Hot from a successful showing in Lagos, Nigeria, for ARISE FASHION WEEK and a presentation at The World Trade Center Colorado World Of Fashion, former Pulse supermodel cum designer Lois Samuels has reason to smile some more. News from the Cannes Film Festival is that actress Freida Pinto and the venerable Grand Dame of screen Jane Fonda stepped on the Cannes Red Carpet wearing pieces from her 2012 The Vessel collection. Fashion insider Heather Elliott caught up with Samuels:

Heather Elliott: (HE) What was your reaction when you got the news that they were wearing ‘The Vessel”?

Lois Samuels (LS): I was super-excited. Both actresses represent a wide range in age, grace and style. That’s who I want to wear my line — any woman from the age of 20 to 70. Celebrities play such an important role in a designer’s career, so I’m very thankful for this.

(HE) Describe what they wore.

LS: Jane Fonda wore my black tailored jacket with a pleated tail over a Stella McCartney dress, as well as another of my jackets over a Paco Rabanne dress. Freida wore one of my tailored pieces as well. I can’t wait to see her profile in it.

(HE): Did a stylist outfit them, or are they clients of The Vessel?

(LS): They were dressed by a stylist.

(HE): What does this do for your line?

(LS):It’s great press, which I’m sure will garner positive interest and new clients.

(HE) Who else is on your fashion radar?

(LS): I have so many… from US First Lady Michelle Obama to actresses Tilda Swinton and Meryl Streep. There’s style icon Grace Jones and of course, all those stunning Jamaican women. It would be great to dress Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller.