Friday, December 30, 2011

Terence Stamp & Jean Shrimpton: Getting Ready For 2012

Terence Stamp and Jean Shrimpton were photographed minutes before attending the London premiere of Stamp's "The Collector" on October 1965. This photo captures the instant when both of them added the last touches to their perfect ensembles.

2011 is almost over, and with it comes a time where we look forward to 2012; while making a brief pause to look back at the past year.

I would like to wish all of you the best for this upcoming year and thank you for following the blog.

Happy 2012!


Photo: Flickr

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Looks for New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve is a night when mostly everyone celebrates with their loved ones, family & friends, at home or out in the city. Regardless of how you will welcome 2012, below some inspiration from Burberry's 2007 campaign.

This photo presents 6 different looks that still look modern, elegant, and cutting edge. They're basically a mixture of black and white, yet some color could be added without any problem. Yet this time, considering the occasion I'd suggest you stick to black and white.

Six looks that go from the classic English gentleman to 60s Carnaby Street to modern dandy using elements such as frilled shirts, skinny rock inspired belts, fur lined peacoats, a tuxedo, suspenders, and boots.



Photo: Styleregistry/Mario Testino

Monday, December 26, 2011

Robert Redford: How To Wear A Peacoat

Robert Redford gave a lesson of style on how to wear a winter staple, a peacoat, on "The Three Days of the Condor". Peacoats are somehow basic this season due to the fact that they can be paired with so many different garments, from a plain T-shirt to a turtleneck sweater, and still make one look elegant and impeccable.



Photo: Flickr

Friday, December 23, 2011

Alain Delon & Romy Schneider: We Wish You a Merry Christmas

Alain Delon & Romy Schneider posed together in the early 60s to wish the world a Merry Christmas.

And just like them I would like to wish all of my readers a Merry Christmas and the best during this holiday season. May this be a time of not only receiving unique and stylish gifts, but most importantly a time in which we give love to those around us.


Merry Christmas!



Photo: Flickr

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Pierre Cardin: Mod Revolution

An impressive photo from late 1967 that shows why Pierre Cardin was one of the key figures in 60s and Mod fashion.

His space age inspired clothes for both men and women defined an era not only because of their classiness, but also because of their avant garde elements such as: zippers, belted jackets and dresses, geometrical cut outs, use of turtlenecks, vest, A-shaped dresses, and hats.


Photo: Ciaovogue

Monday, December 19, 2011

L.G.R La Polverosa: License To Shoot


L.G.R Sunglasses has once again created a unique Special Edition of its already iconic and ever elegant eyewear.

After their RAW Limited Edition, which was a total success this Summer; L.G.R has designed 6 new sunglass models inspired in the magnificent landscapes found in Tuscany, to be more specific, in La Polverosa.




These sunglasses are not only a symbol of style, but also fine shooting eyewear. With their yellow photochromic and polycarbonate lenses, L.G.R's Polverosa shooting frames will allow you to shoot directly to your target without any distracting glares, offering the highest protection to your eyes.


Photos: L.G.R

Friday, December 16, 2011

Nino Cerruti: Italian Master

Nino Cerruti is one of Italy's menswear icons and legends. His creations were not only an instant success on the runways and streets during the 60s and 70s; they also graced the silver screen on films such as "Bonnie and Clyde".

Cerruti not only knew how to design one of a kind suits and shirts, but he also knew the power of accessories such as a good vest and scarf when he wore them for a photoshoot in the late 60s.






Photo: Ciaovogue

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Traveling With Style

When traveling one must always look elegant and dressed for the occasion, just like this modern English Gentleman who's about to start his journey.



Photo: Flickr/Michael Kors

Monday, December 12, 2011

Casual Monday at the Hollywood Bowl

For a casual and elegant look, let's take some inspiration from the late 70s and early 80s with the Calvin Klein suede pullover or Anne Klein dress worn by the models below outside the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. Dark yet somehow bright colors that are suitable for this season.



