Eat Tarantula

Joni Mitchell 1968

2012-02-27T22:22:00.000Z

©Jack Robinson

Françoise Hardy's biker jacket

2012-02-26T15:24:00.000Z

Françoise Hardy shows that there is no limit to customise a leather jacket. Sorry to my jacket for I am not so adventurous...

Mine

Malcolm McDowell 1971

2012-02-25T21:56:00.000Z

©Jack Robinson

Lauren Bacall's masculine silver jewellery

2012-02-21T22:30:00.000Z

Lauren Bacall seems she shares her silver accessories with her hubby Bogie. I love her coin bracelet!

Pop "up" Art : Uncovered by Thomas Allen

2012-02-19T21:44:00.000Z

Thomas Allen creates his art from clipping the pulp fiction paperbacks.

Playboy matchbook 1961

2012-02-18T22:17:00.001Z

Hugh Hefner published the first Playboy magazine in 1953 with Marilyn Monroe on the cover and the rest was history. After the growth of magazine's popularity, Hefner opened a casino bar, The Playboy Club, the first in Chicago in 1960 and then subsequently New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, London and many more. The Playboy bunny logo with bow-tie became an instantly recognisable symbol of the 1960s, and people now collect all the merchandise. Here is my Playboy matchbook, dated 1961. On the side it reads "Diamond Match DIV. Chicago, Illinois." so I presume this matchbook could be one from the first Playboy Club?

Here are some pics of Playboy in it's prime

From Life magazine 1969

The chicago Playboy Club in 1966

Cheryl from The Chicago Playboy Club 1964

Two Bunny Girls take part in the Good Friday waiters and waitresses race

in Battersea Festival Garden, London 1972

Bunny Girls on the roof of the Playboy Club, London 1976

Dirk Bogarde hidden classic "Our Mother's House" 1967

2012-02-13T00:10:00.000Z

Weird.. This film is so dark and weird all the way through to the depressing end. I have been watching Dirk Bogarde films at the moment, and I bumped into his 1967 film, "Our Mother's House".

The story is after the religious mother of 7 kids died, the kids bury her body in the garden and feigned to their neighbours that their mother is still alive. They start to live by themselves until their estranged father comes back. The kids slowly open up to their father but when their trust was betrayed, the uninviting truth is exposed.

The film was directed by Jack Clayton of "Great Gatsby" fame, with music by Georges Delerue who famously provided music for Nouvelle Vague geniuses. The legendary Dirk Bogarde starred in the film, and I also spotted Mark Lester playing the one of 7 kids. Mark Lester famously played "Oliver Twist". It's not the oddest of Bogarde's films who made some pretty underground films such as "Modesty Blaise" and "Despair", but I was certainly not ready to see him as Charlie, a bald headed shabby man!, though I must say he played him brilliantly.

I recommend you to watch "Our Mother's House" if you have a chance, though it has been discontinued unfortunately. I hope it will be reissued one day.

WWⅡ Aviator Pilot Bracelet

2012-02-02T09:59:00.000Z

I just received it today. It's very small more than I thought! I will wear it layering with some other bracelets or something.

Patricia McCall by Charles Brittin 1958

2012-01-24T13:53:00.000Z

Dr. Samuel Johnson by Milton Glaser 1958

2012-01-23T17:47:00.000Z

Chloé chelsea boots

2012-01-21T14:54:00.000Z

I can't wear my Isabel Marant boots in the raining day because they are suede. I was on the horns of a dilemma... and then Chloé boots came along!

Almond Financiers

2012-01-20T22:03:00.000Z

The person who invented almond financiers is genius.

Recipe is here

Girl in the Harley Davidson T by Joseph Szabo

2012-01-17T22:32:00.000Z

Harvey A Miller's wartime gear

2012-01-15T14:19:00.000Z

This is my recent purchase, ID bracelet. It says Harvey A Miller with his army number, and possibly the silver manufacture company, DUO on the back. I like the Air Corps engraving.

Charles Brittin "West and South"

2012-01-13T23:30:00.000Z

A day after I posted Charles Brittin pics here, I received Brittin's book "West and South"! The book was published in conjunction with his exhibition at the Michael Kohn Gallery in LA. Brittin captured the beatnik scene of the late 1950's in southern California.

Brittin's girls : Shirley, Suzi and Beverly

2012-01-08T22:46:00.000Z

Charles Brittin took photographs of his friends, artists, actors and poets during the 1950's. Here are some photographs of his girl friends, includes Brittin's artist friend, Wallace Berman's wife, Shirley. All from the book "West and South".

