What do all of our E.O.F. {STYLE IDOLS & DIVINITIES} have in common?
Perhaps its a lust for life? A certain je na sais quois . . . the X-factor; whatever you want to call it, these men and women are imbued with a magnetic spirit that entices us to go above and beyond- and invoke our deepest self!
Over the years, we’ve truly learned that cool is absolutely timeless, and classic style never fades, but it never hurts to give your own zest over to showcase why you stand out from the crowd.
This week we are featuring the effortless style of American actor Mark Frechette – best known for his role in Michelangelo Antonioni’s 1970 counter-culture cult classic Zabriskie Point.
Notoriously casted by Sally Dennison during a year long search to find America’s new rebel icon – Dennison spotted Frechette, a handsome 20 year old carpenter, throwing a flower pot at a woman on the streets of Boston (while another account describes him arguing vigorously with a third floor tenant of an apartment building), and the rest is history.
“He’s twenty, and he hates”
Sally Dennison
Bad ass to the core, don’t let this pretty face fool you – this guy’s got attitude for daze.
His effortless cool is emphasized by a distinctly American edge – denim shirts, oxford shirts, khakis, piercing blues, and perfectly unkempt brunette hair all juxtaposed by a rebellious heart. Very much a U.S. incarnation of Alain Delon (another E.O.F. {STYLE IDOL} )!
Mark Frechette quickly became a sensation even before the film was released, with much fuss and anticipation over Antonioni’s take on the counter-culture movement spreading like wildfire throughout the States. Frechette appeared on the cover of LOOK magazine, Rolling Stone, and even shot an editorial for VOGUE magazine in 1969 solidifying him as the next great all-American hero.
{source}
However, a wild heart has no bounds, and while Frechette made two films after Zabriskie Point in Europe ( Many Wars (1970) & La Grand Scofa Negra (1971) ) – his acting career was prematurely cut short by his bad ass antics.
Aiming to collect 5 million dollars to produce an American take on Dostoyevsky’s classic Crime and Punishment alongside Hungarian film maker Dezso Magyar, Frechette attempted to rob a Boston bank at gunpoint . . . unsuccessfully.
“[M]y first friend was Mark Frechette, protagonist of the film Zabriskie Point. We wanted to make a film, to adapt a part of ‘Crime and Punishment’ because we felt that America was like a Dostoyevsky-type world. Mark said that he would get the money in Boston. He phoned me every second day and always assured me that he almost had the money. One day he called me and said that he would bring the 5 million dollars the next day. Great! I was watching TV in the evening when it was announced that … Mark Frechette attempted to rob a bank at gunpoint … and was arrested.”
{source}
So who knows what could of come from Mark Frechette’s career if he had gotten away with the robbery, and produced his dream film?!
Things unfortunately got even worse for the matinee idol who died in Prison from a tragic weightlifting accident involving a 150 lb barbell that fell onto his neck suffocating him to death, and reminding us all the importance of having a spotter when lifting heavy weights.
He was 27 years old.
Classic, right?!
They say only the good die young…
That just ain’t right.
WHO DO YOU THINK IS WORTHY OF WORSHIP?
LET US KNOW IN THE COMMENTS BELOW!
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ITCHING FROM INSPIRATION? GET THE LOOK!
Mark Frechette is all about being effortless and relaxed. To keep it fresh, play with different textures, and look for cool details like embroidery or subtle patterns like stripes.
Pair it with your favourite pair of jeans, and a pair of desert boots and you’re pretty much set.
The most important piece to gather is your bad ass confidence- the most versatile accessory. This will truly elevate the look, and any other spirit you wish to invocate.
Here’s some ideas by yours truly!
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Vintage Mens Blue Denim Graphic Stripe Long Sleeve Shirt
BRAND: 955 JEANS
SIZE {LARGE}
MADE IN HONG KONG
100 % COTTON
PIT TO PIT: 23″
LENGTH (FRONT): 29″
LENGTH (BACK): 31″
SHOULDER TO SLEEVE: 32″
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Vintage 1960s Mens Lightweight Ivory Button Down Collared Shirt w/ Navy Blue Stripe
Wear it oversized for optimal results.
SIZE {LARGE // X-LARGE}
PIT TO PIT: 25″
LENGTH: 31″
SHOULDER TO SLEEVE: 33″
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Vintage Classic Cool Black Western Shirt w/ Embroidered Red Roses
Design by ROUGHSHOP
SIZE {SMALL}
PIT TO PIT: 21″
LENGTH (FRONT): 28″
LENGTH (BACK): 31″
SHOULDER TO SLEEVE: 32″
Slouchy Purple Silk Oversized Mens Vintage Button Down Shirt
tucked into jeans / worn oversized / bad ass +++
SIZE {LARGE}
PIT TO PIT: 22″
LENGTH: 30″
SHOULDER TO SLEEVE: 33″
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REMEMBER
XIXIXI gets you 25% OFF
BROWSE THE {SHOP}
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So, don’t throw away this summer by standing in line at the mall to look like everyone else!
And stray away from the trends they force onto us.
Help bring back the {PAST} to the {PRESENT} to shape our {FUTURE}
Until next time,
{theEye}
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The Eye of Faith Vintage 
[…] latest addition to the altar of E.O.F. {STYLE IDOLS & DIVINITIES) was the impossibly stunning Mark Frechette, whose stardom originates as the handsome hero of Michelangelo Antonioni’s 1970 […]
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Mark Frechette and I were friends and lovers in the years 1966 to 1968. You can read our story in my book What Rough Beast by Robert Dole, published by Austin Macauley in London last year.
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Wow! Hello Robert…thanks for leaving a comment. That is so beyond fascinating. I have your book in my Amazon cart now for when I’m next paid. Looks wonderful, as well as your own story – what a personal triumph. People like you, and rare they be, make this world a better place. Thanks for reading! Hope I captured him in a positive and accurate light. Beautiful man, indeed.
Sincerely,
{theEye}
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