It looks like 2012 could be the year of Mischa Barton’s comeback, and I’ll be the first to say, “Finally!” Ever since I watched Fox’s The O.C., I’ve envied Barton’s ability to wear cute, casual looks without treading into adolescent territory. “When I was younger, I tended to dress much more sophisticated than the average teen since I was fortunate enough to have some of the world’s top designers willing to dress me,” said Barton.“I’ve become a bit more playful in my style as I’ve matured.”

The British-born actress has flown under the radar for the past few years, but little did we know that Barton has been expanding on her eponymous handbag line that she launched last fall. “Accessorizing has always been my favorite means of sprucing up an ensemble, which is one of the reasons I’ve launched my own handbag line,” said Barton. “It’ll culminate in my own boutique in London this spring that also includes clothes and make-up”

Barton is also wrapping up two new films, “I Will Follow You Into The Dark” and “Apartment 1303 3D”, so she admits she hasn’t had time to plan for her 26th birthday this Tuesday. “I haven’t put much thought into how I’ll celebrate, but I imagine it will be with a close-knit party of family and friends. Each year, people approach me with fantastic getaways or Vegas experiences, which can surely be fun,” said Barton. “But for me, it’s more about who I’m celebrating with rather than how or where, so I tend to prefer a low-key dinner at a favorite restaurant.”

While Barton celebrates her birthday, we asked her to share her thoughts on a few outfits from the past nine years. Check out her commentary in the captions, and tell us, which look is your favorite?

Source: Stylelist

Also, make sure to visit the Stylelist page to view the photo gallery of some of Mischa’s looks which also features brief commentary from Mischa herself.

Mischa Barton to star in Mark Robinson indie thriller

Zero Gravity Films has set up indie thriller “I Will Follow You Into the Dark” with Castlight Pictures on board to finance and Mischa Barton set to star.

Leah Pipes, Ryan Eggold and Jaz Martin are also attached with Mark Robinson set to helm from a script he penned about a girl who’s severely depressed after the deaths of both her parents. Convinced that the afterlife is mere oblivion, she retreats within herself, only to be drawn out of her depressive funk by an unexpected romance. When her new love disappears, she pursues him — even if it means walking across the threshold into death.

Christine Holder, Mark Holder and Danny Roth are producing. David C. Robinson and Mark Darling are exec producing.

Barton is repped by Domain Talent.

Source: Variety

They did however add this little gem from Mischa at the bottom of the article:
Times Mischa said: “Shall we pretend we’re having fun?” Once (yes, really)

I’m happy to see Mischa is well aware when someone is insulting her and trying to cover it under the guise of a “chit-chat.” Great job Fabulous Magazine, truly clever work.

Mischa Barton has a new gig: shop owner.

Gossip Cop looked into recent reports that suggested the actress may be opening her own clothing store in London… and can confirm it’s true!

While Barton’s rep tells Gossip Cop the details of the actress’ new business haven’t been finalized, a plan to open a store next year is indeed in the works.

“The O.C.” star, who previously collaborated with designers on lines of handbags and headbands, is actually from England, but was primarily raised in the United States.

What do you think of Barton’s new business venture?

Source: Gossip Cop

This story actually leaked a little while ago but was oddly pulled off the internet by the original source (which was a UK tabloid). This is round two of the story, but this time, Gossip Cop is claiming they have confirmation from Mischa’s rep. That automatically adds credence to what had started off as a run-of-the-mill rumour. Hopefully we get some additional news soon.

According to the original tabloid report, the store will be named Mischa’s Closet. Click this link to read the original info.

During our chat with the Australian beauty—who plays the coven’s bad girl Faye with equal measures of mean-girl malice and teenage vulnerability—she revealed her inner couch potato, telling us she’s currently obsessed with New Girl and Revenge. “I just want to be Zooey Deschanel,” she tells us. “She’s just the best!” As if that weren’t enough to make us adore her, Tonkin later tells us Marissa Cooper (Mischa Barton) is her all-time favorite TV character. “I’ve been watching the whole O.C. and I just love it!” she says.

Thanks to Chris for the tip! Quote via Watch with Kristin.

Martin Sheen and Mischa Barton’s ‘Bhopal: A Prayer for Rain’, that was shot partly in the city, may release next year

Ravi Kumar, the director of “Bhopal: A Prayer for Rain” was inspired by “many wonderful books and documentaries” on the Bhopal gas tragedy when he decided to make a feature film on it. In 2009, Kumar got US actors Martin Sheen and Mischa Barton on board for the movie, through which he wanted to tell the story of “corporate greed and the hypocrisy of multinationals in dealing with the third world”. He says it was relatively easy to convince the renowned actors to be part of the project since they responded well to this universal theme.

Kumar shot with Sheen, Barton, Indian actress Tannishtha Chatterjee and several others at that time, and since he had to re-create the 1984 period of Bhopal, he shot the film in Hyderabad and Mumbai on sets and factory locations, and only a few critical scenes were shot in Bhopal. The “life-changing” experience was like a roller coaster ride for the director, who says that three years after the first shot, he is finally reaching the “end of this long journey”.

He told us recently, “We have been invited to some major film festivals where it will be premiered. The release dates will be decided by the distributor all over the world according to their plans.”

However, after the shoot, the director had come under attack from some local NGOs, which claimed that the movie was misrepresenting reality. But ask him about it now, and he says, “For us, there are no issues. The script that they objected to, is not relevant as it was an older version. You have to remember, 95 per cent of the film, crew and cast is Indian, our producer Ravi Walia is Indian… hundreds of them came on board as they believed in the script. Anyone who has seen the rough edit is proud to be associated with this epic and moving story made by Indians.” As far as the delay in the release is concerned (from 2010 to tentatively 2012), he says, “The film has been edited carefully, some scenes re-shot, as this is a historical document and people expect the story to be authentic and genuine. It’s been worthwhile fine-tuning the story as this kind of films have a long shelf life. ”

Right now, the film is with some very senior editors, and music composers from London and LA are working on it, says Kumar. While he does admit that the whole journey of making the movie has been difficult, he adds, “This is not a commercial project, but I’m glad to say that the finished film feels more suited for mainstream audience worldwide, thanks to the universal theme and the US actors playing crucial roles.”

Times of India

Apartment 1303
(Feature Film)
1303 Productions Inc.
Director: Daniel Fridell
Production Manager: Jean-Francois Roesler
Casting: Bruno Rosato Casting
Stunt Coordinator: Jean Frenette
Pre-production ‘til: November 9, 2011
Shooting ’til: December 5, 2011

The above dates support the information that was posted by the storyboard artist via his blog. So now we just have to keep our fingers crossed that the November date actually happens.

I also stumbled upon an interview with Kasimir Lehto, who appears to be involved with the 3D elements of the movie. As this will be Mischa’s first 3D project, I’m thrilled to see this kind of talk regarding the potential of the technical aspects of the movie.

And how about your plans, what new projects are you working on and what do you hope to do next?
I am hoping to work more and more as a cinematographer on 3D films, as well as being responsible for the stereoscopic aspects of productions. The next big film I’m attached to is called Apartment 1303 – it’s an innovative, independent horror film and will hopefully start shooting in Canada in a month’s time. I am very excited about the project, we have a great vibe with the producer and director of the project and I feel it will be a great opportunity to push the boundaries of 3D creatively and technically. In general, I think it’s the independent, smaller scale projects that will push the language of 3D forward – the bigger studio pictures are quite conservative in their use of 3D and it is unlikely that innovation will come from that direction.
Source: Stereoscape

The actress-turned-designer is back with her latest collection of handbags and we love them! Practical, affordable and on-trend, it’s everything we want. In a hidden corner of London, we stole a few minutes with Mischa to chat bags, style and body-image.

Hi Mischa! We’re loving the new collection of handbags, which one’s your favourite?
Hi! it’s difficult to pick- i love all the bags so much! The satchel styles are probably my favourite though, and the most roomy and useful for everyday.

What kind of things do you always carry around in your bag then?
I am guilty of throwing a lot of things in my purses a lot of like. I carry lip gloss, mascara, eye liner and my iPhone. Oh, and a book usually. My bags are usually big enough to fit my book in.

