VIVA MAGAINE: The International Woman’s Magazine {circa. January 1977}
Cover Photograph by the iconic HELMUT NEWTON (hence, the undoubtable chic-ness of this image). Published by icons Bob Guccione and Kathy Keeton of PENTHOUSE fame, this is a prime piece of classic porn chic.
First coined in a highly influential New York Times article in 1973, porno chic describes a distinct period between 1969 and 1984 where American pornos were hitting the mainstream consciousness and pocketbooks hardcore. Andy Warhol kicked it off in 69 with Blue Movie, and films like Deep Throat, Behind the Green Door, Caligula, The Opening of Misty Beehtoven, A Night at the Adonis, and Flesh Gordon are among the films that encapsulate the Golden Age of Porn.
But it wasn’t just about the films. This period also saw a surge of amazing publishing prowess seen by magazines like PLAYBOY, HUSTLER, OUI, and of course PENTHOUSE dominated the scene, but for the first time publishers turned their attention to the female gaze, and offered pleasures like PLAYGIRL and VIVA with the male form objectified freely and openly to ease the tensions of the day.
I know it seems cliche to say, but its about the articles, too! Especially adult magazines of this period, you will find some powerful political, cultural, and historical content that just can’t be beat! Some of the articles included in this VIVA Magazine include:
The Blue Angel: Inside New York’s Naughtiest Night Club Minnie Riperton Raps About Fashion The Real Brenda Vaccaro The Naked Cowboy Dustin Hoffman & Robert Redford on set of “All the President’s Men” Do You Have What It Takes to Be Happy?
Not going to lie; what really stood out to us was the top story on the cover: HOW TO MAKE LOVE LIKE A WITCH!
The things they targeted their demographics with back in these times is fantastic! Imagine if they had published topics like this today?? People would have a fit! But, seriously we need more of this!
That’s just what makes this piece so god damn amusing. Keep pieces like this for entertaining treats for your guests- some pop culture, history, and a little eye candy.
They don’t make them like they used to …
And I always get a kick with cigarette ads from this period. They are always so special and great. Like this one:
Just out in the park picking flowers and placing them in my pretty flower basket and smoking a cigarette. . .
+LADY BE COOL+
I don’t know how things have taken such a drastic turn. It’s rather sad, really…but luckily, we do have pieces like this to remind us of these lost times.
This is a rare item especially considering the super sensual and chic Helmut Newton cover, and VIVA being of lesser popularity as PLAYBOY or even PLAYGIRL. If you have any questions? Send us a message to the.eye.of.faith@gmail.com
We’ve had his lady, Ms. Neile Adams, featured on our site as an outstandingly stylish individual of our recent past, and have more and more inspired by her other half – the eternally suave and sophisticated, Mr. Steve McQueen.
Riot boy, rider boy, and adventure man to the core – Steve McQueen is the epitome of style for all you brothers who love classic menswear styles, but with a cool twist.
Check out some of the images we pulled to muse over and inspire!
“I remember seeing him across the swimming pool and my knees were knocking. He radiated such macho energy. Men wanted to be like him. Uptight society ladies and biker molls wanted to be with him.”
-Ali McGraw
“He was a fascinating, crazy, irascible, roguish, likable, dislikable guy. Yes, he was all those things.”
-David Foster
“I did grow up next door to Steve McQueen, who was a very famous movie star at the time, but as a kid it didn’t impress me. We always had great fun with him. He would take us out on Sundays on his motorcycles, riding around in the desert; he was like a second father.”
-Herb Ritts
For more info on Steve McQueen, the man, the myth, the legend –
Marlene Dietrich is one of those timeless idols of style that will always be remembered. Owe it to the fact that she always acted an individual – this was not a woman to rely on when it came to playing by the rules. In fact, she made her own, and when it came to her style, it was nothing typical of Hollywood in the 1930s and 40s.
Sure, she had plenty of glamour and glitz, but she fused this with an androgynous flair that left men and women addicted to her. Overall, there is a mystery and sensuality that goes hand in hand when speaking to Marlene Dietrich’s style, life, and music – which is the key reminder that staying true to who you are deep inside is the most timeless thing anyone can do.
So listen to this beautiful song, and always remember, don’t fade into the sequins, but shine bright like a diamond from within!
If you’re inspired, don’t forget to check out the {SHOP} to bring the {PAST} to the {PRESENT} and set the {FUTURE} on fire!
