Inspirational Imagery

Favorite Handbags

2012-10-11T16:32:00.001-04:00

3.1 Philip Lim, fall 2012

3.1 Philip Lim clutch, fall 2012

Christian Louboutin, Fall 2012. I can't resist a Memphis influence!

Fiona Kotur minaudiere

Isaac Mizrahi minaudiere, 2011

Celine, Fall 2012

Miscellany

2012-08-24T11:00:00.000-04:00

Poster for the 1965 West German re-release of The Seven Year Itch; designed by Dorothea Fischer-Nosbisch (1921 - 2009)

Yasmeen Ghauri, Nadege du Bospertus, and Beverly Peele

Poster for India Song, 1975

Careers board game, USA 1950's

1970's New York, unidentified photographer

1970's New York

2012-08-22T10:30:00.000-04:00

These aerial views of New York are credited to Jean-Claude Hubi in this Wired New York forum post of 1970's photos of the city.

Models in B&W

2012-07-17T13:51:00.001-04:00

Gisele Zelauy in the Spring 1997 Moschino campaign

Editha Dussler shot by director Just Jaeckin in 1970

Anjelica Huston by hair stylist/photographer Ara Gallant, 1970's

Unknown model wearing Jin Abe. Shot by Carlo Dalla Chiesa in LOfficiel #767, 1991.

Les Robes de Paul Poiret by Paul Iribe

2012-06-21T09:40:00.000-04:00

Les Robes de Paul Poiret was a book of illustrations by Paul Iribe, 250 of which were published in 1908 by couturier Paul Poiret. Get this, one copy is part of the internet archive of the Getty Research Institute library, so you can download or view it online!

Paul Iribe was an illustrator and journalist, part of a Parisian, bohemian clique in the early 20th century. Like his illustration contemporaries (including George Barbier, Georges Lepape, George Martin, and Pierre Brissaud,) he drew his subjects in a modernist style, influenced by Japanese painting. In 1915, he went to work for the film industry in Hollywood, as a costume designer, art director, and production designer on various projects. He also dated Coco Chanel, who was with him when he died in 1935.

Miscellany

2012-06-20T09:54:00.000-04:00

Cyndi Lauper and PeeWee Herman playing mini-golf.

The American Restaurant, Kansas City, shot by Warren Platner in 1974

Yasmeen Ghauri shot by Stephen Meisel, 1991

Twiggy, shot by Bert Stern

Cynthia Rowley, Resort 2013

2012-06-19T09:43:00.000-04:00

Ok, we're not even close to the resort season of 2013, but I just wanted to take a look at Cynthia Rowley's collection, because it's right on for me. I am a sucker for metallics and polka dots, and I also am a big fan of shoes with multiple buckles.

Interview Magazine

2012-06-18T12:58:00.000-04:00

I can never resist feeling happy when I see Interview Magazine covers by Richard Bernstein!

January 1978, Isabella Rosellini, originally photographed by Peter Strongwater

May 1980, Marina Schiano originally phototgraphed by Chris Von Wangenheim

December 1987, Anjelica Huston originally photographed by Matthew Rolston.

June 1982, Phoebe Cates originally photographed by Peter Strongwater

November 1981, Diane Von Furstenberg originally photographed by George Hurrell

February 1981, Diane Lane originally photographed by Ara Gallant

July 1982, Dyan Cannon originally photographed by Peter Strongwater.
I love the design of this one!

Marni Chairs

2012-06-12T15:54:00.002-04:00

The Italian fashion brand, Marni (and always one of my faves), unveiled a line of 100 chairs this year at the Salone Internazionale del Mobile, which is an furniture trade show that takes place in Milan.

The iron and woven plastic chairs are traditional Columbian shapes, updated with Marni-type color palettes. They were crafted by ex-convicts in Colombia who are re-assimilating into social and professional life. Funds raised from the sale of the chairs will be donated to ICAM, a Milanese organization that reunites imprisoned mothers and their children.

Cocktail Rings

2012-06-11T13:04:00.000-04:00

I don't tend to wear cocktail rings much, but I have been seeing a few lately that are really special.

Click through for the list of designers.

Top Row, left to right:

Eddie Borgo, silver-plated and crystal; Diane Von Furstenberg by H Stern, white gold with colored sapphires; Lara Bohinc, Gold Collision Ring with Black Onyx and Cubic Zirconia; Dior, Coffret de Victoire white & yellow gold, peridot, diamond, colored sapphire, and enamel; Bulgari Ring, 18kt white gold ring with pink tourmaline, emeralds and diamonds.

