Category Archives: STYLE {WISE}

Style isn’t as cut and dry as most people would love to make it. Style is a studied and labored tradition that has been carried on, and handed down for generations. We do not want to dictate your wardrobe, as much as we’d love to inspire the mind, and open up possibility. Style {Wise} provides resources to inspire creativity through exploring the mysteries and wonders of the past.

FASHION, Rebel Society, STYLE {WISE}, TELEVISION, Video, Vintage, WOMENSWEAR

Here She Is . . . Miss American Vampire {1970}

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For our first post of 2019, we thought we’d do a classic vintage post about this most bizarre and unusual moment in time: The Miss American Vampire competition of 1970!

Move over Miss Universe (as amazing as that Lava walk was, Ms Catriona Gray), these ladies came to slay in their most imaginative  Vampire-esque looks, coupled with their charm, poise, and stage presence, as well as their videogenic quality; contestants were all hoping to take the grand prize of  a role in House of Dark Shadows! 

There aren’t many photos of the competition, or archival imagery available but these are some photos from the New Jersey regional competition in which Ms. Christine Domaniecki was crowned by Barnabas Collins himself (played by actor Jonathan Frid; who is also definitely deserved of a {STYLE IDOL} moment)!

The competition was held in several cities including Miami, Dallas, Philadelphia, with the finalists competing for the title in Los Angeles on September 10, 1970.

According to one of the judges:

“It was fun for the first five minutes. After that it got terribly depressing. Some of the girls came in bikinis. Some of them came dressed as witches or vampires or dead bodies. One girl stood in front of me and just stared.”

In a strange turn of events, the eventual winner of the National Competition actually never followed through with any of the rewards of her title choosing instead to stay in Los Angeles (House of Dark Shadows was shot in New York).

The full reasons are unclear, however, you may recognize the original Miss American Vampire, actress and activist Sacheen Littlefeather {AKA Marie Louise Cruz),  from her perhaps her most famous role: accepting Marlon Brando’s Academy Award for “The Godfather” in  1973!

Brando was boycotting the Academy Awards in reaction to Hollywood’s portrayal of Indigenous Americans in the movies, as well as the recent incidents at Wounded Knee, and so Ms. Littlefeather took the stage to speak on behalf of the legendary actor.

Whilst her message was powerful, it was not so well received, garnering boos and jeers from the audience. Also, two days after the ceremony, while visiting Mr. Brando at his house bullets were fired into his front door. Scrupulous media slander also followed, and she claims that this also led to her being blacklisted in Hollywood.

 

So, in the end, the title of Miss American Vampire and the prize of appearing on House of Dark Shadows eventually went to New Jersey Regional Winner, Christine Domaniecki, who appeared on the show in the highly coveted role of . . .  Bar Maid.

I guess, any opportunity is an opportunity!

Funny enough, even with all the dramas and confusion, the Dark Shadows crew was ready to do it again with new pageant: Miss Ghost America in promotion of their new show Night of Dark Shadows! 

Granted, the prize was not as exciting as a cameo appearance (Dark Shadows was technically off the air), however, the winner did receive an appearance on The Dating Game , as well as a $250 savings bond. The winner was 18 year old Kate Sarchet.

I’d kill to find some video footage of either pageant, so if you know a source, please let us know!!!

So what do you think? Should we be bringing back these ghouly pageants??? Tell us in the comments sections below!

Until next time,

{theEye}

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E.O.F. APPROVED, FASHION, FILMS, MENSWEAR, STYLE {WISE}, Video, Vintage, WOMENSWEAR

{STYLE WISE} Baby, It’s Cold Outside . . . “The Ice Storm” Style (1997)

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November 22, 2018 marked the record for the coldest Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade of all time, and all around the U.S.A. record lows were recorded, but it didn’t stop Lady Diana Ross from looking glamorous and fabulous as ever!

When I think of cold Thanksgivings, I can’t help but think of one of our favourite films – “The Ice Storm” (1997) directed by Academy Award winning director Ang Lee. With an all-star cast that includes Kevin Kline, Joan Allen, Sigourney Weaver, Allison Janney, Christina Ricci, Katie Holmes, Tobey Maguire, and Elijah Wood; this is a must-see film for an cinema aficionado, but most especially any lover of vintage style!

