Monday, January 31, 2011

Louis Armstrong

Louis Armstrong, one of the most important figures of Jazz music was photographed in the 60s playing his trumpet.

"Satchmo", as he was also known, is best remembered for songs such as: "What A Wonderful World", "Stardust", "We Have All The Time In The World", "Dream A Little Dream Of Me", "When The Saints Go Marching In", and "Hello Dolly". His trumpet and voice truly helped shape Jazz.

Photo: Flickr

Friday, January 28, 2011

Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Art Genius of SAMO

Jean-Michel Basquiat, one of the most talented American artists of the 20th Century, began sharing his art genius with the world during the late 70s when he sprayed graffiti on the streets of New York City. His graffiti consisted of a series of words or phrases all signed by SAMO.

In the early 80s besides appearing on Blondie's video for "Rapture", Basquiat participated on several art exhibits on which his works caught the attention of many. Without knowing it he became one of the creators of the Neo Expressionist art movement. Basquiat's works are one of a kind and still have the same impact as they had almost 30 years ago.

Below a photo of Jean-Michel Basquiat in which one can see one of his paintings on the background. Wearing an elegant ensemble made up of a suit, pocket square, and Wayfarers; Jean-Michel expresses his creative and dynamic personality with his tied up dreadlocks.

Photo: Flickr

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Ringo's Rings

Former Beatle, Ringo Starr was photographed in the mid 60s wearing two Onyx gold rings. Like Starr, another icon who wore a big Onyx ring was Paul Newman. Worth noticing also in this photo is Ringo's watch.



Photo: Flickr

Monday, January 24, 2011

Blondie: Black Is Black

Black is considered to be the most elegant color, the one that goes along well with just anything. Practical since it can be worn at any time of the day (I prefer at night) and on any season (Fall/Winter months are the best, leave color for Spring/Summer).

Blondie, one of the most representative Rock acts of the late 70s and early 80s, posed for the photo below with all of its members dressed in black. Taken probably around 1978 inside a lobby in New York, this photo is not only outstanding by its composition and layout (the giant spheres, the lighting, the perspective); but also by the elegant New Wave/Punk inspired clothes worn by the members of Blondie.



Photo: Flickr

Friday, January 21, 2011

Sachs, Agnelli, & Rubirosa: A Day At The Races

Three icons: Gunter Sachs, Gianni Agnelli, and Porfirio Rubirosa were photographed circa 1964-1965 while watching a car race. The three of them opted to wear something relaxed and casual for the occasion, instead of their trademark suit ensembles.

Photo: Marina Cicogna/Flickr

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Highlights from Milan F/W 2011-2012

Milan has hosted once again Fashion Week during these last days. This time designers and fashion houses showed their collections for Fall/Winter 2011-2012.

Some trends from previous seasons such as: the 60s Mod look, double breasted jackets and suits, turtlenecks, faux fur applications, Wayfarer inspired eyewear, velvet suits, and a color palette rich in black, grey, blue, and brown; were displayed on the runway.

Salvatore Ferragamo, in my opinion, had the best collection this year. A collection that was very inspired and influenced by the timeless elegance of the 60s with a touch of Carnaby Street. The 60s Mod look plays a fundamental part in this collection. From short sleeved turtleneck pullovers, double breasted suits that could be worn by Pete Campbell on "Mad Men" to peacoats & suits paired with turtlenecks.


But not all of Ferragamo's collection was classic and dandy, some of it was made up of pieces that could have been worn in London during the "Swingin' 60s" or by the likes of Brian Jones and Jim Morrison. Rusted orange colored suits, dark bown jackets paired with orange shirts & scarfs, suede pants, and peasant-like tunic shirts.


Dolce & Gabbana also got inspired by the 60s, but it presented a modern urban collection as well using mostly dark colors. Three-piece suits, skinny ties with original "tie bars", bow ties, plaid jackets, striped jerseys and sweaters, suspenders, Bryan Ferry t-shirts, and washed jeans were some of the items seen at this show.





