Tag Archives: Medieval

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

STYLE {WISE} Romeo, Romeo . . .

1 Comment
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
+

We can’t wait to see what the next incarnation of this idol of style will be in the {FUTURE} . . .

Until next time,

{theEye}
+

 

DO IT RIGHT, FILMS, INNOVATION, STYLE {WISE}, TELEVISION, Video, Vintage

STYLE {WISE} Häxan: Witchcraft Through the Ages (1922)

8 Comments

HŠxan (1922) Filmografinr: 1922/06

Poor little hysterical witch! In the middle ages you were in conflict with the church. Now it is with the law.

Title Card: “Häxan (1922)”

We really ought to be saving this one for our own private inspiration board, but a higher wisdom has urged us to share.  We swear!

This sinisterly beautiful Style {WISE} is from the archives of cinema history. Back to the days of the silent film, where the power of imagery ruled supreme.

haxan devils

The film is the 1922 Pseudo Documentary Art-House Horror Silent Classic, Häxan (pronounced “hek-sen”). Imaginations soared through creative interpretations of alleged real-life events right up through to the early twentieth century.  The Swedish Film was directed, written, and starring Benjamin Christensen as the Devil himself.

Ultimately  comparing the hysteria of contemporary (1921) women with the behaviour of the witches in the Middle Ages; the film concludes that they are very similar. Hey, we never said a peep! {click here for more}

haxan2-1

Title Card: Centuries have passed and the Almighty of medieval times no longer sits in his tenth sphere.

Title Card: We no longer sit in church staring terrified at the frescoes of the devils.

Title Card: The witch no longer flies away on her broom over the rooftops.

Title Card: But isn’t superstition still rampant among us?

Title Card: Is there an obvious difference between the sorceress and her customer then and now?

Title Card: We no longer burn our old and poor. But do they not often suffer bitterly?

Title Card: And the little woman, whom we call hysterical, alone and unhappy, isn’t she still a riddle for us?

Title Card: Nowadays we detain the unhappy in a mental institution or – if she is wealthy – in a modern clinic.

Title Card: And then we will console ourselves with the notion that the mildly temperate shower of the clinic has replaced the barbaric methods of medieval times.

–Häxan (1922)

haxan

What’s most fascinating is the way they amp up the already iconic images we have in our mind when we turn our thoughts to the idea of witchcraft, the frenzy of the medieval times, and the rugged decay of the Medieval Times. All these elements are intensified and, almost glamourized, for the silver screen in a way only the 1920s could make happen.

Wouldn’t it be great to  see more powerful imagery like this come to the forefront today, while still staying beautiful ? Perhaps some of you beauties will find some inspiration to take with you after your visit here with The Eye of Faith.

haxen

haxan-1

Witchcraft through the Ages (1922 Sweden) aka Haxan Documentary

Häxan: Witchcraft through the ages, is a true experience for the eyes and ears,  with music beautifully composed by Emil Reesen.

Seemingly a silent horror sensation, but truly a documentation of modern man.

So much faith is thrown into the blind eyes of God, as fellow man takes judgement and punishment upon himself.

1922 Haxan - Witchcraft through the ages - La brujeria a traves de los tiempos (foto) 02

Just a little something-something to get those juices flowing!

Until we meet again?

{theEye}

+

Similar Stories

FASHION, Toronto, {PHOTOBLAST}

“Inspire Me, Witch!”

3 Comments

 

tumblr_mdmcd85Oj51qzt5zfo1_500

 

aldrovandi01

{Aubrey Beardsley}

 

{Saskia De Brauw}

Hats Off to You - Vintage Style Inspiration - The Eye of Faith - hats and masks

{Hailee, Chloe, Elle, and Natalia.}

1098315_581785938552871_637963536_n.jpg

rom-a-book-by-the-italian-naturalist-ulisse aldrovandi

That Shirt Says Wicked

model-wearing-jewellery-designed-by-salvador-dali

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rider Tarot Card- Il Diavlo.

