Highlights from Milan SS 2010

As promised here is my review from Milan's SS 2010 Fashion Week which just took place several days ago. I can't deny the SS collections are always my favorite perhaps due to the fact that it's my favorite season, and also that a lot of experimenting is allowed, whereas FW is always kind of "basic". All in all the collections presented were brilliant, for all kinds of tastes, I was a bit disappointed with the constant use of black and dark colors by some designers, since I personally think SS is all about color or light colors. The best collections presented for me were those by Gucci and Versace. Below you can see some of my favorite pieces from this year.

Ferragamo cleverly brings back the 40s Dandy to the new decade, an outfit that immediately makes me think of Humphrey Bogart. I like the fact the tie and the fedora match, and the patent leather bicolored shoes are so retro.

As I mentioned on a previous post, the all denim look is classic and casual, and D&G proved it once more. The shirt is very reminiscent of those cowboy styled shirts from the 70s. On this collection D&G used some T-Shirts that were remakes of iconic Fiorrucci T-Shirts from the 70s.

Calvin Klein can be defined in two words this season: sleek elegance. The striped jacket on the first photo is identical to one I saw on a 70s magazine, the whole outfit is brilliant, and combines perfectly crisp white with some sand tones. The grey suit is one of my favorites, the fit, the fact is uses a T-Shirt beneath. The later is a trend I spotted on almost all of the collections, they seem to pay tribute to Don Johnson in Miami Vice by using V-Necks or T-Shirts beneath the jackets, a really cool option and an unexpensive one that allows you to wear a jacket/suit in many ways.

Versace was all about the All-White look this summer, paired with some sandals and bulky fiber belts. I just like how they paired up a very 70s inspired jacket (a modern version of a Safari jacket without the belt) with a Hindu tunic.

Trussardi was an all basic and classic collection, with lots of 70s vibes. Light colors and fabrics, ethnic motiffs complete the look. Less is more.

Bottega Veneta's approach to the jacket with jeans look was awesome, ideal for a Casual Friday at the office or for any ocassion. To make it formal the jeans were dark colored. They used both straight and peacoat jackets (very 60s Mod).

Also from this house of fashion we get an outfit that reminds me of men's bathing suits back in the late 60s and 70s when they consisted of a short sleeved shirt that matched with the trunks. Something to wear at the beach this summer.

Gucci decided this season to focus on an all white look and give it a touch of color with floral shirts and colored ties. It also presented some electric blue suits using different materials, my favorite was the velvet one, brings back memories of Bryan Ferry in the 70s.

Photos: Menstyle.com

In Memory Of...

June 25, 2009 will certainly pass onto history as the day the world, especifically the fields of music and the performing arts, lost two of their most iconic members in the 70s and 80s: Farrah Fawcett & Michael Jackson.

Even though Farrah had been battling for several years now cancer, her death still took many of us by surprise, especially considering the fact that she and Ryan O' Neil were going to get married after being together for almost 30 years. Fawcett will always be remembered for her striking beauty and legendary hair (her hairstyle was the "70s hairstyle"). Her poster (shown below) which depicts her wearing a bathing suit, her glaring smile, and hair immediately made her a household name.


Michael Jackson's death came to everyone as shocking, as no one really expected it, not that soon, especially considering the fact he was going to go back on tour and was busy preparing it. From child star in the late 60s/early 70s with the Jackson 5, teen idol in the late 70s and early 80s, to "The King of Pop" in the mid 80s till his death, his music is definetly part of the soudtrack of our lifes. He gained a place in the musical hall of fame, when his album "Thriller" (shown above) became the best selling album of all time.

However to make this tribute a bit unique, I decided to post below some photos of both Farrah Fawcett & Michael Jackson partying at the best disco ever, Studio 54, a place frequented by both of them in the late 70s and early 80s.

Farrah looked stunning the night she became the face of Faberge and its signature shampoo back in 1978. It was a snowy night and she had to be carried inside the club by some bodyguards.

Michael Jackson on the other hand was a frequent visitor at the club due to his friendship with club owner Steve Rubell (pictured with him). It was his favorite discotheque in the world and he attended several parties, like "The Beatles Party" in 1978 below.

My next post will be dedicated to Milan FW SS 2010, yet I thought it would be nice to have this tribute dedicated to two iconic celebrities from the 70s and 80s in this blog which "celebrates" the splendor and elegance of past decades. Rest In Peace Farrah & Michael.

Photos: Flickr, Jamd.com, Getty Images

A Modern Romantic

The 70s were a very ecletic decade in fashion since designers, for both menswear and womenswear, got inspiration from many sources, cultures, time periods etc. Since the late 60s there had been an interest for Medieval/Romantic clothes that paired up with the Ethnic/Hindu look. Both seemed to carry on to the 70s and below we can see an ensemble that is made up of a "modernized" version of a Romantic tie up shirt (I completly forgot the appropiate term) and some high waisted, string tie, trousers. The photo is circa 1976-1977 and despite being worn 30 years ago, we can once again say that nowadays this outfit would look "very 2009".

My upcoming post will be focused on doing a review on Milan's SS 2010 fashion week, so keep an eye for it.