Taking place on a Thanksgiving weekend in 1973 in the upper middle class suburbs of New Canaan, Connecticut – this film is a poignant look at the American Family, and its demise to substance abuse and casual sex.  There are so many iconic moments throughout this film- some include Christina Ricci boldly shoplifting from the local drugstore, Joan Allen being hit on by a bohemian pastor, a strange make out session involved a Nixon mask, a 1970s key party, and of course….the grand finale (which I shall not reveal).

Production designer Mark Friedberg (The Life Aquatic, Far From Heaven, Across the Universe) and costume designer Carol Odit worked closely with director Ang Lee to bring meticulous period detail to the film. Sourcing inspiration from catalogues, magazines, and photographs from the period.

Most notably is the beautiful earthy 70s palette, and the remarkable use of textures and graphics to create looks. The film itself is a feast for the eyes for knitwear, classic american sportswear, and an ice storm just wouldn’t be an ice storm without – incredible 70s outerwear!

We have been wanting to do a post on this film for a while, so very excited to get this up, finally. Here’s some {style-wise} screenshots for some classic vintage inspiration as well as your viewing pleasure.

?? Copyright 1997 – Twentieth Century Fox – All rights reserved. Titles: The Ice Storm Names: Kevin Kline, Joan Allen Characters: Elena Hood, Ben Hood Still of Kevin Kline and Joan Allen in The Ice Storm (1997)

Lets pray to the Gods that we aren’t hit with anything so strange and devastating, but with how the weather has been over the past few years – who knows what we could be in store for!

We couldn’t help but use this meme from another one of the film’s iconic moments!

Please enjoy, and don’t forget to visit our {SHOP} and use XIXIXI for 25% OFF.

Until we meet again,

{theEye}

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DO IT RIGHT, E.O.F. APPROVED, FASHION, Hamilton, MENSWEAR, Rebel Society, STYLE {WISE}, Video, Vintage, WOMENSWEAR, {STYLE STORY}

#1 CRUSH : THE EYE OF FAITH in the City!

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We had the honour of shooting with Style Group for The City of Hamilton in a feature focusing on Hamilton’s burgeoning fashion scene.

Hamilton has always been known as a city of grit and steel, which is often why it ends up the backdrop for so many Hollywood flicks ( ie. Guillermo Del Toro’s Oscar winning picture The Shape of Water is literally littered in Hamilton, and there are so many more!), so its not exactly the first city you think of in Canada when it comes to fashion.

But, according to Statistics Canada, Hamilton is in fact in the top 5 hubs of fashion in Canada – so that’s pretty “eye” opening! We are lucky enough to be one of the city’s featured designers in a short video featuring some of Hamilton’s top designers including yours truly, The Eye of Faith!

Here’s a clip they made of especially for our designs! We were really inspired by a 90s Romeo & Juliet essence with this one and wanted to showcase two head turning looks that were from different worlds, but intrinsically connected. Our models Geoffrey William and Danielle Brandino capture the mood gloriously!

Video produced by STYLE GROUP @stylegroupphoto

On top of this wicked video, photographer Derrick Van Der Kolk took so many awesome shots that capture the vibrancy of downtown Hamilton, and the unique energy we hope to exude with our designs!

I would die for you
I would die for you
I’ve been dying just to feel you by my side
To know that you’re mine

– Garbage, “#1 Crush”

Here’s a taste . . .

 

 

“My bounty is as boundless as the sea,
My love as deep; the more I give to thee,
The more I have, for both are infinite.”

-William Shakespeare, “Romeo & Juliet”

Thanks for watching!

Until next time,

{theEye}

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NOTE: We will be getting up some of our original, one of a kind, handmade pieces from vintage textiles online for sale soon, so stay tuned! 

Remember, to check out our selection of time traveled vintage styles in our {SHOP}. Use XIXIXI to get 25% OFF.

Stay stylish and sustainable.

E.O.F. APPROVED, Hamilton, STYLE {WISE}, Vintage

THE EYE OF FAITH TURNS LUCKY 7!!!

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Can you believe that 7 years ago on this day, the fateful evening of 11/11/11, The Eye of Faith was born!!! I think it’s hard for us to believe it, and there’s definitely no way we ever could have dreamed of where it would have led us today, so feel eternally blessed!