Feeling witchy?
Follow US, or LEAVE A COMMENT

Sincerely,

{theEye}

+

DO IT RIGHT, FASHION, HISTORY {is made at night}, INNOVATION, MENSWEAR, Rebel Society, STYLE {WISE}, Vintage

The Dapper Mystery Men Who Guard The Secret of the Voynich Manuscripts . . .

Leave a comment

The strange, wonderful, and perplex. The Voynich Manuscripts . . . the World’s most wildly weird book. Full of strange diagrams and cryptic text, many generations have passed and still no one has been able to make anything of it.

 

The book is hidden deep away in Yale’s Rare Book Collection making it kind of hard for eager schoolboys to study all of its mysteries . . .The word ‘mystery’, strangely enough comes from the Greek mustrion meaning ‘secret rite’ [from musts, an initiate, from mein, to close the eyes, initiate.]

The mystery would gather together at sacred times in sacred places performing rituals, celebrations, and rites of passage. These sacred ceremonies were held to ensure certain higher knowledge is passed on to the initiate who is chosen under certain circumstances (possessing special intellectual or spiritual prowess, or defining periods in one’s life eg. marriage)

Not to presuppose of course, we all remember Yale is home to one of the World’s most infamous ‘mysteries’ of them all; the notorious ‘Skull and Bones’ society. The notorious fraternity traces its roots to 1832 as ‘The Order of the Skull and Bones”, and includes such influential names as Rockefeller, Tate, Pillsbury, and Bush.

The group operates in secrecy, much as their ancient mystery counterparts, holding their rituals in a building known as ‘The Tomb’. The lost boys were said to possess the last remains of Geronimo. Sounds like a bunch of hocus pocus from an Indiana Jones movie, reads like one too.

Over the years the boys have gotten tied up in strings of allegations and scandals that range from sexual abuse, torture, and Satan worshipping! Not to mention the associations with the Illuminati . . . Seems to me like someone needs to do their homework.

“I don’t mind if my skull ends up on a shelf as long as it’s got my name on it.”

                                              -Debbie Harry

What do you say? Is it all too convenient the World’s weirdest manuscript has landed in the same turf? Maybe they know something we don’t about this strange codex, its weirdly wonderful drawings, and the wisdom that it may entail. Perhaps it provides them with the ingredients to perform the rituals of their predecessors, or maybe they simply see it the same way we do, and this obscure Renaissance relic will continue to be at loss to modern man, and appear as a precarious dot in the framework of history.

I’ll give it to the boys, they have always been doing it in style. Exploring the delicate and strange beauty of the Voynich Manuscripts is a true wonder, and I’d study up now before they do.

The manuscript is available online courtesy of the Beincecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library at Yale University.

Looks to us like everyone’s bathing . . .

+
+
++ Follow us on TWITTER and FACEBOOK
++
+

Until next time,

{theEye}

+

 

ART, FAVOURITE FIND, HISTORY {is made at night}

How to Cook a Unicorn!

13 Comments

EOF- How to cook a Unicorn

“Taketh one unicorne . . .”

Talk about secret knowledge! It seems scholars are absolutely ecstatic to find a long lost Medieval cookbook that includes recipes and instructions for cooking Unicorns!

The book was uncovered by The British Library, and contains hundreds of recipes for classical Medieval dishes that include herring, tripe, fish stews, and pigeon, as well as a delicious recipe for black bird pie – just like the nursery rhyme!

Sing a song of sixpence

A pocket full of rye

 Four-and-twenty blackbirds

Baked in a pie.

But among the most interesting of the dishes presented in the beautifully illuminated pages of the book they believe dates back to the 14th Century, is a most peculiar instruction for the preparation of Unicorn, complete with pictures!

EOF- How to Cook a Unicorn 2

The recipe begins appropriately with the phrase “Taketh one unicorne” and continues to instruct the cook to take the meat of the beast and marinate in cloves and garlic and then roast it on the griddle. I think I want seconds, already!

