Happy 2011: New Year's Eve at Studio 54

On December 31, 1977 the likes of Halston, Bianca Jagger, Liza Minnelli, Andy Warhol, Michael Jackson, and Jack Haley Jr. decided to welcome 1978 at Studio 54. The most iconic club in history had not even celebrated its first year , and it had already become a "living legend".

33 years later and without Studio 54 existing as a club, we are welcoming 2011.

I would to wish all of my readers the best for this upcoming year; may it be a year filled with happiness, love, health, peace, and joy. And of course I want to thank all of you for following & reading the blog during 2010!

Happy New Year!



Photos: Flickr

On Her Majesty's Secret Service: Dinner at the Swiss Alps

"On Her Majesty's Secret Service" was the last Bond film of the 60s and the only one to feature George Lazenby as James Bond. Lazenby's 1969 portrayal of Bond can be remembered for the modern ensembles he wore throughout the film: Mod inspired turtlenecks, suits, ski jackets, tuxedos, and a Scottish Kilt.



While visiting Blofeld in his clinical research institute located at Piz Gloria (a revolving restaurant) on the heights of the Swiss Alps, James Bond who was wearing a Kilt, encounters 10 stunning women relaxing in a one of a kind living room. After the proper introductions, Bond and the women who were patients at the clinic, had dinner.



Photos: Flickr & somebodystolemythunder

Alain Delon & Marianne Faithfull: Winter Elegance

In 1968 Alain Delon co-starred with Marianne Faithfull in "Girl On A Motorcycle". This film is not only remembered by its plot, but also because Faithfull began the full body motorcycle suit trend.

Photographed while strolling on set, Delon wears an elegant and timeless ensemble made up of a wool suit, crossed scarf, and black framed eyeglasses. Next to him Marianne Faithfull who opted for a turtleneck under a fur coat (anyone wanting to dress up like her should wear faux fur).


Photo: Flickr

The Beatles: Love Is All You Need on Christmas

Christmas is the time of the year where one gives others gifts to show our appreciation and affection, a time where we also receive items we've perhaps been wishing to have for a certain time. Yet in the end, most of these gifts are material.

If there is one gift that's not material, inexpensive, easy to give, and can be given at any time of the year and not only Christmas, it is Love.



The Beatles shared this when they performed one of their most popular songs, "All You Need Is Love", on June 25, 1967. On the set of the British TV show, "Our World", The Beatles spread a message of love and unity to audiences worldwide (it was the first British Live World broadcast).
Wearing the latest trends from Carnaby Street, as seen below, they performed to an audience which was made up by the likes of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Eric Clapton, Keith Moon, Jane Asher, and Marianne Faithfull. At the end of their performance they posed with posters that had "Love Is All You Need" written in English, French, German, and Spanish.




Merry Christmas to all of you, and remember that Love is all you need!


Photos: Flickr

Robert Redford: Timeless Elegance at "The Sting"

Robert Redford was photographed circa 1973 relaxing on the set of "The Sting". Although the film took place in 1936, Redford's ensemble made up of a newsboy cap, a pin striped, and print shirt, is something that can be worn nowadays due to its timeless elegance. A multicolored tie completed the look when Redford appeared on the film.


Photo: Flickr

Zazie Gnecchi Ruscone: Art Fabrics

Art is something that surrounds and interacts with us everyday; in our homes, books, music, city streets, galleries, cinema, and even on our clothes. It can be said that art is all around.

Zazie Gnecchi Ruscone, one of Rome’s creative and artistic talents nowadays, is revolutionizing fashion, art, and design with her one of a kind hand-printed fabrics.


Inspired by practically everything, like nature’s elements and colors, animals, ancient Greek and Moroccan tiles, old fabrics, books, Art Deco, Futurism, Cubism; artists such as: Paul Klee, Louise Bourgeois, Sonia Delaunay, Matisse, Picasso; and photographers like Daido Moryiama; Zazie’s fabrics immediately grab your attention by their design, composition, and colors.