Ermenegildo Zegna, as seen above, brought back the Ushanka or fur hat (hopefully it's faux fur). While Cavalli gave us the 2011 version of Yves Saint Laurent on the runway; everything from the dark green Safari jacket inspired shirt and pants, to the braided belt & hair reminds of Yves Saint Laurent during the late 60s and early 70s.


Costume National was all about color blocking, which was also used by other designers. From striped turtleneck sweaters and round neck sweaters worn with a jacket or on their own, this collection was definetly eye catching.


Corneliani reminded us of "The Italian Job" with this shearling peacoat below. A very interesting piece was this "patchwork" jacket in different shades of grey.


Canali, my second favorite collection, presented like Ferragamo a collection inspired on the 60s and at times in the 40s with pieces such as houndstooth suits, blue velvet suits, cardigans, double breasted jackets, and plain turtlenecks.


Photos: GQ.com

Monday, January 17, 2011

Serge Gainsbourg: A Winter Day at the Harbor

Serge Gainsbourg shows that wearing basic wardrobe staples such as a pea coat, a dark turtleneck sweater, and a pair of worn pants; will allow you to look well-dressed and elegant this Winter.

Gainsbourg wore these items when he was photographed on the harbor of a French town during the 60s. Of course the "finishing" touch was his personality and attitude.

Photo: Flickr

Friday, January 14, 2011

Fellini & Mastroianni: Promoting "La Dolce Vita"

Federico Fellini and Marcello Mastroianni, director & leading actor of 1960's "La Dolce Vita" respectively, displayed elegance and style while promoting one of cinema's most iconic films on the streets of Rome.
Photo: Flickr

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Stuart Sutcliffe: The Fifth Beatle

Stuart Sutcliffe, also known as "The Fifth Beatle", was photographed on October 1960 wearing a simple yet bold ensemble made up of a leather jacket, scarf, clip on Ray Ban sunglasses, and a pompadour.

Sutcliffe was the original Beatles' bass player, and is credited along with John Lennon (whom he became good friends with after having met at the Liverpool College of Art) on having come up with the band's name.

From May 1960 to July 1961, Stuart Sutcliffe was a member of The Beatles. He performed with them during their Hamburg days. His interest in art (he created a series of abstract expressionist paintings) led to his departure from the band, as he had met fellow artist Astrid Kirchherr and had decided to continue his art studies.

Stuart Sutcliffe died at the age of 21 on April 10, 1962 due to an aneurysm.


Photo: Dmbeatles

Monday, January 10, 2011

Peter O'Toole & Audrey Hepburn: How To Steal A Million

Peter O'Toole & Audrey Hepburn starred in 1966's "How To Steal A Million". Below a photo taken of them while enjoying a break on set. O' Toole wearing a sleek jacket and eye catching tie; and Audrey Hepburn in Givenchy, show that one can be well dressed and stylish while stealing a million worth of fine art on the silver screen.

Photo: Flickr

Friday, January 7, 2011

David Bailey: A Photographer & One Of His Muses

In 1964 Bert Stern captured with his camera the moment when David Bailey was photographing Veruschka. An image that could have inspired in a way the poster & one of the most iconic scenes from "Blow Up" (a movie whose main character is said to be based on David Bailey; and with a special cameo from Veruschka).


Photo: Flickr

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Warren Beatty: Casual Timeless Elegance

Warren Beatty gives a lesson of casual timeless elegance while relaxing at home. Wearing only a V-neck sweater and a shirt, he shows that sometimes less is more. An ensemble appropiate for many different ocassions, and still wearable after almost 50 years. Add some Wayfarers or Clubmasters as the finishing touch.



Photo: Flickr

Monday, January 3, 2011

Steve McQueen: Smiles & Style for 2011

Steve McQueen appeared on the February 1965 cover of Harper's Bazaar photographed by Richard Avedon. "The King of Cool" shows us in this photo which are some of the "ingredients" to have a great 2011, a smile, great style; and last but not least, a woman to share all your good times with. The hand on McQueen's face belongs to Jean Shrimpton.

Avedon did an editorial for this issue in which Steve appears holding Jean's leg, both are seen riding a motorcyle, and in one photo Steve's face is covered with lipstick.


Photo: Flickr