A statement piece like this is truly in the spirit of the Goddess, as it takes real guts and glory to be the one donning this at your next party. Lucky for us, we know a lot of people with real guts and glory – you included!
So, don’t miss out on your chance! Pieces are always coming and going and you don’t want to be the one asking us in a couple months about it, when its already gone!
For more details, check out the listing by clicking here.
I guess not much has changed. Like you all, I’ve been out and about searching for Xmas treasures, and I swear I saw every single one of these pieces in almost every {Present} day retail store out there! It’s really amazing.
Tommy Hilfiger Ad Campaign 2012-13; 1930s styles relived for the ages. . .
One big difference you’ll find, however (other than the incredibly low prices of the 1930s), is the quality of these garments would be resoundingly higher than the versions you can find in stores today. That’s why I try mostly to stick to vintage on a budget, because chances are if it’s lasted all this time in great condition, it’s gonna keep delivering year after year as it has since its inception. So when it comes to sweaters go big (price-wise) or go vintage.
Ads from the 1930s are beautiful, and I just picked out a few stand-out moments that display the vivid vibrancy of the clothes you could find of this time. Would love to see a bit ore of that come back . . . but, it always does!
You just gotta hang in there.
This is a tear from a German catalog dating to 1933. I’m loving the layout they’ve got going on – c’est moderne. But, I also love how the sweaters are styled. As you can see…texture is key. Not to mention, striped cardigans are still the rage!
This is from the SUPREME Lookbook for Fall 2013/14.
Check out those bold colours, and I love the pop of green in the tie. Wish you could find more sweaters with a more generous opening at the collar to display shirts as finely as Jacques does. It’s formal, but relaxed. I like this outfit quite a bit.
Again, the colours of this piece are spectacular. Set against the ivory knit, all those colours almost become neutral and could virtually be worn with anything. Love the pattern of the graphics, and the intricacy of it all. Sporting a dapper watch never hurts, either. I think guys don’t sport cool sweater vest enough these days . . . so why not get inspired?
This guy is cool. His sweater is even cooler. This one is all about texture, not to mention details. Check out those buttons at the collar – how amazing is that?! Paired with a polka-dot tie, it goes to show that classic looks don’t need to be dull to pack a sophisticated punch. In fact, it takes a bit of panache to take it to the next level.
Now lets put our {STYLE WISE}-ness to work. This is from our {SHOP}:
We’ll take the spirit of these gems and imbue them into this piece which is a vibrant reclaimed vintage sweater from the 1960s by heritage brand LONDON FOG. It really packs that punch we were talking about using colour, pattern, and texture for a refined and sophisticated garment that doesn’t shy on making a statement.
It’s all about playing your cards right in life, and the one mistake you could make is playing it safe, because you’ll just have another hundred people one-upping you from the spotlight you deserve.
Classic doesn’t mean boring. It means timeless. Just as we have shown “What Men Want to Buy” in the 1930s is pretty much the same stuff you can find now. We can take the same spirit of our inspiration of 1930s sweaters and find them in great pieces like this great LONDON FOG sweater from our {SHOP}.
If you’re {STYLE-WISE} like that, you can also save a pretty penny by investing in clothes that will stand the test of time (and your washing machine, for that matter).
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I never said EVERYTHING doesn’t change. Some things change a lot!
Hope you feel all inspired and giddy.
Talk soon!
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Don’t forget to check out our {SHOP} for some great finds!
Francis Bacon, Study for Portrait on Folding Bed (1963)
The latest exhibit from the AGO gives us Moore with a side of Bacon, and we want seconds!
“Francis Bacon & Henry Moore: Terror and Beauty” which runs at the AGO from April 5 to July 20 is a compelling retrospective overview of the two artists’ parallel lives and works, and how they were affected by the evolving world around them. Impacted by war, society, and religion, their works went on the become some of the cornerstones of modern art, and the images we see in our mind when we think of it.
+FRANCIS BACON+
Francis Bacon, Second Version of Triptych 1944 (1988)
Francis Bacon, Study for Portrait VI (1953)
We have always been huge fans of Francis Bacon’s work so it was such a treat to get to see some of his most iconic and monumental pieces in plain sight. His use of colour and his treatment of form are to this day as raw and exciting as they were over fifty years ago when they first made their premiere to the world at large. His vivid triptych, with its monolithic expanse, as well as his haunting portrait and studies of the Pope are alive with wonder, and indeed, beauty and terror.