Photo: Flickr

Bert Kaempfert

Famed Easy Listening musician, Bert Kaempfert decided to pose for a photo seated inside his late 50s car along with his lugagge. A very original photo that not only shows a very Mod inspired and classic outfit, but also gives an opportunity to appreciate the "vintage" design of the car and the suitcases. A plus in this photo is the background, an ideal place to be this summer.


Photo: Flickr

Retro Vintage Mod Style's First Anniversary Online

This is a milestone post, a post to celebrate the first year online of my blog, "Retro Vintage Mod Style". Although the official anniversary date is this Saturday, I thought I'd post about it today to share with everyone of you this special ocassion.

I would like to thank each and everyone of you who have made this possible in every way: my readers, fellow bloggers, and those who comment on my entries or share their thoughts via Facebook. It is really fulfilling to know that you like and appreciate my blog, and your feedback is so enriching.

For the first time in a year, this post's photo doesn't feature a male Style Icon or some vintage/modern fashion, but rather an iconic woman, Marilyn Monroe (considered by some the "Sexiest Woman of All Time"). A very appropiate photo to celebrate the blog's first anniversary.

To wrap up this post I'm going to share with you the opinions/comments/feedback of some of this blog's readers/fellow bloggers. Thanks once again for all your kind words.

"Happy birthday to you....happy birthday to you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Time pass away so fast!!! one year already in a while!!! Just our best wishes to Retro Vintage Mod Style blog, keep on going with all those interesting post, retro looks, 70's & 80's outfits...always with the same smart, dandy and gorgeous line.Very interesting posts, 70's & 80's GQ magazine clippings which should be saved like gold....Kind regards to you RVMS" "Gorgeous Styles" (http://gorgeoustyles.blogspot.com/) [Thanks a lot for the special post on your blog :)]

"I love all the iconic imagery you share on your blog. I have always been inspired by legendary style. Keep up the fine work I look foward to seeing your continued evolution". James Andrew of "What Is James Wearing" (http://www.whatisjameswearing.com/)

"Retro Vintage is a remarkably inspirational blog, offering a well-balanced mix of vintage style and modern retro interpretations. The old photographs of style icons perfectly complement this blog's passion for retro style. All these are the key ingredients of what makes Retro Vintage truly timeless." "Style4Guys" (http://style4guys.blogspot.com/)


Photo: Flickr

Andrea Casiraghi

Last weekend a very lavish party was held at Hotel Il Pellicano, on the shore of Porto Ercole, Italy. Hosted by photographer Juergen Teller, it was a party attended by a considerable number of guests.


One of those in attendance was Andrea Casiraghi. His outfit is really simple and ecletic. You see him wearing a white shirt, paired with a navy blue jacket, and washed jeans. To accesorize it he wore a Mala bead necklace.


Photo: Flickr

Thoughtful James Dean

The following James Dean photo is a repost of one posted several months ago, the reason I decided to repost it is because this one is of a better quality. In my opinion one of the best photos of James Dean, looking thoughtful and contemplative (just like me right now) in the middle of a fancy dinner party in Hollywood.

Photo: Soclassic

Two Legends

They say a photograph is worth more than 1,000 words, that it captures an instant of time for ever....and well the one below isn't an exception. A "historic" and rare photo for some, including me, because it captures the "Two Rebel Actors of the 50s": Marlon Brando & James Dean. While I'm more keen to what James Dean is wearing, it can be said Marlon Brando is also looking stylish (although it would be better without the black t-shirt underneath). Looking at James Dean's outfit I can see a bit of the late 70s menswear fashions...and to think this photo is from the late 50s, and that the open shirt collar /jacket look is a classical and timeless one, hence it is still worn today.

Photo: Soclassic

Printed shirts

The late 60s and early 70s were a reinvention season for menswear shirts. It was the time when shirts stopped being monocromatic and began featuring heavily detailed prints like the ones below. As shown in previous posts, this kind of shirts is a great option for this summer.


Photo: Flickr

60s Mod Staple

If I had to say what's the quintessential 60s Mod clothes item, I'd say it is the double breasted jacket like the one shown below. A must have in every well dressed man's wardrobe. Ideal for those cool Fall/Winter days and even for those warm Spring/Summer days (just look out for a lighter material). Pair it up with some trousers like those the model below is wearing or if you want to give it a modern and casual vibe with some jeans. I recommend the jacket's color is blue since it's a very versatile color and goes well with anything and any time of the day.

Photo: Flickr

All Denim Look

There's nothing so simple and yet classic like an all denim ensemble made up of a good pair of jeans, in this case it would be Levis 501s, and a denim jacket. An outfit perfect for any time of the year, well of course when the temperatures aren't freezing. The photo below shows an example of this in the 70s, notice the jeans are high waisted, and it's not easy to determine if the shirt is a denim shirt or cotton, anyway it works well.




Photo: Flickr

Al Pacino

Al Pacino photographed below by Ron Gallela in the late 70s gives us a good example of how to dress up in a comfortable, simple, and yet stylish way to stroll around town. Wearing a vintage leather jacket, black jeans or trousers (not visible), and a black V neck t-shirt, Al Pacino (famous for his portrayal of Tony Montana in "Scarface" tried to avoid Ron Gallela on the streets of New York.


Photo: Flickr