Her exposure to art while visiting museums since a young age has played an important role when working on her fabrics. “I think that most of the pieces of art we see and love stay in our memory as a non specified idea that help us to build our own imaginarium.”, she comments.

Zazie learned the craft of hand printing from her mother, an artisan who does sophisticated handmade knitwear in Rome. As time passed by, she refined her technique and became an expert on blending and combining colors. According to Zazie, the knowledge and technique of hand printing are important, yet experimenting is important as well. For her the originality of each piece resides on this kind of “improvisations”.

If you would like to own one of Zazie’s designs you can purchase furniture with them at her Rome studio, and other designs at her mother’s shop (http://www.declercqdeclercq.com/).

Some of her designs can be seen on clothing as well; however these pieces are made upon request since she prefers to create something especially for someone rather than randomly creating something. If the clothes have been used already by the owner it’s better.

When asked about why she presents her art on fabrics, furniture, notebook covers; and not in other means such as big canvasses that could be admired on art galleries or walls, Zazie says, “I am a craftswoman, an artisan, not an artist. The purpose of my creations is being used, being lived. In galleries, I prefer to hang my photos, instead.”

Besides creating these hand-printed fabrics, Zazie Gnecchi Ruscone is also a skilled photographer. For further information visit her websites: http://www.zazielab.com/ & http://zaziegnecchiruscone.tumblr.com/

Photos: Zazie Gnecchi Ruscone

Blake Edwards: Filming "Breakfast at Tiffany's" Opening Scene

Blake Edwards, director of films such as "The Pink Panther", "Breakfast at Tiffany's", "The Great Race", "10", "The Party", and "Gunn" passed away on December 15, 2010. His films can be considered as cinema classics from the 60s.



Perhaps "Breakfast at Tiffany's" (1961), starring Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard is Edwards' most famous film. The opening scene of this movie based on Truman Capote's novel with the same name, is one of the most iconic scenes in cinema history.

Who can forget the view of an empty Fifth Avenue and watching Holly Golightly descend from a cab and walk to the front of New York's landmark jewelry, Tiffany's. Wearing a black dress, pearls, and Wayfarers she would eat a pastry and drink some coffee while looking at the windows; all this happening with "Moon River" being played on the background.

Blake Edwards filmed this scene on Sunday October 2, 1960 at 5 am since he wanted to capture the moment when night transitioned into early morning. Despite the result being flawless, this scene had some difficulties such as Audrey Hepburn's dislike for pastries, the crowds watching the scene, and a production crew accident.

Photographed below wearing a cordoury coat, Blake Edwards gives instructions to Audrey Hepburn at Fifth Avenue. Next to him is George Peppard.


Photos: Flickr

Cream: Street Style

Cream was a British rock band which performed from 1966 to 1968, and despite its brief existence it had a great influence on rock music. The band's members were: Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, and Ginger Baker.

One of their most memorable performances took place in October 1966 when they performed alongside Jimi Hendrix.

Below a photograph of Cream wearing some eye catching and bold ensembles circa 1967 which are reminiscent of the clothes available on London's Carnaby Street during those days.


Photo: Flickr

Thoughtful James Dean

Another photo from James Dean's "Nautical sweater" photoshoot in which we can see him being contemplative. In front of him are his tortoise Wayfarer shaped eyeglasses and behind what appears to be a Greek or Roman bust.

James Dean was photographed wearing this sweater circa 1955. He wore jeans, a cowboy style belt, and his eyeglasses in other photos from this shoot.


Photo: Flickr

Truman Capote's Masked Black and White Ball

One of the most memorable parties from the 60s took place on November 28, 1966 at New York City's Plaza Hotel. The occasion was to celebrate the success that year of Truman Capote's book "In Cold Blood".

Organized by Capote himself, the party was a black and white ball in which guests were requested to wear masks.

