Piccadilly Circus: The Center of It All

A glimpse of Piccadilly Circus, one of the most important sites of Swingin' 60s London, on October 1968.

Photo: Tumblr

Alain Delon: Sartorial Excellence

Alain Delon in a 60s photo that is synonymous of style and perfection.

Photo: Tumblr

Jay Kay: The Perfect Weekend

Jamiroquai's lead man, Jay Kay definitely knows how to spend a perfect and stylish weekend in the English countryside. All he needs is a 60s sports car, a fedora, a trench coat, an untucked long sleeve shirt, pants, and a pair of sneakers.

Photo: Tumblr

Pet Shop Boys: West End Boys

Pet Shop Boys are one of the greatest music acts from the 80s. Their synth pop songs with catchy lyrics are a big part of this decade's soundtrack. If one had to choose a word to define Pet Shop Boys it would be avant-garde, not only was their music distinctive back then, their clothes was a blend of classiness, minimalism, and avant-garde.

Below a shot of the video for their first hit single, "West End Girls". In fact before being called Pet Shop Boys, they were called West End in honor of this famed London area.

Photo: Tumblr

Serge Gainsbourg & Jane Birkin: Black and White Trench Coats

Jane Birkin & Serge Gainsbourg wearing black and white trench coats in the middle of a foggy forest. Worth noticing are Gainsbourg's all white ensemble of pants and turtleneck sweater, and Birkin's leg long boots.

Photo: Tumblr

Highlights from Milan Fall/Winter 2013

A couple of days ago, Milan was the menswear capital of the world due to the Fall/Winter 2013 shows. This year, black and very dark colors were a common sight on the runways, yet some designers used a varied color palette that brought some light into Winter. In contrast to previous seasons, there wasn't a strong decade reference on most collections, some still channeled a bit of the 60s and 70s, while others bet on modern times and the future. All in all amazing shows and collections, whose highlights are mentioned below.

Burberry proved that classic items such as a peacoat/trench coat and pullover sweaters are never out of style. Less is always more.

Dolce & Gabbana once again paid tribute to Italy and Sicily like in their Spring/Summer show. Worth noticing are the laced plain white shirts that echo the 60s' Edwardian revival, and their floral painting jackets and pullovers. Bold items full of artistry.

Bottega Veneta (first two photos) had a futuristic/classic touch with their rolled neck coat and opt art sweater. Canali (above and below) on the other hand was one of the best collections due to its timeless elegance and use of different materials that included wool, velvet, and even fur (yet I strongly encourage the use of faux fur!). Turtlenecks and double breasted jackets are a synonym of sartorial success.

Etro (below) was the bohemian show this season. Like always Etro's paisley inspired prints and patterns made one think of Rasputin, Russia, The Beatles, and Brian Jones. Big pendant necklaces are a good accesory for winter ensembles.

Roberto Cavalli was one the innovators and trendsetters in Milan with its very original "teleidoscopic" pattern, the next paisley. This brightly executed pattern used in ties, linings, shirts, and jackets had the power to turn dark ensembles into bright ensembles perfect for any soiree around town.

Iceberg somehow paid tribute to Mondrian and Yves Saint Laurent with this geometric sweaters.

 

Missoni featured very casual yet elegant pieces that gave an example why its iconic zig zag pattern has been a favorite for 60 years.

 

Ferragamo paid hommage to those rainy nights at Times Square with a black+blue collection that used leather and wool. Its creator, Massimiliano Giornetti thanked the audience wearing a Winter essential: a black velvet jacket.

Prada was a combination of 80s, minimalism, color blocking, and Miami Vice .

 Photos: Style.com

Ryan O'Neal & Ali MacGraw: Rendezvous at Central Park

A scene from 1970's "Love Story" that depicts a moment of Oliver Barrett and Jenny Cavalleri, played by Ryan O'Neal & Ali MacGraw, at a snow covered Central Park.

"Love means never having to say you're sorry..."

Photo: Theskinnystiletto

Richard Gere: Coat Elegance

Richard Gere as Julian Kaye in "American Gigolo" shows the sartorial effect a coat can have. A wardrobe essential during Fall/Winter.

Photo: Tumblr

Paul Newman: Winter Layering

Paul Newman was photographed somewhere between the late 50s and early 60s taking a Winter stroll around town wearing a comfortable layered jacket ensemble.

Photo: Tumblr

Mikhail Baryshnikov: The Greatest Ballet Dancer

Mikhail Baryshnikov is one of the greatest ballet dancers of the 20th century. His performances captivated audiences worldwide during the 70s and 80s. It can be said that he was Ruldolf Nureyev's successor. During the 70s Baryshnikov ventured into TV, cinema with films such as "The Turning Point", and even Studio 54.

Below a photo of Mikhail Baryshnikov snapped by famed fashion photographer Francesco Scavullo in the early 80s.

 Photo: Tumblr

Steve McQueen: Bullitt Perfection

"Bullitt" is one of Steve McQueen's most remembered films due to its plot, the San Francisco settings, Jacqueline Bisset, and Frank Bullitt's ensembles.

Throughout most of the film, McQueen portrayed Lieutenant Bullitt wearing a brown jacket, and a turtle neck jersey/sweater paired with matching pants and trousers; and McQueen's iconic 649s. A simple and timeless look that has made a comeback in recent years due to it's classiness and versatility.

Photo: Tumblr

Fred Astaire

Fred Astaire's sense of elegance was visible on his clothes and movements on the dancefloor.

Photo: Tumblr

Robert Redford: A Gatsby 2013

"The Great Gatsby" is considered by many as one of the most stylish films ever. Not only does it have impressive settings and decor, but the Roaring 20s clothes which impressed movie audiences influenced fashion in the mid 70s.

This F. Scott Fitzgerald novel has been portrayed in film several times, being the 1974 version starring Mia Farrow & Robert Redford the most popular. The 2013 version of this classic is expected to grace the silver screen this summer.

Below a promotional photo that depicts Robert Redford posing in front of the Rosecliff mansion, wearing what appears to be a velvet jacket, with a pocket square and a scarf; the perfect ensemble for this season.

Happy 2013 and may this year be an amazing one!

Photo: Tumblr