Scholars believe the cookbook was written by famed chef of the moment, Geoffrey Fule, who served as the chef to Philippa of Hainault, Queen of England (1328-1369). Was this all just a jest? Or, could there be some truth to the matter?

Most people assume that Unicorns are only a myth, but perhaps those beautiful ponies with their majestic horns really did roam freely through the lands. Story goes that the unicorn’s horn holds magical properties that could cleanse poisoned waters and render the sick able again. Of course, you could only find them using a virgin. She would wander the forests until the unicorn, smelling the scent of virgin flesh, would greet her with his big hard spiralled horn . . .

LAST UNICORN

Today the unicorn has been reduced to the world animated child fantasy and nursery rhymes, but thousands of years ago, the Ancient Greeks didn’t just believe in the creatures as mythical beings, but as full fledge creatures which they studied and recorded in their natural history texts. We can also find mentions of the animal and its supernatural strength in various books of The Bible.

So, I guess the mystery is just bound to live on. Perhaps Fule was just using his imagination, and jotting down his ideas for a “What-if” kind of situation, but with all that heavy illuminating (which would take months on end), its hard to believe there wouldn’t have been a specific need for a Unicorn recipe. Also note that “COOKING” as we know it today, was much more of a magical and mystical art, especially in the Medieval times and Renaissance; an art that would run parallel to that of alchemy and other sacred knowledge practices.

Many grimoires from the same period will contain recipes for food alongside the details to invocating spirits, so perhaps Fule was not only a reputable chef, but was somewhat of a magician, who knew secrets, such as where to source Unicorn, and the advantages and benefits to eating it . . .

EOF- How to Cook A Unicorn 3

The idea of eating a unicorn definitely is kind of gross, but I’m sure with the proper preparation it would be tolerable – or just skip the meal and steal the horn from the kitchen wench. Did they once cook Unicorn meat for the King & Queens of England?  It’s still a toss-up for me. What do YOU think?

You can read more at The British Library website!

Until next time,

{theEye}

+

Similar Stories:

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

{PHOTOBLAST} – Tennis, the Menace ! ! !

2 Comments

“Ever since that day when I was 11 years old, and I wasn’t allowed in a photo because I wasn’t wearing a tennis skirt, I knew that I wanted to change the sport.”

-Billie Jean King

As summer comes to an end, we can’t help but muse on one of the world’s favorite past times for those warm summer days…
{TENNIS}

It’s hard to believe the genesis of this sport began in Europe as entertainment between religious services at Church, but either way, this is a sport that has always been the arena for change…

Experts suspect the game dates back thousands of years, and researchers have dated the game back to France in the 12th Century – almost a thousand years ago! When the game began it’s starts, players simply hit the ball back and forth using their hands, and was an indoor game experienced by monks in the cloisters of their monasteries.

As time progressed into the 16th Centuries, the racket was introduced, and tennis became a truly Royal event, popularized by Kings and Princes across Europe (most famously Francis I, Louis X, and Charles VIII of France, as well as Henry V and VIII of England)

  It would not be until the 1800s that the game would be brought outside, closer to the {traditions} we know today.

The world’s first tennis club would officially be founded in 1874 by Major Walton Clopton Wingfield who officially patented the game, after inviting his guests to play this medieval game at a garden party on his estate.

{SUCCESS!}

While the game has not changed very much since, the fashions and styles seen on the courts of the tennis match have evolved immensely since it’s humble monastic origins. Men wore trousers, while women were required to wear their complicated layer system of girdles, petticoats, skirts, and sweaters making the game even more of a challenge.

Today, tennis players can hit the ball up to speeds of 163 mph (held by Australia’s Samuel Groth) and the ease and agility of the uniform has become increasingly more geared towards the power and intensity required of the sport.

The sport, which requires a certain agility and weightlessness, fearlessness and focus, high energy and low, is definitely a statement of individual will and strength. To win a coveted world title is to put yourself on a pedestal above the lineage of this once royal game – to carry on this inspiring {tradition}.

Tennis and Fashion are inextricably entwined and we thought it would be fun to see some of it’s history come to life. So on behalf of this fantastic tradition and inspiration, we present this E.O.F. {PHOTOBLAST} dedicated to the joys and folly of this forever changing past time!