During the Summer of 1966 Truman Capote had to leave New York since he was getting a lot of invite requests for his Masked Ball. Some were not pleased when in the end they were not invited by Capote that they decided to pose on the cover of Esquire "complaining" about it.

Among the 540 guests of this evening were: Gianni Agnelli and his wife, Richard Avedon, Cecil Beaton, Candice Bergen, Harry Belafonte, Marisa Berenson, Leonard Bernstein, Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Mia Farrow, Frank Sinatra, Andy Warhol, Sammy Davis Jr., Marlene Dietrich, Oscar de la Renta, Gregory Peck, and Penelope Tree.

The party lasted till around 3 AM, a little after Frank Sinatra and his wife then, Mia Farrow, left the Plaza.

Photo: Flickr

John Lennon: People For Peace

Today on the 30th anniversary of John Lennon's "death" (I write death between quotations because he may have died biologically, yet his spirit and legacy are still alive) I would like to remember him and his message of peace.

Lennon is not only one of the most iconic and legendary musicians of the 20th Century, but also a preacher of peace and unity. Songs like "Imagine", "Give Peace A Chance", and "Happy Christmas (War Is Over)" promote a world based on love, peace, unity, tolerance, & respect for others and the environment.

Despite being written and performed almost 40 years ago, the messages within Lennon's songs are still contemporary.

Other songs worth listening today are: "Woman", "Just Like Starting Over", and "Mind Games".

Photo: Flickr

The Rolling Stones: A Day In The Champs-Elysees

While visiting Paris in May 1965, The Rolling Stones posed for the camera of French photographer Jean-Marie Perier.

Standing in the middle of the Champs-Elysees with the Arc de Triomphe in the background, the members of one of Rock's most iconic bands are seen wearing ensembles made up of colored jackets with jerseys and turtlenecks beneath them, Mod hairstyles, and boots. The color palette on all of these ensembles is made up of Fall/Winter colors.



Photo: Jean-Marie Perier/Polka Galerie

Michael Caine: Simple Winter Elegance on "The Italian Job"

Michael Caine starred in 1969's cinema classic "The Italian Job" as Charlie Croker, a thief who with the help of his gang steals 4 million dollars of gold in Turin, Italy. Croker and his friends manage to get the gold out of Turin after creating a traffic chaos & racing thru the city's streets and buildings. However when they're in the heights of the Italian Alps near the border with Switzerland they encounter trouble; their van is almost falling into a cliff, and with it the gold.

Throughout the film one can see great examples of late 60s fashion such as double breasted suits, psychedelic print shirts, and turtlenecks. Michael Caine shows that a turtleneck is a great option for this Fall/Winter since it is a simple, elegant, and versatile item. Turtlenecks played a key role in 60s fashion.

Charlie Croker wore his turtleneck by itself or under his double breasted suede jacket (the result was a very Mod ensemble). This season you can wear a turtleneck just like Charlie did, or you may add a touch of color and contrast with a scarf.



Photo: Flickr

John F. Kennedy

On this early 60s photo President John F. Kennedy gives a lesson of style by showing what a good pair of sunglasses, tie, suit, and smile can do.

Photo: Flickr

Relaxing With Steve McQueen and Faye Dunaway

Steve McQueen co-starred with Faye Dunaway on "The Thomas Crown Affair"(1968), one of the best films from the 60s. Both actors were photographed during one of their filming breaks relaxing aboard the buggy (McQueen collaborated with its design) on which they would race over the sand dunes.

Wearing an Aran sweater, a sweater worn by fisherman in the Irish Aran islands, and his Persol 714 Sunglasses (created especially for him by Persol); Steve Mc Queen shows once again why he is considered "The King of Cool". Meanwhile Faye Dunaway wears a classic ensemble made up of a trench coat, a head scarf, and oval shaped sunglasses.

