Yves Saint Laurent: Timeless elegance and style

If I had to pick someone stylish around 1967-1972, I would definetly choose Yves Saint Laurent, a man who's a fashion legend and visionary. His personal style around these years was remarkable and at its peak. A style and exquisite taste that was reflected on his menswear Rive Gauche collection.


The key element is this collection was the safari jacket, which I talked about several months ago, and became a 70s menswear staple.


Below YSL modelling his own designs at Marrakech, a crisp white linen safari jacket ensemble, paired with a dark shirt and a multicored silk cravatte.




Photo: TFS

Musical Relaxation

The weekend, a perfect time to break all the hassle and routine from your week, a time to spend with friends and family, a time to try out something new, a time for relaxation.

To achieve the latter there's nothing better than listening to some music while you're resting on your couch, bed, or are spending time on your computer. You can do this by listening to the genre and artist of your preference, yet this time I'll recommend some performers from the 60s and 70s. Their music can be classified as instrumental, bossa nova, easy listening, jazz, yet they all have two things in common: they were played "everywhere" during those years and they will help you relax and spend a good time.

In no order of importance I suggest you check out:

Burt Bacharach
Al Caiola
Herb Alpert
Enoch Light
Ferrante & Teicher
Chuck Mangione
Caravelli
Francis Lai
Paul Mauriat
Andre Kostelanetz
Ray Conniff
Klaus Wunderlich
Michel Legrand
Juan Torres
John Barry
Carmen Cavallaro
John Williams
Frank Pourcel
Peter Nero
Paul Mauriat
Walter Wanderley
101 Strings Orchestra
Astrud Gilberto
Mantovani
Antonio Carlos Jobim
Cordara Orchestra
Sergio Mendes
Living Strings
Elis Regina
Henri Mancini
Claudine Longet
Ronnie Aldrich
18th Century Concepts
Alfred Newman
Les Reed
Max Greger
James Last
Manuel & the Music of the Mountains
Fausto Papetti
Richard Clayderman
Joao Gilberto
Andy Williams
Bill Conti
Marvin Hamslich
Xavier Cugat
Nino Rota
Les Baxter
Alfred Lyman
Martin Denny
Leroy Holmes

If you have more suggestions, feel free to share it with all of us in the comments section of this post.


Photo: Flickr

The Kennedy Brothers

US Senator Edward "Ted" Kennedy passed away on the night of August 25, 2009 after battling brain cancer for a year. He was 77. His death, weeks after the death of his sister Eunice, marks the end of an era for the Kennedy family and US politics.

Together with his brothers, John "JFK" and Robert "Bobby", he dedicated his life to public service. A life filled with joy and tough moments, yet always focused on helping his country and its citizens.

The 3 Kennedy brothers came to represent the best of American menswear style in the early 60s, during the "Camelot Years". Whether it was to attend a function in D.C. or spend days of leisure at the Kennedy family compound in Hyannis Port. Their style was classic and elegant, and has continued to influence fashion 50 years later. Items such as Tortoise Wayfarers, cardigans, and sleek suits make up the "Kennedy Style".

May Ted Kennedy Rest In Peace. My condolences to all of the Kennedy family on this sad moment not only for them, but for the world.







Photo: GQ

More Santorini from Richard Avedon

Weeks ago I posted a photo from Richard Avedon's photoshoot in Santorini in the late 60s, today I'm posting another photo from that ocassion. The all white look, a very Mediterranean summer look, is embraced by both models; and the result is brilliant.


Photo: Flickr

Sean Connery

Sean Connery, best known and remembered as the "original" James Bond is shown in this early 60s photo resting on a couch wearing an impecable suit with a skinny tie. Connery helped set the standard for James Bond and what was to be expected from the actors that would portray him in the future. His portrayal and presence immediately helped make Bond a household name in cinema, fashion, literature, and even in the car industry.

Besides 7 Bond films (including the 1983 unofficial remake of "Thunderball": Never Say Never Again, which got it's name thanks to Connery's wife who said that after completing "Diamonds Are Forever", the actor said he'd never be Bond again) his filmography is worth watching too.

I'd like to thank the more than 10,000 readers that have visited this blog all of this time, it is you who make all this possible.

Photo: GQ

Blow Up

"Blow Up" is one of those films that everyone interested on cinema, fashion, and culture HAS to watch in their lifetime. This 1966 Antonioni directed film has a complex plot that merges the world of fashion photography with a murder investigation.


A film that showcases fashions and looks from the mid 60s, for both women and men. Below the most iconic and remembered scene from "Blow Up", when David Hemmings' character, London fashion photographer Thomas (it is said to be inspired by David Bailey), photographs Verushka (world famous 60s model). Hemmings is wearing some wrinkled khakis and light blue shirt, an elegant combination that can still be worn nowadays, wrinkled or unwrinkled.




Photo: Flickr.com

40 years of Woodstock

40 years ago, around these days, an iconic and era defining event took place: Woodstock. For 3 days (August 15-18, 1969) the world's attention was focused on this site located on Bethel, New York. Woodstock is one of the most famous massive rock concerts in history, probably not the most attended since it was topped in the 80s by Live Aid, but the most remembered.


Besides being a venue for the best rock performers of the mid-late 60s, Woodstock was if you look at it a massive "runway" where one could see the best of the bohemian, ethnic, and hippie fashions of the time.

For 3 days people congregated around a stage to listen to their musical idols and lived in a community, those were days of peace & love, and we know the rest...

Among those who performed at Woodstock we have authentic musical legends and talents: Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, The Who, Jefferson Airplane, Santana, Joan Baez, Grateful Dead, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Joe Cocker, Blood, Sweat & Tears...just to mention a few.

Below some of them performing at Woodstock:

Even though 40 years have gone by already, Woodstock still continues to fascinate and interest those who attended it or are part of the Baby Boomer generation; and those who weren't born yet or were too young for it.

Woodstock was a turning point in history, it closed the 60s in a spectacular way, it marked the end of an era and the start of a new one. For 3 days the world, or at least the crowd at Woodstock had the opportunity to live by the principles and values of the Hippies (Peace & Love); they lived briefly in a utopic world, a world that can become a reality one day if we try to make a positive difference on it and spread the message of peace & love, equality, justice, responsability, and cooperation amongst our family, peers, and fellow citizens.


Photos: Flickr

Thomas Crown Affair beachwear

Steve Mc Queen and Faye Dunaway starred in the 1968 movie "The Thomas Crown Affair", a blockbuster hit with a great plot, soundtrack, acting, settings, and fashions. 20 years later the movie was remade with Pierce Brosnan and Renee Russo.


Below a scene from the movie in which we can see Steve Mc Queen wearing some black shorts paired with an open orange longsleeve shirt; and his Persol Rattis. Next to him is Faye Dunaway wearing some khaki trousers, a thin cardigan, and a headscarf. A great option for a cool morning on the beach this summer.




Photo: Flickr

Secret Agent Man

During the early 60s there was a huge interest for the so called "Secret Agent Man"; a contemporary and "real life" hero that came to solve problems that threatened world peace and stability. A character who originated from the political and social events of the era.


The "Secret Agent Man" was all over the place during the 60s: TV, cinema, music, literature, and even fashion advertising. Below an ad from the mid 60s in which we can appreciate the elements that made a true "Secret Agent Man": gadgets, an almost perfect outfit, and of course a woman he either has to rescue or cowork with.


He is wearing a khaki suit paired up with an orange skinny tie and multicolored striped shirt in yellow and orange. She is wearing a Pucci inspired blouse and matching shorts.





Photo: Flickr

Summer in Ibiza

Spanish motorcycle racer and champion, Fonsi Nieto is a constant follower of the elegant bohemian look when he is in Ibiza. Photographed wearing tunic shirts or knee length kaftan/tunic ensembles, Fonsi knows how to blend them well with urban and casual fashion .


Like I've said before this is a very versatile look for the summer, especially if you're attending any parties at the beach, garden, pool, or club. Every summer one can appreciate this look at the parties held in Ibiza, especially the Flower Power party, which took place this weekend.





Photo: Hola.com

Gianni Agnelli

Gianni Agnelli, besides being president of FIAT, was (and still is) one of the best dressed men in Italy and the world. Known for his bespoke suits and shirts, Agnelli defined Italian menswear. Very noticeable was the fact he wore his watch over his shirt cuff, since his shirt was almost like a "second skin". His iconic fashion style is still present nowadays not only on fashion collections or best dressed men in history lists, but on his grandson Lapo Elkann.

Photo: GQ

Stylish Paul Newman

Paul Newman had the power to turn the most simple and casual outfits into stylish outfits. Below he is shown in the late 70s enjoying a day at the lake wearing a grey oversized sweateshirt, khakis, a pair of old sneakers, and some tortoise sunglasses (probably Persol Rattis).


I consider an outfit like this wearable all year round, especially on those cool or chilly days. Comfortable, functional, and stylish.




Photo: Simplyclassic

Warren Beatty

Warren Beatty was one of Hollywood's leading actors during the 60s and 70s, not to forget he dated the most beautiful actresses of the era. The photo below shows Beatty in a relaxed and contemplative mood donning a classic, elegant, and somehow relaxed look; he's wearing a white cotton shirt, a loose black skinny tie, and light trousers.

Photo: GQ