Wednesday, September 29, 2010

James Dean: 55 Years Without "The Rebel"

September 30, 2010 marks the 55th anniversary of the death of James Dean. Although his film career was a short one, with 3 hit films: "Rebel Without A Cause", "Giant", & "East of Eden"; Dean became a legend after his untimely death at the age of 24 due to a car crash.

Speed racing was one of his passions, as well as playing the bongo. Photographed below in 1955 with his Porsche 550 Spyder, James Dean shows why he is not only a cinema but style icon as well.

"Dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die today" - James Dean



Photo: Flickr

Monday, September 27, 2010

Jean Michel Jarre

Jean Michel Jarre is one of the most talented musicians from the last quarter of the 20th Century. In 1976, this French composer, performer, and producer released his album "Oxygene" with which he achieved global acclaim. "Oxygene" is considered as one of the finest Electronic music albums in history.

Albums such as "Equinoxe", "Magnetic Fields", and "Music For Supermarkets" made Jean Michel Jarre one of the leading figures in Electronic, Ambient, & New Age music during the 70s and 80s. Still performing nowdays, Jarre is also known for his massive performances around the world which are a spectacle of light and sound.

For one of the photos on his "Oxygene" album, Jarre wore a light grey ensemble made up of cordoury pants, a wool jacket, and a jersey underneath. A monochromatic look yet one with several textures and materials involved; and a great color for this Fall/Winter.

Photo: Flickr

Friday, September 24, 2010

Bob Dylan's Chess Match

If you're looking forward to some moments of leisure during this weekend, there's nothing better than a chess match. Bob Dylan was photographed in 1964 playing this game, which is one of the oldest in history. For the ocassion Dylan decided to wear a simple turtleneck, Wayfarers, and of course his signature hairstyle.


Photo: Flickr

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Wall Street's Gordon Gekko

In 1987 Michael Douglas starred in the acclaimed movie "Wall Street" playing the role of Gordon Gekko, one of the most powerful & successful men in Wall Street. Gekko stood apart from the rest, in a decade in which style was evolving constantly from bold to more casual, by taking elements from the Dandy look of the 30s & 40s, and adding a modern twist to them.

On September 24, 2010 Gordon Gekko will be back on cinemas worldwide with the sequel to this film, "Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps".

Photo: Flickr

Monday, September 20, 2010

Mick & Francoise

Mick Jagger & Francoise Hardy, one of France's most popular singers during 60s, were photographed together in 1967. For the ocassion both opted for dark colored clothes. Mick decided to add a bit of color and informality to his ensemble by wearing a Rugby shirt with yellow and navy blue stripes. Meanwhile Francoise wore a very Mod inspired coordinate.



Photo: Flickr

Friday, September 17, 2010

Doodski: From Russia With Style

Throughout the last decades in fashion, T-shirts have proven to be one of the most versatile items; for some a "sartorial faux pas" & for some of us wardrobe essentials. T-shirts can make you look elegant & sharp on any ocassion, while expressing a bit about yourself too. In an era in which there are many T-shirts available on stores, from plain to graphic filled designs, one must only wear T-shirts that meet high quality and style standards.

Doodski is an example of the above. From London to Spain, going through the French Riviera, Italy, & Australia; Doodski has grabbed the attention of many due to its original & outstanding designs.

Founded in 2009, this London based t-shirt brand is best known for its Russian inspired collection, which is shown below.



Using elements such as the Russian Crest, the military stamp, the chains worn by the Tsars, Rasputin, and the last invitation to a party hosted by Tsar Nicholas II; Doodski brings the glory of Imperial Russia to the 21st Century. These are T-shirts to be worn while attending a formal dinner, hanging out with your friends at the club, traveling around the world, or just walking around your city's streets.

However Doodski also offers another collection called "Nothing But Special" which was created by pure coincidence when a T-shirt got lost within a pile of jeans ready to be dyed. The result was a T-shirt with exceptional creases, wash, and metal like enhancements on the fabric. Below an example of these T-shirts: Doodski's Glitter Black, Wrinkle Blue, and Wash Beige. This collection offers 9 different styles with eye catching desgins in earthly tones.




Doodski T-shirts can be worn by themselves or paired up with a sports jacket, dinner jacket, velvet jacket, a hoodie, a Safari jacket, or a cardigan.

You can purchase Doodski on selected sales points around the world, or online at harrods.com & luisaviaroma.com



Photos: Doodski

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

The Cool Elegance of David Bailey

David Bailey is probably the most stylish photographer of all time. Not only did he capture the fashions of London during "The Swinging 60s" with his camera, but he's an example of good taste and elegance.

Bailey has proved that one can look their best while wearing a leather jacket, a Nehru shirt, pullover sweater, and a Romantic shirt (it's not only the clothes but also the attitude that make one look sharp). On this ocassion David Bailey is shown wearing a classic piece & a must-have, a simple black suit. To make it modern he decided to wear a psychedelic print tie, which adds a good contrast to his ensemble.




Photo: Flickr

Monday, September 13, 2010

Huey Lewis in San Francisco

80s fashion was all about color, boldness, eyecatching, and preppy as well. Around 1984-1985 menswear fashion embraced the dandy and elegant styles of "Miami Vice", Duran Duran & Bryan Ferry. Plain colored t-shirts, colorful suits, Wayfarers, or Cat's Eyes (they also experienced a revival during those years) were wardrobe essentials.

Huey Lewis, lead singer of the 80s rock group "Huey Lewis & the News" is an example of the above. In 1985 on one of his several musical videos, Lewis took his style from the San Francisco Bay Area to a filled arena, wearing a red suit and a black t-shirt beneath.


The ensemble was quite dynamic since for his tour around San Francisco he wore the complete suit, yet when it was time to perform at a concert he removed the jacket, making it more casual & functional, yet very elegant.


Before ending today's post, I'd like to congratulate "Gorgeous Styles" ( http://gorgeoustyles.blogspot.com/ ) for celebrating last month its 3rd anniversary. For the ocassion they've added a new layout to their amazing blog inspired on the 80s film classic "Wall Street".

Photos: Youtube

Friday, September 10, 2010

Louis Garrel's striped pullover

Louis Garrel, best remembered for his role as Theo in "The Dreamers" & one of modern day French cinema's talents, shows that a striped pullover or sweater is a basic item during Fall/Winter. Thick or thin, multicolored, pattern, or nautical stripes will always make you look sharp and well dressed. Wayfarers or Clubmasters will add the final touch.




Photo: Flickr

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

The Hollies Ain't Heavy

The Hollies are a British rock group from the 60s that is still touring nowadays like The Rolling Stones. This band was very representative of the mid 60s musical movement called "The British Invasion".

As summer is coming to an end, it is time to start looking on several ensembles for this Fall/Winter. The Hollies provide us with some options below; from a striped Mao neck shirt, a black military jacket with epaulets, to double breasted jackets, and bright ties & shirts. As I have said it several times already, items like these can still be worn during this season due to their elegance and classiness.



The Hollies had several hit songs, however their most remembered one is "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother".



Photo & Video: Flickr & Youtube