the consequences. Not easy as it seems, but so necessary.
Darren: I would imagine you never get bored as a stylist, as you’re constantly on the move with different projects going on, etc. But like any job/career, there are obviously positives and negatives to what you do… What is the most enjoyable and most challenging part of your job?
Annie: I have the chance to do what I love doing, I think about that almost everyday… how lucky am I!! Not because it’s easy, cause it’s not! Not because it’s glamorous, because it’s not!!!
When you have a client, artist or company to do a job for, there is no glamour, there’s only work under pressure. You’re paid well, so you should deliver... and fast.
But I love my work with Celine cause she loves fashion, she’s open, and I get to work with “good tools”, the best of designer’s clothes.
I’m never bored because I diversify what I do, I don’t only style artists, I do it for companies also. And on top of that, I do creative direction on campaigns for multiple companies. When I’m about to be bored with fashion, I switch to interior design which is another passion of mine, were I do work for creativeflats.com a company of high-end flat rentals owned by my best friend Nathalie.
Darren: When you actually do manage to get some down time, what do you enjoy doing…. how do you relax?
Annie: I always work… if I believe I am relaxing, I read books or surf on great blogs or will watch an old movie to be inspired for the next project.
If I go on holidays, I’m so glad I’ll have the luxury to think about what’s next!
I love thinking about work, it’s not considered work when you love what you do.
Darren: How did you first come to work with Celine, could you please tell me the story behind it…
Annie: It all began when I was booked for an Elle Canada shoot covering Celine, but in the end I did not get the gig after all. Then I was runner up for styling her for a Canadian TV Special, and did not get it either!
I was then asked by the director to work on Celine’s next music video ‘’L’amour existe encore’’, but told him she had a stylist already, and that her team would not go with me, I had never met her, and I was used to the situation by then!
But finally, it was confirmed that I was to do the job… it went well, and I can say we definitely clicked… we laughed all day.
I’ve worked with Celine on and off between 1996 and 2001, then again from the end of 2006 to now.
Darren: Towards the end of Celine’s run in Vegas with A new day… she got in contact with you, as she wanted to revamp the show for its last year… can you tell me more about this… what exactly the plan was, and you’re involvement in seeing this project through…
Annie: There was no plan at all, I am guessing it was just a need for her to finish on a more “fashion” note… to go back to doing something a little edgier and modern for stage. It was very exciting to go to Vegas, to see the show and imagine how I could create looks that would respond to this need, to be cool and modern, but “fit in” with the very established show.
Darren: I assume there’s a great deal of pressure involved when shopping for “the world’s best selling female artist of all time”. Do you ever worry that she’s not going to like what you’ve picked out?
Annie: No I don’t, Celine trusts me, and that’s what makes the professional relation work.
Darren: It’s interesting to see how Celine’s style has changed over the years, and I believe we have you to thank for the sophisticated and tastefully sexy dressed woman she is today. Is it solely your guidance that’s had her switch the Chanel jackets for the studded Balmains, or does she perhaps look at herself and her clothes differently today than she did during the 90’s?
Annie: I’m certainly there to guide her forward on things she might not know about, or would not think of, or things that might not come across her way.
Everyone evolves, and she knows to be open to new challenges and suggestions when she feels it’s the time. I would say she feels better now in her own skin, which makes her more beautiful, womanly and sexier.
Darren: Are there things that Celine just won’t wear or doesn’t like so much, or is she open to anything?
Annie: She’s so open, it’s scary! She will do almost anything… unless it’s trashy, which I would never think of. I look for classy modern and stylish clothes and accessories, with a dose of sex appeal.
Darren: I have to say that Celine’s looks on the ‘’Taking Chances’’ world tour were absolutely amazing, you did such an incredible job…
I especially loved the outfit for the tour intro video, were she walks to the car, ( which is one of my favourite Celine outfit’s ever )... she looked so good!
I was actually a bit disappointed when she first appeared onstage following the video, and she was wearing something completely different… I think it would have flowed better and made more sense, if she had of worn the same outfit from the video... as she was basically driving to each city/venue in the video.
So I just want to know, was there any reason behind why she wears something totally different when she first comes onstage. As I was thinking maybe she could have had a dress under the coat, and then removed the coat after ‘’I drove all night’’ to reveal this other outfit. Was this ever discussed or what’s the story behind it... as I’ve always wondered about it.
Annie: Oh you’re so “concept” Darren!
