Marlon Brando: A Streetcar Named Desire

Marlon Brando starred in the 1951 film classic "A Streetcar Named Desire" based on Tennessee Williams' play with the same name. Brando's performance as Stanley Kowalski is one of the most impressive ones in cinema history. And it may seem surprising that he didn't win an Oscar for this role, while his co stars, Vivian Leigh among them, all won an Award each.

Marlon Brando is seen mostly throughout the film wearing plain t-shirts, that despite being a minimalistic/simple look, give an elegant and well dressed impression. Worth noticing is the ring worn by Brando on his left hand.

Photo: Flickr

L.G.R. Sunglasses: RAW Limited Edition

L.G.R. Sunglasses has just released a limited edition of its Tripoli, Cape Town, Orano, and Freetown models (there are only 100 pieces per model).

This edition is called “RAW” due to the combination of unpolished and rough frames with sophisticated polarized lenses created exclusively for L.G.R. Sunglasses, L.G.R. Pola.Neophan lenses.

Neophan lenses were developed in the 40s for fighter pilots to improve their vision’s color perception and enhancement. L.G.R. Pola. Neophan lenses are: 1.8 mm thick (the thinnest and lightest polarized lenses in the market), stain resistant, 100% UV & 95% Infrared protective, and have 10 layers of anti reflection coating paired with 6 layers of violet mirrored coating. “RAW” sunglasses immediately grab one’s attention due to the contrast of their dark frames with the deep blue mirrored lenses.

Another must have by L.G.R. Sunglasses for this Spring Summer that not only offers an elegant design made with quality materials, but also protection for your eyes.

Photos: L.G.R. Sunglasses

Elizabeth Taylor & Richard Burton: Endless Love

March 23, 2011 marked the end of an era with the passing of the last Classic Hollywood icon, Dame Elizabeth Taylor. Known for her roles in iconic films such as "Cat On a Hot Tin Roof", "The Sandpiper", "Cleopatra", "Butterfield 8", and "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf"; Elizabeth Taylor is also remembered for her love story with Richard Burton.

The Taylor Burtons were perhaps the most famous and glamourous couple of the 60s and part of the 70s. Despite their final divorce in 1976, they were married two times, Elizabeth and Richard remained great friends and never forgot each other.

Elizabeth Taylor also made headlines due to her larger than life persona, her sense of style, and of course her impressive jewelry collection.

Last but not least, Elizabeth Taylor will also be remembered for creating awareness towards AIDS (she was the first one to address it on a public and massive scale) and fighting it with the help of her charities.

Photo: Flickr

Egon & Diane von Furstenberg: Fashion Power Couple

Egon and Diane von Furstenberg were briefly married in the early 70s. Yet despite their short marriage, they mantained a long lasting friendship that helped them become one of fashion's "power couples" throughout the 70s.

It was Egon, who at the time had already worked as a buyer at Macy's and was designing for women, that suggested to Diane that she pursue a fashion career as well. Diane immediately became a legend after having created the iconic jersery wrap around dress that defined 70s fashion.

By the late 70s Egon & Diane were not only spotted at Studio 54, but Egon was making headlines with his two books, "The Power Look" and "The Power Look at Home: Decorating for Men".

Besides their contributions to the fashion industry, the von Furstenbergs are known for their outstanding sense of style. An example can be seen below when they were photographed in the early 70s on the streets of New York wearing matching checkered shirts.




Photo: Flickr

Duran Duran: New Wave Nautical Stripes

A nautical striped t-shirt or long sleeve jersey is a wardrobe essential for Spring/Summer. It has never gone out of style and looks great on any occasion.

80s New Wave group Duran Duran was photographed circa 1982-1983 wearing ensembles that combined different shades of gray and blue. Of course one can immediately identify the nautical striped shirts worn by Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes, and Roger Taylor; one shirt, three different options. Meanwhile Andy Taylor & John Taylor both opted for a gray jacket pairing it with either a plain white t-shirt or a polka dot scarf.

Photo: Dailymail

Roger Moore

Roger Moore, best remembered for his roles on "The Saint", "The Persuaders", and of course James Bond is wearing an ensemble that today still looks fresh as it did in the 70s; a pinstriped double breasted suit.

Photo: Flickr

Jacques Dutronc: Rooftop Elegance

Jacques Dutronc proves that one doesn't necessarily have to look sloppy on a rainy day. His blue suit and the Parisian skyline team up to deliver an impressive photo.

