Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Last post of 2008

Today we travel back to 1981 with Alec R. Costandinos who gives us an example of casual fashion back then and that it's important to take some time to relax and think on our dreams, experiences etc.

On this day, the last of 2008, regardless of the fashion I consider it important that we look back at our year and analyze our flaws, positive traits, critical and joyful moments...and that we come up with new dreams and goals for the upcoming year.

I would like to thank all you who have made the existence of this blog possible throughout this year. When I began this blog 6 months ago I didn't think of the response it would have, for which I'm grateful for. Even though I'm no expert, I find it enjoyful to share with all of you a glimpse to the fashions of past decades and their modern reinterpretation, afterall fashion is cyclical.

Hope everyone has a great New Year's Eve. Best wishes for 2009!!!



Photo: Flickr

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

The perfect combination

An image is worth more than a thousand words...Wayfarers and NYC = perfect combination!
Photo: Flickr

Monday, December 29, 2008

Jefferson Hack

Although I wouldn't wear a white suit like Jefferson Hack's in Fall/Winter, he managed to pull it off this fall at a party. Besides the suit what makes this picture interesting is that it shows Jefferson enjoying the party. I hope everyone is enjoying their holiday parties :D



Photo: TFS

Saturday, December 27, 2008

That 70s Show

That 70s Show is one of those great TV shows from the late 90s and early 00s. I guess everyone here has seen it more than once or at least a fragment of it, so I don't feel it's required for me to describe the plot.

It's one of those shows which gives you the opportunity to relate its plots with your own experiences, have a good laugh, and be exposed to lots of 70s fashion, decor, culture, music, & way of life.


Photo: That70sshow.com

Friday, December 26, 2008

Winter Resort

Stavros Niarchos and Kate Bosworth in a photoshoot for GQ. He is wearing a white shirt and trousers outfit with a leather belt and sandals.


Photo: GQ

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Merry Christmas


I'd like to wish a Merry Christmas to all of my readers :) Below an ensemble that is a perfect example of the Romantic style from the late 60s. And of course you could purchase it at the legendary Carnaby Street.

Photo: Flickr

Monday, December 22, 2008

Must wear

A must for this Holiday season's parties...classic and timeless elegance by YSL. It's worth noticing the Wayfarer shaped black frame eyeglasses.
Photo: GQ

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Bowl of cereal

Hayden Christensen eating a bowl of cereal and looking very much like James Dean. Nothing more classic and rebel than a leather jacket and jeans.




Photo: GQ

Monday, December 15, 2008

And the beat goes on

Another pic from Bianca Jagger's legendary birthday bash at Studio 54 in 1977...Bianca Jagger, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Mick Jagger, and Alana Hamilton. All perfect examples of the styles and night fashions in 1977.


Photo: Own Vanity Fair scan

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Velvet

I'm back after some time and sorry for the delay but these last weeks were kind of hectic for me...

Anyway since the holiday season is about to begin, and with that many holiday parties I thought it would be good to post some photos that may serve to you as "inspiration". Below you can see some shots from a FW 08 09 campaign, yet I don't remember exactly at the moment if they're from the Zegna campaign or another...I'm someone who doesn't pay a lot of attention to brands, I care more for how it looks.

These outfits are very classic and elegant, and reminiscent of the mod styles from the 60s and even echo the 70s in some way. A look that can be achieved in a very simple and inexpensive way. All you need is a turtleneck and a jacket, preferably velvet for winter. It's probably a look that I've posted a lot here in this blog but I just find it perfect.


Photo: TFS

Friday, November 28, 2008

India

George Harrison is shown here during The Beatles' visit to India in the late 60s. His outfit has a touch of psychodelic and the romantic styles popular at that time.


Photo: Flickr

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Red stripes

Vintage GQ cover from the late 50s...Although it's a summer outfit, I think it can be pulled off during Fall/Winter.


Photo: GQ

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Halston & Bianca Jagger

Fashion designer Halston with Bianca Jagger at her birthday party in Studio 54 in 1978.

Due to a busy schedule I haven't had a lot of time to update my blog this week, but I'm back ;) Thanks to all of those who are frequent visitors.


