Archive for the 'Retro Revival' Category

For the Gentlemen: Andre 3000 Launches Benjamin Bixby Line

Published
by
Vi
on September 17, 2008
in General Fashion and Retro Revival
. 0 Comments

You know how much we love anything retro, vintage, old school… classic. (You did see the last post right?)

So of course I am very excited about Andre 3000 (yes the gentleman from Outkast) and his new line that launched recently at the beginning of Spring 09 Fashion Week, with a “Benjamin Bixby Bash” at Barney’s New York, hosted by Charlize Theron and Stewart Townsend. Inspired by classic 1930’s menswear and collegiate themes, the line is a throwback to the time of talkies and big band. So I say go ahead and introduce your man to Bixby. But be careful, ’cause he may just start callin’ you “toots”!

Now if Andre could just start making lady clothes…





Swimwear Takes a Cue from Decades Past

Published
by
Vi
on September 16, 2008
in General Fashion and Retro Revival
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Our foremothers were onto something when they wore those full-coverage bathing suits back in the 30s, 40s, and 50s (well on to something in that society wouldn’t really let them wear anything else). No, I’m not talking about that heavy woolen fabric. I’m talking about a shape, that, even if conservative by today’s standards, is undeniably flattering. And lately, we have seen many designers turning out pieces that definitely harken back to these days of yore.

It’s the semi-structured cuts and full hip coverage from earlier bathing suit designs that work extremely well for all figure types. They provide a slimming and smoothing effect for more voluptuous figures than the skimpier string bikinis and high cuts of today and they provide a very streamlined appearance for slimmer figures.

One may think that more coverage means more dowdiness, but consider the bombshell effect these cuts can produce. After all, we’re talking about the times of Carole Lombard, Jean Harlow, and Marilyn Monroe.


Carole Lombard

Continue reading ‘Swimwear Takes a Cue from Decades Past’

The 80s Claw Their Way Back In

Published
by
Vi
on January 18, 2008
in Retro Revival
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I don’t understand what’s going on. Are we TRYING to bring back the 80’s? If so, WHY?? Of course the decade had it’s charm, with its unique folding techniques (think cuffed jeans) and brightly colored plastic gadgets (think banana clips and t-shirt rings). But it’s more like the kind of charm you associate with a funny (and horrible) prom picture. Sure, it’s amusing looking back at those times, but that does not mean they should be repeated.

Many of the trends that have been popping up are, without a doubt, bringing the 80s into the present. We’ve made notes of where these gems actually should be left:

Neon Colors: in Cindi Lauper’s hair
louboutin1.jpgChristian Louboutin
chrisbenzjacket.jpgChris Benz
toryburchtote.jpgTory Burch

The Tomboy Look: on Mary Stuart Masterson in Some Kind of Wonderful (or Diane Keaton…)
lagerfeld.jpgKarl Lagerfeld
jens-laugesen.jpgJens Laugesen
haider-ackerman.jpgHaider Ackerman
neil-barrett.jpgNeil Barrett

Shoulder Pads: on everyone in Dynasty
house-of-holland.jpgHouse of Holland
valentin-yudashkin.jpgValentin Yudashkin

BUT - to be fair, we do think this past year’s jelly shoe is a winning comeback:
mjredmouse.jpgMarc Jacobs
korsjelly.jpgKors
mjgoldjelly.jpgMarc by Marc Jacobs