Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.
-Henry David Thoreau
That is a quote by the great American philosopher Henry David Thoreau, and it perfectly encapsulates what The Eye of Faith is about.
ESTABLISHED 11.11.11.
In fact, The Eye of Faith is a timeless universal message of having faith in your destiny, and knowing that there is a greater force watching over that dream – always guiding the way.
It is a symbol as old as man himself; and one that we inherently can all relate to at the end of the day. The Ancient Egyptians , the Alchemists, The Freemasons, The Vatican, The Oddfellows (who we will be touching base on quite a bit in the near {FUTURE}), and dare we mention…..the ILLUMINATI!!!!
8 years ago today (EST. 11.11.11.), The Eye of Faith was born of a dream to explore the {PAST}, bring it to the {PRESENT}, and help shape the future! There have always been so many incredible moments to muse over that you rarely see brought to the forefront- so naturally, we took upon ourselves to do just that!
Explorations through time of remarkable people, places, and things that eternally inspire. . . we began as a vintage style blog, and could never dream the opportunities we would get in the meantime. Since then we have had pieces perused over and purchased by international artists, style influencers, television and movies, celebrities, and museums around the world!
1100 (coincidence?) POSTS, and over ONE MILLION VIEWS!
We’ve also been blessed to foray our knowledge into creating original designs that adhere to our principles.
Every year billions of pounds of clothing and textiles are put to landfills, and it truly is a travesty when with a bit of ingenuity and an open mind- anything can be transformed into something truly special…which is why, our original pieces are made primarily using vintage materials and fabrics that we have been fortunate to collect and acquire over time.
Our hunt for premium quality vintage pieces that are timeless and unique continues…and we will be posting more of these treasures in our {SHOP}. Remember, you are invited to use code XIXIXI to receive 25% OFF from any purchase, and most of our items are FREE SHIPPING in the US. Don’t be afraid…just something to think about!
Style is knowing who you are, what you want, and not giving a damn
-Gore Vidal
So in honour of 8 years of hard work and mastering the illusions of time, we wanted to take a look back at our 8 highest viewed posts that have provided inspiration not only to us, but evidently thousands of others around the world. Many thanks to everyone who has supported The E.O.F. over the years.
8. STYLE {WISE} MENS VINTAGE WORKWEAR INSPIRATION – “YOU BETTER WORK!”
No surprise with this one when looking at our site’s stats! In fact, this is exactly the kind of post The Eye of Faith was built to have inhabit it…a wonderful gallery of prime vintage workwear inspiration photos from actual photographs of the working man from the late 1800s to the 1940s, actual articles of clothing, advertisements, and details that all encapsulate that vintage workwear feel that is so popular at this moment, especially in men’ style!
Since the dawn of civilization, man has been hard at work building the great cities we live in, gathering the food we eat, and finding the resources we need to stay afloat on this mad wild planet. It’s never been easy, but someone’s got to do it. So next time you’re walking down the sidewalk, or taking a stroll down the grocery isle, save a thought for the hoards of men and women who have put their blood, sweat, and tears into making the vision of this world a reality for us all.
This post is from our STYLE {WISE} posts which provide unique style wisdom to get your through the daze…
7. VINTAGE RED CARPET ROMANCES: BRAD PITT + GWYNETH.
This one is a bit more surprising, but in an age of celebrity obsession, I guess it really shouldn’t be that much of a shock. These two were definitely the IT couple for a hot moment, and their matching hairstyles and 90s minimal cool definitely seem to have struck a chord and we can’t forget.
It’s like youth on fire with these two. Their energy is obviously contagious between the two, and they really seem symbiotic to eachother . . . . most of the time, at least. All good thing must come to an end, and it’s always best to leave the relationship at a high, we get that.
Keep meaning to do more of these VINTAGE RED CARPET ROMANCE posts (Julliette Lewis & Brad Pitt were another favourite, but just didn’t cut the Top 8) , and there are a few couples on the To-Do List, but please, if you have a suggestion…leave it in the COMMENTS below!
6. E.O.F. STYLE DIVINITY : MAILA NURMI AKA {VAMPIRA}
This one was no surprise, however! MAILA NURMI was destined to a be a part of The E.O.F. Style Idol & Divinity Squad, and to keep growing that section of our blog over the years. These posts are FIRE!
Especially, this one….Maila Nurmi or VAMPIRA, as most of us know her, was a pioneer; a groundbreaker of individuality and style. Can you imagine being a woman in the 1950s and living the life she did?! She was good friends with James Dean, was the first ever horror show host (and was nominated for an Emmy in 1954 for her work), and was an overall bad ass B . . .
“Vampira is a kind of entity (and you can call her a woman though she is androgynous) that survives in this world. I, Maila Nurmi, am not.”
-Maila Nurmi {read more}
This is a fabulous post full of dozens of wicked photos of this iconic legend. If you want to read more, click here.
5. GENDER BENDER: YOU’RE IN ANDROGYNY
We do always have our finger on the pulse . . . and its really no surprise to us that today on November 11, 2019 – the concept of androgyny is a hot topic and continues to shift the main stream perception of individuality and style.