I like to be free, my motto is “it has to work” that’s it, but thank you for the nice comments.
Darren: Could you describe what it was like to tour the world with Celine during the ‘’Taking Chances’’ world tour?
Annie: I went on tour at the beginning in Africa to finish up details… to make sure everything “works”, that Zorba the head dresser who’s great, is ok with closures, timing, all is “secured”, boots work, the timing is respected, etc, etc.
Then I came back to Europe to finish up the dancers outfits, in Manchester, London, Paris, and changed a few of Celine’s outfits, which was exciting… the amazing cape with the Antonio Berardi outfit, and the beautiful black flowing Lanvin dress. I then rejoined the tour only in the U.S… New York, L.A, etc… and with the help of a great costume caretaker called Sophia Sukala, who worked with Celine in Vegas for 5 years ( so lucky I had her, she has every talent, a great patternmaker, technical seamstress, and shes such a great person ) to make sure it all stayed pretty and solid.
It was a great experience… and always exciting to create something that you see living on stage afterwards, and Celine is a lot of fun, she makes you forget your stress for the little time you are with her. Then, right after, it strikes you even stronger!!!!!
Darren: Celine obviously has quite a few show/concert outfits from A new day... and the Taking Chances tour, but what happens to these after the project comes to an end... and speaking of tour outfits, in Manchester Celine wore a white/cream outfit for one night only, why was this?
Annie: She stores all her stage outfits, and Zorba actually created a great archive book, full of details and photos for Celine to have.
About the Givenchy outfit in Manchester, it was actually a soft pink nude colour, the pants were a soft stretch leather, the top was a light silk knit and the sandals-booties were sooo beautiful.
I really loved how that outfit looked onstage, but with the heat and sweat, it was not responding well. So I preferred to change it right away, and keep it for another ''onetime'' performance.
The number 1 challenge for stage costume creation is that it has to last... actually I've changed my mind, that’s number 2. Number 1 is that it has to look great on the artist, and look good for a looooong time. Even with three copies of each style, the whole process of a show ( the quick changes, the movement, the dancing, the sweat, the cleaning, the travelling in road cases etc... ) will make anything look tired fast.
So I like to refresh and change the look as often as possible, although the process is not easy on the dressers and on Celine, who have to learn how to slip into the clothes and shoes as fast as possible.
But Celine is very flexible like I said before... she likes the idea of change, and I only have to prepare her psychologically a few days before!!!
We then analyse every closure of the clothes and accessories with Zorba and Zhane, where every step is thought of before hand.
It’s well designed choreography under the stage.
Darren: When Celine is about to do a photo shoot, music video or TV appearance that you are involved in, can you please explain how you go about getting the right outfit for that project?
Annie: I try to get any info. on the event that I can i.e; the song, the decor, if dancers are being used, and if anyone else will be appearing in terms of other artists, etc. I then summarize in 3-4 words to describe the direction I want to take. An example of this could be, “rock-sleek-feminine”… this vision helps me in the editing part, and I keep these words in mind the whole process time, till the last minute, cause it’s easy to be excited by something and lose your core idea!
I then go through all collections I know that carries the look that reflects that direction, and start sending requests to Designer’s Press Offices. I normally get things sent a few weeks or days before the event, and try them on myself, as I’m not too far from Celine’s size… and I choose what I think will be best, then have a shooooort fitting of usually a few minutes to 30 minutes with Celine! Usually in the middle of the night, the day before taping, as Celine’s schedule is always hectic.
I try to take as little time of hers as possible with fittings, then we rush to do any alterations.
But the look has to be total, we discuss every aspect, and have photo inspirations. Hair and makeup are so important… she may have a great outfit, but if the hair is bad, forget it! The same applies for makeup… but we are well surrounded with Zhane Richer who knows Celine’s hair by heart, and Scott Barnes who always makes her look so beautiful.
Darren: Having tried on some of her costumes, have you ever liked a certain item so much that you had to go out and buy yourself the same?
Annie: It happens, if I bring a piece to show Celine it’s because I love it... maybe not to wear myself, as I‘m much more “one-way direction” or linear in my way of dressing than Celine, who loves to change.
One time only, I purchased one piece in double, it was a white studded leather blazer from Balmain… I could not resist!!!!! Although I usually prefer not to have something she owns, as I would never wear it when I’m in her surroundings… Women like to feel unique!!
Darren: Was there ever a memorable wardrobe malfunction involving Celine, during a show or TV appearance, and how did you fix it?
Annie: Oh yes… in Africa on the first night of the Taking Chances tour.
We never had the chance to rehearse the look for the “Queen” section of the show.
Celine came out for a quick change ( less than 1 minute!! ) she was sweating, the pants were tight as hell! And we were not able to pull them up!!!!! So she arrived on stage quite late, the musicians went round and round with the song, which was ‘’ The show must go on’’... which was ironic and very appropriate.
Darren: Celine over the years has worn clothes, from most of the world’s top designers including; Roberto Cavalli, Lanvin, Oscar De La Renta, Balmain, J. Mendel and Christian Dior.
But her favourite designer was Alexander Mc Queen, who is known to Celine fans for designing the famous ‘’River Deep Mountain High’’ dress from A new day… but who sadly passed away recently…
How did Celine take the news of his sudden passing?
Annie: She called me that day when she heard the news, she was really shocked, very sad, and she said such nice things, like we should carry his talent by
Wearing even more of his designs. She also said she would love to order pieces from his last collections, to celebrate his talent.
So for her movie premiere, we decided to go for a Mc Queen Black dress, which fitted her like a glove, like all his clothes, and when she put it on, she teared up…
she even had the idea to ask him to art direct her next show… she truly was impressed by his creativity.
Darren: That would have been an amazing partnership! On the subject of the new show in Vegas, will you be returning as Celine’s stylist, and could you possibly give us an idea as to what kind of costumes/designers we should expect to see onstage next March?
Annie: It’s still under talks, and her main goal right now is to be pregnant, so… I got nothing to share present, unfortunately.
Darren: You have travelled a lot with Celine over the years, so I’m sure you have met a few of her fans on the odd occasion, but what do you think of Celine fans… and I also wanted to show you a video that I have also shown to Yves and Zhane, that fans on the forum have made as a thank you, to all involved in putting the ‘’Taking Chances World Tour’’ together.
Annie: That s a real nice video, well done! The person who put all this together is
beyond patient, and very generous I should say.
I find Celine’s fans charming and fun, for most they reflect Celine’s nice and friendly personality I guess.
Darren: Have you any special memories/experiences that you can share, funny or other, regarding you're time spent with Celine over the years?
Annie: There are so many times when we would burst out laughing, that funny stories are all mixed up in my memories.
This one little story happened in 2008, Celine was invited to perform at The Grammy Nomination's Concert… where she delivered an amazing, full of subtlety performance, of “At Seventeen”, a touching 70’s hit song.
For the performance we were going for a long black chiffon gown, sexy and classy from Balmain… we did all fittings, then 1 hour before the show, when she was dressed up and ready to go, we all realised it was a bit over the top for the event and song.
So by chance, I had brought Celine’s leather skinny pants, and I lent her my own Balmain jacket and top!!!!!
I was quite nervous she would not like the idea of wearing something of mine, when she has so many beautiful pieces in her closet! But it was last minute, and… the show must go on! The important thing is always the result.
She was so gracious, she asked if I did not mind her wearing my jacket.
Darren: Wow what a great story, thanks for sharing it!
And finally Annie, how would you best describe Celine?
Annie: Celine is extremely sensitive, she “feels” everyone surrounding her, that makes her very maternal, and you can’t help liking her, once you met her, whoever you are. She is a hard working artist, and a perfectionist… she’s never content with her performances. She’s actually quite difficult about everything, she’s hard to impress.
Celine has a good heart, a great sense of humour, she can be crazy… crazy funny!! A quick mind, and witty. She loves things bigger than big! And she says she doesn’t get the expression “less is more”… for her it’s always “more that’s more”.
Darren: Annie thank you so much for giving our forum this exclusive interview, it’s been amazing, and we really appreciate it!
Annie: It’s been fun! It was my pleasure to exchange with you Darren.
Darren: Thanks again, take care.
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Exclusive Interview with Annie Horth.
April 2010 - www.celinedionforum.com – Ire23 & Frida.
* I’d like to say a special thanks to our own fashionista on the forum, Frida, for her contribution, help and support on this interview.
Edited by Ire23, 19 April 2010 - 01:20 AM.
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:D
i'm getting more and more impressed by your work !!!! 
Annie!
'My Pants won't Go On...yeaahhhhh yeahhhhh!" to the tune of TSMGO ok ok I'm done.....
Amazing interview, thank you so much!! 
I loved the lil' behind the scenes stories the most! 
That is such a wonderful compliment! 
