When it comes to bad ass boho gods, I’m sure we could all name a few; but very little do I ever see the name Caetano Veloso pop up, and this is for us….OUTRAGEOUS!!!
We should be worshiping this icon of perseverance, elegance, rebellion, philosophical contemplation, compassion, counter culture, and activism. . .
Very few bohemian icons really get the credit they deserve when discussing men’s style . . . the mainstream would rather iconize GQ demi-gods Tom Brady or Ryan Gosling, and that’s all fine and dandy, but when it comes to that elicit feeling of cool. . . boho gods cannot be beat; and Brazilian tropicalia folk rock artist Caetano Veloso is on the top of our list!
Bad ass to the core, Veloso’s music touched a generation in the heart of Brazil with his inciting lyrics and enchanting melodies that brought a fusion of traditional Brazilian sound with psychedelic rock and folk helping create the “tropicalisimo” movement alongside best friend Gilberto Gil, Os Mutantes, and other bold and innovative artists of the time.
First premiering in 1965, fresh in Rio De Janeiro, Caetano won a lyrics competition for his composition “Um Dia”, getting him signed to Phillips Records. Two years later he received a standing ovation for his song “Alegria, Alegria” at the Brazil Popular Music Festival, marking the first time rock n roll music was ever played at the festival.
Him and his psych rock buddies were pioneers for a new sound, a new world, a new way of being; however, the powers that be would do anything they could to stop this burgeoning. Marxist students and communist supporters condemned the music for commercializing Brazilian culture, and incorporating musical influences from the United States.
The tensions between the Tropicalistas and the student left peaked in September 1968 with Veloso’s now-legendary performances at the third annual International Song Festival, held at the Catholic University in Rio, where the audience included a large contingent of students who were vehemently opposed to the Tropicalistas. When Veloso (backed by Os Mutantes) performed in the first round of the Festival’s song competition on 12 September, he was initially greeted with enthusiastic applause, but the situation soon turned ugly. Dressed in a shiny green plastic suit, festooned with electrical wires and necklaces strung with animal teeth, Veloso provoked the students with his lurid costume, his sensual body movements and his startling new psychedelic music, and the performers were soon being bombarded with loud insults, jeers and boos from the students, who became even more incensed when American pop singer John Dandurand made a surprise appearance on stage during the song.
Tensions would hit an all time high when he and his buddy Gilbert Gil were actually arrested in February of 1969 for little to no reason, and held in prison for three months, followed by four months of house arrest. Brazil’s military dictatorship which held the country under its grips until 1985, further had many and most of his songs banned or censored.
“… if you are the same in politics as you are in aesthetics, we’re done for!”
-Caetano Veloso
The two were exiled from the country for over a year, and spent most of their time in the dark and gloomy dims of London, England. However, by 1972 the pair were allowed back into the country quickly returning to their musical careers that have since landed Veloso 9 Latin Grammy’s and a Grammy for World Music Album in 2000.
Here at The Eye of Faith we always have great respect for people who stand for something. After all, if you don’t stand for something, you stand for nothing! And Caetano Veloso definitely exemplifies this.
Never fearing the opposition, never backing down on his own sense of self; apart from his penchant for wildly magical psych rock stylings, it is his character that truly makes this man an E.O.F. STYLE IDOL.
“I TALK too much…Everybody from Bahia is like this. We are always touching each other, too. We are a bit too much.”
-Caetano Veloso
Let us not forget this beautiful bohemian God and his willingness to stand for freedom, for beauty, and to live life to the fullest!
“Alegria means joy, or joyousness… It is the best-known song of any that I have written, and it was the opening song of tropicalismo, the first to use rock-and-rollish electric guitars. Whenever I sing it, it is just like the Rolling Stones singing ‘Satisfaction.’ It was the first anthem. It’s an affirmation-of-life kind of song, but it has an ironical hint to it.”
The song begins, “I’m walking against the wind, without handkerchief or documents in my pockets,” and ends with a chorus of “Why not?”
It’s about being able to walk and be alive and be real and feel the sun…It was against the dictatorship without saying anything about it. And everybody likes that ‘Why not?’ at the end.”
“They didn’t imprison us for any song or any particular thing that we said…It was a difficult atmosphere for them to understand, so they thought, ‘We might as well put them in prison.’ ”
Here in Southern Ontario things are getting grimmer by the day. Not that we don’t like Winter – you know us boys love the comfort of a slouchy silk shirt or a easy breezy Hawaiian, but Old Man Winter just won’t stop peaking his nasty head out to remind us we’re on his turf!
So, we’ve put together an eclectic gallery of vintage fall/winter menswear inspiration that you can use to muse, since there’s no point of running!
