Happy 2010: A New Year & Decade

New Year's Eve is always such a special ocassion that one needs to look dapper and sleek throughout this night. And for key moments in our lives like the end of the 00s and start of the 10s, there's nothing that can beat the elegance and class of a tuxedo. Below a photo taken back in 1979 at some club in Paris that shows the power of a tuxedo, notice this one's jacket has a "mosaic" pattern on it.

This year New Year's Eve is a "milestone", since it's not only the end of another year, it's the end of a decade, the 00s. A decade which will be remembered by all the significant events that happened in history, the evolution of fashion (the constant revival of trends from previous decades), and of course our own personal history. The last year of the 00s, 2009, proved to be quite a challenge due to the circumstances in the global economy, fashion wasn't exempt, yet it appears somehow that we've all excelled this challenge and look forward to the future with optimism and perseverance.

I would like to thank each and everyone of you, my readers, for your support throughout this year, and tell you that without you this blog wouldn't be what it is today. Your feedback and comments within this last year have been of great importance and help to me. I can't go on without saying that it has been during 2009, that Retro Vintage Mod Style has experienced an amazing and unexpected growth, and that I'm really thankful to all of you for making this possible.

On the eve of a new decade and year, I would like to wish you and your loved ones the best for the 10s and 2010; may all your dreams and goals be fulfilled, may your life be filled with happiness, peace, and love, and last but not least, may you have lots of stylish outfits that channel the great styles and style icons of previous decades.

And like ABBA sang 30 years ago in 1979, Happy New Year!

Photo & video: L'Officiel Hommes and Youtube

Like A Rolling Stone

What can I say about The Rolling Stones that hasn't be said? Not really a lot, as I would be repeating what others have said, yet I will anyway. Along with The Beatles, The Who, James Bond, the Mods, and Carnaby Street, they are among the best that the UK offered to the world in the 60s. Besides being the rock band with most years of existence (since 1962) in musical history, they are credited for composing and performing some of the most popular rock songs ever.


Songs such as: "Satisfaction", "Angie", "Emotional Rescue", "Like A Rolling Stone", "Brown Sugar", "Honky Tonk Women", "Miss You", "Let's Spend The Night Together" and "Paint It Black" are some of their hits.


Below a photo of the band taken around 1966-1967, in which we can see its original members: Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Brian Jones, Charlie Watts, and Bill Wyman. Each of them wearing outfits that represent fashion during this time in England. Not only have The Rolling Stones set the standard for "the life of a rock star", but they have also had an influence in fashion during these decades.


Photo: Taringa

Happy Christmas

And so this is Christmas....I would like to wish all of my readers a Merry Christmas and the best during this holiday season.


As we all know Christmas Carols play an important part during this time of the year, we have the "classic and traditional" carols and the "contemporary" carols too. One of the latter is John Lennon's 1971 song "Happy Christmas".


Back in 1969, in the middle of the Vietnam War, John Lennon and his wife Yoko Ono launched a billboard/advertising campaign called "War Is Over". Ads were placed in major magazines and billboards in world capitals such as New York, London, Paris, Rome, Berlin, Los Angeles, Toronto, Athens, Amsterdam, Tokyo, and Hong Kong. They were blank ads with only the phrase: War Is Over, in bold letters and beneath it: If You Want It / Happy Christmas From John & Yoko.






Then in 1971, Lennon and Yoko paired up with the Plastic Ono Band and the Harlem Comunity Choir to release "Happy Christmas", whose video you can watch below.






Photo & Video: Flickr, Youtube

David Bailey & Catherine Deneuve

David Bailey besides being an icon of London's Swinging 60s, is one of the greatest photographers in fashion history. His photos are a vivid and timeless representation of the 60s. Still remembered after more than 40 years, he is said to have been the inspiration for "Blow Up".


From 1965 to 1972 he was married to French actress, and one of the most beautiful women in cinema history, Catherine Deneuve. Both were photographed below attending an event in London around 1967. David Bailey is wearing jeans, a suede jacket, a shirt, and a scarf; while Catherine Deneuve opted for a short black dress.