Photo:TFS

Monday, November 10, 2008

Tom Jones

Tom Jones is one of the UK's most famous singers, reaching his heyday back in the 60s and 70s. Songs like "Thunderball", "Promise Her Anything", "It's Not Unusual", and "She's A Lady", just to mention some, are amongst his greatest hits. Below a photo of him taken in the late 60s shows a mod and classic style. Yet his style is more remembered for his trousers, shirts, chains, and hair.
Photo:Flickr

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Turtlenecks

Turtlenecks have been around for such a long time now...I don't remember exactly the year but I once read they were worn around by whale fishermen back in the 19th century. And since then they've become a staple in a man's wardrobe. IMO turtlenecks reached their peak during the 60s with Mod fashion and were still worn in the 70s by Halston and countless others. It seems as throughout the 80s and 90s turtlenecks were thought of only as winter wear. However during this decade, the 00s, I've seen it make a kind of comeback on the runways.

I personally think turtlenecks can make a fall/winter outfit look elegant yet simple, different from the rest. I recommend have different colors to combine with different pieces. And if worn with a jacket you have the recreation of the 60s mod look.


Photo: Flickr

Thursday, November 6, 2008

SNF

Saturday Night Fever is defintely a movie that helped make Disco music mainstream. Tony Manero's white suit and black polyester shirt define for some the whole late 70s fashion. In my opinion it's an example but not the only look that represents the late 70s for men's fashion.
Photo: Menstyle.com

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

JFK

American president John F. Kennedy graced the cover of March 1962's GQ due to the worldwide attention his personal style began to receive. Taken in the epitome of the "Camelot Years" this image proves that no matter what your job is, there's no excuse to have some style. JFK will most likely be remembered for his Tortoise Wayfarers and his leisure clothes (sailing around Martha's Vineyard with the family).


Congratulations to Barack Obama who has just made history and without a doubt will bring the much need winds of change! Even though 4 decades have gone by, the 60s spirit of freedom and equalness for all still prevails....


Photo: GQ

Monday, November 3, 2008

Starsky & Hutch

Starsky and Hutch was one of the most famous TV shows in the 70s...they were just like the "Miami Vice" of the 70s, of course without the Hugo Boss suits, wayfarers, and Miami.

Two crime fighters, two styles....Hutch wearing a long leather jacket with a turtle neck underneath and jeans. Starsky with his famous sweater, a blue shirt, and jeans. Of course who can forget the Torino!


Photo: Flickr



Thursday, October 30, 2008

007

The new film of the 007 saga, Quantum of Solace, premieres this Friday and to "celebrate" I shall post an entry dedicated to the most famous secret agent of all time....Bond...James Bond.

Despite having appeared more than 45 years on film screens worldwide, these films' actors, actresses, villians, gadgets, clothes, and soundtracks still continue to fascinate thousands just like in 1962.
The first and perhaps the most remembered James Bond...Sean Connery sporting a white tuxedo in 1964's "Goldfinger". He's the only actor that portrayed 007 in several "official films" and the "not so official" remake of "Thunderball": "Never Say Never Again" in 1983.

George Lazenby was James Bond only once in 1969's "On Her Majesty's Secret Service". It's the only film where Bond marries his Bond girl: Countess Tracy Di Vicenzo, yet in the end she's killed by the evil Blofeld. This film is worth checking out for the clothes and the ski chase sequences. I think it was in this film when Bond began wearing more "modern" clothes, suitable for the era.

Roger Moore was the Bond of the 70s and most of the 80s. Shown here in 1985's "A View To A Kill" with the stunning Tanya Roberts.
And to wrap up this entry, the most famous of the Bond Girls: Ursula Andress as Honey Ryder in 1962's "Dr. No".

Photos: Club 007 & James Bond Multimedia

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

London Wedding

Film director Roman Polanski married one of the most beautiful actresses from the 60s, the late Sharon Tate, on January 20, 1968 in London. His wedding attire was a combination of the mod and romantic looks of the late 60s in England.