Photo: Flickr

Warren Beatty & Julie Christie: A Night at the MET

Silk scarves were widely worn during the late 60s and early 70s, and were the perfect finishing touch for any ensemble. Available in different designs and colors they could be worn all year round. As Winter fades away and temperatures start getting warmer one can pair up a suit and a scarf just like Warren Beatty did when he visited the MET with Julie Christie in 1972.


Photo: zap2it

Sinatra, Curtis, & Cole: Three Ways To Wear A Black Suit

Frank Sinatra, Tony Curtis, and Nat King Cole show how to wear a black suit, a wardobe essential, in three different ways on this early 60s photo. Sinatra opted for a more casual and relaxed option by wearing an open collar and fedora, while Tony Curtis who is filming part of this scene wore a dark tie and pocket square. Nat King Cole decided to wear a light colored tie that blends with his shirt.


Photo: Flickr

Maximiliano Villegas: Trendy Dandy

Maximiliano Villegas is a Mexican TV host not only known for his popular lifestyle and fashion show on E! Latin America, “Zona Trendy” (Trendy Zone); but also for his impeccable sense of style which mixes elements from classic dandyism, 60s fashion, and modern/casual styles.

Recently I had the opportunity to interview Max about his thoughts on style, retro inspired fashion, and upcoming trends.

Which are your style principles?

I’m always in search of different looks and trends, but the most incredible thing is being able to play with fashion according to your personality and what suits you best. I enjoy being daring, proposing fashion, and never limit myself to colors, textures or combinations. When following a particular style I can go from preppy to vintage, always keeping my own essence and being myself. You should never create a character or look as if you were dressed up in a costume.

In your opinion, which garments or accessories must everyone have in their wardrobe to dress in a stylish and elegant way?

A black tie should always be in your wardrobe since you can wear it with a suit and look elegant, or pair it up with jeans and feel a bit more casual and laid back. My personal favorite is the 50s skinny tie, I don’t wear any other kind of ties.

What do you think about vintage or retro inspired fashion?
I’m thrilled being able to mix other eras with modern times, playing with different cuts and textures; but the most incredible thing is throwing in together a 60s shirt with a pastel colored 50s inspired Tom Ford jacket, or a pair of Diesel skinny jeans with a Members Only jacket.

Which do you think will be some trends in menswear during 2011?
Menswear is becoming more important in the fashion world. Retro inspired shirts have made a comeback, suits will be more daring in terms of design and colors. We will leave behind the typical grays and blacks. Cuts will become looser, and of course an accessory that is becoming an essential every season is the “man bag” in all of its different colors and styles.

Photos: MV

The Perfect Combination: Nehru Jackets & Medallions

Nehru jackets were a must in the late 60s for any stylish man. Inspired by the traditional Achkan jackets worn by India's Prime Minister Jawarhalal Nehru, these jackets fell somewhere around the hips unlike Achkans which fell beneath the knees. Its Mandarin collar added a touch of elegance.

The growing interest at the time on Oriental cultures was one of the reasons behind the Nehru's success. Medallions shaped liked Medieval crosses or with a bold design were the perfect accessory to be worn with a Nehru jacket, since they contrasted with the jacket's minimalism.

Photo: GQ

Jimi Hendrix: The Electric Guitar King

Jimi Hendrix is the greatest guitarist in Rock history. Influenced by the likes of B.B. King, Muddy Waters, Little Richard, and Curtis Mayfield; Hendrix played the electric guitar like no other, captivating audiences worldwide in the 60s and still nowadays. Who can forget his performances at the Monterrey Pop Festival in 1967 (where he burned a guitar on stage) or Woodstock in 1969.

Hendrix's style was very eclectic and influenced the psychedelic fashions of the late 60s. His ensembles were made up of army jackets, wide brimmed hats, scarves, feathered boas, psychedelic print shirts, velvet bellbottoms, accesories like rings, brooches & medallions, ethnic inspired clothes, and bandanas. Last summer I had the opportunity to view on display some of his clothes at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles, and was very impressed.




Photo: Flickr

Michael Douglas: The Streets of San Francisco

For these last days of Winter there's nothing better like what Michael Douglas wore on "The Streets of San Francisco", a 70s police TV series. From 1972 to 1977, Douglas starred as Inspector Steve Keller alongside Karl Malden who played the role of Detective Mike Stone.

While solving crimes in San Francisco, Michael Douglas wore ensembles that are timeless and an example of 70s elegance. To be worn at the office, leisure, and why not, walking around the streets of San Francisco or Fisherman's Wharf (second photo); both outfits below are almost similar, except for the knit tie and the shirts' design.

Photos: Flickr & Moviestore