Middle Row, left to right:

Alexis Bittar, Liquid Rhodium Amethyst Resin Quartz ring, Miss Havisham collection, 2012; Asprey, Black Onyx & Diamond; Piaget, Limelight "Blue Lagoon" 18K white gold, aquamarine, fire opal, and diamonds; Diane Von Furstenberg by H Stern, Quartz Power Ring; Delfina Delettrez, Silver, howlite, and pearl.

Bottom Row, left to right

Delfina Delettrez, Gold, Diamond, and Black Diamond, 2010; Mawi, Copper (?); Bex Rox, 24 carat Gold plated ring with glow in the dark white powder which when activated glows neon blue; Piaget, Magic Gardens, Citrine, gold and diamond; Marni, resin.

The Punshiments of China

2012-06-11T10:33:00.000-04:00

Illustrations and text from The Punishments of China, by George Henry Mason, London, 1801

Punishment of the swing.

This man is suspended by his shoulders and ankles, in a very painful situation: at intervals, two attending officers afford some trifling alleviation of his sufferings, by supporting him with a bamboo, passed under his breast. Pencil, ink, and paper, are ready, to note down whatever he may say.

This punishment is chiefly inflicted upon such merchants as have been detected in committing frauds, impo sitions, or any other unwarrantable tricks of trade.

The Rack.

This horrible engine of barbarity and error is not peculiar to Roman Catholic countries, it is used even in China, for the purpose of extorting confession. The method of employing it, in torturing the ankles, is exhibited in this Plate.

The instrument is composed of a thick, strong plank, having a contrivance at one end to secure the hands, and at the other a sort of double wooden vice. The vice is formed of three stout uprights, two of which are moveable, but steadied by a block, that is fastened on each side. The ankles of the culprit being placed in the machine, a cord is passed round the uprights, and held fast by two men. The chief tormentor then gradually introduces a wedge into the intervals, alternately changing sides.

This method of forcing an expansion at the upper part, causes the lower ends to draw towards the central upright, which is fixed into the plank, and thereby compresses the ankles of the wretched sufferer; who, provided he be fortified by innocence, or by resolution, endures the advances of the wedge, until his bones are completely reduced to a jelly.

Burning a man’s eyes with lime.

A small quantity of unslacked lime is put into pieces of cotton cloth, and closely applied to the organs of sight.

Chinese punishments

Culprit conveyed to prison, an iron chain around his neck.

Miscellaneous: How Random Can I Get?

2012-06-09T12:57:00.000-04:00

Helloooo!!! This art-direction is off the hook! Too bad it's probably not quite on-brand. Vogue, December 1940

What a fun poster! Brooke Shields by Richard Avedon and Keith Haring, 1985

I am into this look that Goldie Hawn sported in "Overboard"

A collection of David Bowie tickets

Chanel ensembles shot by Helmut Newton, 1983. I would absolutely, most definitely wear those dresses.

Debbie Harry looking cute. Shot in Toronto by Bob Gruen in 1977

Jacques Tati by Robert Doisneau, 1949

Alain Pilon

2012-05-31T10:25:00.000-04:00

Montreal-based illustrator, Alain Pilon, has a really cute and funny style with a dash of surrealism, which I'm always a fan of. He's represented in the US by Garance.

There's another Montrealais with the same name and birth year who is a politician. I don't think they are the same person.

Andre DaLoba

2012-05-17T10:07:00.000-04:00

I love the bold style and colors of these illustrations by Spanish-born and Brooklyn-based artist Andre DaLoba. There are many, many more to look at, as well as some sculptural pieces. He is represented by the Marlena Agency.

Antonio Lopez, Elle Magazine 1967

2012-04-30T11:02:00.001-04:00

Antonio Lopez (1943-1987) was a major figure in fashion illustration, active from the 60's until his death in 1987. In addition to being a prolific illustrator, he was also a known for his Instamatic photos (which are awesome and I'll share at another time). Lopez was also attributed to discovering and launching the careers of Jerry Hall, Grace Jones, and Tina Chow.

Below are Lopez' illustrations from a 1967 editorial in Elle Magazine.

Tripp NYC

2012-04-23T16:19:00.000-04:00

I just CANNOT stop with Tripp jeans from Trash & Vaudeville. I may just be a collector!

See them all in detail after the jump.

Pringle of Scotland, Spring 2012

2012-02-28T11:00:00.000-05:00

Pringle of Scotland always shows stuff that I want to wear regularly in my daily life, and the spring 2012 collection is no exception. I am especially obsessed with the footwear! So cool! Now, if I could just locate where they can be purchased...it hasn't been an easy task so far.

See the shoes up close after the jump.

These are my favorite. I quite certain that I could wear these nearly every day.

Cool colors!