Photo: Uomoclassico

Friday, December 9, 2011

The Beatles: Help! on the Austrian Alps

The Beatles, well John, Ringo, and Paul, gave a lesson of style while skiing on the Austrian Alps during the filming of "Help!" in 1965. Everything is perfection from their coats, jackets, sweaters, sunglasses, and caps.



Photo: Flickr

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

James Dean: Pastel Blue Sweater

To add some color and light to those cloudy and dark Winter days, there's nothing better like a pastel blue sweater. James Dean knew how to make simple and minimalistic ensembles something outstanding.



Photo: Flickr

Monday, December 5, 2011

Roger Vadim & Catherine Deneuve: Layered Winter

An early 60s photo of Catherine Deneuve and Roger Vadim that shows how one can look sharply dressed in winter while wearing several layers.

Deneuve is wearing an oversized knitted sweater with what appears to be a blouse, yet what makes her look elegant is her updo. On the other hand Vadim opted for a velvet jacket, cordoury pants, and a pullover sweater.

Two looks that are easy to recreate and will definetly look perfect this season.


Photo: Flickr

Friday, December 2, 2011

Betty & Francois Catroux: Avant Garde 60s Wedding

A photo from Betty and Francois Catroux's February 1968 wedding at Cap Ferrat that shows why theirs was one of the most avant garde and stylish weddings of the 60s. The bride wore a Pierre Cardin eyecatching fur coat and boots, while the groom opted for a chocolate colored velvet suit paired with a white turtleneck.



Photo: Flickr

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

A Versatile Sweatshirt

A sweatshirt might be considered as an unstylish garment by some. Yet I think that if it's a plain sweatshirt or with a cool design, it can help create a good ensemble. One should always wear a sweatshirt if the occasion and weather allow it.

Below a photo taken by Richard Avedon of Rene Russo and Tony Spinelli, where we can see them wearing a sweatshirt and a tunic sports jacket. Woth noticing is the impressive background!



Photo: Ciaovogue

Monday, November 28, 2011

Alain Delon: Two Sweaters

For this upcoming Winter, we can get some style inspiration from Alain Delon, whose iconic style is not only limited to films such as "A Plein Soleil", "La Piscine", and "The Girl On A Motorcycle"; or some iconic Cannes/St. Tropez moments.


Below some photos that show a casual yet elegant Alain Delon, wearing two items that have made a huge comeback for this season: a classic turtleneck sweater with an embroided phrase & a Native American knitted sweater, reminiscent of "Starsky and Hutch".




Photos: Flickr

Friday, November 25, 2011

Brian Jones: Timeless Bohemian

Brian Jones has been featured in this blog thanks to his always dandy and Mod ensembles such as striped suits, and turtlenecks paired with jackets.

Yet this time he is shown on 1967's Monterey Festival which took place in June of that year in California. It was one of the most memorable music festivals in history due to its over the top performers, it happening during the "Summer of Love", and because it paved the way for Woodstock.


For one of his appearances on Monterey, Brian Jones opted for an embellished matador or Spanish bullfighter jacket over a white tunic. The silk scarf and necklace helped to add the bohemian touch to his ensemble.




Photo: Flickr

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

James Franco: Fall Minimalism

James Franco is one of the most acclaimed actors in these last 2 years. For some one of Hollywood's upcoming and respected actors, for others an art vissionaire, a groundbreaker, a fashion model, pure talent.

Whatever your opinion is about him, it can't be denied that he has a good sense of style. Below a photo from Esquire, where Franco puts to practice the "less is more" principle. Not only is it minimalistic, but it leaves in the end a good long lasting impression as well.

The key for Fall minimalism and versatility: Wayfarers or retro inspired sunglasses, a plain t-shirt, and a cardigan. Attitude is the finishing touch.





