Street Art

Street art pin-up on W. 15th St. NYC

Dior Spring 2011 Couture: VIDEO

Here is the Dior video from Vogue.com!

Dior Spring 2011 Couture

We can always count on John Galliano for a little vintage glamour!! Here at Dior Spring 2011 Couture shown in Paris last week, Galliano pays tribute to René Gruau, Dior's fashion illustrator of the 40's and 50's.

Galliano~ who started as an illustrator himself before moving to design~ took references from Gruau's work and incorporated into his fabrics in the form of watercolors and illusions of pencil strokes and graduated three dimension with light.

The hair designed by Orlando Pita and the makeup by Pat McGrath fit the times and the Gruau's iconic beauties. If you have ever seen the first Barbie dolls, you will notice striking similarities.

Here are some highlights!

photos style.com

Inspiration: Marilyn

photo Eve Arnold 1955

I am currently in the midst of finding new inspiration and motivation for many things, and always like to hear how others find theirs. The other day I was pleasantly surprised to hear from talented UK based photographer Carly Rodgers sharing with me a recent shoot she did that was inspired by the Marilyn Monroe photo above.

She was moved to recreate a timeless, sensual and vintage feel, similar to Marilyn's languid pose. I think these photos are brilliant and definitely capture strength and vulnerability, just like Marilyn. It is important to note that true inspiration is an artist's interpretation of another art form. To be inspired and not copy is hard to do! Carly took elements from Marilyn's photo and made it her own. To see more of her vintage inspired photos look here!

photos Carly Rodgers 2011

photo Janine Walker 2011

Thank you Carly! xo

Book Giveaway Winner

The winner of the Sal Mineo biography giveaway is

John from Memphis, TN

Thank you to all who entered!! x

Book Giveaway: Sal Mineo

I have another wonderful book giveaway! I was sent a copy of Michael Gregg Michaud's biography Sal Mineo from the lovely people at Broadway Books/Random House. They have also donated a copy to one lucky winner!

Sal Mineo was the biggest thing in Hollywood during the late 1950's and had a huge teen following after the success of Rebel Without A Cause. I found his life to be quite a roller coaster ride and often troublesome. Dealing with an overbearing mother who doubled as his manager as well as struggling to assert himself as an artist~ a real actor and not a teeny bopper idol. Threaded through all of this was his dynamic personal and sexual life. Most arrows point to bisexual, yet I think that he leaned one way but as a people pleaser keep all doors open. So much controlled chaos that led to a senseless tragedy. I enjoyed the detailed film discussions as well as his upbeat look on life. I hope everyone gets a chance to check out this biography!

If you would like to enter, please EMAIL me your name and address. One winner will be drawn at random by my trusty assistant (who ever is standing near me at the time) The deadline is Mon. Jan. 17th 12noon EST.

*PLEASE NOTE* This drawing is open to US residents only! The publisher will be sending the book directly to the winner. I am sorry to everyone outside the USA :( xo


Much thanks to Jennifer!!

Gay Carrington

She was one of the Old Hollywood Studio System's greatest stars, now clawing her way back to the top!

Archival footage found of Gay Carrington's screen test with Leslie Howard for Of Human Bondage

... And her thrilling performance in Bates Motel

For more of Gay Carrington, please visit her YouTube channel!!

Coal Miner's Daughter

I have never seen Coal Miner's Daughter and it was on the telly the other night. I watched it because there was nothing else on. I loved it!! (Has this ever happened to you?) I'm not into country music, and knew Loretta Lynn was a star, but it was so interesting to peek into that world. The apex at the Grand Ole Opry, the friendship and heartache with mentor Patsy Cline, the costumes! The hair! At first I thought how proud she was to never lose her "true self" but I realized she didn't know any other way. The 50's and 60's were such a burgeoning time for female performers in any genre of music. A lot of determination and sacrifice. I believe Dolly Parton's ascent was similar? I would like to read the book next.

Person to Person: Marilyn

April 8, 1955 interview for Edward R Murrow's program Person to Person.

Thanks Tamela!

Book Giveaway Winner

The winner of Possessed is

Elizabeth from Richboro, PA!

Elizabeth was drawn at random out of many wonderful readers. Thank you to all who entered! Please run out and get this book! xo

Book Giveaway: Possessed

I am so very excited about this giveaway!! The wonderful people at William Morrow/Harper Collins have generously donated a copy of Donald Spoto's Possessed; a new biography on Joan Crawford for a giveaway drawing!

I will be honest, I read the first few pages then ran out to buy my own copy. :) It is, in my opinion, one of the best biographies I have read as it is almost set up like a documentary. Unbiased and factual, and honest about facts unknown. Meticulous footnotes and vivid descriptive qualities. A ton of never seen before photos and correspondences. Of course, she is a fascinating subject and I actually learned new things about her life and careers. I loved it, and am thrilled for one of you to own it!

If interested, please email me your name and mailing address and one winner will be drawn at random. Ends Wed. Dec. 15th 12noon EST.


Special thanks to Kimberly! xo

Navy

Paul Newman's Naval service portraits. First photo dated 1943, second photo unknown. If anyone knows, please let me know! TSG didn't have much info on them.

photos thesmokinggun.com

Squirrely

Life.com showcases 1944's most fashionable squirrel! See more of this charming critter in the full Life gallery here!