The right amount of conservatism.

Contemporary Aboriginal Painting

2012-02-27T11:09:00.000-05:00

Rhythm and color is what I like!

George Tjungurrayi, Untitled (Tingari)

Lucy Loomoo Nungurrayi, Untitled

Josephine Nangala, Untitled

Ronnie Tjampitjinpa, Water Dreaming

Lucy Loomoo Nungurrayi, Karnaputta (Woman's Law)

Early to Mid 20th Century Kimono

2012-02-26T14:56:00.000-05:00

Machine-spun pongee silk woven with stencil-printed warp thread (meisen) Japan, Taisho period, 1912-26.

Machine-spun pongee silk woven with stencil-printed warp and weft threads (meisen). Japan, late Taisho-early Showa period, 1920-40.

Gauze weave silk (ro) with stencil-printed patterning (kata-yuzen). Japan, early Taisho period, 1912-20

Machine-spun pongee silk woven with stencil-printed warp and weft threads (meisen). Japan, early Showa period, 1930-40.

Hand-spun pongee silk (tsumugi) woven with stencil-printed weft threads. Japan, Taisho period, 1912-26

Machine-spun pongee silk woven with stencil-printed warp and weft threads (meisen). Japan, early Showa period, 1930-50

All of the Kimono here can be found in the book, Fashioning Kimono: Dress and Modernity in Twentieth-Century Japan. They were shown at the Victoria and Albert Museum in the Toshiba Gallery of Japanese Art in 2005 and 2006, on loan from the collection of Jeffrey Montgomery, a prominent collector of Japanese folk art.

Miscellaneous Actors in B&W

2012-02-25T08:57:00.000-05:00

Harrison Ford in Blade Runner

Matthew Broderick looks cute and charming here.

Jon Cryer and Molly Ringwald on set during Pretty in Pink.

Of course I wanted a boyfriend like Ducky!! Plain Blane is a bore!

Sigourney Weaver

Malick Sidibe

2012-02-23T14:03:00.000-05:00

Dansez le Twist, 1965

Regardez Moi, 1962

Dansez le Twist, 1963

Christmas Eve, 1963

Malick Sidibé is a photographer from Mali that is known for his shots of nightlife and popular culture in Bamako, Mali, in the 60's and 70's. His photos of people dancing are my favorite, but he also has some really fresh shots of people posing on motorcycles. We'll look at those at another time.

CoBrA

2012-02-22T18:18:00.000-05:00

The CoBrA artists' movement was established in Paris, but its name is an acronym of Copenhagen, Brussels, and Amsterdam; the cities from where the founders hailed. The highly collaborative group banded together in 1948 and was active until 1951, though the members still occasionally work together even today.

Considered to be an offshoot of surrealism, CoBrA sought to recapture the whimsy and naive spirit of children's art, creating subconscious renderings of imagined creatures. They welcomed poets to their group to collaborate equally on paintings, mixed media pieces, books, and periodicals.

The key figures in CoBra are Karel Appel, Hugo Claus, Pierre Alechinsky, Constant Anton Niuwenhuys, Christian Dotremont, Asger Jorn, and Jean-Michel Atlan.

There is a museum dedicated to the movement in Amstelveen, Netherlands called Cobra Museum of Modern Art

Series of 15 book covers, 1950.

De Blijde en Onvoorziene Week (The Joyful and Unexpected Week), Karel Appel and Hugo Claus, 1950

L'Oie Belge (The Belgian Goose), Pierre Alechinsky and Hugo Claus, 1980

More about CoBrA
Underground Arts: The COBRA Group

Raphael Young, Spring 2010 Campaign

2012-02-21T13:22:00.001-05:00

Love the art direction in the Spring/Summer '10 campaign for Raphael Young's collection. A primary color palette is retro and modern at the same time, always bold and perfect.

See them all big after the jump.

Citroen collateral

2012-02-14T10:33:00.001-05:00

You know what's cool? Citroen brochures! Some are funny, some are cute, and some cool...and some have all of those qualities. Below are a few items from the 60's.

Right, 1961 Citroen 2CV brochure, exterior; and left, 1963 Citroen 2CV brochure, exterior

1968 Citroen brochure, cover

1967 Citroen brochure, cover

An interior spread from 1966 Citroen 2cv brochure

1966 Citroen 2cv brochure, cover

See many more examples at Citrobe.org

Erdem, Fall/Winter 2011

2012-01-31T10:19:00.000-05:00

Ok, this is a little late, but I wanted to make sure that I didn't leave out this collection. I see these looks as perfectly balanced between pretty and cool, and they're things that I could wear every day. Erdem really has a way with color and pattern.

Click through for full shots.