Portraits of Robert Mapplethorpe by Judy Linn 1969-1970

2012-01-06T12:44:00.004Z

I love the way he put jewellery together.

Don't you step on my Isabel Marant black suede shoes

2011-12-29T23:03:00.000Z

I finally found a great pair of boots for Winter. I found it a bit difficult to wear knee boots, so short boots is a clever alternative. Beautiful black suede and slightly round toe with walkable heels, my new Isabel Marant boots will be my staple from now on. They are so French style. I need to wear more heels and messy hair like a Parisienne...

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T16:27:00.001Z

Stella McCartney coat

2011-12-16T19:36:00.000Z

I was saying that I will not buy a coat this winter, and here it is, my new coat from Stella McCartney... I tend to buy dark colours so am quite excited about my new colourful tweed coat!

Orange&Almond cake

2011-12-04T19:10:00.000Z

Sunday baking. I baked Orange&Almond cake today.

Recipe is here

Charlotte Gainsbourg 1994

2011-12-01T21:54:00.001Z

by Jean-Baptiste Mondino

From Cut magazine

Dennis Hopper 1971

2011-11-23T20:17:00.001Z

From The Last Movie

RRL store opening party

2011-11-19T22:42:00.000Z

I went to the new RRL store opening party the other night. The store interior is true to Ralph's aesthetic of American heritage, and there are lots of attention to detail. RRL interprets vintage garments into wearable modern clothes appealing to wider audiences. The store also sells original vintage pieces from all over the world. It was a fun night and I frantically helped myself to a lot of free drinks and canapés. I paid for it the next day... Here are some pics.

RRL
16 Mount Street, London, W1K 2RH

Hitchcock Presents...

2011-11-07T20:27:00.001Z

"Alfred Hitchcock Presents" was a TV series of short stories, featuring mysteries, thrillers etc. which was on the air from 1955 to 1965, hosted obviously by Hitchcock.

From the top :

1: Alfred Hitchcock Présente Histoires à ne pas lire la nuit (Stories for late at night) 1971

2: Alfred Hitchcock Presents My Favorites In Suspense 1959

3: Alfred Hitchcock Présente Histories Abominables (Horrible stories) 1966

4: Alfred Hitchcock Présente Histories Abominables 1976

My book of the moment, "To Kill a Mockingbird"

2011-11-03T12:40:00.000Z

I've just finished reading Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird". The story is narrated by a girl called Scout Finch whose father, Atticus, is a lawyer who defends a Negro accused of rape. It is set in the 1930's, in the deep south of America, when black people were still segregated. The novel is located in 'a tired old town', Maycomb in Alabama, and is loosely based on Lee's own childhood experience.

Harper Lee was a close friend of Truman Capote, and she accompanied him during the time he was working on the book, "In Cold Blood". I am a big fan of Capote and this was the first time I heard of Harper Lee, and her Pulitzer Prize winning novel. But her book didn't appeal to me at the time and after a long time, out of the blue, I started to read her novel. It was beyond my expectations, I really liked it! So I strongly recommend it.

The book was turned into a film in 1962, staring Gregory Peck and won several prestigious film awards including several Oscars.

CHANEL Rouge Allure Velvet No.39

2011-10-16T20:52:00.000+01:00

I recently bought a lipstick, Rouge Allure Velvet, No.39 from Chanel. This is a beautiful dark red colour which is named 'La Somptueuse', meaning extravagant and splendid. It is a matte finish and like the name, has a velvety texture easy to apply on lips. Chanel cosmetics offers subtle shades of red lipstick which give a great start to rouge beginners. I also love the pop-up style packaging!

Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet, no.39

A young girl trying to determine which lipstick colour

will look right with her complexion by Nina Leen

from Life photo archive 1945

Jean Patchett on the cover of Vogue 1950

The Lover by Man Ray 1934

One To Make At Home... by Martin Margiela

2011-10-09T16:05:00.000+01:00

Make a sweater from socks!

CÉLINE Tote bag

2011-10-03T20:48:00.000+01:00

I now have my new everyday bag from Céline. Beautiful quality lamb skin and gold Céline stamp is as simple and discreet as can be. I had a hard time deciding between bottle green and black. I chose the black at the end.

Flowers by William Eggleston 1978

2011-09-22T23:22:00.000+01:00

R.I.P Richard Hamilton (1922 - 2011)

2011-09-19T19:25:00.000+01:00

This is the catalogue for the Tate Gallery Richard Hamilton exhibition in 1970. The British Pop Art pioneer passed away on 13th of September this year at the age of 89.