Photo:Flickr/Esquire

Monday, November 21, 2011

Christian Dior: Fall/Winter 1971

Christian Dior has been a synonym of elegance and style for more than 60 years. A fashion house which grew tremendously after its founder's death, venturing into menswear during the 70s.

Below an image from its 1971 Fall/Winter campaign that shows an example of the ties, suits, shirts, and sunglasses designed by Marc Bohan for Christian Dior's menswear line.





Photo: Styleregistry

Friday, November 18, 2011

Helmut Newton: Streetstyle

Helmut Newton was definitely an outstanding photographer due to his creativity and "good eye"; that allowed him to create some of the most iconic photographs in fashion's history.



Below a photo taken by Newton in the early 70s that depicts a photographer "zooming" on a model while strolling through a park. A photo that could be a remote ancestor of streetstyle photography.






Photo: Flickr

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Valentino: Navajo Fall

Navajo and Native American inspired patterns are present in some of this season's collections. On scarves, jackets, knitted sweaters and cardigans, and shirts, these patterns are an artistic masterpiece.

Valentino was aware of their aesthetic impact and therefore decided to include some Navajo influence on his 1982 Spring Summer collection.





Photo: Uomoclassico

Monday, November 14, 2011

Paul McCartney: Red Velvet

Paul McCartney shows us how one can add a touch of color and elegance this season with his red velvet jacket. An orginal and bold piece.



Photo: Flickr

Friday, November 11, 2011

Bob Dylan: Fall Blues

A trench coat is a must have for these rainy Fall days, just ask Bob Dylan.



Photo: Flickr

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Leaving on a Fall Jet Plane

Michael Kors proved on his FW 2004 collection that one can still travel with style on modern times. Elegance and classiness combined with a bit of creativity and bohemian airs were present on these creations.

Below a photo from this season's campaign that shows why turtlenecks are not only a Mod staple, but a wardrobe essential, that's making a huge comeback this season. Yet they've always been there...

A photo that could have been shot circa 1967-1968 as well





Photo: Styleregistry

Monday, November 7, 2011

Yves Saint Laurent & his Muses: Loulou de la Falaise and Betty Catroux

Yves Saint Laurent opened on September 10, 1969 his London boutique. For this important occasion, he was joined by two of his longtime friends and muses: Betty Catroux and Loulou de la Falaise (who died just two days ago; November 5, 2011). Worth noticing is the fact that the 3 of them wore Safari Jackets created by Yves Saint Laurent, each with a different twist.

Yves opted to wear a head to toe Safari ensemble which was accessorized with a scarf and a braided leather belt, while Betty Catroux wore a very feminine and modern jacket designed by YSL in 1968. Loulou de la Falaise wore her Safari jacket combining it with a modern gypsy look with a head scarf and midi skirt. Definitely 3 style icons.








Photo: Flickr

Friday, November 4, 2011

Richard Avedon: Total Black

Richard Avedon wearing a total black look and his trademark aviator style eyeglasses while organizing an exhibit of his own photography.



Photo: Flickr

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

New York City: Fall 1984

A simple and basic ensemble, like the one shown in this 1984 GQ photo taken on the streets of New York City, is ideal to stroll or bike around the city this Fall.


Photo: Uomoclassico

Monday, October 31, 2011

Frank Sinatra & Mia Farrow: Capote's Masked Ball

Truman Capote's "Black and White Masked Ball" celebrated on November 28, 1966 is among the greatest and most memorable balls in history. An elegant masquerade where the guests' black and white ensembles contrasted vividly with their masks.

Below a photo of Frank Sinatra and Mia Farrow arriving at The Plaza Hotel which shows why Capote's ball was the ultimate party in 60s New York.


Happy Halloween!



Photo: Flickr

Friday, October 28, 2011

Morrissey: Houndstooth Fall/Winter

Houndstooth is a staple that should be present in any stylish person's Fall/Winter wardrobe. Classic, bold, and at times understated; Houndstooth can spice things up during this season when mostly everything is dark and monochromatic.

