Tag Archives: hawaiian shirt

BEAUTY, DO IT RIGHT, FASHION, MENSWEAR, Rebel Society, STYLE IDOLS AND DIVINITIES, STYLE {WISE}, Video, Vintage

STYLE {WISE} Romeo, Romeo . . .

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Where for art thou, Romeo?

Ro·me·o
ˈrōmēˌō/
noun
noun: Romeo; plural noun: Romeos

1. an attractive, passionate male seducer or lover.

There’s nothing so timeless as a Romeo . . . its amazing after hundreds of years, a fictional character could still be so prevalent in our culture. I guess, not so surprising, considering he was created by the genius that is William Shakespeare.

He is a wonderful archetypal character of a beautiful boy, young and naive, but full of vigour, and somewhat tragic in the end….so, like many young men, which is what most certainly resonates. We recently acquired a really cool vintage theatre costume with some Shakespearean swag which got us thinking on the topic.

CHECK IT OUT IN THE {SHOP}

I don’t think many men can deny they have a bit of Romeo in them. I know for certain many men cannot deny they wish they were as bad ass as say Leonardo DiCaprio in Baz Luhrmann’s iconic 90s pop culture cult classic “Romeo + Juliet” which brought the tale to the beach and the streets and mansions of Los Angeles for a hyper technicolor MTV version that still resonates today, especially when it comes to style.

Do you remember the first time you watched the “Love at First Sight Scene” in the film with that glorious neon aquarium and that haunting “Kissing You” song playing…shit! I mean, come on!!! Claire Danes is especially gorgeous, and her sensitive acting abilities really shine through.

People would kill me for actually saying this, but they were robbed of Academy Award nominations, truly.

I’m not going to lie, we were pushing the tropical shirts long before every major fashion house started picking up the trend (see: +THE CASE FOR HAWAIIAN SHIRTS+), and we’re not upset about it…in fact, its so wonderful to see more guys take risks with their style because of inspirations like this!

While, Dicaprio’s gang chic Romeo is uber cool, we wanted to look back on some previous Romeos – most especially Leonard Whiting from Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 “Romeo & Juliet”, which is hands down our favourite.

Quick shout out to Douglas Booth in the 2013 version – very handsome guy, but the film is redundant AF – so here’s a quick pic should suffice.

Zeffirelli’s film is unique, as it was the first time two unknown teenage actors were cast in the lead of such a massive Shakespeare production, and a world-wide search brought the world the ethereal youthful beauty of Olivia Hussey (she ain’t no hussy, but she did also star in the cult Canadian horror flick “Black Christmas” – you can’t miss those eyes) who was only 15 at the time, and the handsome Leonard Whiting (17) , who lets face it, really does look like Zac Efron.

Certified, he did it first!

 

Their chemistry is unpalpable, and the entire production is lush and dripping sophistication- Roger Ebert even went as far to say it is the best film of Shakespeare ever made. Respectfully it was nominated for Academy Awards for Best Picture, and Director, and won for its gorgeous cinematography, and Danilo Donati’s sumptuous costumes.

It even inspired the fashion scene at the time with the two stars appearing in various fashion magazines rocking mod styles with a medieval flare. The two teens were definitely a big IT couple of the moment. So, if you haven’t seen this classic, do yourself a favour already!

Another Romeo might be the OG of movie star Romeos – Leslie Howard who starred opposite of Norma Shearer in George Cukor’s 1936 film. Neither of them really exude that youthful innocence, seeing as they are grown ass adults!

But, the vibe is full-on Hollywood glamour with a dazzle and flare that is just so fabulously extra, and sadly missed today!!! Also, very inspired by Leslie Howard’s perfectly coiffed hair!

We all know the story, so let’s just take a look at a few snaps to spark and inspire the Romeo vibe.

Pretty wicked! So, if you’re looking to channel your inner Romeo, we have some picks for you from the {SHOP}!