Sometimes a little inspiration goes a long way . . .
A model wears an “Arctic Long” mink coat in this Women’s Wear Daily photo. Feb. 7, 1973. Morgue01
Soak up the inspiration! Classic looks never die. We make them new by adding our own unique spirit, so don’t ever be afraid to add yours!
As you may have noticed, we’ve been a little tardy on updating the blog.
Not to worry, we are still very much present . . . buzzing around in the background; making strides everyday we survive this crazy world.
For the past, nearly two months now, we have been without a charger for our computer, which has made things quite “unique”, to say the least. Yes, we do have very kind friends who do let us borrow their’s when the time permits, but overall, we’ve been struggling to keep the battery alive to do as much as check our email, do a Facebook update or two, and regular maintenance on our Etsy shop.
All this has left little opportunity to do what we so love – what started it all – which is keep the site updated with awesome vintage inspiration! But fear not, we will tread on, and hopefully by the New Year we will be back to our consistent selves.
In the meantime, there are nearly a thousand posts from the {PAST} you can delve yourselves into by perusing the backlog, or use the sidebar on the left to discern your gaze to the many particular categories we have offered over the years. Our personal favourite, E.O.F. Style Idols & Divinities, is much recommended reading.
Photo courtesy of Pat Pho Photography
The Beaches kicking ass in The Eye of Faith!
We have been doing a lot of cool stuff (like styling Charles Bradley and The Beaches for Hamilton’s Supercrawl), and creating epic fashions shows which we will update the site with in the coming weeks.
Overall, we can’t complain. Other than the time its taking for our charger to make it to us from China!!! What a pain . . .
But you know what? We’ll survive… After all, we’ve survived much worse.
So keep in touch! We’ll be around.
Hope you all have a Happy Holidays, and can’t wait to see your bright shining minds back again!
Perhaps its the fashion photographer protagonist . . . or maybe the sexy 1970s set decor; most definitely attribute the funky score by Piero Umiliani (you know him – “Mah Nà Mah Nà”), as well as the brilliant presence of film legend, Carroll Baker (“The Watcher in the Woods“, “Babydoll“), and those quirky illustrations that appear, throughout the film – “Baba Yaga” is a bit of a shit show, but a wonderfully unique and stylish one, at that.
Carroll Baker (BABY DOLL, THE WATCHER IN THE WOODS) is the titular stranger who is all sexed up with hunger for some female flesh. Baba Yaga sets her sights on fashion photographer Valentina Rosselli (Isabelle De Funes) after a chance encounter and soon pays a visit to her humble abode to deliver a doll dressed in some S&M gear for “protection”. After the visit, Valentina’s life is turned upside down; she is suddenly surrounded by death, hallucinations, Nazis (?), and more naked women than a Las Vegas casino. Of the four I prefer the naked women… just sayin’.
It’s these bizarre, unusual, and unexpected (perhaps, even absurd) elements that make a cult classic like this one to remember! You can totally read this film (even just the trailer) for clues on seventies style, and how timeless one can really make it. Love the stripes, the furs, the bobs, the rings . . . love it all! Even the menswear is pretty sublime.
Did I mention there’s witches? You probably gathered, by now. After all – “Baba Yaga” literally translates to Devil Witch! So, sit back and enjoy the sumptuous feast of the best vintage, stylish,erotic, exploitation, sleaze in three and half minutes you’re bound to find on the internet!
Enjoy the pictures, too.
They really capture the little moments that make this one worth remembering.
Garbage did the same thing, only 15 years ago, which in our world makes it certifiably vintage!
That makes it all the more fun to revisit now and marvel at the power of Shirley Manson’s voice and the seductive lyrical quality that only a GREAT Bond song can provide.
We still think Shirley Manson is a timeless style icon whose fashions are mesmerizing menageries of things {PAST}, {PRESENT} and {FUTURE} which in our {EYE} makes her the BOMB-DIGGIDY.
That’s why we made this special {MUSIC MINUTE} a {STYLE WISE} edition, as well, to keep feeding some Shirley Manson realness to the forefront of our popular culture!
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The world is not enough
But it is such a perfect place to start, my love
And if you’re strong enough
Together we can take the world apart, my love
So there you have it. A little taste.
Colleen Nika at Rolling Stone Magazine wrote a comprehensive article on Shirley’s fearless and truly individualist style throughout the years.
So, as you know, we are obsessed with vintage, but we all have our wishes, and if we weren’t without a budget we’d splurge on any number of these amazing treasures! Some are vintage, some are new, some are totally unattainable, but one can still wish. . .