Autumn is coming!

2011-09-13T21:11:00.000+01:00

It has been typical London weather the last few weeks. Rainy, chilly and humid... It seems that the season is turning into Autumn already. We are now in mid September, but have we had Summer this year?

Singing Actress

2011-09-01T15:51:00.000+01:00

Lauren Bacall was only 19 years old when she sang 'How Little We Know' in her debut film with Humphrey Bogart, 'To Have And Have Not'. When she stood by the piano and started to sing, her husky voice became a lot deeper and her imposing elegant looks with famous sultry eyes lured audiences. Bacall undeniably carried off the scene.
I also love Jeanne Moreau's 'Le Tourbillon' from François Truffaut's Jules et Jim which made Moreau an International star. Here are some of my favourite singing actresses...

To Have And Have Not (1944) : Lauren Bacall 'How Little We Know'

Made In U.S.A. (1966) : Marianne Faithfull 'As Tears Go By'

Jules et Jim (1962) : Jeanne Moreau 'Le Tourbillon'

Sabrina (1954) : Audrey Hepburn 'La vie en rose'

The Big Sleep (1946) : Lauren Bacall 'And Her Tears Flowed Like Wine'

Une Femme Est Une Femme (1961) : Anna Karina 'Je suis très belle'

Cheese cake

2011-08-21T13:32:00.001+01:00

I made a cheese cake yesterday. After leaving the cake in the fridge over night, cut a piece for myself and tasted it. My eyes popped out, 'So creamy and rich!'

Vintage 'Sears' Sweatshirt

2011-08-19T20:50:00.008+01:00

My vintage 'Sears' sweatshirt

Sweatshirt is not just for boys. Girls too can pull it off well!

Life 1951

Lee Miller 1930

Françoise Gilot 1949

U.S. Aid decal on jeep, Saigon, July 1967 by Dick Durrance

2011-08-12T21:56:00.000+01:00

I found this image. It's the same design as the label I bought from War&Peace Show.

Weekend in Soho...

2011-08-10T20:13:00.000+01:00

Beach Style

2011-08-08T21:39:00.000+01:00

It seems Summer will finally come to London soon. Let's get in Summer gear before heading to the beach! I would love to dress like Audrey in 'Sabrina', when she went sailing with Linus, played by Humphrey Bogart, she was wearing a crisp check shirt with high-waist shorts. It was simple casual style, but on Audrey's lean, androgynous body, and the way she put accessories together, it became an absolute elegant look. And also very charming that Sabrina was playing a portable recordplayer and singing, 'We have no banana today....'

Life 1950

By Georges Dambier 1957

By Georges Dambier 1959

A still from 'Bonjour Tristesse' 1958

Life 1950

Audrey Hepburn in Sabrina 1954

Elizabeth Taylor in Giant 1956

Elizabeth Taylor 1959

Life 1948

Life 1950

Henry Moore : Time-Life Screen 1952-53

2011-08-04T15:02:00.000+01:00

Time-Life building, 153-157 New Bond Street, London.

From War & Peace Show : USA Label, 1 AUG 1957

2011-07-29T20:28:00.000+01:00

I don't know what it is, I just love the design.

From War & Peace Show : A Pair of MITIN Gloves

2011-07-28T15:02:00.000+01:00

I saw the same gloves last year, but they had a moth hole. These are dead stock, mint condition and a pretty tag is on too.

MITIN advertisement 1953

War & Peace Show 2011

2011-07-26T23:16:00.000+01:00

I went to War & Peace Show, a big military event in Kent. I go there every year for rare vintage pieces from the market stalls, some of which were absolute chaos! I needed to look through piles of rags patiently, hoping I might find a bargain. It was very energy zapping, I forgot how big the market was... I munched a weird veggie sausage sandwich from one of the food stalls for lunch, whilst watching people dressed as soldiers. One stall had a nice parachute ring but the size was way too big for me. Shame.

Moore's Garden

2011-07-22T13:05:00.000+01:00

These are pictures I took at Henry Moore's Hoglands Garden where Moore's large works can be seen. I also insert some pictures of flowers and plum tree too. There was lots of lavender because Irina's favourite colour was purple. Natural lavender smelled gorgeous!