Photo: Flickr

The Orange Nehru Jacket

Around 1966-1967 menswear was taken by storm by the "Nehru Jacket". Inspired by the jackets worn by India's Prime Minister at the time, Sir Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, these jackets became a staple in every stylish men's wardrobe.

Part of their success I believe has to do with the fact that the ethnic, hindu, hippie, and bohemian trends were developing during this years, and considering that the jacket's aesthetic blended well with the Mod clothing of the era.

Below an original version of the Nehru jacket in bright orange with the buttons placed on the side.


Photo: Flickr

The Prince of Cool

For most of us the "King of Cool" will always be Steve Mc Queen, yet a photo like the one below shows that there is a "Prince of Cool", and that is Serge Gainsbourg.


Wearing a 3 piece suit, which has a made a comeback this season, a pair of wrap around sunglasses, and smoking a cigarette (his trademark) Gainsbourg posed for the camera in the early 70s.



Photo: Flickr

Dinner with David Niven

Parties are a quintessential element during this holiday season. While celebrating with your friends and loved ones, style and etiquette must not be forgotten at any moment.


Back in 1956 there was a dinner held at New York City's Waldorf Astoria. Among the guests were Jackie Kennedy and her sister Lee Bouvier. Sitting at their table was a "Gentleman of Cinema", David Niven.


He not only had that "aristocratic aura" on film and in real life, but he was someone you'd always see looking stylish and being classy. Blame it on his English blood or upbringing, Niven is someone to look up to.


Besides starring on memorable films such as "Casino Royale" (yes, he was Sir James Bond!), "Death on the Nile", and "Around the World in 80 Days", he was seen attending the most memorable parties of the 50s, 60s, and 70s in Hollywood, Monte Carlo, and New York.






Photo: LIFE

Mixing it up

Memeber of the 80s' "Brat Pack" and star of memorable 80s films like "Mannequin", "Pretty In Pink", "St. Elmo's Fire", and "Weekend At Bernie's", Andrew McCarthy gave a style lesson back in 1985: sometimes it's okay and fun to mix it all up.

And he did mix it up: white trousers, oversized khaki jacket, black belt, red shirt, and a tie with different shades of gray. A strange and unstylish mix to some, yet what makes it work is his laid back attitude and confidence.

"Attitude is a little thing, that makes a big difference"

Photo: LIFE

What's it all about...Alfie...

"I myself subscribe more to the European philosphy of life, my priorities leaning towards wine, women and... well that's about it...", was a quote said by one of UK's most famous ladies men in history, no this time it's not James Bond, it's Alfie.

A "fictional" character yet very real, Alfie has graced cinema screens two times: first in 1966 with Michael Caine portraying his joys and mishaps in Swinging London and in 2004 with Jude Law being an English man in Manhattan.

Law's performances in films such as "The Talented Mr. Ripley" (1999 remake of "A Plein Soleil"), "Gattaca", "Cold Mountain" among others, have won him international acclaim. Remarkable as his acting is his personal style, managing to look dapper attending a premiere or while strolling around town.

Below he is shown on the set of "Alfie" back in 2003 with Sienna Miller riding a Vespa. How can't this photo have "60s Mod" written all over it? The pin stripe suit, the skinny tie, the vespa all fit in well with elements from the 00s, such as the messed up hair and aviators (classic eyewear, yet this model seems to have a modern design).

In 2003, acclaimed photographer David Bailey (and another 60s icon) snapped a photo of the two "Alfies": Michael Caine and Jude Law.

Yet I have to say, despite Jude's great work in the remake, for me the one and only Alfie is Michael Caine.

And well, I myself do subscribe to the European philosophy of life, just not too much wine, of course women ("birds" like Alfie would say) and why not style and class. Do you?