Photo: Flickr

Mid 60s Dinner Party

The 60s were a decade in which fashion experienced a tremendous evolution, from the classicism of the early 60s (still influenced by the style guidelines of the 50s) to the upbeat and ecletic fashions of the late 60s (new styles and trends appeared, hem lines went up, the ethnic/hippie effect on clothes, striking colors, reinterpretation of the classics, just to mention a few). However it can be said that the mid 60s provided somehow a balance in fashion. Nothing was too classic or new, it was almost perfect.

Below a scene from a dinner party held in the mid 60s in which we can see what were the trends back then for both men & women.




Photo: Flickr

London Sales: Doodski's Neighborhood Sale

A few months ago I wrote about London based t-shirt brand Doodski, a brand that has caught worldwide the attention of those looking for a t-shirt with an original/eye catching/versatile design & an elegant/modern touch.

On Friday November 26, 2010 Doodski will be hosting its "Neighborhood Sale" in London. Visitors will be able to purchase t-shirts from Doodski's Russian inspired and "Nothing But Special" collections.

This sale will be held at 7 Old Park Lane in London; from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

You can read more about Doodski at: http://retrovintagemodstyle.blogspot.com/2010/09/doodski-from-russia-with-style.html

Rock Doodski...

Photos: Doodski

Veruschka & Tonik: Afternoon at Firenze's Ponte Vecchio

Firenze is one of the art capitals of the world, a city which was the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance; home to galleries, museums, & architectural monuments. Many centuries have gone by since the likes of Michelangelo, Da Vinci, and Botticelli lived and created here some of the most outstanding art masterpieces in history.

This city located in Tuscany has landmarks such as: the Uffizi (one of the best museums I've ever visited, and if you like art you might as well spend hours admiring works such as Botticelli's "Birth of Venus"), Galleria dell' Accademia (home to Michelangelo's "David"), Palazzo Pitti (another impressive museum where Renaissance Art is next to Modern Art and Silver & Porcelain pieces), the Boboli Gardens, Piazza del Duomo (the epicenter of Florence with its Cathedral, Dome, & Baptistery), Piazza della Signoria (located in front of the Palazzo Vecchio and near to Uffizi, this is Firenze's politcal center), and the Ponte Vecchio (one can find jewelery stores and art dealers within this bridge over the Arno River).

Iconic 60s model Veruschka was photographed alongside fellow model Tonik in 1971 near the Ponte Vecchio. Tonik was wearing a sand colored suit with wide lapels and a light blue shirt; while Veruschka wore an original orange blouse with matching leggings, a mini skirt, and boots. The result was a photograph that blends the energy of modern fashion with a historic Medievel bridge.

Photo: Ciaovogue

Tom Ford: A Modern "King Midas"

During the last 60 years there have been plenty of designers who have made an outstanding contribution to fashion; some are unfortunately gone, retired, while others are still shaping the world's style and elegance. One of these talents is Tom Ford.

For almost 20 years, Tom Ford has held a high influence on the world of fashion due to his vision & extraodinary taste. Womenswear, menswear, fragances, accesories, cosmetics, and even cinema ("A Single Man") have all been done successfully by Ford.

In recent days, several photos of Tom Ford's highly awaited womenswear SS 2011 collection were released. Photographed by Steven Meisel, Ford posed with models wearing his designs. His trademark black suit/crisp white shirt look can be seen on these photos in which he also wears a black tie and pocket square.


Photo: Vogue

Yves Saint Laurent: Simple elegance

Fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent posed for the camera of Jean Loup Sieff in 1969 wearing a simple & elegant all black ensemble. His black turtleneck and pants blended perfectly with the dark background. Sitting over a white cube Saint Laurent looked attentively and with a relaxed attitude at the camera.

Photo: Flickr

Porfirio Rubirosa: 20th Century Casanova

Porfirio Rubirosa was one of the most famous and legendary icons of the 20th Century. Dominican born Rubirosa is not only remembered for his skills as a polo player, car racer, and diplomat, but also for being the ultimate ladies' man during the first half of the past century.

