Friday, March 30, 2012

Dustin Hoffman: The Versatile Graduate

Dustin Hoffman as Benjamin Braddock in "The Graduate" showed the versatility of a plain white t-shirt.


Photo: Tumblr

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

A Mad Men Party: Zou Bisou Bisou

March 25, 2012 marked the return of one of the most successful TV series in recent years, "Mad Men". The year and a half wait for the premiere of Season 5, was definitely worth it!

Set in the summer of 1966, this season begins with a look at the Civil Rights movement, just one of the many revolutions that took place in the second half of this decade.

To the beat of Ken Griffin's rendition of "Ebb Tide", the story focuses on Don and Megan Draper's newly wed life; and quickly moves to the comings and goings at Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce.

But the highlight of this episode took place at Don Draper's 40th birthday party held at his flat. Organized by Megan, it was the best kept secret of the week till Don spots Roger and Jane Sterling at his door.

An elegant and vivid party where the latest Spring/Summer styles of 1966 interacted with a minimalistic 60s decor and a few cocktails here and there.

Yet Don Draper wasn't the "star" of his birthday party, it was Megan who perfomed a sultry version of "Zou Bisou Bisou", sung by both French singer Gillian Hills & Sophia Loren in 1960.

Below a photo sequence of this already iconic "Mad Men" scene (and the reason why many people have stuck "Zou Bisou Bisou" on their minds this week!).











And to wrap up a memorable episode like this one, nothing better than Dusty Springfield singing "You Don't Have To Say You Love Me", the english version of Pino Donaggio's San Remo 1965 hit "Io Che Non Vivo Senza Te".

Photos: AMC/Rollingstone.com

Monday, March 26, 2012

Gunter Sachs & Brigitte Bardot: Viva Las Vegas

Gunter Sachs and Brigitte Bardot were photographed strolling along "The Strip" in Las Vegas after their July 1966 wedding.


Photo: Tumblr

Friday, March 23, 2012

Cristobal Balenciaga: 40th Anniversary

Today marks the 40th death anniversary of one Fashion's design and style icons, Cristobal Balenciaga.


Photo: Tumblr

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Jeanloup Sieff: The Elegance of Cerruti

Jeanloup Sieff is seen below wearing an elegant Cerruti ensemble in early 1968. His suit's fabric was at the time one of Cerruti's innovations: L.M.S. fabric (a blend of wool, linen, mohair, and silk).


Photo: Ciaovogue

Monday, March 19, 2012

Pablo Picasso: Breton Shirt

Pablo Picasso wearing an all time Spring/Summer staple: a Breton shirt.



Photo: Tumblr

Friday, March 16, 2012

We'll Take Manhattan

David Bailey & Jean Shrimpton helped define fashion in the 60s. Their influence has withstood the test of time, and has been kept alive through Bailey's photography.

Earlier this year, the BBC released "We'll Take Manhattan", a film that narrates a trip that changed fashion forever: Bailey and Shrimpton visited "The Big Apple" for a VOGUE photoshoot in 1962.

Aneurin Barnard plays the role of David Bailey, while Karen Gillan portrays the iconic Jean Shrimpton.


Photo: Coventrytelegraph

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Hugo Boss: The Colored Jacket

Hugo Boss proved on one of its late 80s campaigns the versatility of a colored jacket, as the one below. An essential for this Spring/Summer.



Photo: Uomoclassico

Monday, March 12, 2012

M. de Phocas: Stylish Cufflinks

Accessories are sometimes the most forgotten or underlooked items in menswear. Whether it is because we live in an era where minimalistic and “less is more” aesthetics prevail or a matter of taste; one must never underestimate the enormous impact that an accessory can have over an entire ensemble.

Accessories, despite their size or position, have the power to grab someone’s attention and focus, beating your shirt or jacket to it. They’re the finishing touch, the olive in the Martini, an expression of your personality and sense of style.

When used in a balanced and effortless way, accessories become a symbol of elegance. In the last 5 or 6 years, with the Dandy and Mad Men 60s revival, accessories such as cufflinks, tie bars, pocket squares, and rings have claimed their influential position in menswear; a position that was a leading one during the first six decades of the 20th Century.


M. de Phocas offers some of the finest cufflinks and accessories for the modern and dapper gentlemen. Created by Alexis Zambrano and Jesús Torres, two Mexican friends who grew up together while being exposed to elegance at a young age; M. de Phocas is a tribute to dandysism. It is no surprise that its name was inspired by the story “Monsieur de Phocas” written by one of history’s iconic dandies, Jean Lorrain.

Set in New York City, M. de Phocas offers some of the finest cufflinks and accessories; pieces inspired by classic designs, 19th Century Madrilean jewelry, nature, and even gummy bears. Each piece is handmade by artisans using materials such as Silver, Gold, Onyx, Pearls, Corals, and Diamonds.

Below a brief interview that will allow you to know more about M. de Phocas and its creators.


What inspired you to design menswear accessories?

The inspiration first came from watching our grandfather’s style when we were kids. The idea of the well dressed gentlemen was bestowed upon us by their interest in details within their garments. Accessories were essential to how they perceived the appropriate daily dress code.

Why cufflinks?

We both were given antique cufflinks from our grandparents and were always in search of more. Our search was limited, and we began to do them for ourselves. Eventually, people responded to the designs and we began to do them for others as well.

Are there any upcoming plans to design accessories such as tie bars, rings, money clips etc?

There are a few designs being produced, soon they will be in our website. The previews can be seen in our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/M.dePHOCAS



What are your sources of inspiration?

Sources of inspiration vary from our own curiosities. Fred Astaire, Jules Verne, Rene Descartes, and Beau Brummell are among inspirational figures in our designs.

Which are your favorite gems and precious stones?

We use gems of all sorts. Sapphires, Lapis Lazuli, Morganites, Pearls, and Corals are some of our most commonly used.

Classic or avant garde design?

The designs bridge classical ideas to a current form by a new interpretation. Our focus is not to be branded as either, rather to condense an idea into an accessory by extracting the elements that compose the idea and re introduce them into a cohesive and simple moment which is represented in the resulting piece.

In your opinion, what should any stylish gentleman consider when wearing/selecting cufflinks?

We consider any gentlemen should be focused on subtle details. Color palette and materiality are vital for a complete ensemble. Such details make the definite difference. Furthermore, we believe a custom made vase for boutonnière in the lapel is the gentleman’s understanding and appreciation for nature.




Photos: M. de Phocas

Friday, March 9, 2012

Yves Saint Laurent by David Bailey

As Winter is almost over, and Spring is starting to feel in the air; there's nothing better than a similar ensemble to that worn by Yves Saint Laurent in this 1970 David Bailey photograph. Perfection.


Photo: Tumblr

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Ryan O'Neal: Spring Denim

Ryan O'Neal photographed by Andy Warhol in 1971 wearing a denim shirt, one of this Spring/Summer's essentials.



Photo: ABC News

Monday, March 5, 2012

George Peppard & Audrey Hepburn: Elegance at Tiffany's

Holly Golightly and Paul Varjak, played by Audrey Hepburn & George Peppard in "Breakfast at Tiffany's" are without a doubt, one of the most elegant couples in Cinema history.

Peppard shows the instant elegance of a good jacket and a skinny tie; while Audrey became a style icon with her legendary black Givenchy dress.


Photo: Sydney Morning Herald

Friday, March 2, 2012

Peter Sellers & Britt Ekland: Fun Pose

Peter Sellers and Britt Ekland photographed by Lord Snowdon in 1966.



Photo: Tumblr