Photos: People.com & Flickr

He wore black velvet

For this holiday season there's nothing more elegant and retro looking than a velvet suit or jacket. Reaching its peak in the late 60s and 70s, every stylish man owned at least one velvet jacket, from the rock stars to Hollywood. In recent years velvet has made a comeback and can be seen in the latest Gucci collection among others.


Shown below is Jack Nicholson with then wife Angelica Huston attending the Cannes Film Festival in the mid 70s. Despite the fact that this photo was taken in May, Jack managed to pull off the velvet suit perfectly. Angelica is wearing an off the shoulder dress, which seems to have made a comeback recently too.


I would recommend two looks using Velvet for this season, one would be the black velvet suit with a more discreet necktie or a skinny tie (some slippers would be ideal); and the other one would be a black velvet jacket paired with a white shirt and a good pair of jeans.






Photo: GQ

Travelling with Romy & Alain

In 1969 Romy Schneider and Alain Delon costarred alongside Jane Birkin and Maurice Ronet on "La Piscine", a film by Jacques Deray. Besides the intriguing plot, what was special about this film was the fact that Schneider & Delon were seen together on screen after having ended their relationship years before.


I suppose the photo below was taken during a promotional trip for the film. On it we can see Alain Delon wearing a black shirt, a leather jacket (ideal for this Fall/Winter), an original thick leather belt, and clear trousers. Romy Schneider is wearing probably a knee length dress with a waist belt, and a head band.




Photo: Flickr

Draper...Don Draper

"Mad Men" can be considered among the best and most successful TV series of the second half of the 00s. I guess most of you, my readers, have watched it or at least heard/read about it. The series' plot focuses around the life of Donald "Don" Draper (Jon Hamm) and those who work at Sterling Cooper, an advertising agency in Madison Avenue, hence the name "Mad Men".


Set in the early years of the 60s in New York City, besides the great storyline one can be amused by the settings (they've pretty much recreated the early 60s with perfection), the soundtrack, and of course the fashions. It's like bringing the early 60s to present day TV with HD. The beauty of characters like Betty Draper, Peggy Olson, and Joan Holloway must not be missed.


Below the always stylish Don Draper enjoying some moments of relaxation from his bustling life.







Photo: Flickr

Clint Eastwood

Clint Eastwood, best remembered for his roles in movies such as: "The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly", "Dirty Harry", and "Million Dollar Baby", was photographed somewhere along the early/mid 60s wearing some black trousers, a red shirt, a white knitted cardigan, and a leather strap watch.


His sweater somehow reminds me of Alain Delon's fall jacket shown in a previous post this Fall. It's worth putting attention to the button area of this item. An ensemble that can be worn as a whole or without the sweater this Fall/Winter and on the first days of Spring when the air is still cool.



Photo: Lital.com

David Bowie

David Bowie can be defined with two words: everchanging chamaleon. He is one of music's icons and an artist who has changed his look many times within the last four decades. From the Mod look he wore in the 60s, to the paisley shirts, to Ziggy Stardust, to sleek suits in the 80s and 90s, Bowie has influenced men's fashion.


Below we can see Bowie sporting a hairdo that's a mix between the "Mod Bowl" and a "Mullet" in 1966.





Photo: Flickr

Frank Sinatra

Frank Sinatra, known to many as "Ol' Blue Eyes" and "The Voice", was one of the greatest musical performers of the 20th Century. Starting his career in the 40s during the last years of the Big Band era, he reached the peak of his career in the 50s and 60s, and was a living legend in the 70s and on. Songs such as "Strangers In The Night", "My Way", "Something Stupid", "The Way You Look Tonight", among others are part of his musical legacy.

Below he is shown during a recording session in the early 60s wearing an outstanding grey suit paired with a navy blue tie, cufflinks, pocket square, and matching fedora. A look that has made its comeback in the last two years, and looks stylish now as it did back then.


Photo: Flickr

Taylor Burton

Long before the Hollywood couples of today, there was Elizabeth Taylor & Richard Burton, they were perhaps "The Couple" of the 60s. Their love story began on the set of "Cleopatra", one of the biggest productions in cinema history. They got married years later, Richard gave Elizabeth the "Taylor Burton" diamond in 1969, then divorced, then remarried and divorced in the 70s, and remained close till Burton's death in 1984.