"Rubi", as he was called by friends, was linked to some of the most stunning women of his time such as: Ava Gardner, Marilyn Monroe, Veronica Lake, Kim Novak, Rita Hayworth, and Zsa Zsa Gabor, just to mention some. Married 5 times, Doris Duke & Barbara Hutton (who was also married to Cary Grant) are amongst his spouses.

Rubirosa was someone who lived life to the fullest; who enjoyed a lifestyle that inspired Ian Fleming while creating James Bond & Harold Robbins when writing "The Adventurers" (a novel based apparently on Rubirosa's life).

Porfirio Rubirosa's life came to an end on July 5, 1965 when his Ferrari crashed with some trees at the Bois du Boulogne in Paris, his favorite city. Yet his legend still lives on.

Below a photograph of Rubirosa & Zsa Zsa Gabor arriving at the Orly Airport in 1955. Those were the days when one travelled with style and elegance.

Photo: Flickr

Marlon Brando: The Wild One

Marlon Brando starred in 1953's "The Wild One" as Johnny Strabbler, leader of the Black Rebels Motorcycle Club. Two years before, Brando had made a fashion statement with his t-shirt ensembles in the 1951 cinema classic "A Streetcar Named Desire"; yet this time he made a statement with his black leather motorcycle jacket worn over jeans and a t-shirt.

Worth noticing as well are his cap and of course his Triumph Thunderbird 6T motorcyle (James Dean was inspired by this film and bought a similar motorcycle).

Photo: Flickr

Paul Newman: Ready For The Weekend

After probably spending several hours on set during the mid 60s, Paul Newman was photographed on his way home. Rather than looking informal or tired, Newman proved why he was one of the best dressed (and most talented actors) of his time. Wearing a leather jacket over probably a beige shirt and pants, matching leather strap shoes, and rectangular aviators; the star of films such as "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" & "The Sting" gives us an idea of what one could wear for relaxing on a weekend.



Photo: Flickr

Project Art: Art for Peace

For centuries mankind has expressed ideas, thoughts, feelings, culture, and beauty through art. We're exposed to art everyday, and it can't be denied that it has a lasting impact on our lifes. Fashion is art; it interacts and is influenced by other art forms such as: painting, architecture, sculpture, cinema, music, and photography. Admiring and appreciating an art work is an enriching experience, yet when this piece is made for a special cause it becomes more fulfilling.

On November 16, 2010 Project Paz & Amor Por Juarez will be hosting "Project Art", a silent art auction to raise funds and promote peace in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico.

Project Paz is an association dedicated to raise awareness about the situation in Ciudad Juarez and collaborating with other organizations in the restoration of peace and welfare in this border city.

Thirty three art works inspired by Mexican culture will be auctioned on this night, where proceeds will be destined to a development project that will aid the less developed communities of Juarez.

Besides art, Project Art attendees will be able to bid on products and services donated by Michael Bastian, Thakoon, Carolina Herrera, and New York's The Standard Hotel.

To purchase tickets or to make a donation please visit: http://www.projectpaz.org/

Photos: Project Paz

Burt & Angie

Burt Bacharach & Angie Dickinson enjoyed a sunny morning at their garden during the mid 60s. Wearing a white turtleneck, a 60s basic, & plaid pants Bacharach was composing probably his next hit. Could it have been "I Say a Little Prayer", "What The World Needs Now", "This Guy's In Love With You", or "Promises Promises"?



Photo: Flickr

North by Northwest

Alfred Hitchcock's 1959 film "North by Northwest" is one of the best suspense films in history. Starring Cary Grant as Madison Avenue advertising executive, Roger Thornhill (yes, there was someone else before Don Draper) & Eva Marie Saint as Eve Kendall, a government agent who has a relationship with the film's villain, Phillip Vandamm portrayed by James Mason.