Through thick and thin, we have always persevered and made sure to keep our passions alive. When they say, never give up – it really is true. And that has always been the founding voice of The Eye of Faith; which is an age old symbol of destiny, believing in your dreams, knowing that there is that symbolic eye in the sky watching out for your best interest, just so long you are in tuned with your own special energy.

We began as a fashion blog fusing our interests in vintage style, nostalgia, rebels, pop culture, the occult, esoterica, cinema, art, culture …our blog had once been described as falling down the rabbit hole, which pleased us beyond belief!!! From our very first blog post we never could have imagined that we would be featured on Refinery29 (alongside news of Lady Gaga & Beyonce!), and feature interviews with Patti Quatro and NIRVANA’s original drummer, Chad Channing!

From there, we began curating a modest collection of vintage clothes that we sold online, which led to our first ever real life Pop Up at the Junction Flea!!! Its insane to think that was our very first, and we felt so much excitement to get our vibe out there, and the excitement hasn’t ceased and we have since done so many pop-ups its hard to keep count!

 

{googling THE EYE OF FAITH VINTAGE!!!}

Then came our foray into fashion design which was encouraged by our friends at Blackbird Studios who had seen our vintage collection and style and pointed out that we should get our hands dirty and create our own pieces!

We took that encouragement and premiered our first handmade collection at Supercrawl 2015 with +HOLLYWOOD BABYLON+ , and have since shown collections +TAROT+, +NEW KINGDOM+, WUTHERING HEIGHTS, and our most recent THE VISITORS (which we will posting photos of soon!). This has been an awesome endeavour that allows for a new avenue of creativity that blends our passions for vintage styles, storytelling, theatre, art, music, and design. Using vintage textiles has also allowed us to continue our invocation of the {PAST} , {PRESENT}, and {FUTURE} and their symbiotic flow.

{check out collections here}

Now, on this fortuitous day, we embark on a new endeavour with a physical location for all our local friends and fashion lovers to visit and purchase some unique, E.O.F. approved, vintage finds as well as some of our handmade one of a kind pieces!

From now on, find our collection at the HAMILTON ANTIQUE MALL {233 Ottawa St. N – Hamilton, Ontario} in booth 33E on the THIRD FLOOR.  And in case you didn’t consider it, how crazy is it that we established our brand 11/11/11 which coincidently adds up to 33! Also, the highest level you can make as a mason, and since we always had a bit of a secret society inspiration, it seemed beyond fitting.

COME CHECK US OUT!!!

So in the end, we are so grateful and thankful for everyone who has supported us, and encouraged us over the years, and especially to our readers and followers who help keep our passion stewing!

We wouldn’t be doing anything if this if it weren’t for that, so THANK YOU for 7 amazing years, and to many more!

Until next time,

{theEye}

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We will still be posting and selling online, so be sure to check out the {SHOP} for some wicked vintage finds!

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FASHION, Hamilton, MENSWEAR, STYLE {WISE}, Vintage, WOMENSWEAR

Hamilton Vintage Community Pop Up {Oct 28 @ Spice Factory #hamont}

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When we first moved back to Hamilton, we never expected our humble hometown would turn into such a vintage mecca!

Just last year, our friends at Vintage Soul Geek provided some of their impeccable vintage garments for the filming of a little movie called “The Shape of Water” which was both nominated for Best Costume Design, and went on to win Best Picture at the Academy Awards amongst many other accolades.

With such a rich history, its not surprising that Hamilton, Ontario is full of true love for the vintage lifestyle. After all, we are all shopping at the same mall or big box shops to see the same things – derivatives of vintage styles whether it be furniture, decor, accessories, or fashion! Why spend your money on cheap, expensive, knock-offs when you can get the real thing ?!

That’s why, we are so excited to be taking part in the Hamilton Vintage Community Pop-Up this Sunday October 28 at The Spice Factory from 10a – 4p! With over 40+ vintage vendors, plus free admission, we know we are looking forward to a brilliant day of vintage shopping, and meeting and making connections with fellow vintage lovers in the city.

We will have a rack of select mens and women’s clothing priced as low as $5, so definitely if you are looking for something to do on a Sunday afternoon, be sure to check it out! Here’s a link to the event:

Follow Hamilton Vintage Community of Instagram! 

This group is a lovely community of vintage lovers so if that’s your jam, be sure to check them out on Facebook also.

Hope to see you Sunday! And if you aren’t local and still want to shop, visit us on Etsy in our {SHOP}. XIXIXI gets you 25% OFF.