I think it reveals a bit of my style mood, as of late.
We’re giving a whole new meaning to the phrase “Killer Style“!
Here at The Eye of Faith we do much musing over things that shock and fascinate the mind, soul, and spirit. We, like many, love to get down to the deep, dark, and dirty of life for a far richer experience.
As you probably know, our taste for movies is definitely no exception. Best of all, as you skim through the catalog of the past, not only might you find something surprising or of interest to your mind, body, and spirit, but you have an opportunity to surf the waves of the past.
Whether it is on your T.V., or on this shining bright computer screen, with the click of a button you can travel through time and visit remarkable new worlds…This you must already know, and perhaps this is what has brought you here. Well, we have devised a treat for you (no surprises)…
The past week we have been diving head first into the wicked world of well, the wicked. While the world is often milling over the heroes we meet in the movies, we thought it was only appropriate for us to showcase the undeniable efforts of the deluded, damned, violent, brewing with evil, cruel and candid characters who without we wouldn’t be having half as much fun…
So despite their shortcomings, we can’t help but uphold these characters for their undeniable style sense when it comes to getting dressed. If society can’t stop them from killing, you better believe it isn’t going to stop them from looking damn cool while doing it.
Enjoy this virtuoso of style inspiration dedicated to
Cinema’s 13 Most Stylish Villains!
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13. The Joker from “THE DARK KNIGHT”
Purple Blazer. Need I say more? With a penchant for bold color choices, and a seriously sick sensibility for mixing pattern, The Joker kicks off the list.
Looking at his outfit head to toe, one is impressed by his attention to fit, along with an impressive full piece suit complete with green vest, blazer, and that purple overcoat. Finishing it off with a dandy pair of leather gloves in purple to match, I’d say The Joker must be one serious style aficionado in his spare time, as he’s right ahead of the trend with his acid colored hair.
However, there’s no doubt he’s taken the male makeup trend just a bit too far. I’ll admit it’s hard to stop once you start going at it, but to take it that far is going to cost quite a bit of money in the long run. Then again, maybe that’s why he needs to rob those banks. It’s all making sense now…
12. Amon Goeth from “SCHINDLER’S LIST”
Amon Goeth takes the word sociopath to a completely new level. Ralph Fiennes portrayed the evil Nazi commander in the film completely captured the vain, erratic, and narcissistic Goeth in one of film history’s greatest performances.
Snapping at close to anything, there’s no getting on this villain’s bad side. Perhaps one of the cruelest characters you will ever see, Goeth is poised,slick, and above-all, evil.
Military is always in style, and while the Nazi party didn’t really have a knack for other people, they really clean up well and have an insatiable attention to detail. His obsessive compulsiveness makes him strive for his own perfection.
While his actions are downright criminal, his sense of style could only be described as having that killer instinct.
11. Sweeney Todd from “SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET”
You really can’t fault Sweeney Todd. Other than his insatiable thirst for revenge, and extreme tendency for murder he really is one helluva guy!
After all, before developing his criminal reputation he was the finest barber in London, which today would make him kind of an urban rock star of sorts. Just add a full tattoo sleeve, and you could totally picture it! Indeed – he is but a Victorian hipster with a grudge against “The Man”, but who isn’t?
Mr. Todd sports some wicked looks throughout the film, like his classic striped slim leg trousers, leather razor blade buckle, canvas button up, and distressed corduroy vest with some serious scarf action; the kind that looks simple, but you know took at least a few minutes…
Can’t forget to mention his leather trench. The trench of trenches. Every guy should have a nice distressed brown leather trench, simple as that. Even if only because Sweeney Todd has one; because you know he’s gonna slit your throat if you piss him off somehow . . .
10. Frank Booth from “BLUE VELVET”
So Frank Booth is crazy….So what?! Even with all his issues he manages to make it out of the house dressed to impress. And if a schizophrenic maniac can do it, we all should be able to.
We love the black leather blazer with striped shirt ensemble. Notice the cool metal detail on the collar of that shirt, plus one of today’s biggest crazes – the bolo tie. He’s definitely doing it up bad. All it takes is having some great blazers on hand and the shirts to compliment them, and you’re well on your way. Make sure to pay attention to texture and pattern – mix them, but don’t let one or the other take away – instead let them sing…together.
Frank’s style can be perfectly summed up in his famous quote: “Heineken? Fuck that shit! PABST. BLUE. RIBBON!!!” …in other words, he doesn’t need anything fancy, just keep it simple. That’s what Frank would want. So just keep it simple, classic, and true….like Frank.
9. Charlie Rakes from “LAWLESS”
I don’t think there’s ever been a creepier and outrageously ghastly character who is as finely dressed as Mr. Charlie Rakes from this year’s Lawless.