Morrissey gives a good example below of how to wear Houndstooth with a modern and elegant approach. His trademark pompadour adds the finishing touch.



Photo: Flickr

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Keith Moon: Mod Target

The Union Jack and Mod Target are perhaps the most known and representative icons of the 60s Mod culture. Their aesthetic and visual impact has persisted throughout 5 decades, making them timeless cultural and style symbols.

The simple & bold Mod Target was everywhere in the 60s, from the London Underground to Keith Moon's turtleneck.




Photo: Flickr

Monday, October 24, 2011

The Perfect Overcoat

As Fall goes by and the arrival of Winter is nearby, one must make some wardrobe changes and start wearing classic Fall/Winter staples such as an overcoat.

Nowadays available in a wide color palette, you can never go wrong with a black, camel, or navy blue overcoat. Below a 60s Mod inspired photo that shows why overcoats are timeless, elegant, and must-haves.



Photo: VOGUE

Friday, October 21, 2011

60s Weekend Terrace Party

A one of a kind photo that depicts a stylish terrace party around the mid 60s.



Photo: Flickr

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Francoise Hardy & Sami Frey: Autumn Rendezvous

A scene from "Une Balle au Coeur" co-starred in 1966 by Francoise Hardy and Sami Frey. The latter's original black side button pullover contrasts perfectly with Hardy's green Mod dress and trademark hair.



Photo: Flickr

Monday, October 17, 2011

Peter Sellers: Total Eyewear Elegance

Peter Sellers definetly knew how to make the most out of wearing eyewear. His trademark black frame eyeglasses always added that final touch of class to some of his film characters and ensembles.

Below Sellers posing with a model for an ad in 1963, where both of them are an example of total elegance.



Photo: Flickr

Friday, October 14, 2011

Alain Delon: The 500th Post

To mark this milestone at Retro Vintage Mod Style, the 500th post, Alain Delon is shown below on a photograph taken by acclaimed photographer, Bert Stern in 1962. Delon proves why he's not only a cinema icon, but a style icon as well. A timeless, elegant, perfect, and versatile ensemble.

I would like to thank all of you, my readers, for your support during this 500 posts!



Photo: Flickr

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

George Harrison: Living In The Material World

A month before the 10th anniversary of George Harrison's death, last week "George Harrison: Living In The Material World" premiered on TV.

This documentary directed Martin Scorsese and with the participation of the likes of Olivia & Dhani Harrison, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Eric Clapton, Pattie Boyd, Yoko Ono, and George Martin; tells the life story of the former Beatle.

An impressive documentary that combines unseen footage with exclusive interviews and of course George's music.

Worth mentioning is the fact that Los Angeles' Grammy Museum will be hosting an exhibit dedicated to George Harrison in the upcoming months.


Photo: Flickr

Monday, October 10, 2011

Missoni 1988

Below a photo that shows some pieces from Missoni's 1988 Spring/Summer collection which capture one's attention not only by their intricate patterns, but also because of their bright and pastel colors.

A well coordinated ensemble that could be worn without any problem in Fall, looking sharp at the office or while strolling around town.


Photo:Uomoclassico

Friday, October 7, 2011

Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs, one of the most brilliant minds in History, passed away on October 5, 2011. Jobs besides being the mastermind behind Apple was a genius and poet of our time. His talent was comparable to that of the likes of Edison, Guttenberg, Graham Bell, Marconi, and Einstein.



The legacy of Steve Jobs is not limited only to Macs, Ipods, and Ipads; it goes beyond that. His quotes full of wisdom will continue inspiring many for the upcoming decades.


Stay hungry, stay foolish.

Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.

The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it.




Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes.

The ones who see things differently. They’re not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them.

About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them. Because they change things. They invent. They imagine. They heal. They explore. They create. They inspire. They push the human race forward.

Maybe they have to be crazy.

