Dear Lana...I Heart you

Lana del Rey how you continue to fascinate me with everything you do!  If you've walked by any H&M store recently, you've seen Ms. del Rey on the big screen modeling the new Fall '12 collection, complete with her signature bouffant and sultry pout.  Here is the commercial that H&M recently released, and might I say Lana looks better than ever!  I can't stop watching this video, directed by Johan Renck.

Speaking of Lana, also check out this teaser video for the new Jaguar F-Type, featuring her new song Burning Desire.  Lana has signed with the company as the new face of the luxury car brand.

The Great Gatsby Trailer

Loving everything about The Great Gatsby official trailer released today.  Another adventure for the senses from Mr. Luhrmann...
 

Wardrobe File: The Duffle Coat

The name of the duffle coat originated from the heavy wool fabric manufactured in Antwerp, Belgium in the town of Duffel.  During World War I, the British Royal Navy issued a tan colored duffel coat for it's warmth and durability at sea.  The toggle fasteners were designed to be easily fastened and unfastened while wearing gloves, and the oversized hood helped accomodate a sailor's naval cap.

British Navy sailors sporting early Duffle coats, 1919
via Brian Wollaston, maritimequest.com

The British Army Officer Bernard Montgomery sported the coat during World War II, were it garnered the nickname "Monty Coat."  

Due to surplus coats after the war, the coat became a popular preppy item in the 50's and 60's and became popular in the sporting world, among Hollywood celebrities, and on college campuses across the country.  They were distributed mainly by the British company Gloverall, who still produce the original duffel coat today.

All images via Gloverall.com

No matter whether you call it a duffle, Monty, or toggle, the coat is an essential addition to any man (or woman's) wardrobe.  It's simple, practical, and can be dressed up or down, making it a great, versatile coat with nearly one hundred years of tradition.


Duffle bags share the same origin, as they were first made from the same woolen material.

Beauty and the Sword

This week the CBS Sunday Morning show remembers the lives of two very interesting contributors to the creative world - master swordsman and fencer Bob Anderson, 89, and photographer Eve Arnold, 99.  Anderson choreographed many memorable sword fights in Hollywood films, while Arnold is best remembered for her work photographing Marilyn Monroe.

Style Storyteller

This weekend I finally got around to seeing The Rum Diary with Johnny Depp, based on the novel by Hunter S. Thompson.  Intrigued by the trailer, and after reading some mixed reviews, I wasn't sure what to expect.  Although I found the storyline a bit slow at times, I left amazed by the stupendous job on the costume design.  


The 60's era tailored suits donned by Johnny Depp and Aaron Eckhart and the stunning dresses worn by Amber Heard, are the handywork of Colleen Atwood.  The three time Academy Award winning costume designer has designed costumes for many other of my favorite films, including Edward Scissorhands, Big Fish, Alice in Wonderland, The Tourist.

Watching this movie I was reminded of a quotation I posted a while back by Ralph Lauren, "Every time I design clothes, I'm making a movie".  I think the story in The Rum Diary was driven by the visual cues from the disheveled yet dapper Depp to the impeccably dressed Eckhart.  Clearly, Atwood hit the nail on the head by effectively creating story lines for the characters through their personal style, and by creating an atmosphere that I really enjoyed.  I also liked the array of vintage sunglasses that appeared in the film, and I have to give credit to the set designer for a great job as well.  Overall, The Rum Diary is definitely worth seeing.

Above images via Film District © 2011

Most recently, Atwood has taken on the task of wardrobing the fantasy world in Snow White & the Huntsman starring Kristen Stewart, Charlize Theron, and Chris Hemsworth.  The costumes in the trailer look fantastic and prove that Atwood is one of the great style storytellers - take a look...

Hail the Wale!

Image via Corduroy Appreciation Club

Today is 11|11|11, which means it's Corduroy Appreciation Day - the day of the year that most closely resembles Corduroy fabric.  The Corduroy Appreciation Club of New York, dedicated to the celebration of the "King's thread", has already been celebrating the fabric for the past 11 days leading up to today with Corduroy related events...see what went down here.  


Today events will be held across the country from New York City to Portland, Oregon where Corduroy enthusiast rejoice and layer up - attendees must abide by a "Three Item Rule" and wear at least three items of Corduroy.


In addition the club gave away 111 pairs of Official Corduroy Club Pants made by Betabrand, the makers of Cordarounds - a horizontal take on Corduroy pants.

Cordarounds

Images via Betabrand

I also like these skinny Corduroy ties made especially for the club.  They're something different to pep up your fall style.  Happy Corduroy Appreciation Day and "Hail the Wale"!

Image via Corduroy Appreciation Club

Hyde Park on Hudson

Check out these photos of Bill Murray as FDR that just surfaced from the upcoming film "Hyde Park on Hudson".  The film will recount the visit of the British King and Queen to FDR's vacation home in 1939 and the love affair between the president and his distant cousin Margaret Stuckley, played by Laura Linney.  Olivia Williams will play a really convincing Eleanor Roosevelt and the King and Queen by Samuel West and Olivia Colman.


I am a big fan of Bill Murray and am glad to see that he will be coming back to the big screen in high style in this film, as well as in the highly anticipated Wes Anderson film, "Moonrise Kingdom" - both slated for next year.  If these stills are any indication of how the movie will turn out, then it is going to be amazing.  The period wardrobes and sets are superb and the casting looks spot on - I can't wait!

Images by Focus Features via Huffington Post

Of Town & Country

I recently helped clean out the attic of my grandparents' house - a veritable time capsule of furniture, clothing, and piles and piles of papers and magazines accumulated over the past 65 years.  In one particular box, I came across a stack of vintage Town & Country magazines, some dating back as early as the 1920's!  Among the other books and papers, these stood out because of their magnificent covers.  The painted scenes depict upstanding individuals as well as document the leisure activities of privileged American life.  As the oldest continually published general interest magazine, in print since 1846, the cover artwork offer a surreal glimpse into a gilded period of our nation's past.

I think they would look really neat framed in a series - perfect for a hallway or study.  Conveniently, the Town & Country website offers a link to purchase hundreds of vintage cover prints.  I've picked out a few of my personal favorites...

Images via Art.com 

Kinfolk Magazine

This past week has been busy, thus no posting, as I have rejoined my pals over at Ralph Lauren and my schedule has been non-stop.  Alas, I have returned with many new things to share.


I recently came across Kinfolk Magazine, a design/entertaining publication that advocates and encourages the simplicity of small gatherings.  Comprised of over 40 contributors from around the world, the message is clear - ideas and inspiration for no-fuss entertaining with an emphasis on friends and family.  It is issued four times per year for $24 in print (wrapped in beautiful butcher paper and tied with red string), and for free online and for the Ipad.




From table settings and recipe ideas to advice on living a fulfilling life, Kinfolk is 172 pages of aesthetic delight.  Here are a some photos from the most recent issue.

www.brittanyst.blogspot.com

www.sarahjwinward.blogspot.com

www.brittanyst.blogspot.com

Above images via www.amandajanejonesblog.com

It's also worth checking out some of the side projects from the creators of the magazine.  For example, Kinfolk's Primary Designer, Amanda Jane Jones, curates her own blog as well as her personal website.  The About Us section of the magazines website has many other amazing blogs and websites by contributors that are worth a peek.


Read Volume 1 of Kinfolk in its entirety online or on your Ipad here until November 1st!

Jewell & Ginnie Storyography

Image via JewellandGinnie.com

Jewell and Ginnie is a production company that focuses on good old-fashioned story telling to convey ideas through film and photography.  The Charleston based company has been implementing it's "story first" approach since last year and turning out some really visually fantastic work.  This image-rich description from their website defines their inspired vision: 

Sunlight plays across a fisherman’s weathered face as he hauls in the last nets of the morning. A knowing glance, accompanied by a chuckle bounces between two brothers, who happen to be renowned chefs, as they speak their love of Southern food. An Irish vista of emerald green edged by a white-capped Atlantic blue, the finesse of a painter’s deft fingertips smoothing paint on a canvas. It’s a look, a whisper, a smile–a fleeting moment of unscripted life. THIS IS STORYOGRAPHY.