Locking Piece 1963-64

Three Piece Sculpture : Vertebrae 1968

Reclining Figure 1982

The Arch 1969

Large Reclining Figure 1984

Baa~ baa~

Large Upright Internal/External Form 1981-82

Family Group 1948-49

Goslar Warrior 1973-74

Double Oval 1966

Henry Moore Hoglands

2011-07-20T22:01:00.001+01:00

I went to see Henry Moore's house 'Hoglands' located in Perry Green, Hertfordshire. Moore and his wife, Irina moved to Perry Green in 1940 and stayed till her death in 1989. After the house had been closed for 15 years, The Henry Moore Foundation purchased and restored Hoglands to open to the public.

The inside of the house is full of found objects mixed with Moore's own work, and also other respectable artists such as Degas and Picasso. Irina's cactus collection is in the greenhouse at the back of the house, where the garden is open and several of Moore's large works can be seen. I took a lot of pics in the garden and it's impossible to attach all, so I will post Moore's garden later. Watch out!

From the book, Hoglands

After the house, I went through the beautiful garden to the Moore's working space, Maquette Studio. They displayed Moore's inspiration of found objects such as stones, pebbles, animal skulls, small wooden statues, next to Moore's working progress. There are similarities between one of Moore's recognisable works 'Reclining Figure' and a funny shaped pebble. Moore possibly took the form of it and developed to a woman's body. A large elephant skull also caught my eye, animal skulls were one of Moore's favourite natural objects.

Maquette Studio in 1986

Moore working in the maquette studio in 1970

Moore's large scale of plaster statues were worked on in the Plastic Studio which was built with transparent material and has plenty of natural light. The studio has been reconstructed smaller than its original size. Displayed is the working model of Draped Reclining Mother and Baby.

Yellow Brick Studio was Purpose-built in 1958, also used for his larger works. It later became a display area for his working practices. I also saw Moore's tapestries at the Aisled Barn, and the exhibition, 'Henry Moore:Plasters' at the Sheep Field Barn Gallery. Most of the works have never been seen previously.

Left: Sketch for seated figures and heads 1930, Right: Tube Shelter 1940

From Tate Collection

Besides Hoglands, Moore's work can be seen all over the world, and because his works are strongly connected to nature and adapt well to landscape, I was often tempted to touch Moore's work. Because they often have a round form and gentle feeling to it, for instance 'Reclining Figure' I love to hug.

Hermès Trompe-l'œil Dress 1952

2011-07-06T23:29:00.000+01:00

Robert Dumas-Hermès, who most famously introduced the silk scarf, was the chief executive of French fashion house Hermès at the time these dresses were made by Herbert Sondheim, a high quality dress manufacturer in New York. They're pretty and romantic like a little girl's dream come true.

All photos by Gordon Parks
From Life archive

Vintage Levi's

2011-06-30T13:50:00.000+01:00

I bought my first pair of vintage Big E Levi's jeans about 12 years ago in Camden market. Since then my body shape has changed a bit and they don't fit me like they used to. They were kept in my wardrobe for a long time until I thought of wearing them again. It seems my Big E's fit me more loosely, but in a nice way. I like to wear them rolled up with a French breton or simple white shirt, because great vintage jeans don't need any gimmicks. So, best to keep it simple.

Roland Penrose: The Postcard Collage

2011-06-24T20:53:00.001+01:00

The postcard collage is one of the Roland Penrose's signature work. His sensible painting combined with the postcards and creates a vivid and vibrant contrasting palette. When he chose postcards for his work, he was concerned more with colour than subject, but I like to think that Penrose used specific cards purposely, and revealed more stories in each work.

Untitled, 1937

How Do You Like Sri Lanka, Sir ?, 1981

Portrait of Lee Miller, The Real Woman, 1936

La Méditerranée, Etude Artistique, 1937

Magnetic Moths, 1938

La Fornarina Visits London, 1982

The Last One, 1984

'Belle du Jour' Catherine Deneuve in St. Tropez 1965

2011-06-20T19:18:00.000+01:00

It has been unpredictable weather in London.... as usual. Anyway lets hope a beautiful hot summer is waiting for us.

Moleskine Notebook

2011-06-18T21:25:00.000+01:00

I use a Moleskine notebook to manage my schedule and write down ideas for my blog. A rectangular shape with rounded corners, this simple form notebook has been loved by artistic people for decades.

This anonymous ordinary notebook was produced by a small French bookbinder, in Tours, and was bought and used by artists and writers, such as Hemingway, Bruce Chatwin, Vincent Van Gogh and Picasso, also Napoleon too!
In the mid 1980's Moleskine disappeared from stationary stores. The novelist Bruce Chatwin wrote in his book 'The Songlines', about the despair of this discontinued notebook. He referred to the black notebooks as 'Moleskine', and later the Milanese publisher who brought the legendary notebook back to life in 1997, adopted this title.