Photo: Viewimages

Monday, October 27, 2008

Rainy morning

The one and only Michael Caine strolling through the riverside on a rainy morning in the late 60s.
Photo: Menstyle.com

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Whipped Cream

Herb Alpert, one of the greatest jazz musicians of all time, in a picture from the late 60s looking very Mod, yet he added a fun twist with his checkered trousers to the outfit. If you're looking for some relaxing jazz music from the 60s and 70s, Herb Alpert is definetly worth checking out.


Photo: Profimedia

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Gucci Flashback

The weather is starting to get a bit cold in some parts of the world already and below is a very much Mod/70s disco inspired outfit from one of Gucci's latest collections (I think it was FW 2008, not sure). Simple but outstanding. Who said white pants were only for spring/summer?



Photo: Menstyle.com

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Mod Sweater

Back in 1965 the Mods were starting to turn the heads of the fashion savy worldwide...and GQ didn't fail to talk about them. Shown in this cover from early 1965 is a very Mod short sleeve sweater/shirt. The designer is unknown but I can venture and say it is from Ted Lapidius. I like this piece of clothing a lot and consider it in my opinion the menswear equivalent of the legendary YSL Piet Mondrian pieces...More than a garment, this tricolored sweater/shirt is a piece of geometric and modern art.
Photo: GQ

Monday, October 13, 2008

Fall at sea

Another photo from the editorial GQ had out last month to honor the style of the late John F. Kennedy Jr. A casual outfit ideal for those chilly summer days or fall. Shirt under a striped sweater and a wool coat with wooden buttons.
Photo: GQ

Sunday, October 12, 2008

T-shirt

Marlon Brando wearing a thin striped t-shirt back in the 50s. A classical wardrobe staple that can be worn all year round...in spring/summer alone, or in fall/winter under a jacket, hoodie, cardigan or blazer.




Photo: Magnum Photos

Friday, October 10, 2008

Friday night

Partying at Studio 54 back in 1977 on the ocassion of Bianca Jagger's birthday....54 owner Steve Rubell, famed Russian dancer Mikhail Barishnikov, and rock icon Mick Jagger. A perfect example of late 70s club fashion all in one picture. Dress shirt with trousers, black suit with an open neck shirt, and a white suit.



Photo: Own magazine scan

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Avedon meets The Beatles

The Beatles are part of our modern pop culture and the quintessential musical/cultural icons of the 60s. Richard Avedon, one of the most famed photographers in history, took these photographs of them, along with a group photo in b/w back in 1967. These 4 photos were released as posters in several magazines back then and became collectible items immediately. In each of them Avedon cleverly reflects the essence of each Beatle....we can see George's Hindu mysticism, John's intellectual and spiritual side, Ringo's calmness and Paul's appreciation for nature and creativity. Photo: TFS

Friday, October 3, 2008

Jumpsuit

What is more 70s than a jumpsuit.....yeah favored by some and despised by some...Only a few could pull it out well in the 70s. One of them was the King, yes Elvis Presley who proved to be not only the "King of Rock N' Roll" but the "King Of Jumpsuits" during his 70s Las Vegas stage. His jumpsuits were different from the rest because they were very ornamented and attention grabbing.


A more subtle and wearable version of the jumpsuit in the 70s is shown below.




Photos: Weblogs/Newsday.com & GQ

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Boho Glam

An outfit that is a mixture of Bohemian and a bit of of 70s Glam. Black washed denim jeans, velvet jacket, wool scarf, and a fedora hat. A modern reinterpretation of the past for this Fall/Winter.

Photo: TFS

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Michael Kors FW 08

Michael Kors has become one of my favorite "modern" designers, esp. after seeing his FW 2008 ad campaign...it's just brilliant and practically "yells" 60s mod elegance. Shown in this picture a very classic and basic ensemble made up of a khaki trouser, black shoes, a camel blazer, a black turtleneck, and some Wayfarer styled sunglasses. This ad's picture seems like it could have been taken around 1964-1965, yet it's a modern recreation of it all. Just shows how cyclical fashion can be...
Photo: TFS

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Carnaby Street

London was perhaps the most influential city for 60s male fashion because it was the Center of the whole world during most of this decade. The continous exchange of its artists and creative geniuses led to the establishment of a new culture, a new phase in man kind history. Paris was still the capital for womenswear, with designers such as Chanel, Balenciaga, Dior (with Marc Bohan), and a young yet very talented YSL (it was during this decade that he reached inmortality with his A shaped Piet Mondrian dress) kept amazing women worldwide. Of course I can't forget to mention Mary Quant, from London, who invented the mini skirt and caused a worldwide revolution.

