ADay
You were the costume designer for What ’ s New Pussycat ’ s actresses , which was shot in Paris . How did this job come about and what impact did it have on your career path ?
VTiel
Hollywood producer Charlie Feldman and set designer Dick Sylbert saw us dancing in Paris chez Castel and hired us on the spot as our clothes were wild and different , just what he wanted for the “ far out ” movie . We had already been shot for Elle magazine and Life Magazine as we showed the mini dress in a July 64 Paris runway show of Louis Feraud ’ s and got all over Europe press . We were world famous 3 months after graduation .
ADay
A lifelong friendship with one of Hollywood ’ s most celebrated actresses , Elizabeth Taylor , was ignited between the two of you . Will you tell us about your initial encounter and how the friendship blossomed ?
VTiel
Louis met us at a Paris wedding and loved our mini dresses . In the movie studio in Paris , we met Elizabeth Taylor and became her designer . We then opened a dress shop with her . I became her best friend and married her make up man . She had grown up in movies and I was a cheerleader . We were both creatively strong but opposites growing up – I was in reality , Elizabeth in cinema and she wanted a strong best friend for advise . I loved her because she loved “ equality ” for race and gays . Mia left and went to the US to become a sculptor .
ADay
Can you comment on how your other relationships with some of Hollywood ’ s famous celebrities led to a successful and glamorous career in the film and fashion industry ?
VTiel
I became friends with Goldie Hawn , Warren Beatty , Stephanie Powers , and Elvis and Priscilla Presley ( my husband was Elvis ’ make up man too ). We also were close to Sophia Loren , Brigitte Bardot , Jane Birkin , Nathalie and Alain Delon , Jean Paul Belmondo . We were all sexy women who loved men !!