How else can you stare at an empty canvas and see a work of art? Or sit in silence and hear a song that’s never been written? Or gaze at a red planet and see a laboratory on wheels?

We make tools for these kinds of people.

While some see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.



Photo & Video: Flickr and Youtube

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Montgomery Clift: Summer meets Fall

Montgomery Clift is shown below wearing a very simple, basic, and functional early Fall ensemble. He paired a thin striped t-shirt with what appears to be a shirt or a very light cotton jacket, rolled up pants, pattern socks, and mocassins.


All in all, this enemble includes pieces that could have been worn weeks before when it was still Summer, but with the help of some elements they were successfully transformed into "Fall-wear".




Photo: Flickr

Monday, October 3, 2011

Elizabeth Taylor & Richard Burton: London Rain

Who said one must look sloppy, wet, and unstylish on a rainy day? Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton proved the opposite to this while strolling through the streets of London on a rainy Summer day in the 60s. Class, elegance, and style at their finest.



Photo: Flickr

Friday, September 30, 2011

James Dean: Reflections

Today, on James Dean's 56th death anniversary, a photo that shows why he's a legend and icon.

Long live "The Rebel Without A Cause".



Photo: Flickr

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Helmut Newton: Champs-Elysees

What do you get when you mix stylish & elegant ensembles, Helmut Newton, and the Champs-Elysees with the Arc de Triomphe in the background?

The answer is this:




Photo: Ciaovogue

Monday, September 26, 2011

Cary Grant: How to Wear a Suit

Cary Grant's impeccable style and presence made him an icon of elegance and class. He knew how and where to wear a suit, what to wear with it, and most of all make the suit versatile and wearable in everyday life. He wore the suit, the suit didn't wear him.



Photo: Flickr

Friday, September 23, 2011

Ryan O'Neal & Ali MacGraw: Love Story

Ryan O'Neal and Ali MacGraw co-starred in one of the most popular films from 1970, "Love Story". Based on the Erich Segal novel with the same name, O'Neal and MacGraw played the roles of Oliver & Jenny, captivating audiences with their sad love story.

Below a promotional photo from "Love Story", where its co-stars wear ensembles that are just perfect for these first days of Fall.



Photo: Flickr

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

The Who: Mod Fashion Essentials

The Who besides being one of the most important groups in music history, were also among those who influenced fashion during the 60s.

This iconic rock band experienced an outstanding evolution within this decade, from a classic and sharp Mod look on the first half of the 60s to a more upbeat, New Romantic, Hippie inspired image on the second half.

Below a photo from The Who posing in the middle of the railroad. The Mod target turtleneck and Union Jack blazer immediately grab one's attention.


Photo: Flickr

Monday, September 19, 2011

Arquiste: Perfumes with History

In a world that has been captivated by the scents of classic perfumes such as: Eau Sauvage, Paco Rabanne, Obsession, Givenchy Gentlemen, and YSL Pour Homme; and with a wide variety of perfumes available, nowadays it is really hard to find new fragrances that captivate all of our senses, leave a long lasting impression, and of course become our own trademark.

Arquiste, a new perfume collection inspired on the scents and circumstances of certain moments in World History, will be launched this week in New York City.

Developed by Carlos Huber, a Mexican architect specializing in Historic Preservation, whose passion for architecture, history, and perfumery led him to study fragrance development with internationally recognized noses.


The final result was the creation of 6 perfumes which restore the olfactive experience of a certain place and time in history:

L’Etrog: Calabria, Italy on October 1175. A family celebrates their harvest inside their cabin. The scents of Etrog citron, Date fruit, and Myrtle fill the festive atmosphere.


Flor y Canto: Tenochtitlan, Mexico on August 1400. Flowers are offered at the Aztec temple’s altar to the beat of loud drums. Dancers and onlookers are captivated by the smell of Mexican Tuberose, Magnolia, and Marigold.