Until next time,

{theEye}

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E.O.F. APPROVED, FASHION, Hamilton

THE EYE OF FAITH 2018: FALL UPDATE !!!

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Wow, this summer was a wild ride for us!!! From manning the Supercrawl Pop-Up Shop right in the heart of Downtown Hamilton, helping rep local fashion artists, as well as creating our most exciting collection to date, “The Visitors”,  using some flashy vintage fabrics we have accumulated over the years (pictures to be posted soon)!

But, as you know, there is no rest for the wicked and we have quite a few things simmering this Fall!

We were honoured to host a Spice Girls / 90s Karaoke at Toast Wine Bar in conjunction with the screening of “Spice World” for the AGH BMO World Film Festival. Of course, we continue our Karaoke Cabaret residency at The Casbah every second and fourth (October 23) Tuesday, and we have a very special Halloween karaoke on Oct 31 at the legendary Sous Bas! So if you are in Hamilton, ON, and need to let loose on All Hallow’s Eve, be sure to stop by!!!

Now, of course, we have some really cool fashion events coming up also. This Sunday (October 28), we will be participating in the Hamilton Vintage Community Pop-Up at The Spice Factory, with 40+ vendors, drinks, and loads of vintage shopping !!!

We can’t wait…we will have a unique assortment of vintage mens, vintage womens, and some of our one of a kind, handmade pieces made using vintage materials. We will be bringing some wicked pieces priced as low as $5, so don’t miss out!

Also, we have a very exciting fashion presentation for the Hamilton Film Festival at the Zoetic Theatre, where will be a presenting in a show inspired by “Darkness” – which couldn’t be more up our alley! Our looks will be showcased to film industry professionals who hopefully will take a liking to our designs!

After all, just a few years ago; Guillermo Del Toro filmed his Academy Award wining film “The Shape of Water” right here in our city, so you never know!!!

Always put your best foot forward, in life . . .  which leads us to our next project, which we will save for another post. A GRAND ANNOUNCEMENT . . . stay tuned!!!

So, apologies that we haven’t been able to sit down and share some of the cool vintage musings and memories we have been collecting in a while, but as you can see, our life has been pretty hectic, but rest assured, we will be getting back into the swing of things once the dust has settled.

Thank you for checking us out, and for those who have followed us for years, thank you so much for your support! It means EVERYTHING.

We just uploaded about 30 new pieces in our {SHOP} last week, so be sure to check those out and use code XIXIXI for 25% OFF.

Until next time,

{theEye}

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BEAUTY, DO IT RIGHT, E.O.F. APPROVED, FASHION, MENSWEAR, Rebel Society, STYLE {WISE}, Vintage, WOMENSWEAR

KYLIE + TRAVIS vs. JANE + SERGE

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Since the beginning of time (or at least, the beginning of our blog) we have been saying there is a definitive relationship our collective {PAST} plays into the {PRESENT} – always influencing and helping create what inevitably will be known as the {FUTURE}!

Well here we have a case of {PAST}, {PRESENT}, {FUTURE} featuring the notoriously infamous billionairess Kylie Jenner and her new man, Crown Prince of Rap, Mr. Travis Scott on the latest cover of GQ causing controversy for being a “cheap rip-off” of  a now forty year old photo shoot of iconic French couple of cool Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin shot by Helmut Newton.

It is absolutely undeniable, and I don’t think they were trying to be chill about the inspiration, or rather recreation, but who is to judge her for that. If anything, I find it strange that Paola Kudacki, the photographer, would feel comfortable putting her name on such a mainstream copy of the work of a great artist like Helmut Newton! Now the controversy has flooded the internet, but then again, for the right paycheck these days, a little backlash isn’t the worst if it pays the rent.

Obviously, inspiration from the past is one of the cornerstones of our beliefs, but being 2018, it might be nice to have a fresher interpretation of the past than just a flat out copy. Where’s the fun in that?

Take the past, and turn it on its head. Blend one influence with another. Go on a ride through the past and bring me forward into the future…

And if you take a look at the original photo series shot way back in 1978, the rawness, sexiness, and coolness really shines through! How can you be a rebel if you’re trying….Serge and Jane are just so relaxed, irreverent, and thereby: BAD ASS!