From Hollywood to Monaco, to St. Tropez to London, to Mexico; they always caught the attention of photographers. During the shooting of "The Night Of The Iguana" in Mexico, famed photographer Henry Clarke (the one responsible for some of the most iconic fashion photographs of the 60s) snapped both Elizabeth Taylor & Richard Burton leisuring on set. He is wearing a matching light colored turtleneck jersey and trousers with some suede shoes, while Elizabeth appears to be wearing a kaftan.


To end this post, I'd like to wish all of my readers a very Happy Thanksgiving!




Photo: Corbis

To Catch A Thief

"To Catch A Thief" is a Hitchcock film from 1955, starring Grace Kelly as Frances Stevens, an American heiress & Cary Grant as John Robie, a former jewel thief. Set in the French Riviera (Cannes and Monaco mainly), this film does not only have an interesting and intriguing plot (someone is commiting jewel thefts under Robie's name, and both Frances and the real Robie are determined to catch the thief), but it is also a great example of fashion in the mid 50s.


Cary Grant is seen throughout the movie wearing tuxedos, nautical inspired shirts, sleek suits, and an all black ensemble. Grace Kelly's wardrobe designed by Edith Head is the perfect complimment to her beauty and classy personality.


It was around the time this film was made that Grace Kelly met Prince Rainier of Monaco, and in one scene Grace drove on the same road where she had the car accident that took away her life.


Cary Grant is not only one of Hollywood's most elegant actors, but he is the one who co-starred in films with Hollywood beauties and legends such as: Deborah Kerr, Grace Kelly, and Audrey Hepburn.







Photo:Flickr

Sebastian Stan pays hommage to Paul Newman

Earlier this year GQ featured an editorial in which Sebastian Stan recreated some iconic Paul Newman looks and photos. The result was a good one since both the outfits and settings were quite identical to those in the original photos. Of course no one can match Paul Newman, but Stan did a good job in portraying this Hollywood Legend.


Below one of the shots from this editorial, which depicts Sebastian Stan enjoying a moment of leisure wearing a slim fit navy blue suit with a matching skinny tie.



Photo: GQ

The King Of Cool

Nicknamed "The King Of Cool", Steve Mc Queen is an all time fashion icon who continues influencing fashion decades after his untimely death, his influence is perpetual. Below we see him wearing his signature Persol Rattis, a black turtleneck, a wool blazer, and some dark trousers; another option to wear this Fall/Winter.

Photo: Flickr

It's Still Rock N' Roll To Me

Billy Joel, "The Piano Man", is an icon of the musical scene from the late 70s and 80s. He is responsible for hit songs such as: "Just The Way You Are", "Honesty", "Piano Man", "Uptown Girl", "It's Still Rock N' Roll To Me", and "We Didn't Start The Fire" amongst others.


Shown below in the early 80s, he is wearing an outfit that can be worn perfectly this Fall/Winter. All that's needed is just a pair of jeans, a leather jacket (preferably a Bomber), and a t-shirt.



Photo: Musicremedy.com

The elegance of a scarf

Scarves are a must-wear in my opinion during Fall/Winter, not only because they are ideal for the cool temperatures, but also because they can "spice up" any outfit. Available in different colors, patterns, and materials, scarves are an item that never goes out of style within the passing of time.


Below French cinema legend, Jean Paul Belmondo, strolling around on a cool morning wearing a striped cashmere scarf over his coat.





Photo: Flickr

Fall Winter 1966

There is nothing more elegant and perfect for this fall winter's parties or everyday life than a sleek/well fitted black suit paired with a skinny tie. A photo from 1966 that depicts a male model with the outfit mentioned previously, along with a female model who's wearing a Mary Quant bicolored coat with the very popular blue tinted round shaped sunglasses. Less is more....

Photo: TFS

The Who

During the 60s Great Britain gave the world sensational music acts such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Who, just to mention a couple of them. Their conquest on the US Billboard charts during those years is refered as "The British Invasion".

The Who one of the most iconic groups from this period, just like their musical peers, became one of the representatives of men's fashion in the 60s. Below we can see its members donning Mod hairstyles paired with "avant garde" clothes for those years. Peter Townsend's "Union Jack" jacket gets all of the attention on this photo.


Photo: Flickr

"La Dolce Vita" inspires advertising

This is my blog's 200th post and to conmemorate this milestone and thank all of my readers for their support, today I'll be posting a very original advertising campaign from 2006. What makes this campaign original is that it is 100% inspired on the 60s cinema classic "La Dolce Vita".

I won't tell you what this campaign consists of, since words can't be precise to describe it. However I can tell you that the first time I spotted this advertising campaign was while strolling on 7th Avenue in New York City back in the summer of 2006. Below a photo of this very original billboard.




Months later I stumbled with the TV spots which were part of this campaign. Below you can see the black and white & color versions of these spots.









Photos & Videos: Flickr, Own, Youtube

Less is more at Studio 54

"Black is elegant and goes well with everything" and "Sometimes less is more" are two style proverbs that are heard constantly on the street and on magazines. An example that combines both of this principles of style is the photograph below. Taken in the summer of 1978 at Studio 54 we can see Barbara Carrera and Jerry Hall with two gentlemen who are both wearing black suits with unbuttoned wide collar shirts, and nothing more.


A classic, elegant, stylish, and functional outfit to hang out at the club with your friends all year round.


Photo: Jamd

Travelling with Marlon Brando

Marlon Brando, Hollywood Legend, best remembered for his roles in "A Streetcar Named Desire" and "The Godfather", is photographed below while strolling around a crowded airport in the 60s. Who said travelling and style were not compatible?

Photo: GQ

Thriller

With Halloween being celebrated this weekend (the video's story line is about the supernatural), the release of "This It It" on cinemas just days ago, and the great interest on anything Michael Jackson prior to his death (which is still hard to believe months after); I thought it would be quite fitting to post a photo of "The King of Pop", Michael Jackson on one of his career's most iconic moments....the "Thriller" video.


Besides being the longest music video in history and one of the top selling singles ever, "Thriller" is not only a milestone in Michael Jackson's career and life, it is a video that influenced fashion in the 80s. During the video we can see Jackson sporting his "trademark" red jacket along with matching red trousers, white socks, and black shoes.


Call it the "Michael Jackson Effect" or however you want to call it, but in months after his untimely passing, "The King of Pop" is influencing again fashion like he did 25 years ago with some designers releasing jackets and clothes that remind us of his outfits during the height of his career. Long Live The King, Michael Jackson...






Photo: Flickr

The Party

If you'd like to remember some of those stylish parties from the late 60s, I recommend you watch 1968's "The Party". Starring Peter Sellers as Hrundi V. Bakshi, a movie extra who is invited mistakenly to a lavish party hosted by the Clutterbuck family; and Claudine Longet as Michele Monet, an aspiring singer. Throughout the film one can appreciate not only the exquisite interior design of the Clutterbuck residence, but also the formal fashions of the late 60s and the "chaos" caused by Peter Sellers' character.

Peter Sellers is wearing a sand colored suit with an orange red tie and white shoes, while Claudine Longet is wearing a mini yellow dress with beads and sequins on the top part.

Below you can watch the movie's trailer.




One of the most mellow scenes from the movie takes place when Longet's character sings "Nothing To Lose", composed by Henri Mancini.




Photos & Video: Soclassic.org, Youtube

George Peppard in "Breakfast At Tiffany's"

In 1961 George Peppard costarred with Audrey Hepburn in the cinema classic "Breakfast At Tiffany's" (based on the best selling novel with the same name written by Truman Capote). He portrayed Paul Varjack, an aspiring writer who's Holly Golightly's (Hepburn) neighbor in New York and shares a love story with her.