Rakes’ city sensibilities are easily spotted in the rural Virginia backdrop, and it is his dapper and proper demeanor which completely characterize the level of this nut job’s craziness!
For the film, costume designer Margot Wilson had different leather gloves specifically made for each new scene. His suits are approachable and classic and display an innate sensibility to style. Being from Chicago, he must have spent many afternoons perusing the department stores and pampering his wallet.
But what has everyone talking is the now infamous plucked brow that Guy Pearce put himself through to play the character, as well as the shaved part in his head. Meticulously Charlie Rakes has plucked each and every hair on his brow, while shaving a large line down the middle of his head. Is this a branding experiment gone wrong? Vanity Insanity?
You can’t help but question it, and whatever it is, it makes for a truly terrifying character that makes it easy to question his humanity.
8. Alex De Large from “A CLOCKWORK ORANGE”
Inhabiting a strange fantasy dystopia imagined with a vivid psychedelic futurism that could have only been developed as a product of its time, the film has inspired and influenced millions of style enthusiasts in the worlds of fashion, film, interior design, and the millions of Halloween costumes worn around the world every year.
Alex De Large resonates because he isn’t really a mainstream trend follower in any sense. Instead, him and his anti-establishment friends mix and match cool vintage pieces in a strict all white combination (that’s called edgy). Their canes and top hats allude to the upper crust, while their army boots and famous codpieces say they’re strictly at war. And the fake eyelash? Just another touch of sinister to round the whole thing out.
Belonging to a discreet underground society, these avant-garde style choices are no surprise. Sometimes style is the best way to get your point across, and Mr. De Large definitely proves that!
7. Alex Forrest from “FATAL ATTRACTION”
Our first femme fatale on the list! Alex Forrest is one of those characters who will forever haunt and permeate the public consciousness for her direct approach at dealing with the heartaches and breaks of being the other woman in an affair.
Set in the 1980s, Alex quickly seduces with her vivacious attitude which is perfectly matched by some equally vivacious hair (so vivacious, that even if she didn’t have that attitude, you’d still mistake her for the most vivacious lady in the room). Big hair which takes plenty of work, and forethought.
And since she’s gone through all that pain for beauty, her minimalist looks in black or white not only characterize her unstable persona, but her sophisticated downtown coolness. She’s one of those women who just always know – they have the best tastes, and know how to pair it down to let their personality shine.
Unfortunately, her good intentions always seem to get overshadowed by violent outbursts spawned by jealous rage. Nobody’s perfect.
6. Ravenna from “SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN”
When it comes to violent outbursts spawned by jealous rage, not many people do it better than Alex Forrest – until she met Ravenna, the most recent incarnation of the evil queen from Snow White, in “Snow White and the Huntsman”.
Brilliantly portrayed by Charlize Theron, the character’s sense of style is a beautiful and grotesque exploration of the character. With gowns made from beetles, birds bones, skulls, feathers, leathers, suede, and fur- it makes you wonder how many animals let alone people has this lady really killed to get herself looking so good!
So if you can’t give her credit for being a nice girl, the least we can do is say she’s got a great way of feeling fine. A little over the top and gloomy, but someone’s got to do it…
5. Cruella De Vil from “101 DALMATIONS”
For many, Cruella De Vil hits far too close to home. A sinister and corrupt fashion magnate with an addiction to fur, Cruella De Vil is near flabbergasting for her plot to kidnap and murder 101 innocent dalmatian puppies to make the perfect fur coat (they don’t call her Cruella De Vil for nothing).
We’ll give it to her though, and despite her cruelty towards animals, her pure love for fashion simply cannot be ignored. A true sophisticate propelled by vanity, Cruella showcases style choices that compliment her slender fashion figure while taking style to higher heights in all levels. She is a style maven who touches base on all elements of her wardrobe. There also isn’t a better example of how to rock white hair and truly make it a statement.
Perhaps she was just ahead of her time, after all, many fashion gurus of today are calling for furs on the racks and runways everywhere.
4. Phyllis Dietrichson from “DOUBLE INDEMNITY”
The slinky sultry styles of true noir femme fatale Phyllis Dietrichson just couldn’t be ignored for this list. Sure she doesn’t personally kill anybody, and she isn’t necessarily your typical movie monster but it is through her careful manipulation she is able to convince a naive insurance man into her diabolical plot to murder her husband.
With movie star good looks (provided by true movie star, Barbara Stanwyck), Phyllis is a character whose style is of utmost importance to pulling off her plan. It is only through temptation and her quick wit that she is able to get her way, and with an impeccable wardrobe to show herself off in, it really doesn’t hurt.