From the Plaza Hotel, the United Nations, and Grand Central Station in New York City to the heights of Mount Rushmore, "North by Northwest" will surprise you and keep you guessing on what's next.

One of the most memorable scenes from this film & cinema history takes place in the corn fields of Northern Indiana where Cary Grant is chased by a cropduster plane. Wearing a sharp grey suit, Grant runs for his life while being shot at and sprayed with pesticide from the air.

The film's plot is centered on the quest for George Kaplan, a government agent for which Thornhill is mistaken; the recovery of the microfilm hidden within an ancient sculpture & saving Eve Kendall from Vandamm.

An extra in this film is Phillip Vandamm's home in South Dakota which is reminiscent of the work done by acclaimed architect, Frank Lloyd Wright.



Photos: Flickr

Jacques Dutronc

French musician and actor, Jacques Dutronc photographed in 1966 by Jean-Marie Perier gives a lesson of style & minimalism.

Dutronc has been married to French singer Francoise Hardy for almost 30 years.



Photo: Flickr

Jamiroquai's "Rock Dust Light Star"

Today, November 1, 2010 marks the release of Jamiroquai's latest album "Rock Dust Light Star". A highly awaited production since 5 years have already gone by without a new album, except for their 2007 hit compilation and single "Runaway".

On the cover of this new album, we can see Jamiroquai's lead man, Jay Kay, performing to an avid crowd wearing black pants & polo shirt with a neon jacket, and of course his trademark headdress. Who can forget his enourmous hat or his mirrored feather headdress.

During the Summer of 2010, Jamiroquai released the first 2 singles from this production: "White Knuckle Ride" & "Blue Skies". The videos for both of them are of such a cinematic quality. On "White Knuckle Ride" one sees Jay Kay aboard a helicopter, the C- JKAY, chasing a Porsche Carrera throughout the desert. While in "Blue Skies" Jay Kay crosses the desert riding his motorcycle bringing memories of "Easy Rider".



Photo: Flickr

Tom Ford's "The Ravens"

Tom Ford brings back echoes from the unforgettable Alfred Hitchcock/Tippi Hedren film "The Birds" with his Fall Winter 2010 ad campaign. On some of these photos we can see Nicholas Holt (he appeared in Ford's acclaimed film "A Single Man") being surrounded by several ravens.

Holt's ensemble is a synonym of perfection; worth noticing are the blue velvet suit, the matching shirt, scarf, & pocket square, and the aviator sunglasses.




Photo: Flickr

L.G.R's newest additions & colors for Spring Summer 2011

L.G.R Sunglasses has recently added 4 new models to its Spring Summer 2011 collection. These models, carry on with the elegance and quality, that L.G.R has always featured on all of its eyewear.

The Maputo & Suez, shown respectively above, are unisex eyeglasses that are reminiscent of eyewear worn during the 60s. Ideal to be worn while reading a bestseller, visiting an art gallery or museum, having lunch with your friends, at the office, or on your leisure moments. Available on Black, Green, Brown Crystal, Havana, Ice, and Honey; these eyeglasses will help express your personality and sense of style.

For the ladies L.G.R. has released 2 sunglasses, the Emma & Orano. Bringing the glamour and elegance of 50s Hollywood & Cinecitta to 2010-2011, these sunglasses are available on a wide variety of colors such as: Black (Emma on the photo above) Brown, Havana (Orano), Ice, Brown Crystal, Honey, and Green (one of the newest colors used by L.G.R) with green, grey, and sunbrown gradient glasses.

For this upcoming season, L.G.R is giving to some of its already iconic & must have models a new touch by introducing new frame colors and gradients; an example of this can be seen below.

Photos: L.G.R

Fall/Winter Essential: Navy Blue Sweater

A navy blue pullover sweater like the one worn by Alain Delon on the photo below is an essential for this Fall/Winter. Easy to wear with anything and on any given occasion. To add a modern twist to your ensemble you can choose a V-neck navy blue sweater.



Photo: Flickr