Tennis has also been a staple forefront for style inspiration. For over a century, the world has turned to these Gods of the Court, who speed and soar before our watchful eyes, to see what will they be wearing…

Successful fashion labels such as Fred Perry and Lacoste were started by world class tennis champions Fred Perry and Renee Lacoste, and have grown into influential style makers who continue to reinterpret and imagine their famous essence and style.

Style scholars are even ringing their bell on Prada’s Spring 2013 show and the 1970s tennis club edge it inspires. Don’t forget the fabulous Jordan Baker, the vapid tennis pro from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 1920s era classic , “The Great Gatsby”.  She was a real hit in 2013’s “The Great Gatsby”, in fact, she was one of the best parts!

GET THE LOOK

Now, I know you are thirsting for this look, after all, and I’ve got just the remedy!

 

Vintage 1970s Mens Bjorn Borg Inspired Classic White Tennis Shirt with Red and Blue Stripe Collar- The Eye of Faith Vintage

Vintage 1970s Mens Bjorn Borg Inspired Classic White Tennis Shirt
with Red and Blue Stripe Collar

+

<<BUY IT NOW>>

+

Gives me a bit of a Luke Wilson in “The Royal Tenenbaums” vibe also.

So much can be done with this!

The style gods surely are smiling . . . 

+

[Billie Jean King flips the Bird on Convention]

Bet after this, you’ll be seeing Tennis inspirations everywhere you go! Hope you enjoyed this bit of reflection on this mysteriously elegant, sophisticated, and primal game. No menace here, just wanted to scare you…

Sincerely,

{theEye}

+

Similar Stories:

 
ART, E.O.F. SNAPSHOT OF THE DAY, FAVOURITE FIND, Rebel Society, STYLE {WISE}, Vintage

E.O.F. Snapshot of the Day {October 9, 2013}

Leave a comment

E.O.F. Snapshot of the Day- October 9, 2013

 

Alchemical Mysteries. Allegorical Allegories. Skulls and Naked Women.

All things we might never leave behind . . .

Images like this are wonderful remnants that still ring true to this day.

You might not understand it’s meaning, but a meaning will be made immediately in your mind

for which you decide its value or worth. The same can be said for any image, really.

It’s the simple power we all possess –

the ability to make meaning from the most simple or obscure things.

To think. To be. To believe. To see.

It’s what makes us you and me.

Real human beings.

+

What do you see?

+

 Until next time,

+

Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter
+
+
+++
{theEye}
+++
+

Similar Stories:

ART, E.O.F. SNAPSHOT OF THE DAY, Vintage

E.O.F. Snapshot of the Day {June 13, 2013}

Leave a comment

EOF- Crazy Wild Man Falls From Shell Snakes and Beggarmen oh MY

+Unknown+

+

+until next time+

Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter
+
+
+++
{theEye}
+++
+

Similar Stories:

ART, E.O.F. APPROVED, HISTORY {is made at night}, INNOVATION, MENSWEAR, STYLE {WISE}, TELEVISION, Vintage

Don Draper Goes Medieval! Is Mad Men Don Draper’s “Inferno”?

1 Comment

Man Men - season 6 episoe 1 - don draper reading dantes inferno on the beach

Midway upon the journey of our life
I found myself within a forest dark,
For the straightforward pathway had been lost. . .

Those were the first words we hear Don Draper speak in the season 6 premier of AMC’s hit show, “Mad Men” which aired last night. Dante Alighieri’s legendary Medieval poem is not one’s expected choice to be reading on the beaches of Mauii, but for Don Draper it seems to have opened many questions of himself.

You could even point out that throughout the series, Don has endured through many of the nine circles of sin described in Dante’s “Inferno” (such as gluttony, lust, and sin), so to capture the man of perceived strength and self confidence bring alongside with him a poem about the author’s personal midlife crisis really speaks volumes. Don, however, doesn’t speak for another 10 minutes into the episode.