Phyllis displays confidence in skirts, blazers, tight sweaters, slinky robes, and voluminous blouses, as well as a stylish pair of shades many had mistaken for something only of the future.
So, does Phyllis Dietrichson express killer style? Most definitely!
3. Patrick Bateman from “AMERICAN PSYCHO”
Patrick Bateman is another character you really can’t leave out in a discussion of villains with style. In fact, you could argue style as one of Patrick Bateman’s only redeeming qualities. After all, it is something he completely obsesses over (when he’s not obsessing over sex and murder).
Bateman is the iconoclastic image of Wall Street in the 80s – smart, slim, and slick, but also vicious, soulless, and full of schizophrenic rage.
Patrick is fully up to date with every new gadget, gizmo, and luxury designer garment on the market. With a low attention span, he is constantly refueling his psychopathic need for the best, paired with a beauty regiment that rivals Joan Crawford, and a constantly growing bank account, it’s no wonder Patrick Bateman is that All-American ideal – that guy you still find on the pages of Esquire and GQ. Perfect suit. Perfect tie. Perfect hair. Perfect smile. Perfect everything- and it’s all really expensive.
When you take this in, the story really begins; it’s like they say “don’t judge a book by it’s cover”… 2. Count Dracula from “BRAM STOKER’S DRACULA”
Indeed, this Prince of Darkness is far cry from the classic vampire in popular culture. This Dracula trades his black cape for an epic blood red silk overcoat with oriental details embroidered in gold threads, and his signature tuxedo is a lusciously luruxious silvery taupe day suit complete with cane and top hat. This is the devilishly dapper demon we have come to know and love.
Taking influence from the art scene of the time, Dracula reworks these inspirations into beautiful clothes turned works of art that make a solid armor from bare flesh, or bring a painting by Klimt to life.
It is this studied and fearless dedicated to style, both classic and artful, and the balance between the two, that make Count Dracula signature to villains who have a supernatural knack for getting dressed in the morning.
1. Baby Jane Hudson from “WHATEVER HAPPENED TO BABY JANE?”
Our number one most stylish villain of all time might come as a surprise for many, but fashion has been musing over this deadly diva for a while now, and it’s time her one-of-a-kind sensibilities get brought to the forefront!
Clad in silk, chiffon, laces, tulle, and ribbons, Baby Jane Hudson is one of those characters who found herself early in life, and sticks to what she knows best. Not that this is a detriment at all, if anything it shows a strong sense of self, and an early inclination towards beautiful textiles and fabrics.
The lesson to be learned from Baby Jane Hudson is having confidence and conviction (something Baby Jane never lost throughout her life, in fact, it might have been the only thing holding her together). Vintage items are made uniquely her own by her lackadaisical approach to wearing her beautifully feminine and opulent pieces that are now a bit dusty and tattered. I hate to say it, but Baby Jane Hudson is kind of a rock star!
Publications like Italian Vogue and Elle have been musing with the classic tale, while influences can be seen on the runways of Prada & Chanel. Perhaps it’s her youthful energy, or perhaps it’s her unresolved resentment towards her sister, this push and pull between having a hard edge and vital youth make the look worth while. Bold make up choices on her part are also greatly appreciated.
So don’t be afraid that lace and ribbon will make you seem weak, if you can pull it off like Baby Jane does, well you might just have a killer look on your hand. And with that, I’m sure Baby Jane would be happy to know that she takes the title of Cinema’s Most Stylish Villain with honor and respect.
My guess is she’s written a letter to daddy…
{HONORABLE MENTIONS: Norma Desmond from “Sunset Boulevard”
Roy Batty from “Blade Runner”
The Heathers from “Heathers”
Nancy Downs from “The Craft”
Bill “The Butcher” Cutting from “Gangs of New York”}
Share this with you friends, and let us know if you have any favorite fashion film fiends of your own! Leave a comment below.
An exciting event has been announced by Turner Classic Movies along with Universal, in celebration of Alfred Hitchcock’s seminal 1963 classic The Birds, and in honor of its upcoming 50th Anniversary will be presenting TCM Event Series Presents The Birds, a special engagement screening of this Horror Classic in select theaters across the US.
On September 19 the event that features TCM host, Robert Osborne, giving an introduction to the film, will also feature an exclusive interview with the film’s blonde bombshell, Tippi Hedren, and how she was picked for her iconic role.
The film, which has been glorified by Barbie, as well as inspire the late Alexander McQueen, is an unexpected and vital piece of our collective style consciousness! So if you have a chance to catch it – definitely do!