Remember, XIXIXI gets you 25% OFF of these, and all our hand-picked curated vintage finds! FREE SHIPPING in CANADA, also. Don’t be shy to message us for any details.

To learn more about these pieces, browse our {SHOP}

We’re also huge fans of HBO’s ‘WESTWORLD’ so what a delight to find one of our favorite quotes originated from this fine inspiration…

“These violent delights, have violent ends”

– Shakespeare, “Romeo & Juliet”: Act 2 , Scene 6
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We can’t wait to see what the next incarnation of this idol of style will be in the {FUTURE} . . .

Until next time,

{theEye}
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FASHION, INNOVATION, MENSWEAR, MUSIC, Music Minute, NEW YORK CITY, Rebel Society, STYLE IDOLS AND DIVINITIES, Video, Vintage

{MUSIC MINUTE – Super Summer Jams Edition } Dennis Wilson’s “RIVER SONG”

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A new film entitled “Love & Mercy” has just been released starring Paul Dano as Beach Boys frontman Brian Wilson. And today on “The View”, Brian Wilson admitted he has never once been surfing in his entire life!

Indeed, it was his bad ass boy brother Dennis who served as the true muse behind the vibe that would make The Beach Boys sore to meteoric heights, and ultimate icon status. But little do most people know that Dennis Wilson was a righteous pioneer of music in his own right!

In 1977 he released “Pacific Ocean Blue” which featured this – an all-time ultimate summer song entitled “River Song”, which showcases Dennis’ unique musical stylings and unending talent.

Sadly, Dennis Wilson would be found dead in the Marina Del Rey on December 28, 1983. To read more on this idol of style and life be sure to read our E.O.F. STYLE IDOL: Dennis Wilson {THE BAD BEACH BOY} for tons of content to muse and conjure the spirit!

Also, check out the {SHOP} from some sweet vintage digs to get the feelings flowing this summer!

Don’t forget, friends – XIXIXI gets you 25 % OFF on anything, so don’t wait!

Until we meet again,

{theEye}

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

STYLE {WISE} + The Case for Hawaiian Shirts +

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[image: fashion.grunge.style.]

Summer is at its peak, and its time to embrace the ultimate piece for the summer. . . .the Hawaiian Shirt. For some reason, this idea makes some people cringe, but over the course of this post you will see the innate beauty and wonder that is the Hawaiian Shirt.

The Case for Hawaiian Shirts really began when I was 8 years old and my mother brought home a Hawaiian shirt for me from her trip to Hawaii. I had begged her to grab me one while she was touring the islands for work. Seemed to me like the coolest thing!

It was a wicked print, nothing too crazy, pretty much an example of a classic Hawaiian shirt.

I remember my locker neighbour saying:  “Whats wrong with you?”

“WHAT’S WRONG WITH YOU?!” is what I wanted to say, but I just shrugged and laughed her aside. She didn’t even have a sense about her as she was herself wearing something completely typical of the girls in my classes around these times…

She just couldn’t appreciate it the way I did. For me, it made me feel the most ahead of the game. I was different than the rest, and that’s always a good thing. For me, there’s just no doubting a really great Hawaiian Shirt.

{Donna Reed + Montgomery Clift, “From Here to Eternity” [1953]. }

{Michael Pitt for Prada S/S 2012 by David Sims}

Lately there’s been a huge influx of Hawaiian and tropical shirts in both runway shows and magazine editorials – it seems the world is finally catching on and getting a little more in tuned with not just my drift, but the truth of the whole matter. Open up any mens fashion magazine and you will find them littered in the colourful graphics.

The case for Hawaiian and Tropical print shirts is that they are as much a classic staple in ones wardrobe as other pieces heralded as being part of our sartorial lineage.