Bill Brandt, Henry Moore in His Studio (1940)
Henry Moore, Spanish Prisoner (1939)
Henry Moore, Falling Warrior (1956 – 57)
No stranger to the work of Henry Moore, the AGO has always housed an impressive collection of his work since first stepping foot in the museum as a child, and has since remained a pleasure to gaze at. His contorted figures which resonate with an almost ancient wisdom and mystic mystery were given new life juxtaposed amongst Bacon’s equally amorphous figures and mysterious backdrops.
Curator Dan Adler has done an excellent job of showcasing equally the similarities and discrepancies between the two artists, and is sure to bring fresh views on both artists’ life and works.
Not only does the show offer a comprehensive and distinct juxtaposition of the artists, it also lends the viewer a greater vision of the world as a whole, and how history and the events therein contribute to the creation of our culture.
Some of the most stunning, but quiet works include Moore’s beautiful depictions of sleeping figures inspired by the surrealistic memories of the thousands of people who made their ways to the underground during the London Blitz.
These sketches, and photographs of London during the blitz provide further insight into our own world today, and the devastating affects they have had on our society, and the musings these travesties have inspired.
The most interesting thing about the show was that although the artists’ aesthetic similarities are plain to see, it is impossible to ignore the individual voice of the artists and seeing the differences between the two. The mind easily deciphers them, and while so much in their lives run parallel, I never felt like there was a true intersection. Henry Moore was very much in his realm, and Bacon very much in his, and it’s these differences that really sing throughout your time walking amongst the spaces filled with their individual iconographies.
We hold them both very close to our hearts now, and no doubt, our soul will be pumping with the inspiration the AGO has brought forward with this exquisite showing of two of the world’s finest architects of the mind.
We also can’t wait for what they have in store for us next!
Rumor has it: MICHELANGELO!!
In the meantime, lets invoke the spirit and seek our style inspiration from the master of modernity himself-
+FRANCIS BACON+
Here he is rocking out a black PVC trench coat in front of one of his wicked fine masterworks. The classic mens trench coat is given an ample boost of modernity and edge crafted from oil slick black vinyl, giving the look a dark cool that is the epitome of Bacon’s style. He wears it with slim cut trouser and a black turtleneck for a sophisticated and timeless togetherness.
For those who know us best, here at The Eye of Faith, you know that we relish in having a sense of adventure. It’s a facet of our being, deeply inset in our blood. Everything we do, we try to imbue with a certain fearlessness.
In fact, our name is derived from this particular philosophy. We are often asked from whence we drew upon the name for The Eye of Faith, and it is simple really. It is a metaphor as old as man, reaching as far back as time, itself. To believe in anything one must have faith. We keep our eye on our faith, and in turn, we are forever guided in that direction. Having faith in the eye gives us power to dream, and to move forward with our goals and visions.
And so we hope you too will do the same, and believe in The Eye of Faith. Many of you do, and come back time and time again, granting us much joy. The support gives us continual courage to dare and dream and move forward with our goal of enlightenment and freedom to be you and me.
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In the end, only you can dare yourself to dream. Believe the dream and before you know it, it is yours.
That is what we have learned. That is what we know to be.
We will always have our +EYE ON THE PRIZE+
and for that, we will always win.
Will you do the same?
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Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you’ve imagined. As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler.
-Henry Thoreau
Don’t forget to SHOP the {SHOP} for loads of one-of-a-kind vintage
“Dude, I like your vintage sweater, but let’s admit it – it would look better on me.”
No need for friendships to get torn over the matter! You can get your own one-of-a-kind outstanding graphic vintage sweater at The Eye of Faith {SHOP}.
Tons more stuff on its way, so make sure you follow us on Twitter and Facebook also to get all the deets.
{theEye} is on the rise, so don’t miss out on all the fun.
“Stoker” is one of those films that only come out once in a blue moon; when we’ve all done our chores, and said our blessings to the universe – then we get a film like “Stoker”.
Complex, beautiful, provocative, wonderfully acted, great dialogue, and stylistically beyond are some words you could use to describe it, but its more the indescribable feelings you are left with after leaving the picture, that truly speak to its prestige in the grand scheme of world cinema.