Men, especially young men, were looking for a new style, tired of the "old" and classic styles that had already been worn and used for decades. London had that new modern and youthful look. This new fad in men fashion was influenced by many elements that came from different time periods and cultures...It was possible to find medieval style shirts, lace shirts that embodied the Romantic look, Hindu inspired suits, Mao neck shirts and jackets, big medallions that had the shape of Military orders to accesorize the look, bellbottoms, and of course the whole Mod look. So as you can see there were many options back then for men, and the place to find all of these items was the legendary Carnaby Street. This was a trend setting point, trends for both women and men fashion of the 60s were defined here, if it was "in" here, it would likely be "in" worldwide.

Carnaby Street may still remain as part of the 60s cultural legacy, but what is true is that nowadays and since almost 40 years ago there hasn't been another Carnaby Street. I think that the modern "equivalent" of this street can be the Internet's fashion sites, forums, and blogs where styles and trends are discussed...but still it's not the same.


Photo: Flickr

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Rebel With Elegance

James Dean will always be remembered as a 50s icon and for his role in "Rebel Without a Cause". Shown in this picture wearing eyeglasses at a gala party he proved that wearing eyeglasses isn't a fashion crime. I like his eyeglasses, they're like a cross between Wayfarers and Persol Rattis.



Photo: GQ

Monday, September 22, 2008

Double breasted

The double breasted look is essential for the 60s Mod inspired style. Shown below a photograph that was most likely taken circa 1967-1968 in London's legendary Carnaby Street. In recent years a lot of designers and retailers have made the double breasted look more available than before, making it possible to find double breasted jackets, blazers, and coats (pea coats).
Lappo Elkan was seen wearing a jacket similar to this one earlier this year in Paris' Fashion Week.



Photo: Flickr

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Timeless Fall fashion item

A trench coat is a trench coat...a classic staple item in every wardrobe regardless if you're male or female. It's a piece that has proven to survive all of fashion's fads throughout decades and still remains a favorite of many. Burberry is the world's best trench coat producer.
There are many ways to wear a trench coat this fall, it's just up to your creativity and the circumstances. I wear mine with a shirt or turtleneck beneath it, and if I want to give it a modern twist just with a t-shirt beneath (if it isn't that cold out there). For a classic look wear some trousers, and for a casual one jeans are okay.

Choosing the trench's color might be a big dilemma for some, it was for me when I bought mine since I had to choose between black and khaki. My choice was the last one since I think black despite being elegant and matching with everything is kind of a dark and somber color for a trench.

I cannot think of a decade in which trench coats weren't used. For example in the 60s we have Steve Mc Queen (see an entry from some months ago) in "The Thomas Crown Affair" & Peter Sellers as the infamous Inspector Closeau in "The Pink Panther" just to mention a few examples. In the 70s and 80s it was also worn by many, at times adapting it to the times, but the essence was the same.

In recent years the trench coat has made a powerful comeback with designers and retailers making it avaiable in different colors and styles. Below is shot of Burberry's FW '08 advertising campaign taken by the famed Mario Testino.





Photo: TFS

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Unpacking

I guess Alain Delon is so far this blog's most featured celebrity due to his great sense of style during the 60s. In this photo a snap from a scene of "A Plein Soleil", where I believe he is in his hotel room in Rome unpacking his stuff and thinking on many things. The jacket appears to be a red/black striped jacket (very original), the tie is outstanding and classic. He appears to be wearing some linen trousers appropiate for the caldo Roman summer. And his white shoes just a perfect example of why Italy is the world's best shoe maker.


Photo: Menstyle.com

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Pose for David Bailey

Iconic and legendary 60s photographer David Bailey made headlines not only for his famous photoshoots, but also for his love life in which he was linked with the beauties from those years and for his personal fashion style. Shown here wearing what seems to be some "skinny" black trousers, a pair of boots, and a white tank top, instructing his model how to pose for the camera. "Blow Up", the movie involving a photographer, beautiful models portayed by Vanessa Redgrave and Verushka, and an unsolved mystery is said to be based on Bailey. In fashion sometimes less is more...