There is plenty of mythology revolving around the the true origin of the Aloha shirt (as they are also called) that range from birth in the Philipines to the islands of Samoa. Until the early 18th century, kapa was the main currency of many islands of the South Pacific. Kapa was a simple patterned cloth found in the South Pacific made from pounding and dyeing the bark of a mulberry tree. These prints later made a splash again in the 1950s. However, it is safe to accredit much of why we still sport and wear these styles to the craftsmanship and entrepreneurial efforts of one, Musa-Shiya the Shirtmaker. Throughout the 1920s and 30s, Musa-Shiya was one of the top Japanese tailors in Honolulu, who profited from his made-to-order custom silk shirts made with colourful and bright Japanese fabrics with Western-style tailoring.

These shirts helped tourists visiting the island make that final transformation to truly being on vacation, taking it easy, and saying goodbye to the stresses of the mainland. Forget your troubles, come on be happy! Soon after other Japanese tailors were doing the same, and quickly the demand for these tailored tropical refuges only began to soar. The 1953 film, “From Here to Eternity” would pretty much seal the deal with stars such as Burt Lancaster, Montgomery Clift, and even Frank Sinatra sporting the casual cuts of florals and tropical sunsets.

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From here on out, it pretty much has become the go-to expression of ease. Picking the right pattern is about 90% of the magic. There must be literally thousands, if not millions of different Aloha prints floating around in this world, and not all of them good. The key is equal parts colour as it is pattern – make sure both are really slamming. Compromise on this and you could really fall flat.

 

FIT would be another major point. So make sure it fits to your liking, or get it altered to fit your needs. Alteration is often the key to vintage, so if you haven’t already, be sure to check your local yellow pages for tailors or alterers in your neighbourhood. They will be happy to oblige, and you’d be surprised at how cheap it can be.

If you’re feeling a little more lax and party you may want to embrace some volume (think Sean Penn as Spicoli from Fast Times, or Johnny Depp in Fear & Loathing) or you can keep the cut classic and simple with a bit more of a tailored look to emulate classic stars like Clift, Sinatra, or Delon. Either way – you’re pretty much laughing …

{After World War II, a gradual change in aloha wear took place with the breakdown of rigid dress requirements for business attire. The business tie and jacket certainly were not comfortable in Hawaii’s summer climate. In 1946, the Honolulu Chamber of commerce appropriated $1000 to study aloha shirts and prepare suitable designs that clothing businessmen could wear.}

And just in case you’re unsure, check out our pics of style stunning inspiration that ranges from the {PAST} to {PRESENT}. So take a look, and decide your {FUTURE}…it’s calling! All year round, these shirts takes you where you want to go! It’s time to declare the Hawaiian Shirt an equally valuable piece of everyone’s wardrobe.

It’s a defining piece with the magical ability to transport us from our everyday, and for those dedicated followers of fashion these pieces are definitely gaining visibility.

This is what I’m saying!

If you don’t look back, you can never go forward!

So hopefully you appreciate this menagerie of the exotic and wild! Check out The Vintage Hawaiian Shirt for more history, and a look at the web’s most impressive collection of them! Don’t be stuck staring at your everyday checks, plaids, and plain…carry on the {TRADITION} and accelerate the past!

Make sure you also check out the E.O.F. {SHOP}!  We are stocking up more and more fashion forward pieces from our collected history so make sure to check it out!

{The Feedback and Support has been great! So thank you all!}

Also join us on FACEBOOK , TUMBLR, & TWITTER for more vintage musings from the one and only {EYE}!

Stay Style {WISE}, kids!

Sincerely,

{theEye}

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

+ The Case for Hawaiian Shirts + Vintage Fashion Inspiration {Spring/Summer 2013}

7 Comments

[image: fashion.grunge.style.]

The Case for Hawaiian Shirts really began when I was 8 years old and my mother brought home a Hawaiian shirt for me from her trip to Hawaii. I had begged her to grab me one while she was touring the islands for work. Seemed to me like the coolest thing!