Rebel Youth by Karlheinz Weinberger

2011-06-13T23:00:00.004+01:00

'Rebel Youth' documents the work of Karlheinz Weinberger, who photographed young people in his home country, Switzerland, in the 1960's. The Swiss kids in his pictures were influenced by American biker culture and films, often styled like Marlon Brando in 'The Wild One' or California motorcycle gangs, such as the Hell's Angels. Some of the photos remind me of the Andy Warhol designed cover of the 1971 Rolling Stone's Album 'Sticky Fingers', or the 1964 Kenneth Anger biker film 'Scorpio Rising'. These Swiss 'Halbstarke' juveniles
fanatical customized jeans are just insane! The forward is by the film director John Waters, whose film 'Cry-Baby' features young biker gangs like the juvenile delinquents in the Karlheinz pictures.

Beauty Knows No Pain by Elliott Erwitt 1972

2011-06-09T12:29:00.000+01:00

It is impossible to track down the documentary 'Beauty Knows No Pain' by Magnum photographer, Elliott Erwitt, in the UK. So instead this documentary made in 1972 'The Kilgore Rangerettes' about Texas cheerleaders, is the next best thing.

This is showing at 'Elliott Erwitt:Personal Best' exhibition at ICP until August 20, 2011. If you happen to be in NY, I recommend you to go to see it.

Clip courtesy of Fans in a Flashbulb

The Nakedness of Truth (I know it well) by Paul Éluard

2011-06-08T20:49:00.000+01:00

Portrait of Paul Éluard by Picasso

Despair has no wings,

Nor has love,

No countenance,

They do not speak.

I do not behold them,

I do not speak to them,

But I am as real as my love and my despair.

From Mourir de ne pas mourir 1924

A Deep Shade of Blue

2011-06-05T15:22:00.000+01:00

I am reading 'A Deep Shade of Blue', a biography of the 60's icon, and ex-member of the Walker Brothers, Scott Walker. I knew nothing about him before, only a couple of his songs like 'The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Anymore', the Walker Brothers world famous hit, and 'When Joanna Loved Me', one of the songs for Michael Sarne's film 'Joanna'. One reason for this is that there are not many Scott Walker TV archives available, considering he was one of the biggest artists in the 60's. Especially annoying is that the BBC TV series 'Scott' is almost impossible to track down. He was an exceptional musical talent from the golden age of swinging 60's.

Classic CHANEL bag

2011-05-26T21:38:00.000+01:00

I bought a CHANEL shoulder bag recently. I of course picked the one which is soft black lambskin with beautiful gold chain. Classic!

Jane Fonda and Roger Vadim 1965

Romy Schneider 1962

My CHANEL bag

R.I.P Robert Capa (1913-1954)

2011-05-25T07:55:00.000+01:00

Andre Freidmann was born in Budapest in 1913. When he was a political science student in Berlin, he started selling pictures to pay for his tuition. His first published photograph was of Leon Trotsky, the leader of the Russian revolution, in 1932.

Capa's first published photo,

Leon Trotsky lecturing 'the meaning of the Russian revolution', 1932

He escaped from Nazi Germany and moved to France where he met Gerda Taro. Soon after they started to work together, and created an imaginary American photographer called 'Robert Capa', which he later adopted for himself. Capa and Taro also collaborated on a book called 'Death in the Making', however when they were in Spain, covering the Spanish Civil War, Taro was fatally wounded in a tank accident and died. She never saw the book published, and Capa's photographs of the horror of the Spanish conflict won him the title of 'The Greatest War Photographer'.

Taro & Capa in Paris, 1935

Rio Segre, Aragón, Spain 1938

Barcelona, Spain 1936

Death of a Loyalist Militiaman 1936

When the Second World War broke out, his second big break came along. Capa landed on Omaha beach, Normandy in 1944, with the first wave of American troops, attacking the Germans in France. His second prominent coverage was published largely in Life with the headline 'Beachheads of Normandy', and his reputation became more stronger and worldwide.

Capa, taken by Gerda Taro 1937

Robert Capa press card 1939

Capa, Naples 1943

Capa's photographs of D-Day landings from Life 1944

In 1947, he founded photo agency Magnum with his fellow photographers Henri-Cartier Bresson, George Rodger, and David Seymour. The same year, Capa published his war essay called 'Slightly Out of Focus', so called after a print accident in the lab ruined most of his D-Day photographs. Capa also did some collaboration books with his intellectual friends like 'A Russian Journal' with John Steinbeck, and 'Report on Israel' with Irwin Shaw.