Throughout the movie we can see Peppard wear some sleek suits from the early 60s paired with skinny ties and trench coats.

One of the most memorable scenes from the movie: Holly and Paul shopping at Tiffany's.

Photos: Flickr & Soclassic.org

Sweet Caroline

A nostalgic and timeless photo of John F. Kennedy with his daughter Caroline, and wife Jackie looking at the scene while spending a day at sea near Hyannis Port. JFK is wearing a classic, simple, and still wearable this fall/winter, outfit: a navy blue wool cardigan with a white shirt underneath; along with his iconic Tortoise Wayfarers.

Perfect for spending a day at sea, on the shore, having lunch with friends, relaxing in the garden, strolling on the park or around the city.



Photo: Corbis

Emilio Pucci

Italian fashion designer Emilio Pucci is shown below with two models wearing his designs at a party in the late 60s. Despite the decades gone by, his designs have remained a favorite due to their originality and boldness.


Photo: Flickr

Brian Jones

Brian Jones, member of the Rolling Stones and whose mysterious death in the summer of 1969 shocked the world, is shown here with Anita Pallenberg circa 1967. He is wearing a double breasted jacket, a turtleneck jersey, and some dark trousers. Anita is wearing a floral miniskirt with a turteneck jersey and what appears to be an Afghan coat, which was popular in the late 60s.

Photo: Flickr

Breakfast with James Dean

A thoughtful and contemplative James Dean is photographed below while having breakfast around 1954-1955. He's wearing what appears to be a navy striped jersey/pullover; and a navy blue shirt beneath. A stylish and original outfit that can be worn all year round.


Photo: Flickr

L.G.R Sunglasses

Eyewear is not only an accessory to aid or protect one's vision, but an accessory that reflects one's style, elegance, and personality; and why not...it is perhaps the final touch on an outfit.

In times where finding sunglasses and eyeglasses that reflect the 3 aspects mentioned above, with a superior quality, and a design that evokes the eyewear of the 50s and 60s is a difficult task; we have L.G.R Sunglasses.

Founded by Luca Gnecchi Ruscone after discovering some Italian eyewear at his grandfather's warehouse in Eritrea, Africa; L.G.R Sunglasses manages to recreate the elegance of eyewear from a long gone era.

More than a simple pair of sunglasses, these are a work of art. All pairs are hand made using the same manufacturers and techniques that the eyewear belonging to Gnecchi Ruscone's grandfather had.

Besides their design quality, this eyewear stands out from others on the market due to its ultra resistant mineral crystals, their flexibility, and resistance. Since images can't show this 100%, I recommend you watch the following video.

L.G.R sunglasses appeal to those who want to sport a classic and elegant look, to those who want to enjoy life to the highest level.

Currently these styles are available on the market. Frames available on tortoise and black acetate with shapes that evoke classic and iconic eyewear styles. Finding vintage frames can be a difficult task due to availabilty and state of the materials, with L.G.R sunglasses one can wear retro looking eyewear anytime and knowing you're wearing the best of the best.

For their upcoming collection, which will be available soon, L.G.R will be launching the following models.

L.G.R Sunglasses can be purchased online and on stores within more than 10 countries worldwide. For further information on sales points or to view more eyewear please visit their website: http://www.lgr-sunglasses.com/

Photos and Video: L.G.R Sunglasses

Something for this Fall/Winter

For those cool Fall or Winter days there's nothing better like the outfit shown below. Mixing the 60s Mod style with 70s style we have an outfit made up of a striped pale blue turtleneck sweater, a wide collar leather jacket, a pair of high wasted jeans, orange tinted aviators, and a slightly long hairstyle.



Photo: Flickr

Partying in Santorini

Richard Avedon's photoshoot of Jean Shrimpton and Jeanloup Sieff in Santorini between 1966-1967 is one of the best fashion editorials from the 60s. Below both of them on their way to a party wearing a tuxedo, and a coordinated sleeveless blouse and miniskirt with an impressive beaded necklace.

Photo: Flickr