Photos: Nina Leen/Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images

Wonderment

Original Illustration of Wonder Woman, 1941

A fascinating find on Heritage Auction Galleries is the original concept sketch of then soon to be Wonder Woman. Illustrator Harry G. Peter submits these drawings to creator William Moulton Marston in 1941. The illustration was sold in Oct. 2002 for approximately $33,350. Click image for better view!

DESCRIPTION:
H. G. Peter - Original Illustration of Wonder Woman (ca. 1941). This is, quite frankly, an incredible piece of comics history. Recently acquired from the estate of H. G. Peter, Wonder Woman's original artist, these are his first sketches of the Amazon Princess. The figures are done in what appear to be pencil, ink, and crayon and show Wonder Woman from the side and from the front. To the right of the figures, in pencil, Peter has written to Dr. William Moulton Marston, Wonder Woman's creator,

"Dear Dr. Marston, I slapped these two out in a hurry. The eagle is tough to handle - when in perspective or in profile, he doesn't show up clearly -- the shoes look like a stenographer's. I think the idea might be incorporated as a sort of Roman contraption. Peter".

In red pencil, below the figures, Marston responds,

"Dear Pete - I think the gal with hand up is very cute. I like her skirt, legs, hair. Bracelets okay + boots. These probably will work out. See other suggestions enclosed. No on these + stripes - red + white. With eagle's wings above or below breasts as per enclosed? Leave it to you. Don't we have to put a red stripe around her waist as belt? I thought Gaines wanted it - don't remember. Circlet will have to go higher - more like crown - see suggestions enclosed. See you Wednesday morning - WMM."

Measuring approximately 13" x 18.75" overall, the piece is in excellent condition. It was obviously folded to fit in an envelope, with a horizontal fold approximately 4.5" from the top and five vertical fold lines. The profile figure stands approximately 8" tall, while the front-facing figure is slightly larger at 9". The historical importance of this piece cannot be overstated. This is a rare insight into the creation of an iconic character, showing clearly the creative process undertaken by two important comics pioneers. A piece of this caliber is rarely offered for public sale, especially one with such important historical qualities. Obtained from the estate of H. G. Peter, included with this lot are two other interesting items: a hand-drawn, hand-colored postcard addressed to "Miss A. Fulton" and signed "H. G. Roth" (Peter's real name), measuring approximately 6" x 4", and a sepia-toned portrait of Peter holding a pipe, which measures approximately 5.5" x 5.5". All in all, a fascinating collection of material from one of comic's most important artists.

image and description courtesy Heritage Auction Galleries/ha.com

Fire & Ice

Richard Avedon photographed model and muse Dorian Leigh for Revlon's 1952 Fire & Ice campaign. Fast forward to 2010 where Mario Testino photographs actress Jessica Biel for the re-launch of the iconic collection.

photo revlon.com

Dear John

Last week, my friend loaned me a DVD biography of Greta Garbo. There were numerous mentions of her favorite leading man, John Gilbert. I only knew the basics about him, such as he was known as the screen's Greatest Lover and that supposedly his career fizzled out when talkies made the scene. He actually had a beautiful speaking voice, but the long standing rumor of Louis B. Mayer's involvement in John's withdrawal from films is still around. I must do more research.

I was riding the T (subway) the other day, a young man boarded and he looked exactly like John Gilbert!! He seemed to be around 25, and had on a lovely navy blue three piece suit and had the perfect sculpted fudge brown hair and mustache. The same strong jaw, slightly peaked ears, strong patrician nose. I stared. A lot. He had that standout panache that many men, especially young men, fail to achieve. If it wasn't so crowded, I would have made my way over to him and asked for a picture for the blog. (I have no shame.)

Here are a few swoon worthy photos of Dear John...

Investigation

A new series on Investigation Discovery called "The Will: Family Secrets Revealed" premiers tomorrow night, Wednesday Nov. 3 at 9pm ET/PT. The first episode will uncover mysteries about Old Hollywood Glamour favorite, Joan Crawford and her family controversies. Here is a preview!

Thanks Maia!

Advert Winner

The winner of the Rita Avdert drawing is

Celeste from Brooklyn, NY

Congrats and thanks to all who entered! x

Advert Giveaway

I just recently moved to Boston. (YEA!!) Anyway, while rummaging through my things I found an old advertisement of Max Factor cosmetics, starring Rita Hayworth. It came from a 1943 Good Housekeeping magazine. I found it on eBay and apparently forgot I had it. It is 11x8 and in a plastic sleeve.

If you would like this delightful advert for your collection of vintage goodies, please email me your name and mailing address. One winner will be drawn at random and deadline is Wed Oct 20, 12noon est. Thank you!!

Bureau

I spent a leisurely afternoon at Boston's SoWa Vintage Market. I came across this lovely bureau, which caught my eye as 1) I recently moved and need some pretty pieces and 2) my apartment is very small so this was the perfect size and 3) they delivered!


Here is the bureau at home, and in better light. I purchased it from Hummingbird Antiques (781) 389-8911 and was told it was pre-1930. I haven't yet looked for markings, it is quite heavy. I like that it has small casters and wooden wheels. It's a soft buttercream color with chipping in all the right places revealing it was once painted mint green. I like it very much!