'This is going to be a beautiful story' Capa said, and left to Thái Bình, Indochina, for an assignment in 1954. He was on a jeep, looking for the front line with two Life-Time journalists, when he left the jeep to take photos. He accidently stepped on a landmine and was killed. Later the same year of his death, Capa was awarded the Croix de Guerre, by the French Army.

Life's report of Capa's death 1954

Capa, China 1938

American Soldier killed by German sniper, Germany 1945

Capa photographing Steinbeck, Moscow 1947

Picasso with Françoise Gilot, France 1948

Capa, Segovia, Spain, taken by Gerda Taro 1937

Happy Birthday, Bob!

2011-05-24T08:02:00.000+01:00

Dylan is 70 years old today. Wow!

90's B&L Ray-Ban USA

2011-05-19T20:22:00.000+01:00

From my recent trip to Japan.

I bought a pair of vintage Ray-Ban sunglasses at Righty-Right, a vintage store in Nagoya. The shop is cosy and has a well picked selection for men and women. These Ray-Bans still have Bausch&Lomb lenses, and were made in around 1991. The slightly pointed frame reminds me of the pair Jean Seberg wore in Jean-Luc Godard's film, À bout de souffle.

Capa in Color 2005

2011-05-17T19:25:00.000+01:00

At the Hemingway exhibition, I bought a book called 'Capa in Color'. The book is made for an exhibition from 2005, of the same name. Capa's color negatives were found at Magnum office more than 60 years after the photos were taken. Most of Capa's best photographs are black and white, however color photography gives his work a new dimension, and is also a historically important document of the war.

'Ernest Hemingway by Robert Capa' at Leica Ginza Salon

2011-05-17T19:13:00.000+01:00

I recently went to my home, Japan. While I was in Tokyo, I went to the Leica Ginza Salon to see an exhibition, Ernest Hemingway by Robert Capa. I have seen most of the photographs, except for a letter written by Hemingway. He wrote a memorial on Capa's death and sent it to Capa's brother, Cornell. Admission is free, and beautiful old Leicas are on display too. The exhibition runs until 17th of July.

Leica Ginza Salon
6-4-1 Chuo-ku Ginza, Tokyo
104-0061 Japan
T: +81 (0) 3-6215-7070

Battle of the leopard bathing suits : Liz Taylor vs Bettie Page

2011-04-26T19:28:00.000+01:00

Elizabeth Taylor with her son

Bettie Page from 'The Jungle Bettie' 1954

Headgear

2011-04-25T22:56:00.000+01:00

Finishing off with an accessory change the mood of your style.

Head scarf by Givenchy 1952

B.B wearing a cloche hat

Girl wearing a net on her face by Gordon Parks 1950

Girls wearing belt hair bands by Nina Leen

From 'Carnival Strippers' by Susan Meiselas 1976

2011-04-22T21:11:00.000+01:00

Lena's first day, Essex Junction, Vermont 1973

Shortie on the bally, Barton, Vermont 1974

The Air War by Larry Burrows 1966

2011-04-15T21:21:00.000+01:00

From 'Life' September 1966

Julius Shulman (1910-2009)

2011-04-14T22:25:00.001+01:00

Julius Shulman was one of the most important architectural photographers, best known for his iconic photographs of the Case Study Houses. Notably his CSH #22, The Stahl House designed by Pierre Koenig, was published many times as one of Shulman's best works. He was a pioneer of modern architecture photography, and helped mid century modern architects like Frank Lloyd Wright, Richard Neutra, and Pierre Koenig to get to wider audience.

Julius Shulman at his house/studio in Hollywood Hills 2007

In 1947, Shulman built his house and studio called The Shulman House in the Hollywood Hills, designed by Raphael Soriano who had started his career from an internship for Shulman's close friend, architect Richard Neutra. Neutra's most famous work, The Kaufmann House in 1946, was made famous by Shulman's photographs.

Shulman died at his home in Los Angeles on July 15, 2009, when he was 98.

Albert Frey residence 1965

Booth House designed by Smith and Williams 1956

Case Study House #20, The Bass House (Artist, Saul Bass residence)

Mobil Gas Station 1956

Bay Bridge under construction 1930

Boulder Dam 1936

Shulman photographing The Stahl House

Case Study House #22, The Stahl House

The Stahl House

Tiramisu

2011-04-11T20:05:00.000+01:00

I made a tiramisu yesterday. The layer of cream is more chilled and set, the day after it's made is the best time to eat!