It was a wicked print, nothing too crazy, pretty much an example of a classic Hawaiian shirt.

I remember my locker neighbour saying:  “Whats wrong with you?”

“WHAT’S WRONG WITH YOU?!” is what I wanted to say, but I just shrugged and laughed her aside. She didn’t even have a sense about her as she was herself wearing something completely typical of the girls in my classes around these times…

She just couldn’t appreciate it the way I did. For me, it made me feel the most ahead of the game. I was different than the rest, and that’s always a good thing. For me, there’s just no doubting a really great Hawaiian Shirt.

{Donna Reed + Montgomery Clift, “From Here to Eternity” [1953]. }

{Michael Pitt for Prada S/S 2012 by David Sims}

Lately there’s been a huge influx of Hawaiian and tropical shirts in both runway shows and magazine editorials – it seems the world is finally catching on and getting a little more in tuned with not just my drift, but the truth of the whole matter.

The case for Hawaiian and Tropical print shirts is that they are as much a classic staple in ones wardrobe as other pieces heralded as being part of our sartorial lineage.

There is plenty of mythology revolving around the the true origin of the Aloha shirt (as they are also called) that range from birth in the Philipines to the islands of Samoa.

Until the early 18th century, kapa was the main currency of many islands of the South Pacific. Kapa was a simple patterned cloth found in the South Pacific made from pounding and dyeing the bark of a mulberry tree. These prints later made a splash again in the 1950s.

However, it is safe to accredit much of why we still sport and wear these styles to the craftsmanship and entrepreneurial efforts of one, Musa-Shiya the Shirtmaker. Throughout the 1920s and 30s, Musa-Shiya was one of the top Japanese tailors in Honolulu, who profited from his made-to-order custom silk shirts made with colourful and bright Japanese fabrics with Western-style tailoring.

These shirts helped tourists visiting the island make that final transformation to truly being on vacation, taking it easy, and saying goodbye to the stresses of the mainland. Forget your troubles, come on be happy!

Soon after other Japanese tailors were doing the same, and quickly the demand for these tailored tropical refuges only began to soar. The 1953 film, “From Here to Eternity” would pretty much seal the deal with stars such as Burt Lancaster, Montgomery Clift, and even Frank Sinatra sporting the casual cuts of florals and tropical sunsets.

+  +  +

From here on out, it pretty much has become the go-to expression of ease. Picking the right pattern is about 90% of the magic. There must be literally thousands, if not millions of different Aloha prints floating around in this world, and not all of them good. The key is equal parts colour as it is pattern – make sure both are really slamming. Compromise on this and you could really fall flat.

FIT would be another major point. So make sure it fits to your liking. If you’re feeling a little more lax and party you may want to embrace some volume (think Sean Penn as Spicoli from Fast Times, or Johnny Depp in Fear & Loathing) or you can keep the cut classic and simple with a bit more of a tailored look to emulate classic stars like Clift, Sinatra, or Delon. Either way – you’re pretty much laughing …

{After World War II, a gradual change in aloha wear took place with the breakdown of rigid dress requirements for business attire. The business tie and jacket certainly were not comfortable in Hawaii’s summer climate. In 1946, the Honolulu Chamber of commerce appropriated $1000 to study aloha shirts and prepare suitable designs that clothing businessmen could wear.}

And just in case you’re unsure, check out our pics of style stunning inspiration that ranges from the {PAST} to {PRESENT}. So take a look, and decide your {FUTURE}…it’s calling!

All year round, these shirts takes you where you want to go!

It’s time to declare the Hawaiian Shirt an equally valuable piece of everyone’s wardrobe. It’s a defining piece with the magical ability to transport us from our everyday, and for those dedicated followers of fashion these pieces are definitely gaining visibility.

This is what I’m saying! If you don’t look back, you can never go forward! So hopefully you appreciate this menagerie of the exotic and wild! Check out The Vintage Hawaiian Shirt for more history, and a look at the web’s most impressive collection of them!