The term world cinema couldn’t be more appropriate in this case, as Korean Director Park (Chang-Wook of “Oldboy” fame) has choreographed this exquisitely sinister plot in a language foreign to most of the cast and crew. Even while working with the film’s biggest stars, a translator was used to communicate between actor and director. And while this is his first English language film, it will definitely not be his last. As any film buff knows, the language of film is universal, and from the film’s opening shots the director’s eye for detail and acute sensibility sing a song harking back to film makers of a time long gone like Bergman, Hitchcock, and Kubrick.
Many things spoke to us throughout the film, from Clint Mansell‘s (“Black Swan”) haunting score, the incredibly articulated and imaginative Production Design of Therese De Prez (another “Black Swan” veteran), Wentworth Miller (“Prison Break”) and Erin Wilson’s sophisticated script, as well as the acting chops of Matthew Goode ( playing against type as the mysterious Uncle with a dark past), Nicole Kidman (the lonely and vindictive mother), and most especially Mia Wasikowska, as India Stoker, the film’s protagonist.
This young starlet is always good in everything she is in, but almost expertly does she manage to tackle this role which requires her to be many things, most of the time without many words, making for a most appreciated and most memorable character in the past decade.
But what stood out in particular for us here at The Eye of Faith, had to be the incredible costume design by designer duo Kurt & Bart, who put together the looks to fully realize these strange personalities.
Indeed, they are very rich and very sophisticated, and from the moment India walks onto the screen in her crocodile skinned LaBoutins, flowy skirt and floral silken blouse – you just knew you were in for a style treat with this one.
In fact, throughout the film, the costumes play a great deal in helping enrich the story being told throughout. The designers point out a green Marni cardigan, worn during the film’s strange piano duet, noting how the colour of the cardigan matches the colours of the walls in her own house, symbolizing India’s captivity.
Also signature to the film’s main theme is a pair of shoes – saddle shoes, to be exact, which represent the more child-like and homely version of India, before she foregoes her inevitable transformation into womanhood.
Instead, they studied day dressed and blouses from the era and used them as inspiration in the creation of India’s wardrobe, adding extra details, and unique clasps and fastenings that would indicate India’s obsessively detailed nature, as well as her rejection of the everyday – that’s my girl!
She is not of this world, but of her own, and throughout the film we are by her side in her own elevated sense of reality.
I’m gonna bet there’s already been a rise in saddle shoe sales, and I’m hoping to see more girls unafraid to rock a pretty blouse and skirt combination. After all, its all in the attitude – the India Attitude.
She’s definitely a new idol of sorts; Nouveau-Gothic, in a way, with her pastel coloured blouses, and prim and proper way of dress, but grossly morose in her attitude and presentation to the world around her.
She is a representation of that breaking point from teen to adult, and that indefinite feeling of not belonging to the world that surrounds you, and doing everything you can to not fit into it. She’s a strange poster child for our generation, in that way.
There’s no doubting the staying power of this film, and in 25 years from now, we will still be looking back on this one as a great one on the level of psychological horrors like “The Shining” and “Rosemary’s Baby”. Even compared to those great classics, there is something very different here with “Stoker” that cannot be compared. Perhaps it is the contemporary nature of the story, and it taking place today that is very different.
These days American films don’t often delve into the lives of the rich and sophisticated to come out with a vision so twisted and maniacal, so perhaps it is the appropriateness of this action that really helps speak to the “nowness” of it all. There is no denying the conspiracies and secrets of the world’s most affluent families, and as history as shown us, they often hide the most terrible and terrifying secrets . . .
“Stoker” is a glimpse on what might just be the truth behind the family with the mansion, the housekeeper, the beautifully kept lawn, the designer furniture, valuable antiques, most incredible designer clothing, and carved stone art just laying about in the garden. After all, you never know . . .
From the very beginning it will really keep you guessing, but be warned – its not for the faint of heart. This is a thriller, and while director Park describes his film as a modern fairy tale, don’t be expecting ponies and rainbows from this one. There is a glass slipper at the end of it all – though be them black crocodile LaBoutins at the end of it all, which maybe a few hours afterwards will really strike you as a funny “Happy Ever After” to this very modern Fairy Tale; a fairy tale that, unlike most, challenges its audiences, and asks you to question the characters motives and uncover their vices to help us question ourselves and our own everyday anxieties.
So if there’s one thing you get up to this week its getting your butt out the door to see this film!