So what was your inspiration when you were designing them?
I’ll buy a stack of magazines and whatever the runway collections are in the magazines and then take out my favourite pieces of inspiration. Which is everything from vintage bags, I take a lot from Japanese style, I take a lot from brands like Miu Miu and Prada. Some stuff from vintage fairs and things that I own.

Cool and have you got a muse or an ideal person you would like to see with your bag?
It would have to be Kate Middleton because she’s a good, current fashion icon and I like that she’s got class to her and that’s the kind of image I want.

Yeah she always looks so stylish. Do you find that hard when people analyse everything you wear?
I hate that aspect of things. I mean I haven’t been purposefully in the public eye for a long time and I haven’t been going out but paparazzi shots you see of me I’m wandering around LA just living life. I hate the public scrutiny about clothes. I think it’s stupid. If it’s not gonna be positive I think it shouldn’t be there at all because I like clothes at much as the next person. I like risk-taking when it comes to clothes and also just trying different things, whatever makes you feel comfortable.

Do you feel confident when you go out?
Yeah I’ve got a good regime of like working out and a good balanced diet and I’m pretty comfortable with the way it is.

Would you ever consider having plastic surgery?
It’s really not something that, god, I mean you never say never do you but it sounds horrific so I don’t know but who knows maybe when you get older what you’ll want to do.

And what trends and bags do you like now it’s getting into autumn/winter. Although I don’t suppose it’s that cold in LA…
No, it’s still hot to be honest. It’s really hot over there. But I like all kinds of stuff – big chunky scarves, lots of V-neck sweaters, lots of t-shirts and layering stuff, long-sleeved t-shirts.

So what are your favourite brands from the UK then, are there any that you really like?
ASOS and Topshop I would say kind of top the list. I’m a huge ASOS fan and I’m really happy that they carry as much of the line as they do. They’ve upped what they bought for next season which is a big deal because I really do love their stuff I buy it myself.

We love ASOS and Topshop too! Thanks for chatting to us, Mischa.

Head over to Mischa Barton Handbags to check out her new range.

Article via More Magazine.

On what makes Mischa happy:
“I would have to say music. Music and books. My vinyl collection is imperative to my happiness.”

On the last movie that made Mischa cry:
“The last film I cried in was Harry Potter when Dumbledore died. That’s the kind of thing where I get attached to these characters.”

On the kind of people Mischa is drawn to in her personal life:
“Characters. People who are strong and independent. A little off-beat.”

On the projects Mischa is currently working on:
“It’s strange. Everyone keeps asking me about what I’m working on right now. But it’s quite the opposite. It’s about what projects I’m turning down, which identifies me as the actor I want to be. I’m in this funny phase in my career, where it’s super important to not do a project unless I’m super passionate about it. Because what you choose to take is how people are going to view you. It is hard, though. The way you want to go isn’t necessarily the way you get to go as an actor. This industry is run by fear. When you go too long without working, you have people hassling you. The jobs I choose to do will form who I am.”

On Mischa returning to television:
“Yes, for the right role. Although I’m more interested in guest star roles…During The OC, I was so young, it’s really a shame how these adults in my life and the media were able to portray me. So yes, now that I am adult and know who I am, I would return to television for the right role. But I definitely would keep more control on the environment. Television has been good to me, but it’s so overly publicized.

———-

The full interview is available in the current issue of LADYGUNN. Stockists are available here. Amongst conversation including Mischa’s handbag collection (mischabartonhandbags.com), her thoughts on Kindle, Mischa’s childhood crush, and her life/future in general, Mischa also goes on to talk more extensively about the topics listed above.

Story: Heather Seidler | Photographer: Joshua Spencer
Stylist: Natalie Toren | Hair: Ramsell Martinez | Makeup: Dina Gregg

She’s still only 25 but Mischa Barton has lived a lot since we met her as Marissa Cooper in The O.C. There’s been highs and lows but her this season it’s safe to say she’s on the up and so is her handbag line, which is now in its seventh season no less.

