Steve McQueen: Sleek Summer Relaxation

What do you get when you pair a plain white t-shirt, Levis 501s, worn sneakers, and Persol 649s?

The result is a minimalistic, simple, sleek, and relaxed look like the one worn below by "The King of Cool" himself, Steve McQueen in the late 60s. A timeless and versatile summer look. Add a dandy touch by wearing a light colored double breasted jacket.



Photo: Flickr

Yves Saint Laurent: Summer Elegance in Marrakech

Marrakech is one of the most impressive cities in Morocco. A city that has captivated the likes of John Paul & Talitha Getty, Matisse, Alfred Hitchcock, Charlie Chaplin, Winston Churchill, Jane Fonda, The Rolling Stones, France Gall, Julien Clerc, and Yves Saint Laurent.

Perhaps Saint Laurent was Marrakech's most loyal visitor because ever since his first visit to the "Red City" in 1966 he came back constantly. Yet this wasn't enough for him, and therefore he bought a house and the famed Majorelle Garden afterwards.

Marrakech and Morocco were an inspiration source for Yves Saint Laurent. A proof of this can be found on the tunics, turbans, Fez hats, and colors he incorporated on his collections during the 70s and 80s.

Below a photo of Yves Saint Laurent at some impressive settings that was probably taken during his first visit to Marrakech. His good taste and elegance are evident with his combination of white pants, a black shirt with epaulets, an original belt, mocassins, and rectangular sunglasses.


Photo: Flickr / L' Amour Fou

Graffiti Color Blocking

Summer stands for warm temperatures and clothes that aren't only fresh, but full of color. Menswear began to allow the use of a wide color palette back in the 60s with the Mod styles from Carnaby Street and the Hippie Psychedelic beats from California. In the 70s the color wave continued, reaching its peak in the 80s with neon and pastel colored suits, shirts, and t-shirts worn by the likes of Duran Duran and Don Johnson.

In these last years, especially this Spring/Summer, "color blocking" has become a trend and with it the return of eye catching color combinations. The key of success in "color blocking" is pairing a warm/vibrant color with a dark/subdued color, creating a balanced contrast. Yet 2 vibrant colors can be paired as well. Mix neon with sandy tones, neon with black etc, let your creativity do its part.



Photos: GQ Russia

John F. Kennedy: Summer Perfection

It can't be denied that John F. Kennedy is one of the most remembered figures from the 20th Century. JFK wasn't only a political leader, he was one of those who represented and defined American style in the early 60s.

From his navy blue sweaters worn on Hyannis Port to his impeccable suits, John F. Kennedy always gave a lesson of style. Below a photo that shows in my opinion the most stylish and elegant ensemble worn by JFK circa 1962; a blue blazer paired with a white shirt, skinny tie, pocket square, white pants, black shoes, and tortoise Wayfarers. Pure class and perfection!



Photo: Flickr

Gunter Sachs & Brigitte Bardot: Summer at Via dei Condotti

Rome is definetly one of those cities that one must visit during the Summer. Despite the crowds and at times very warm temperatures, Rome is a vibrant city filled with lots of culture, art, historic sites, and why not, some style as well.

In the Summer of 1967, the "Summer of Love", Gunter Sachs and Brigitte Bardot visited "The Eternal City" and were photographed strolling along the Via dei Condotti. This Via is one of Rome's most iconic streets because of the stores located on it.

Yet another thing that makes Via dei Condotti notable is the fact that it's adjacent to one of Rome's most famous sites, the Spanish Steps or Piazza di Spagna. These steps are not only a touristic attraction, they have appeared in films such as "Roman Holiday" with Audrey Hepburn & Gregory Peck, or "The Adventurers" with Candice Bergen & Bekhim Fehmiju.

Photo: Flickr

David Bailey & Lord Lichfield: Mare Moda, Capri '68

Mare Moda was a "fashion week" event held in Capri on September 1968. For several days, the likes of Tony Curtis, Faye Dunaway, George Hamilton, Egon von Furstenberg, Pilar Crespi, and Slim Aarons had a sneak peek at upcoming fashions from designers such as Valentino.

Among those attending Mare Moda were two of history's most famed photographers, David Bailey and Lord Patrick Lichfield. Both of them not only shot some of the most representative photos from the 60s, but were also among the best dressed men in the UK during that decade.

Below a photo of them attending a party with another 60s model icon, Penelope Tree. Bailey opted for an almost white monocromatic ensemble that had what appears to be a braided/chain like metallic belt and an embroided/printed tunic shirt. David Bailey wore and experienced successfully all of the upcoming 60s menswear trends, from double breasted Mod suits to pre-Miami Vice pastel colored pants paired with white jackets (which he wore at Mare Moda as well).