Photo: GQ

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Classic black

Below are the last images from Versace's SS 02 collection....

The black shirt has some pasiley-like motiffs, although it's not paisley, it kind of gives the impression in my opinion. The shirt is transparent, I think if it weren't it would be better, but oh well everyone has different tastes. The trousers are kind of high waisted and the shoes (which can't be seen here) are black and awesome. Another 1977-1978 outfit.



Rebel without a cause...Just classic. An outfit reminscent of James Dean & Marlon Brando in the 50s, Jim Morrison in the 60s, The Ramones in the 70s, David Hasselhoff in the 80s, and Michael Hutchence in the 90s. Black can never go wrong, although color should always be present I think. The trousers are leather.



Another 70s disco inspired outfit. Same high waisted trousers, the shirt has some paisley-like motiffs, not transparent this time, there seem to be some sequins on the lower part of the shirt. And to wrap up this outfit a classic black blazer.

Photos: Versace SS 2002 Catalog

Monday, September 15, 2008

Versace 1967-1977

More images from Versace's SS 2002 collection....

This pullover has a print that is in my opinion reminiscent of the art of Piet Mondrian. The trousers are kind of high waisted. The pastel blue hue of the trousers and pullover is pleasant to the eye and blends well into the scenery. This outfit looks like it could have been worn around 1967-1973.

Just like the picture above it, this pullover looks very Piet Mondrian. The trousers are kind of baggy and high waisted, yet what makes them different is the draped effect that they have on the front. Great color coordination. An outfit that brings back memories of 1966-1967 and the trousers look very 1940s with a mix of mid 1980s.

Save the best for last...my favorite outfit from this collection. The shirt is awesome, the print, the colors and material yell 70s Disco. The trousers are the same ones as on the first picture. The shoes are very nice too, snake skin pastel blue shoes that match with the trousers perfectly. An outfit that could have been worn to go out dancing in 1977.

Tomorrow I'll be posting the last images from this collection, an entry in which Black is the main color.

Photos: Versace SS02 Catalog




Sunday, September 14, 2008

Versace SS02

Versace's 2002 Spring Summer menswear collection had a mixture of the 60s (geometric prints that echoed Piet Mondrian, paisley-like shapes), the late 70s ( high waisted trousers), and the mid 80s (pastel colored suits). I'm not a big Versace fan (sorry for the Versace fans out there) but this collection was just great.
Below an example of this collection, that definetly channels a combination of Miami Vice meets the late 70s disco look. Brilliant! The hairstyle is very JFK. Jr too.
I'll be adding later on more examples from this brilliant collection.


Photo: Versace SS 2002 catalog

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

The Mods are here

Yes they're here...making their arrival in vespas, wearing fitted suits with skinny ties, helmets, and British motiffs.

Photo: TFS

Saturday, September 6, 2008

Gorgeous Styles

Without a question nowadays we live in a very technological and informative world...blogs have caused a great impact on communication and practically almost anyone can blog about many different subjects. Fashion is a popular subject in the blogging world. Throughout these last couple of months I've seen so many blogs devoted to men's fashion, only few proving themselves to be my favorites...

One of my personal favorites and that I HIGHLY recommend is Gorgeous Styles ( http://gorgeoustyles.blogspot.com/), a blog published in Madrid, Spain, which not only focuses on men's fashion only, but also talks about some trends in women's fashion, music worth checking out, the style of international and Spanish male celebrities, places to check out while travelling in Spain and around the world. From the Medina brothers to Scalpers slippers, Flavio Briatore and yachts, summer dresses to popular restaurants, white pants to bermudas, navy blazers to Cayetano Rivera...it's all here!

So as you can see it's like a "mini fashion magazine" which features pictures of places and outfits (as seen on the street) taken by the authors themselves. This blog favors a classic and timeless style, and by looking at it you can see some of the trends or items mentioned here being portrayed in modern day Spain. The blog's language is Spanish, however it is not an obstacle to read it since there are lots of online translators nowadays.

I'm sure that once you check it out, you'll become a reader of it. Trust me :)