Sir Cecil Beaton: A True Artist

Sir Cecil Beaton was one of the most talented artists of the 20th Century. An artist might be the appropiate word to describe him since he's not only one of the best photographers in history famous for his fashion photos and portraits; but he was also an interior designer, a costume designer, a stage designer, diarist, and last but not least one of the best dressed during his time.

Below a self portrait of Beaton in which he wears a monochromatic ensemble, adding contrast with his shoes.



Photo: Flickr/Sir Cecil Beaton

Roger Vadim & Jane Fonda: Synchronized Elegance

Roger Vadim and Jane Fonda are an example of "synchronized elegance" in this photo that shows them arriving at what appears to be a studio or film location. Vadim wearing a perfect suit and his trademark eyeglasses; while Fonda wears a mini dress and mini coat paired with boots which was a very popular trend crica 1965-1966.


Photo: Flickr

Bob Dylan: Like A Rolling Stone

Yesterday was Bob Dylan's 70th birthday and to celebrate this occasion I'd like to do it with one of his most iconic photographs. Taken at a recording studio in the mid 60s, Bob Dylan is shown wearing his trademark hairstyle and Wayfarer inspired sunglasses paired with an all buttoned up shirt and a dark jacket.

Dylan is a living legend, a singer & songwriter who not only captured the spirit of change and revolution in the 60s with songs such as: "Like A Rolling Stone", "Blowin' In The Wind", and "The Times They Are a-Changin'"; a musical genius who has influenced other musical icons, someone with a unique sense of style, and last but not least a poet & painter. It can't be denied that some of his songs make up our life soundtrack.


Photo: Allposters

Carlo Mazzoni: Due Amici

Carlo Mazzoni is one of Italy's upcoming writers, best known for his two previous novels: "I Postromantici" & "Il Disordine". On these two novels Mazzoni depicts the bright and dark side of Italian society taking the reader on intricate plots from Milano to Lago Maggiore and Venice.

On May 2011 Carlo Mazzoni has released his new novel "Due Amici", which differs completly from his previous works. This time the plot's epicenter is one of life's most important virtues and values: friendship. "Due Amici" tells the story of two friends, Matteo & Gio; their journeys throughout life, their highs and lows, their relationship with Margherita, but most importantly it highlights the importance of an everlasting friendship. Set in Milano, Tuscany, and New York on modern times and with lots of imagery, this novel will not only entertain the readers but also make them think and analyze the role of friendship in their lifes.


Photo: Carlo Mazzoni

Dennis Hopper: Cannes Relaxation

Dennis Hopper attended 1980's Cannes Film Festival to present his film "Out of the Blue" which was competing for the Palme d'Or that year.

Hopper gives an example of the perfect ensemble to wear on the last days of the Festival, it ends this weekend, or while relaxing between screenings. Pretty basic, casual, and simple: a light sweater, jeans, sneakers, and to spice it up a cowboy hat. This last accessory is not something one would usually wear at Cannes or with an ensemble like Hopper's, but still it looks original and fun.



Photo: Flickr

"Il Gattopardo" at Cannes

"Il Gattopardo" directed by Luchino Visconti and with a cast lead by Burt Lancaster, Claudia Cardinale, and Alain Delon was one of the films featured in 1963's Cannes Film Festival. Considered by some as Visconti's masterpiece, "Il Gattopardo" won the Palme d'Or that year after competing with films such as "To Kill A Mockingbird".

Visconti, Burt Lancaster, and Claudia Cardinale posed with a gattopardo (leopard) on the coast of Cannes while promoting their film.



Photo: Flickr

Michael Caine: Alfie & his "Birds" on Cannes

"Alfie" was a film screened on 1966's Cannes Film Festival, not only remembered for Michael Caine's portrayal of Alfie or by having won the Festival's Special Jury Prize (this Prize was created in 1966 to conmemorate the Cannes Film Festival's 20th anniversary), but also due to the way it was promoted within La Croisette.

Lewis Gilbert and his crew decided to bring Alfie Elkins to Cannes by having Michael Caine and several models pose for photographers near the Boulevard de la Croisette. These weren't typical promotion photos, what made them different was the fact that all of the models wore white pants that had "Alfie Is..." written on the back. A very original promotion technique for the film.

Michael Caine on the other hand wore light colored pants with a matching sweater and shirt to pose with "Alfie's Birds". Worth noticing are his trademark Oliver Goldsmith eyeglasses.

Photos: Flickr/GQ