giovedì 12 novembre 2009

Noir Is The New Black

The first was Dior, then - well, this one's actually on the weird side - Christian Louboutin and now Dolce&Gabbana. Film noir is definitely a big source of inspiration for designer commercials and fashion short movies this year!

The latest one, directed by Cyril Guyo for the launch of Jalou, the new fashionable phone designed by Dolce&Gabbana for Sony Ericsson, is a very glamorous corto where five splendid dark ladies have to deal with dangerous feelings...jealousy and desire.



I really like the video, but I admit my real object of desire is the "glove hat"...

martedì 10 novembre 2009

In Doubt

I can't decide if these are sort of "irrespectful" or fun...


You judge.


Grey Gardens coloring books, for sale here.

And here's an interview with the creator.

lunedì 9 novembre 2009

Cartoonia

Another fun, Minnie inspired editorial from Elle Italy, October 2009. The stylist, Amelianna Loiacono (she's a real vintage lover, by the way), is the same of this editorial.

And once again, red hair rules!










More pictures here.

domenica 8 novembre 2009

Wearable News

T-post is certainly the smartest thing I stumbled upon recently.


Neither a paper thing, nor an online one, T-post is the new frontier of magazines cause it's...wearable and it combines offbeat news that represent in some way the world and time we live in, cool graphic designer works and t-shirts.

Printed in a limited edition, each issue is available only to subscribers that receive their "copy" via mail, a new one every six weeks.

The idea was born in 2004 as a fun project amongst a group of friends in Sweden. They started out by making the first t-shirt in just 5 copies. The word began to spread and today T-post is distributed to over 50 countries.

Still sounds a bit strange? Look at the video below to see how it works:



Each new issue of T-post is not just a fashion piece, but it's a conversation one and the whole thing is a real communication project.

Sign up here to subscribe. I bet it would be a perfect Christmas present for every graphic t-shirt addict too :-)


"With T-Post, it’s not just what your t-shirt says about you or the artist who designed it, but also what your t-shirt says about the world".

It's so true!

venerdì 6 novembre 2009

Nine Questions To Calendar Girl Vintage

It's been a long time since my last Nine Questions feature, but here I am today with a new interview that I hope will be the first of a long new series.


Calendar Girl Vintage is a recent favorite Etsy store of mine. Specialized in the finest, hand-picked, high quality vintage from the 1940s, 50s and early 60s, is definitely my dream! Last week, checking the latest arrivals, I stumbled upon the most wonderful 50s cocktail dress ever - the one in the picture above - and...well it's currently on its way to me (it will actually be my Christmas present!).

Well, let's have a chat with Miss Calendar Girl Vintage herself now!

1. HI JEN, AND THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE WITH US! TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOU AND YOUR STORE. HOW DID YOU GET STARTED WITH CALENDAR GIRL VINTAGE?

First, thank you so much for featuring me on your blog. I'm a stay-at-home mom to my 14-month-old baby boy and my job lets me do what I love most while spending time with him : ) I've always loved the past, especially the beauty, glamour and elegance of the 40s and 50s and my hobby collecting vintage from these eras naturally turned into my dream job! My husband and I were on our honeymoon in Rome 3 years ago when I became inspired to start this business. Seeing all the incredible ruins, the breathtaking scenery and the timelessness of the city made me want to be surrounded by beautiful things always. And there is nothing quite as beautiful as vintage clothing (aside from Rome, of course!)

2. WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A PIECE YOU'RE BUYING FOR THE STORE? ARE YOU INFLUENCED BY YOUR PERSONAL TASTE?

I always look for quality, classic style, interesting and unique details, and of course as few flaws as possible. I love the ultra feminine look of 40s and 50s dresses, so I tend to gravitate toward those pieces that I would love to wear myself!






3. IS NOT SAD AND "HEARTBREAKING" TO SELL A PIECE YOU LOVE, LETTING IT PASSES ON? AREN'T YOU TEMPTED TO KEEP ALL FOR YOURSELF?!

Oh yes! That happens frequently. I get very attached to my vintage pieces, but sometimes I just have to let them go, otherwise I won't have enough space to keep more stuff for myself ; ) Each time I purchase something for my store, I complain for one of two reasons: It either fits me perfectly and I have to keep it or it doesn't fit me and I wish it did, so I can't keep it!

4. HOW MUCH OF YOUR PERSONAL WARDROBE IS VINTAGE?

About 70% of my wardrobe is vintage, the rest is vintage style pieces that I mix up with my vintage pieces and accessories. I love 50s sundresses, party dresses and novelty print skirts, 40s suits and hats, and 60s coats.






5. AND WHAT ABOUT CONTEMPORARY DESIGNERS AND PERSONAL HOT SPOTS?

I don't usually buy much contemporary designer stuff, but I'll admit that every time I go to Anthropologie I wish I could buy everything in the store!

6. DO YOU THINK THE INCREASINGLY INTEREST FOR VINTAGE IS ONLY A TREND OR SOMETHING HERE TO STAY?

I definitely think it is here to stay because women recognize its timeless appeal and quality.






7. IF YOU HAD A TIME MACHING TO GO BACK IN TIME, WICH ERA AND WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO LIVE?

I would love to have experienced the 50s anywhere in the world.

8. DO YOU THINK VINTAGE IS A GOOD WAY TO EXPRESS THAT SENSE OF NOSTALGIA PEOPLE (LIKE ME...) MAY HAVE FOR PAST DECADES THEY DIDN'T EVEN LIVE TROUGH?

Absolutely!! Being able to wear clothing from the past lets you experience the beauty of that era while enjoying what the present has to offer.




Thank you again Jen, it's been a real pleasure to have you here!

And you don't forget to visit Jen's fabulous store indulging in oh so many perfect vintage items!

mercoledì 4 novembre 2009

Silent Clothing

Keen on cinema, on silent films starring Louise Brooks and Clara Bow, fascinated by Woody Allen’s movies and atmospheres and inspired by the films based on Agatha Christie’s novels, Elena Massari makes oh so gorgeous garments directly inspired by the Flappers era.




With an extreme care for details, a sense of nostalgia but also a strong desire to re-establish a long lost sartorialist tradition, Elena's unique creations are all about feminine touches and elegance.




The textiles used in her Spring Summer 2010 collection are silks and cottons manufactured by some of the most prestigious Italian companies and all the hats - the fabulous cloche, my favorite! - are completely handmade according to the techniques of traditional millinery.



lunedì 2 novembre 2009

November Dreams

There is a big difference between what's on my shopping wishlist and what I should actually buy...i.e. I should look for an heavy coat, but I already know I'll can't find anything I like and I'll spend - it happens every year - the winter with a nice light coat that always come with a free cold!

By the way, here's what I'm loving at the moment...

1. a Monet inspired printed dress, like the one Carey Mulligan wears in An Education. I can't wait for the movie to be released here, as well!


2. This crop top from Topshop, that mixes two of my favorite things: stripes and lace appliques!


3. The vintage inspired cape from Sisley, as seen in this editorial.


4. These amazing and totally out of budget suede platform wedges...


5. Polka dots sheer tights, of course! These are from Tabio.


6. A fun and pretty useful t-shirt...!


7. Warm, soft and long angora mix gloves.