Needless to say, Jane and Serge will always be on top in most versus situations, so….sorry Travis and Kylie- maybe next time. And maybe next time, just be yourself!!!

I know Travis and Kylie have turned a few looks, but Jane and Serge really TURNED LOOKS! Just a few below!

circa 1970, France — Serge Gainsbourg dances with wife Jane Birkin at a party. — Image by © Keystone/Corbis
FRANCE – AUGUST 28: Premiere : “Slogan” by Pierre Grimblat in Paris, France on August 28, 1969-(16555) Serge Gainsourg, Jane Birkin and Pierre Grimblat. (Photo by Yves LE ROUX/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)

We need more originality these daze . . . be inspired, but make it your own! That’s half the fun of life.

Not the most creative choice, but different strokes for different folks! Definitely appreciate her bringing to a whole new generation the beauty and boldness of Serge & Jane (who are definitely due for a {STYLE IDOL & DIVINITY} post or a {VINTAGE RED CARPET ROMANCES} story) … that is a really cool thing.

We know this story is all over the internet right now, but still wanted to give our E.O.F. P.O.V. on the whole situation.

So, let us know what you think in the comments section below!

Until next time,

{theEye}

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E.O.F. APPROVED, FASHION, FILMS, STYLE {WISE}, Video, Vintage

Lizzie Borden Lies!!! ‘LIZZIE’ Starring Chloë Sevigny + Kristen Stewart

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What is our fascination with Lizzie Borden? Is it that she possibly got away with the grisly murders of her father and step mother back in 1892? Oh yes, most definitely a major reason, and its this mystery that keeps fascinating new generations everyday.

We may never know, but that’s the beauty in a good mystery! The spaces between not solidified can be filled with many possibilities, and that’s what the new film “Lizzie” starring Kristen Stewart and Chloë Sevigny seems to explore.

If you know us well, and I hope you do, you know that Chloë Sevigny is just one of those people on the top tiers of everything. Goddess of style, art, a muse to many, and obviously one of the coolest women of all time…so needless to say, we are psyched for this film!

Check out the trailer, and you will see why!

Spicy stuff! Looks like a real nail biter, and the period details are absolutely on-point! Have a little bit of a feel where they are going with the story, but excited to see it play out in real life!

Glad to see Kristen Stewart staying dedicated to unique artful films since her return to the screen.

Two modern muses! SIDENOTE: Can huge Edwardian sleeves just take over the scene, already!!! Can’t wait for more inspiration to come…

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Until next time,

{theEye}

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The Return of the #Supercrawl Fashion Pop-Up Shop!

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For months we have been excited for the return of the Supercrawl Fashion Pop-Up shop. If you are a dedicated follower, you may remember us doing the Pop-Up last year at Limeridge Mall for 10 days.

This year, we are so lucky to be open for over three weeks (August 3 – August 25) right in the heart of Downtown Hamilton right smack in the middle of Jackson Square.

Seeing as the Supercrawl Festival is right downtown on James Street it couldn’t be a better fit!

If you’ve been following us, you may also know that over the past few years we have been branching our brand into creating original designs using vintage materials and fabrics we have obtained over our years of purveying.

Well, this truly is an exciting time for us, because this is our first ever Pop-Up where we are selling exclusively these one of a kind pieces that we handmade over the last four years. It truly is a special honor to be able to showcase these designs, and hopefully sell some to appreciative style-savvy people in our city.

We share this with 7 other fabulous Hamilton designers and brands including Batik Boutik, Defective Collectiove, Design by Mallory, Kitster Creations, True Hamiltonian, and With Love Lingerie. The chance for local designers and brands to showcase in a mall setting is so rare, so we feel very lucky to be a part of it all!

Hopefully soon we will have these pieces catalogued for sale to the rest of the world, but until then, keep updated through our Instagram and Facebook for any breaking news!

Until next time,

{theEye}

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FASHION, MENSWEAR, MUSIC, Music Minute, Rebel Society, STYLE {WISE}, Video, Vintage

{MUSIC MINUTE} “Devil Woman” by Cliff Richard

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We’ve been rocking out to this jam like crazy this summer! Ever since it caught the attention of our ear drums while watching the epic film “I, Tonya”, we just can’t get enough!

Hopefully you won’t be able to either.

Lets help give Sir Cliff Richard the resurgence he deserves!

Until next time,

{theEye}

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