This is me. Just as a flower does not choose its colour, we are not responsible for what we come to be. Only once you realize this do you become free. And to become adult, is to become free.
-India, “Stoker” {2013}.
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Dying for the look? Stay Tuned to The Eye of Faith for the tools to recreate Stoker’s sensual 1950s reinvention!
So, the weather report is in, and things look grim. Not only because the weather is near infuriatingly cold, but also because black is back. With a vengeance. Then again, when is black not a thing.
{Sage}
Stuff like that kind of bothers me, because season after season you have to hear the reiterations of what’s in and what’s not (boho, metallics, white, nautical, army)…it all comes around. It all ends up being the same. I don’t believe in these rules, and instead choose to pick an inspiration as it fancies me in the morning.
Lucky enough for me, my penchant for black lately matches up perfectly with what’s in vogue, and twenty years from now, it would still.
Now don’t go on thinking that Canada is always awash in snow and always cold. In fact, we had a very mild Fall, and just the other week it still felt like Spring. But it seems like the Gods of Winter have begun to swell, and are very quickly taking over the lands, so when it comes to getting dressed to impress, we must always remember taking care of numero uno.
{Rings and things make an outfit look right. Hats keep the ears warm.}
Goal is not to be cold. So I usually always make sure to wear a hat. Most often a toque (even though my hair has gotten lustrously long and I wish I could show it off more :-p).
I also always carry with me a pair of gloves; usually leather, and lined in fur if you can find them. Leather gives off a chic but tough vibe, and also doubles as protection from harm (as strangers will be more prone to think you could be a potential attacker). [here’s an idea]
Above all, the main piece that brings it all together is the coat. You need a coat that is warm, but you never have to compromise on style. I like to stick to leather, as I find it the perfect barrier to the cold winds and the wetness that usually results in winter. I have two main go-tos. One is a long leather hooded trench, and the other is a vintage 1980s number that is more of a bomber style with a detachable wool collar. Either/or give me the feeling of bad-assness that is essential to keeping up my spirit in this wild weather.
I never shy away from bright colours, and most recently have been obsessed with finding things metallic. My favourite being, a liquidy silver number that reminds me of Kurt Cobain’s Jean-Paul Gaultier look he sports in his “Heart-Shaped Box” video.
You can also work it out with accessories. I enjoy rings and things.
But, whatever the weather one must always feel at ease
Found my In the Mood for Love soundtrack lying around at home.
It’s been a while since I’ve listen to it. I had boughten it high school, enticed by the album cover and vaguely noting some Awards buzz that had been circulating on the internet at that time, I thought my disposable teenage income was worth the $25 I remember it costing. . .
To say the least, I was enthralled immediately by the solemn tone of the soundtrack mixed with eclectic vintage oldies that ranged from Nat King Cole to this cool Chinese track entitled “Shaung Shaung Yan” by Dan Bai Ying.
It brings me to a place. I like that place. It conjures up images from the film which are as haunting as every Wong Kar Wai film always is.
He always brings a stylistic edge that is so cinematic, but simple, and absolutely graceful in its visual prose and chemistry in action. The film is a menagerie of mood through colour, and watch how drastically and dramatically colour plays a role in his movies.
This matched with the cuts and characters of the clothing chosen for each scene, and you have a virtual vortex of vintage inspiration before your eyes. . .
I like to conjure this film when I want to feel cool and relaxed but sophisticated and worldly.
Slick suits, hair, graphic ties, and sun glasses at night for the boys; and for the ladies, try some Asian inspiration with a glamorous 1960s edge that always gives off the ultimate sense of cool. Give everything a tropical edge to make it true.
Here’s some stuff in our {SHOP} that can help you get In the Mood for Love:
Dapper Vintage Classic Black, Grey, Multi-Colour Woven Tweed Tailored Sports Coat Mens Blazer – MEDIUM – $80
Vintage Midcentury 1960s Aloha Joe Tropical Hawaiian Luxury Beach Resort Party Shirt – XSMALL – $45
Pretty “In the Mood for Love” Hand-Crafted Silk Vintage Long Sleeved Asian Oriental Red Evening Cocktail Dress – SMALL – $125
Vintage 1960s Men’s Glazed Mid-Century “FLORIDA” Tie Clip with Palm Trees and Flamingo PLUS Stamped Original Vintage Snapshot – $15