Fleur de Louis: Isle of Pheasants, Basque Region on June 1660. An encounter that would mark the end of war and the start of the marriage between Louis XIV and Infanta Maria Teresa. The meeting took place in a pavilion where Pine and Cedar wood converged with Iris, Rose, and Jasmine to create a one of a kind scent.

Infanta en flor: Isle of Pheasants, Basque Region on June 1660. Infanta Maria Teresa was perfumed with Orange Flower water for her first encounter with Louis XIV. A meeting that would change the course of history.

Anima Dulcis: Mexico City on November 1695. At the Convent of Jesus Maria a group of nuns prepares an exquisite recipe with Cocoa, Chili, Cinnamon, and Vanilla.

Aleksandr: St. Petersburg, Russia on January 1837. Alexandr Pushkin finishes his toilette of Neroli and Violet before a fateful duel in which the smell of Fir filled the air.

Below my interview with Carlos Huber which will allow you to know more about this unique collection of perfumes.


What does Arquiste mean/stand for?
Arquiste comes from Architecture, History, and Art; all references to the work that has gone into each of the perfumes.

Being your interest and passion for architecture and history evident, you could have developed an architectural history book or any other kind of project. What motivated you to create Arquiste?

Arquiste is that “other kind of project” for me. During site visits to architectural or archeological sites, or while reading about a specific historic subject, the questions “But what did actually FEEL like? What did it SMELL like?” would pop in my head. I wanted to “restore” the experience.


One of my mentors at Columbia Unviersity had explored the role of non-visual cues in interpreting historic sites, and even of introducing scent as mnemonic or interpretive aid… All of that got me thinking that a preservation architect’s role doesn’t need to stop with architectural history or with “repointing” facades.

I do love architectural history books: essays on architectural styles from the 18th Century, modernist theory, etc. Maybe one day a doctorate will follow…

Why did you choose these historical periods for the first line of Arquiste?

They were stories that I had come across during my preservation/architectural practice or during travels. For example, when I lived in Bilbao, I visited the Isle of Pheasants, on the border between Spain and France, where the story of Fleur de Louis and Infanta en flor takes place.

Anima Dulcis is the result of all the research for my master thesis project at Columbia University, which was a proposal for the restoration of the Ex-Convent of Jesus Maria, in Mexico City.

Now that you mention Infanta en flor and Anima Ducis…Are these the only perfumes from your collection oriented towards women?

Well, all of the perfumes are unisex…Flor y Canto and Infanta en flor could be considered as the most floral ones, and traditionally, the most feminine. Aleksandr, L’Etrog, Anima Dulces, and Fleur de Louis are truly unisex.

What really matters is that each person chooses the perfume that best grabs their attention by its “scent” or “history”, without a gender stereotype. The perfume will adapt to their natural chemistry, “smelling” in the end like themselves but with a touch of the “situation” chosen by them.

Which is your favorite historical period? Why?

I find that I am always drawn to periods of transition between centuries…for example, the period between Louis XIV’s later years and the Regency in the early 18th century in France; or the first decades of the 1800s throughout Europe and America…They are the times where the ideas of the previous regime collide with the new; creating the most crazy-creative-contrasting and uncertain times…This would be both stylistically and philosophically….and much like today.

Do you plan on developing more historical inspired fragrances in the near future? Any 20th Century inspired fragrances?

Yes, I am working on a new one based on a specific garden created in the later part of Louis XIV’s reign. And yes, the 20th century is also coming…I have one based on the hippie invasion of Ibiza in the 70s.


Arquiste will be launched this week on Barneys New York and in the upcoming weeks at The Webster in Miami and Saks Fifth Avenue in Mexico City.


Photos: Arquiste

Friday, September 16, 2011

Marcello Mastroianni & Anouk Aimee: La Dolce Vita

Marcello Mastroianni & Anouk Aimee gave a lesson of elegance on the set of Fellini's "La Dolce Vita", where they co-starred as Marcello and Maddalena.



Photo: Flickr