I really liked this short film they did in collaboration with photographer Sully Sullivan.  It's a short for Charleston Fashion Week called "Back Into the Wild" and shot in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina.  I've been watching it over and over again because there's so much to see and the music goes so well.  On Sully's website, OhSully!, you can see the accompanying photos from the shoot.


 
Jewell & Ginnie also have done many videos for TwelveSouth, the innovative company behind the BookBook.  I posted the most recent one for the incredibly cool BookBook for iPhone on the Signet Seal Facebook page.  I'm still getting it started but I will be updating the Facebook page with more photos and videos of cool stuff - so 'like' it and stay in the loop!


Also, check out the Jewell & Ginnie blog to see more of their awesome work!

A Metropolitan Bike Ride

The Ralph Lauren Rugby Tweed Run is coming to NYC this October...how exciting!  Put together vintage bicycle riding, British heritage, tweed, and a festive culmination in Brooklyn and you have a smashing sounding autumn excursion.


Rugby teamed up with Pashley, the makers of awesome, vintage British cycles since 1926.  These bikes are truly beautiful works of art, and luckily you can enter to win one of 50 limited-edition, custom-made bikes for the event here.

As if that wasn't enough, Rugby has created a special line of limited-edition British influenced "cycling clothes" to inspire and outfit the event.  I am quite fond of their Plus Four Chinos, a modern take on classic knickers.  But really, check out the entire collection and take a trip back to the golden age of 'cyclotouring'.

Images via Rugby.com

Pan Am Prepares to Hit the Airwaves

September - a month of new beginnings.  It's back to school, fashion week, the autumnal equinox, harvest month, and the premiers of many long awaited TV seasons.  One in particular that caught my eye, was ABC's new period drama - Pan Am.

2011 ABC Inc.

Set in the glamorous "Jet Age" of the 1960s, the show centers on the lives and relationships of a group of young Pan Am airline stewardesses, with the exception of one, played by Kelli Garner...who is actually a US spy working undercover?!  Sounds like there will be a lot of storyline to cover, and I question whether the concept has lasting value, but I trust director Thomas Schlamme, former director of The West Wing and Sports Night, knows where to fly this plane.


Truthfully, I'm more excited about the overall look of the show.  Judging from the trailer below, it will be a welcome accompaniment, at least sartorially and atmospherically, to other similar period pieces i.e. Mad Men.  With a cast of uniform clad sirens including Christina Ricci, Kelli Garner, and Margot Robbie, and scenes set around the globe, there will certainly be plenty to please the eye.  


I also have a vested interest in watching the show, as my grandmother was one of the first airline stewardesses on the DC 3 by United Airlines back in the 40s, and I remember hearing stories and seeing pictures from her travels.  I'm looking forward to see this fresh take on 60s Americana, which hopefully won't disappoint!  Check it out on September 25th at 10pm.

"Passion, jealousy and espionage... They do it all—and they do it at 30,000 feet. The style of the 1960s, the energy and excitement of the Jet Age and a drama full of sexy entanglements deliciously mesh in this thrilling and highly-original new series."

Beach Boys and Hurricanes

Image via theBeachboys.com

Arrg so I am going on three days without power in the wake of Irene's tour of the East Coast. It has actually been a breath of fresh air to be rid of technology and an opportunity to accomplish some more constructive pursuits i.e. cleaning out my closet, drawing, and kayaking upstate (post storm of course).  Nonetheless, I  write by candlelight on my Blackberry to tell you about a very cool preview video that came out yesterday for the highly anticipated box-set release of the Beach Boys "lost" Smile album on November 1st. 

Capital/EMI

This special edition box-set from Capital Records includes the original album tracks and awesome original artwork, never before seen photos, and even two vinyl LPs of "Heroes and Villians" and "Vega-Tables" - very nice.  It also has 5 CDs with over 140 tracks and studio banter - awesome! Check it out...
 and pre-order here!