No longer are the rules of gender as it relates to style so stuck. Concepts of unisex wardrobing is being embraced by not only street culture, but high fashion, as well.
This is one of our earliest posts, and a testament to the fascination our society has with gender and its role in our identities as people.
“As you know, I’m androgynous. I can wear a jacket that most guys wouldn’t put on. But you make it in guys’ sizes, and suddenly they’re wearing them. I think styles should get back to getting people to wear things that look so good that they don’t care.”
-Steven Tyler {Read More Here}
4. E.O.F. STYLE DIVINITY : NEILE ADAMS AKA {WOMAN FROM THE SOUTH}
Such a good sign that Ms. Neile Adams made her way into the TOP 5 Most Viewed Posts…another E.O.F. STYLE DIVINITY – one who doesn’t get enough recognition in the mainstream, which is exactly why this post was made in the first place!
She was the long time love and companion of action superstar Steve McQueen, and an integral force in helping him make it through the wild rollercoaster of Hollywood. Born in the Philipines, she was an actress, model, and stylista in her own right!
So glad so many people found their way to her beautiful face. Make sure to check this one out!
“My life and times with Steve had spanned twenty-four years. More than half my life at the time of his death. They were over now. Gone. Finished.
That he loved me and that I had been the most important person in his life, I have no doubt. That I loved him and that he had been the most influential person in mine cannot be denied.
Good-bye, my friend. You are missed. It sure was one hell of a ride.”
Neile Adams {read more here}
3. {DO-IT-RIGHT} – HOW TO MEN’S VINTAGE-STYLE [SWIMSUIT INSPIRATION]
Of course, a vintage mens swimwear inspiration post would make its way into the TOP 3! We have had many of the years {check out our posts tagged SURF}, but this one seems to be the one that keeps people visiting year after year…amazing!
This is a unique post because we showcased some of our prime vintage photographs of dudes from the 1910s – 1960s in classic swim trunks and showed how the {PAST} has infiltrated the {PRESENT} in contemporary brands and their then latest swim trunk styles.
Just another testament to keeping it classic…you’ll never have to worry about a thing when it comes to getting dressed each and every day. With a world full of stresses…who needs anymore?
By looking through dozens of vintage photographs, advertising, fashion plates, and magazines we were able to sum up certain elements that characterized each era:
1910s-20s: Slouchy, Simple, Graphic
1930s-40s: Athletic & Form Fitting
1950s-60s: Cut, Colour, Pattern
2. E.O.F. STYLE IDOL – ALAIN DELON
America had James Dean…France has Alain Delon. Bad Ass to the max. Handsome AF. Stylish doesn’t even cut it when explaining this savant of style, which is exactly why we have worshiped this idol consistently for years, and apparently you do too!
Number 2 on the list; it was so cool to find out that Alain Delon was receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Cannes Film Festival this past year for his contribution to cinema. So, who’s gonna get him a trophy for his contribution to style? Man or woman – who doesn’t want to dress like Alain Delon?
Want more Alain Delon content from us? Click here for more!
Thanks for sticking it out to see NUMBER ONE!!!
But, first some honorable mentions:
BAD GIRL BEAUTY: VINTAGE MUGSHOT MAKEUP + HAIR INSPIRATION
{PHOTOBLAST} DO WHAT THOU WILT . . . [ 11.15.13 / VINTAGE PHOTOGRAPHIC INSPIRATION]
{STYLE-WISE} DO IT RIGHT! VINTAGE DRESS THE PART – KURT COBAIN’S “HEART SHAPED BOX”
TIME FOR NO. 1
ANITA PALLENBERG: E.O.F. DIVINITY.
There hasn’t been a single day since posting this that someone from around the world hasn’t perused this post about the iconic and divine – Anita Pallenberg!
“I’d wear that [second-hand red fox fur coat] to modelling jobs with just my underwear, boots and a bag because you couldn’t leave your clothes lying around. The other models would steal them!” -Anita Pallenberg
A model in the early 60s, Anita made her way into movies and rock and roll. Starring in such cult favourites as Barbarella, Performance, and Candy. We love her spin as the great tyrant in Barbarella, where her voice is dubbed yet her appeal cuts through the screen. This exotic alien villian is the perfect yin to Jane Fonda’s yang in the 1968 cult classic.
Style maven supreme, rock goddess, bohemian queen – this is the internet’s best look at the ultimate E.O.F. Style Divinity. This post was designed to showcase some of the best Anita Pallenberg content this planet did ever see…so check her out ad take in her wild energy!
So, there you have it! 8 TOP POSTS for 8 YEARS of THE EYE OF FAITH!!!
Over ONE MILLION VIEWS and over ONE THOUSAND POSTS!
We could never have done it without you, so thank you so much for your viewership, your support, your contributions, and your faith!
Looking forward to many more…
If you haven’t already, be sure to LIKE US on Facebook and FOLLOW US on IG & TWITTER @theeyeoffaith
Until next time,
{theEye}
+
Get 25% OFF in the {SHOP} / use code XIXIXI
