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