Dante Alighieri’s “Inferno” is a piece of Dante’s collection of poems known as “The Divine Comedy“. Written between 1308 and his death in 1321, the work is still seen as a pinnacle in literacy for mankind, and is still read today by students and scholars around the world. Split into three parts: Inferno, Purgatoria, and Paradiso; the story tells of the author’s descent into hell before ascending to paradise.

And as Don puts it, “Heaven is a little morbid. How do you get to heaven? Something terrible has to happen”.

As Dante had Virgil at his side, Don has Sterling; and like Dante’s muse Beatrice, Don seems to have found a new muse in his latest mistress who leant him the copy for his vacation. It’s strange life he is living, but luckily he notes he must stop “doing this”, before he never figures it out.

Dantes Purification on the Deserted Shore of Pergatory- The Divine COmedy - Dantes Inferno - Master of the Dominican Effigies (1325 - 1355) - AGO Revealing the Renaissance

We got a chance to see one of first illustrated copies of Dante Alighieri’s “The Divine Comedy” at the Art Gallery of Ontario’s Revealing the Early Renaissance: Secrets and Stories in Florentine Art, by The Master of the Dominican Effigies between 1325 and 1355. Today, it still one of the most important works written.

A season back, or so, Don criticized Universities as a “Medieval” system, in an almost dismissive way, so its interesting to see him now delving into the pinnacle of Medieval philosophy. I guess it’s always good to stay well-rounded. And 800 year old wisdom, is just as good as any.

One of the most famous publications of “The Divine Comedy” featured engravings by French artist Gustave Doré, offering fantastical and surreal visuals to compliment Dante’s classic words. We thought them a wonderful showcase to accompany Don Draper and his voyage of self-discovery, and maybe provide a little insight and intrigue into the world of Dante Alighieri.

Maybe we will go on one too. Anyone want to join us?

Everyone’s got a little figuring out to do.

Why not get lost a little on the way.

Until next time,

{theEye}

+

Similar Stories:

FASHION, FILMS, HISTORY {is made at night}, INNOVATION, MENSWEAR, MUSIC, STYLE {WISE}, Uncategorized, Video, Vintage, WOMENSWEAR, {PHOTOBLAST}

{PHOTOBLAST} Confessions of a Teenage Witch ! ! !

5 Comments

“Mommy? Daddy? We have something to tell you… you know those new girls we’ve been hanging out with at school? Yes, the one’s who smoke cigarettes and dance in the street.  Well…they have more to them than it seems.  And now…our dear sweet family, we have news… I’m a Teen Witch ”


Come the Bewitching hour, our style sensory will ignite and burst into the brightest of nights light, for playing with fashion will be our demonic delight! We’ll be in leather or lace, flipping a bird or two.  Dabbling in medieval monk magic, with our new gothic hair-do.  Tonight, the sands of the coast will be our runway.

We are celebrating the defiance of the Teen Witch. We hear a rebel yell in the witchlight, and trust these mother’s of nature to lead us to new extremes and tend to every curiosity.  Mother nature will guide them as they harness each new trait.  Faithfully we will follow, wiser than most, these witches are onto something.

“The blackest chapter in the history of Witchcraft lies not in the malevolence of Witches but in the deliberate, gloating cruelty of their prosecutors.”
-Theda Kenyon, Witches Still Live.


Witch! Witch! WITCH! More than just black nails with some dark eye liner.  Thank our God the tact of burning these on-land sirens has come to a near end.  Now we Covet the beauty exuded by these young go getters who will never show fear when it comes to tampering with their own devilish side.

Far more beautiful to behold than can be told, we engage in the danger of dabbling in the dark arts.  Triumphant we will remain, rising above all in our victory.  For these young beauties may deceive with little intent, what we see is never quite what we get.  So be sparing with all your judgements.  Please, or it may be you who get’s hung!

Until next time,

+
++
{The Eye of Faith}
++
+

[ Remember: XIXIXI gets you 25% OFF in the {SHOP} ]

Similar Stories: