Fashion is Psychology hits the red carpet!
This past weekend, I had the pleasure of attending the UK premiere of The Lost Holliday at the Soul-Fest Film Festival/ABFF Global London event. The buzz surrounding this film has been undeniable, and it’s no surprise—The Lost Holliday is the brainchild of none other than Jussie Smollett, who wrote, directed, and co-produced the film alongside the ever-iconic Vivica A. Fox.
I had the chance to catch up with both Vivica and Jussie on the red carpet, and their energy was simply infectious. The passion they have for this project shone through every word they spoke.
Vivica A. Fox: A Powerhouse On and Off-Screen
As soon as Vivica stepped onto the carpet, she brought an unmistakable presence with her. Dressed in a stunning floral, lacy ensemble that radiated elegance and strength, she spoke about how she styled herself for her lifetime movies and sought out her personal network to inspire her character Cassandra’s wardrobe.
“For Cassandra, I have a friend named Lisa from Detroit,” she told me, beaming with pride. “And she is very ghetto fabulous, and I love this, so I picked big earrings, big hair and a red lip!”
Vivica’s excitement about the film was contagious. In the Q&A, she talked about how she’s enjoyed working behind the scenes as a producer alongside Jussie, a role highlighting her versatility in the industry. Vivica’s ability to dominate both in front of and behind the camera is a testament to her talent and work ethic.
I, of course, had to use the opportunity to ask Vivica what Big Dress Energy meant to her: “It’s when you feel like no one can beat your energy for the night that you are just slaying and killing the game!”
Jussie Smollett: A Visionary at Work
When I spoke to Jussie Smollett, it was clear that The Lost Holliday is not just another film for him—it’s a personal passion project. He not only wrote and directed the film but also co-produced it. His creativity knows no bounds.
I highlighted a scene in the film where he and his on-screen husband, Darius Holliday, played by the stunning Jabari Redd, wear matching white t-shirts in bed and how this represents healthy queer black love, which is often missing on-screen. “I love that you caught that!” he shared excitedly. “It’s what I know. I’m in a healthy relationship. As Black folks in general whether queer or not you know…I only just want to show who we are fully as human beings.”
Set for release in the UK in 2025, the film promises to leave a lasting impact on its audience. Jussie’s leadership behind the camera, combined with the powerhouse performances of Vivica A. Fox and the rest of the cast, makes The Lost Holliday a feel-good film that will leave you feeling a little fuzzy inside.