Animal Toys by Charles Eames 1951

2011-04-10T19:30:00.000+01:00

All photos from Life archive

Death in the Making by Robert Capa 1938

2011-04-08T20:10:00.004+01:00

'Death in the Making' is the first book by Magnum photographer Robert Capa, published in 1938. The book contains photographs of the Spanish Civil War taken by Capa and his lover and fellow photographer, Gerda Taro.

The front cover 'Falling soldier'

The book started as a collaboration between Capa and Taro, until Taro was badly wounded in a tank accident and later died. When the book was published, Capa dedicated it to her with this message, 'For Gerda Taro, who spent one year at the Spanish front, and who stayed on. RC'.

The photograph used for the front cover is one of Capa's most famous works 'Falling soldier', formally 'Loyalist Militiaman at the Moment of Death, Cerro Muriano, September 5, 1936'.

Inside 1

The dedication to Gerda Taro

1 to 4 photos are taken from 150 Years in The Stacks

My book of the moment - 'Atonement' by Ian McEwan

2011-04-03T17:19:00.000+01:00

Although I struggled to finish reading Ian McEwan's novel 'Atonement', I burst into tears as I was watching the film adaptation, directed by Joe Wright. I stopped reading it way before all dramatic moments happened.... a tragic love story caused by one innocent lie....
The film also has beautiful period costume that is worth seeing. Now I'm reading the novel once again and this time it seems more engaging...

Stills From the film 'Atonement'

Bonjour Tristesse Opening Sequence by Saul Bass 1958

2011-03-26T20:44:00.003Z

I watched 'Bonjour Tristesse' again the other day and remembered that how beautiful opening sequence this film has.

All photos from Not coming to a theater near you

The affair of Robert Capa and Ingrid Bergman

2011-03-22T22:04:00.000Z

When I was looking for some material on Robert Capa, I stumbled across an interesting story about Capa and Hollywood actress, Ingrid Bergman.

In 1945 after the fall of Nazi Germany, Capa was staying at the Hotel Ritz on Place Vendôme where he met Hollywood actress, Ingrid Bergman. Bergman was travelling around Europe to see the devastation caused by the war, and entertaining the troops.
When they met, Bergman was still married to Petter Lindström who she had a baby with. Capa asked Bergman for dinner, and soon after they started to have an affair.

Bergman is having Christmas dinner with servicemen, Alaska 1942-44

Robert Capa 1949

In 1946, Bergman asked Capa to come to Hollywood with her, and he did. While Capa was in Hollywood, he visited her at a studio where she was filming, Alfred Hitchcock's 'Notorious'. Capa had shot some still photos for the film which he was given no credit for when they were published.

Hitchcock later made a film with James Stewart and Grace Kelly in 1954, called 'Rear Window', loosely based on Capa and Bergman.

Bergman wanted to marry Capa and also tried to convince him to quit his job to work in Hollywood. Capa knew that he wouldn't fit in, and told Bergman that he can't have a wife and kids because of his duties of work. Their affair ended when Capa left Hollywood for an assignment in Turkey.

'Arch of Triumph' 1946 photographed by Capa

'Notorious' 1946 photographed by Capa

Robert Capa 1945

Robert Capa is on the back of a jeep with a camera in front of his face,

during Paris liberation 1945

The liberation of Paris 1944

All photos by Capa

Ingrid Bergman & Robert Capa

Buddy Lee

2011-03-20T16:13:00.000Z

There are many Buddy Lee dolls in different outfits. Here Buddy Lee is in engineer style coverall with matching hat. Red scarf is a good contrast on this style!

The Kaufmann House by Richard Neutra in 1946

2011-03-17T23:24:00.000Z

The Kaufmann House was designed by Austria-born architect, Richard Neutra in 1946, and is located in Palm Springs, California.

The house was built as a winter desert retreat, and commissioned by a German-American department tycoon, Edgar J. Kaufmann Sr. who already owned one of architectures masterpieces, 'Fallingwater', also known as the Kaufmann residence, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1934.

All photos by Julius Shulman

Colour is back in Fashion : Mens shirts

2011-03-15T20:19:00.002Z

Summer is round the corner. Fashion changes from cold-winter-monotone to spring-bright-colour. Vitamin colours are everywhere in this season. I would keep it simple, play with colour sensibly.

