The Doors: When You're Strange

The Doors are one of the most iconic rock groups from the 60s whose music still lives up to this day. Founded in 1965, this band from Los Angeles was made up by legendary vocalist Jim Morrison, Ray Manzarek (keyboards), John Densmore (drums), & Robby Krieger (guitar). After performing in venues such as Los Angeles' Whisky A Go Go, The Doors achieved world wide acclaim with "Light My Fire" in 1967. Shortly hits such as "Break On Through", "People Are Strange", "Hello, I Love You", and "Riders of the Storm" followed.

In 2010, the first documentary about The Doors, "When You're Strange" was released. Directed by Tom DiCillo and narrated by Johnny Depp this film focuses on telling the group's story from 1965 till Jim Morrison's untimely death untimely death at the age of 27, like Janis Joplin & Jimi Hendrix, in 1971. Featuring both seen and unseen video footage, this documentary provides an interesting glimpse into the music, legend, and why not, fashion style, of The Doors.

Photo: Flickr

Brian Jones: Swingin 60s London Dandy

Brian Jones from The Rolling Stones was one of London's best dressed during the Swinging 60s. His style was an ecletic mix of classic and elegant pieces with one of a kind modern items. Jones who is credited for founding The Rolling Stones and creating the band's name; was photographed around 1967 wearing an almost perfect and dandy ensemble made up of: a pinstripe jacket, a black skinny tie, silver cufflinks, and black pants.



Photo: The Daily Mail

John Lennon's Eyewear

This last weekend, on Oct. 9 it was celebrated all around the world what would have been John Lennon's 70th birthday. A series of tributes all over the globe honored his memory and helped spread the message of peace within his music.

In 1974 Lennon released "Walls and Bridges" which was an album that feautured a duet with Elton John on the song "Whatever Gets You Through The Night". The album's cover shows John Lennon wearing different models of his trademark round shaped eyeglasses and sunglasses, as well as a pair of aviators.

Photo: Flickr

A Man and a Woman

"A Man and a Woman" or "Un Homme et Une Femme" is a 1966 French film produced and directed by Claude Lelouch. Starring Anouk Aimee & Jean-Louis Trintignant, this film set in locations such as Paris, Deauville, and the 24 hours of Le Mans; tells the story of Anne and Jean-Louis.

A love story that began in Deauville after Anne, who works as a film script, leaves her daughter in a boarding school and looses her train. She ends up returning to Paris with Jean-Louis, a sports car racer, who also has his son at the same school. Jean-Louis and Anne both lost their spouses years before.

After travelling to Deauville and spending a day there with their children, Anne & Jean-Louis fall in love. Jean-Louis participates in a car rally and after the race he goes immediately to Anne who happens to be again in Deauville. However despite being in love with Jean-Louis, Anne can't forget her late husband. She decides it's better to end their relationship and goes back to Paris. At the end of this film, Anne's train stops in a nearby town and she sees Jean-Louis waiting for her. The final sequence is quite a memorable one in cinema history.

"Un Homme et Une Femme" besides its plot is remembered for its shots in color, black & white, and sepia; and the great soundtrack composed by Francis Lai.

This film won the Grand Prix at 1966's Cannes Film Festival, as well as the Academy Award for Best Foreign Film and Academy Award for Best Writing, Story, and Screenplay in 1967.




Photo: Flickr

Hubert de Givenchy & Audrey Hepburn

Hubert de Givenchy, one of the greatest fashion designers of the 20th Century & the genius behind the iconic label Givenchy, was photographed in the late 60s strolling past his store in Paris. On that morning Hubert de Givenchy wasn't alone, he was with his friend and muse, Audrey Hepburn.

Two styles, two icons. Givenchy was wearing a classic and well tailored blue suit with a plain tie and a pocket square; while Audrey Hepburn wore a Mod inspired double breasted suit with a turtleneck.



Photo: GQ

The Clash

In 1977 English punk rock band, The Clash, launched their debut album titled with the group's name. On the cover the band's 3 members: Mick Jones, Paul Simonon, & Joe Strummer gave a lesson of style. They showed that a jacket and tie can be worn in the most relaxed and carefree way and still look effortlessly elegant. Worth noticing are the punk elements added to their ensembles who were a sign of what was going to be worn in the 80s and decades ahead.

It may come as surprise that for their debut album The Clash only featured 3 members on the cover, yet one must remember that Terry Chimes had joined and left the band quickly. He was later replaced by Nick Headon.




Photo: Flickr

Tony Curtis at Gucci in Rome

Tony Curtis, who starred in films such as "Some Like It Hot", "Spartacus", "The Great Race", "Don't Make Waves" & TV series like "The Persuaders" passed away on Sept. 29, 2010.

While visiting Rome around 1966-1968, Curtis wearing a turtleneck with buttons on the sides, a medallion (they were worn a lot in the late 60s), and Gladiator sandals stopped by Gucci on Via Dei Condotti. This same ensemble can be worn this Fall/Winter, of course without the sandals.


Photo: Gucci