With experimental fashion flare, it’s her individual approach to dressing that keeps us hooked on her look so we grilled the girl on how she sees her style and where she’s taking it to next.

What’s your style at the moment?

Recently it’s changed. People have seen me grow up in the public eye and so my style has grown up too. I went through a heavy bohemian phase but I cleared my whole wardrobe about eight months ago, and got rid of everything that was even kind of hippyish or even slightly floaty and paisley. It’s all in storage; I would never get rid of my clothes, a) It may come back, I may want to wear it again and b) I might want to give it to my kids, or friends. Now I’ve gone back to my New York-ey roots and these days I’m wearing streamlined things in mostly black, white and beige with accessories, and gold accents.

Do you work with a stylist?

No. It was well known for a long time that I worked with Rachel Zoe, but I never really ‘employed’ Rachel. It was more that she was a friend at the time – years ago. That’s the only stylist I ever sort-of worked with, she helped me pull clothes for red carpet events but she never dressed me; I was never dressed by anyone on a daily basis. I’ve always bought my own clothes and done my own thing when it comes to fashion, I do all my own wardrobe and I enjoy it! My thing with fashion is I genuinely love it, I love clothing and I love the way it makes you feel and I love design.

Do you follow any rules?

I’m tall so I don’t wear a lot of heels and I have huge respect for tailoring and getting your clothes altered so they fit right.

Click “more” or visit Cosmopolitan UK for the rest of the interview.

Do you have a favourite red carpet dress that you have worn?

There are ones that stand out that were really special, like the first Chanel dress I wore down the red carpet for the O.C. and a Viktor and Rolf gown that I wore to a charity event once that was very red carpet. It was special to me because I was a big Viktor and Rolf fan. And a Chloe dress that I still have in my closet that I wore to the Cartier event here in London a few years back.

Are there any dresses you look back on and wish you hadn’t worn?

There’s some stuff that I’m like ‘urgh, what was I thinking?’ but not that much. For the most part I don’t mind taking risks, and I actually like what I’ve worn but I went through a lot of phases – and all of them were in the public eye! I went through every phase you could go through: punk, hip-hop, all of it.

Do you feel that there’s a lot of pressure being in the public eye, to look perfect all the time?

Definitely…it’s a strange thing being photographed all the time. I really go out of my way to avoid being in places now where I know I’m going to be photographed. If I know I’m going to be photographed I’ll just try to dress for it; I’ll put on something that I wouldn’t mind being photographed in.

What British shops do you love?

I love shopping in London, I love Liberty’s, vintage like Beyond Retro and I love to go to Westwood here. I love things like ASOS and Topshop because you can buy so much. They’re so inexpensive and you can really play with clothes. I mostly use it for accessories and for accent pieces like for staple stuff, and random things like sunglasses, socks, scarves.

It’s just not the same in America… the high street thing doesn’t really work there. British girls have a really great way of mixing and matching things, and being more daring. They don’t mind wearing red lipstick on a daily basis, and wearing bright-coloured tights. You don’t see that in America as much, people play it safe in general, especially in LA. I do kind of adjust my style for where I am. I love to dress more edgy when I’m in London too.

We like your new handbag collection!

Oh thanks, I’m so proud of it. The whole thing with the line is to keep it inexpensive but have it look expensive, and have girls feel like they can afford something that looks like a Marc Jacobs bag and feels also functional. I love good zips, pockets, and closures. And all the things like that are what matters the most. I’m just really, really proud of it.

Are you completely involved in the design process?

Completely; I love doing it and we are expanding. It’s my passion and that’s why I went for something super manageable too – I do have the time and energy to do it.

Where do you find you get your inspiration from?

All kinds of places. Vintage bags that I like and take photos of. I put together little scrapbooks and look books.

Do you use the bags on a daily basis yourself?

Yeah, totally – it’s the biggest perk of having a handbag line being able to wear them! And my friends love them, and they’re always requesting them. Handbags are really fun! It’s not as daunting as clothes, and while I do think I’ll do a capsule collection, that’s a totally different animal. Accessories are a good place to start to in design.

We’ll watch this space!

Check out the new collection at mischabartonhandbags.com and on Twitter @MischaBartonBag