Bob Dylan by Jerry Schatzberg 1965

John F. Kennedy on the U.S. coast guard yacht, 'Manitou' 1962

Jean-Paul Belmondo from 'Pierrot le fou' 1965

Hemingway hunting memoirs by Robert Capa 1940-41

2011-03-12T19:37:00.000Z

Ernest Hemingway spent most summers in Idaho, hunting and fishing, until he bought a house and moved to Ketchum in 1958. These photos are taken in Sun Valley adjacent to Ketchum, by one of Hemingway's famous friends, war photographer Robert Capa.

Hemingway and his third wife and writer, Martha Gellhorn

Hemingway, Gary and Veronica Cooper

Hemingway and Cooper

Hemingway and his son Gregory

Gregory Hemingway

All photos from Robert Capa the definitive collection

Kids take a photograph of Maxwell Taylor by Larry Burrows 1965

2011-03-11T19:28:00.000Z

Kids take a photograph of South Vietnam Ambassador Maxwell Taylor,

Tan Son Nhut Airport, Saigon, February 1965

From Larry Burrows Vietnam

Pancake Day

2011-03-08T20:38:00.000Z

We got to eat pancake on Pancake day. I had it with Golden Syrup and lemon. I could easily eat 10 of these!

Scones

2011-03-06T15:05:00.000Z

I made some scones today. They taste great, although didn't rise much again! Eat with Cornish clotted cream and Bonne Maman's strawberry jam. Classic!

Eames shell chair with drawing by Saul Steinberg 1950

2011-03-05T19:52:00.000Z

Case Study House #8 Eames House 1949

2011-03-03T16:25:00.000Z

Eames House is modernism meets Japonism!

Eames House, circa 1950.

All photos from The Library of Congress.

Eames House is located on 203 North Chautauqua Boulevard, Los Angeles, California.

Case Study House was an experimental program of architecture sponsored by 'Arts and Architecture' magazine. It started at the end of WW2, from 1945 until 1966 and commissioned major architects to design low-cost, mass-produced modern residences for returning soldiers.

Anti-Vietnam war pin badges

2011-03-02T18:58:00.000Z

All photos from e-bay

American style pancake

2011-02-27T16:29:00.000Z

I made a pancake for lunch today. I used less sugar this time and enjoyed pouring more maple syrup over the pancake!

'Secrets of flat locked up for 20 years' by Jeffrey Meyers

2011-02-26T20:26:00.000Z

Sean Flynn's Paris apartment uncovered after the 20 years

All photos from Tim King Salem-News.com

'GIRL SAY YES to boys who say NO' Joan Baez Anti-Vietnam Poster 1968

2011-02-24T21:55:00.000Z

Proceeds from the sale of this poster go to the draft Resistance.

Whatever Happened to Sean Flynn?

2011-02-24T19:59:00.004Z

Anti-Vietnam war Sean Flynn matchbook

Sean Flynn

2011-02-22T13:24:00.002Z

Sean Flynn disappeared with fellow war photographer Dana Stone during an assignment for TIME magazine in Cambodia on April 6, 1970. It is assumed they were captured by the Khmer Rouge and killed in June 1971. After his disappearance, Flynn's mother, French Hollywood actress, Lili Damita spent millions trying to find her son.

The last picture of Sean Flynn and Dana Stone.

One of Flynn's closest friends, legendary Vietnam war photographer Tim Page, has searched for Flynn for over three decades. Page also founded the Indochina Media Memorial Foundation and published 'Requiem' in 1997 to pay tribute to the photographers from every nation who died in Indochina.

40 years after their disappearance, in March 2010, a search found remains that could possibly be Flynn's, in a place some searchers believe is a mass grave for people killed by the Khmer Rouge during the war in the late 70's. DNA tests unfortunately didn't match Flynn's.

Sean Leslie Flynn was born on May 31, 1941 in Los Angeles, California. He was the son of Hollywood movie star, Errol Flynn and Lili Damita. He inherited his fathers good looks and became an actor when he was 15. He starred in several B-movies until he became a freelance photojournalist in 1966. He went to Vietnam as a correspondent for the French magazine Paris Match, and it is there that he met Page, and also American photojournalist Stone. They became close friends and earned the nickname 'The Three Musketeers'.
On April 6, 1970 Flynn and Stone left Phnom Penh on Honda motorbikes to find the front line and disappeared after they were last seen at a check point in Svay Rieng Province in the southeast of Cambodia.

Flynn's acting era 1961

Sean Flynn stands on the right,

Dana Stone is seated at the front of Flynn 1966