Don’t be stuck staring at your everyday checks, plaids, and plain…carry on the {TRADITION} and accelerate the past!

Take a look at some of the pieces in the +SHOP+ that can help you bring this look to life!

il_570xN.440097832_4hd9

Crazy Tropical Tiger All Over Graphic Print Cotton Summer Shirt – 

SMALL {$20}

P1016633

Mystic Mayan Prophecy Vintage Bugle Boy Shirt –

SMALL {$18} 

[SOLD]

P1016574

1970s Typographical Graphic Print Surf Shirt – 

MEDIUM {$18}

[SOLD]

P1015441

Phantom Floral  Hand-Blocked Cotton Surf Shirt –

MEDIUM {$20}

P1016531-1

Ocean Mists 1970s Graphic Print Surf Shirt –

MEDIUM {$20}

P1017652

Aloha Joe Authentic 1950s Graphic Tropical Print Hawaiian Shirt –

{$40}

P1016396

“Paradise Lost”, 1950s Hawaiian Shirt with Cut-Off Sleeves –

SMALL {$18}

P1016042

Embroidered Silk ‘Hollywood Babylon’

Art-Deco Asian Metallic Surf Party Shirt

– MEDIUM {$35}

il_570xN.439752522_r106

‘The Tree of Life’ 1970s All Over Wildlife Animal Graphic Print Shirt –

LARGE {$30}

Knights of the Sandcastle- Sears Hawaii 1960s Graphic Floral Surf Shirt

Rare 1960s SEARS HAWAII Vibrant Frond Beach Party Surf Shirt

MEDIUM {$45}

Dreamweaver - 1970s Ralph Lauren Pscyhedellic Equestrian Wave Warrior All-Over Graphic Surf Shirt - The Eye of Faith Vintage Menswear

Dreamweaver 1970s Psychedelic Equestrian Vivid Ralph Lauren Graphic Print Beach Shirt OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Paradise Hawaii 1960s Classic Tropical Floral Graphic Beach Summer Shirt

MEDIUM {$60}

SMALL {$90}

Don’t forget to LIKE us on FACEBOOK,

& FOLLOW US on TWITTER

for all your vintage musings

from {theEye}!

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Stay Style {WISE}, kids!

Sincerely,

{theEye}

+

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New Finds from THE EYE OF FAITH!

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Hello friends, fans, and followers!

As you may, or may not have noticed, we have opened up a site on ETSY, which has been very good to us thus far, so we have started stocking it with E.O.F. EXCLUSIVE pieces that you can find only on our ETSY SHOP! Very exciting . . .

Take a look at a few of the things we’ve pulled for you!

Vintage POLO by Ralph Lauren Striped Ivy-Style Oxford Shirt – SMALL { $48 }

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Rare Vintage Sergio Valente Mint Green and Ivory Spring Jacket – MEDIUM

{ $40 }

il_fullxfull.432819918_eif8

Vintage Chemise Et Cie “Day Dreaming” – Provocative Pin-Up Photo Graphic Shirt – LARGE

{ $58 }

 

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Large Original Painting of Male Figure in Surreal Landscape – “Cave of Desire” by Aaron Robert Duarte – 31 1/4″ x 39″ – Contemporary Art

{ $780 }

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Paradise Lost- Vintage 1950s Bad Ass Rockabilly  – Hawaiian Shirt with Cut-Off Sleeves – SMALL

{ $24 }

Indeed, not your average vintage finds. That’s because each piece has been hand picked to ensure only the best and most relevant pieces make it to the +SHOP+. We love the thrill of the hunt, and when we get our hands on pieces like these, we know that we definitely have something special.

So why don’t you help us out, and bring the past to life with your new purchase directly from your one and only – The Eye of Faith!

ESCAPE THE EVERYDAY . . .