On the other hand Lord Lichfield wore a very basic and classic look, white shirt and black pants. Yet he added a touch of modernity and contrast with his tied scarf.

Photo: Flickr

Lois Chiles & Sam Waterston: Escape to the Dominican Republic

Lois Chiles & Sam Waterston who co-starred on "The Great Gatsby" as Jordan Baker and Nick Carraway in 1974, were photographed on the impressive beaches and settings of La Romana, on the Dominican Republic by famed fashion photographer Chris von Wangenheim on 1973. Both are wearing ensembles that represent perfection, ideal to be worn when enjoying a brief holiday at any beach resort.


Photo: Ciaovogue

Arrival in Saint-Tropez

Saint-Tropez became a top Summer destination during the 60s and 70s thanks to the likes of Brigitte Bardot, Gunter Sachs, Mick & Bianca Jagger, Jane Birkin, Serge Gainsbourg, and Gigi Rizzi. This town still continues being one of the most popular spots on the French Riviera.

Below an ensemble that is perfect to be worn when arriving in St. Tropez aboard a Riva, an iconic vessel of the Mediterranean. A white double breasted jacket with matching pants, Aviators, and pendants that add the finishing touch.

Photo: GQ Japan

Jacqueline Kennedy & Gianni Agnelli: White Summer on the Amalfi Coast

Jacqueline Kennedy, who was First Lady of the United States at the time, spent 3 weeks on August 1962 in Ravello, a town on Italy's famed Amalfi Coast. During those days she and her children had the opportunity to experience the magnificent Italian culture and view impressive sights.

Mrs. Kennedy met Gianni & Marella Agnelli while in Ravello, giving the 3 of them a lesson of style. Below a photo that shows Jackie and Gianni strolling on Ravello's harbor wearing white ensembles, a basic Summer color. Worth noticing is Agnelli's white long sleeved shirt, one might think it was a bad option for the hot weather on the Amalfi Coast, yet it's protective of the sun's rays.



Photo: Flickr

Summer at Il Pellicano

Il Pellicano is a world famous hotel located in Porto Ercole, between Rome and Florence, on the Tuscan coast. Inaugurated on June 2, 1965 by Michael and Patsy Graham, Il Pellicano has become a must visit spot on the Tyrrhenian Sea due to its impressive settings that allow guests to enjoy days of relaxation.


Slim Aarons was one of Il Pellicano's frequent guests, and snapped iconic photographs like the one below. Taken in the Summer of 1973, this photo shows a Magnum Motorboat at Il Pellicano's jetty.







Photo: Slim Aarons/Flickr

L.G.R. Sunglasses: Italian S/S 2011

Renowned photographer Douglas Kirkland photographed Faye Dunaway strolling around Venice's most iconic corners on the Summer of 1968. Yet my favorite photograph from this series has to be the one taken by Kirkland while he and Faye Dunaway are travelling around the Italian countryside in a convertible car. An image that captures the speed, summer light, and essence of the moment.


L.G.R. Sunglasses would have looked amazing on Faye Dunaway and Douglas Kirkland in this photo. This summer L.G.R. Sunglasses has released besides their limited edition RAW collection, 2 new sunglass models: October & Victoria, which are both shown below.

Yet for when the sun goes down and you need some eyeglasses to read or enjoy the moment, L.G.R. has also incorporated 2 new models to its impressive optical collection: Asilah & Livingstone. Both the optical and sunglass models are available in a wide color palette, from the classic Black and Havana frames to original Ice & Green frames.

As it has been proven for several years, L.G.R. Sunglasses stand for high quality, elegance, and of course a unique blend of Italian savoir-faire with the splendor of Africa.

Photos: Flickr, Douglas Kirkland, L.G.R.

Laurence Olivier: Timeless Stripes

When looking at this photograph for the first time one might think that it was probably taken within the last 10 years; yet it wasn't. Surprisingly this photo was taken somewhere between 1935-1948.

Laurence Olivier, one of the most acclaimed actors in Cinema history, proved that striped t-shirts and oxford striped pants are timeless wardrobe staples. Ideal to be worn during Spring/Summer, these items are a synonym of elegance and good taste. Simple, bold, and very versatile.



Photo: Flickr

Helmut Berger & Marisa Berenson: Elegance in Venice

Helmut Berger and Marisa Berenson were photographed attending a party in Venice during the Summer of 1973. From Helmut's white double breasted dinner jacket to Marisa's impressive necklace, they both gave a lesson of elegance that night.

Photo: Ciaovogue