Until next time,

{theEye}

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ART, E.O.F. SNAPSHOT OF THE DAY, FASHION, MENSWEAR, STYLE {WISE}

E.O.F. Snapshot of the Day {November 15, 2012}

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{Thursday’s Best in the Red Light District}

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” . . . Mommy, I Think Daddy is Possessed ! ! ! “

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I’ve been saving this photo for some time now…waiting for the perfect moment to share. Now that it’s so close to Halloween, what better time to display this very curious creature…

As you might know, we have a huge collection of vintage photographs that we have archived here at The Eye of Faith – each one possessing a mysteriously lingering quality that we just can’t put our finger on.

This one here is no exception. Everything about it is pure Eye of Faith! Look at this classic family portrait set up in their very own living room. A puzzle has been laid out on the coffee table and the entire family has gathered. The photographer is unknown, but lucky for them they have laid witness to the father’s strange transformation….

And while everybody in the photograph is ready with their best All-American smile, the eldest son can’t hide his fear knowing –

“I THINK MY DAD IS POSSESSED!!!”

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We don’t know what kind of gore or paranormal experiences may have ensued after the camera clicked, but like many of these old photographs they leave silent clues and messages from beyond as to the lives of the people in them…

This one, only had their names:

Whether or not these individuals are out there still is beyond me…but we can at least appreciate this photograph for what it may or may not be, and with Halloween on our hands we can’t help but haunt our own imagination!

{My Father, My Devil, My Demon, My Life, My Dreams, My Steadfast Nightmares…}

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That wasn’t the only snapshot we had in our possession portraying haunted men possessed by demonic forces.

The father is the leader of the home, but in these cases, the Devil surely seems to have crept his way through the cracks and into the man you thought you trusted most.

So if you see a shadow come across his face, look into his eyes and hope to God you can save his fragile mortal life. Make sure you announce it to the house, so everyone can take cover. Don’t be afraid to scream it:

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“I THINK DAD IS POSSESSED!”

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Don’t be too afraid if this happens….after all, they’re just earth bound spirits trying to attach themselves to something tangible, and in this case it’s unfortunately your Dad. According to therapist, Dr. Edith Fiore, author of The Unquiet Dead, the simplest thing to do is tell the unfriendly spirit to leave immediately!

“Tell him he is harming himself and the person he is possessing.

To encourage the spirit to leave Earth you must tell him his loved ones are waiting for him. Reassure him that when he’s in the hereafter he will be in a perfect body, not a crippled or aged one.

Tell him there’s no such thing as hell – that he will have a wonderful, peaceful existence in the afterlife with everything he wants. Then tell him to go in peace with your blessing.”

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She also states 9 ways to tell if you, yourself, are possessed. They are:

1. Low energy levels

2. Character shifts or mood swings

3. Inner voice or voices speaking to you

4. Impulsive behavior

5. Memory problems

6. Poor concentration

7. Sudden onset of physical problems

8. A sudden onset of anxiety or bouts of depression (especially after hospitalization or any other trauma)

9. Weight gain with no obvious cause

So be on the look out fine fellows and felines of The Faith! There are other world beings out there just waiting for a nice body to become one with….and don’t think Daddy will come running to help you, especially if he’s the one possessed!

Exsúrgat Deus et dissipéntur inimíci ejus: et fúgiant qui odérunt eum a fácie ejus.

Sicut déficit fumus defíciant; sicut fluit cera a fácie ígnis, sic péreant peccatóres a fácie Dei.

{Let God arise and let His enemies be scattered: and let them that hate Him flee from before His Face!
As smoke vanisheth, so let them vanish away: as wax melteth before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God.

PSALM 67 – Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel

So muster up some courage and take on those Demons yourself! Kick some ass, even if it is your own father! Your Momma will be quick to Thank You!

Until next time,

{theEye}

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{All Photos Taken From The Eye of Faith {Archives}

and are property of The Eye of Faith}

EST. 11. 11. 11.

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