She was a seductive woman and the first woman in Greek mythology. Made from Earth to punish Prometheus for his overreaching and theft of the sacred fire, her youthful curiosity led her to opening a mysterious jar, the “Pandora’s Box”, that contained all the evils of humanity, releasing them into the wild.
According to the myth, she closed the jar leaving only HOPE inside.
Thanks, Pandora.
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It’s an age old tale going back to Ancient times, but the story is still permeating our landscape to this day.
Was Pandora just curious, or did she have a bit of a wild streak? You know how they say if your parents say not to do something, you’re going to do it. A little work of the Rebel Spirits, perhaps?
We wanted to make a {PHOTO BLAST} dedicated to the ultimate bad girl, and the many incarnations we saw of her. So please, enjoy!
Everyone enjoys a mugshot, as much as the next. Invasive? Essential? Photography lent itself as a most incredible resource for law enforcement around the world. No one can doubt that!
These days we’ve all seen the Mel Gibson, Heather Locklear, and the yearly Lindsay Lohan. Somehow, it seems, the mugshot has lost all it’s vintage charm! What happened to the mugshots of yesteryear?! Not to fear, we have unearthed some treats!
“I’m not a prophet or a stone aged man, just a mortal with potential of a superman.”
Some cultures believe a picture holds your soul- your very essence. Before the days of digital, photographs were rendered using chemical processes that captured the very essence of the moment. So, if not your soul, definitely a true essence of ‘time’ has been made.
Pictures speak a thousand words, and most of the stories told here are in the eyes, and naturally, outfits of these “fallen” individuals who were all “taken in” for one thing, or the other. What could their crimes have been? Definitely ask yourself as you take in some special one-of-a-kind cruise through vintage angst, vanity, and liberation.
“Don’t compromise yourself. You are all you’ve got.”
Why are we always fighting for freedom when we are all supposed to be free? We all have our reasons, and whatever they be- being true to yourself will never be a crime, no matter how you are judged. Keep on keeping on!
“But the whole point of liberation is that you get out. Restructure your life. Act by yourself.”
Bobby Beausoleil has a bit of a bad rep. Bad rep could be an understatement, but it’s true.
It never helps to be friends with Charles Manson, or get caught up in a war against society, but its sad to have this overshadow some of his greater achievements, like music. It goes without saying that he was a rebel to the extreme; a hardcore bad boy, his music translates a certain genius that was erased by his life’s tragedies.
Entitled “Penumbra”, and composed by Beausoleil himself, the track was not used for the film, but can be heard today along with the Freedom Orchestra to create a magical and mystic ride to other places. It’s definitely something to jam to, and knowing how the darkness delights you, I’m sure you will find this one truly intrinsic.
Bobby Beausoleil appeared also appeared in Kenneth Anger’s magic short, “Invocation of My Demon Brother”, alongside Anger himself, and the notorious Anton LaVey – the founder and High Priest of the First Church of Satan, and a staple haunt of the entertainment industry in California during this time.
Bobby Beausoleil, insane in the membrane in “Invocation of My Demon Brother” (1969)
So, what do you think of the tune? HAUNTING? ? ?
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I don’t mean to scare you . . .
So,
+until next time+
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Maleficent has always been a character that has captured our imagination. Since childhood, the prima donna of Disney villains seemed to strike a creepy chord in a way that no other cartoon evil could.
It could have been her sultry voice provided by the insatiably listenable Eleanor Audley (check her out in all her non-animated glory below), or perhaps it’s the sheer imagery of that everlastingly long black cloak with those crazy twisted ram horns that make her the epitome of devilish delight to our child-like eyes.
Whatever it may be, there’s no denying the staying power of she. It’s been 55 years since Disney first released its vivid version of Sleeping Beauty based off of Charles Perrault’s La Belle Au Bois Dormant, and the Grimms Brothers’ Little Briar Rose, and in the spirit of regeneration the {past} has made its way to the {present} yet again in a epic retelling of the story as seen through the eyes of the maniacal maven herself. . .
It’s a name that will be on everybody’s lips in a few short months with an early release in France & Italy on the 28th of May, and the rest of the world, including the US on the 30th. It’s months away, but we can’t stop drooling over the new trailers which are feast for the senses in themselves, showcasing Elle Fanning’s angelic beauty as the Princess Aurora, and the Queen herself, Angelina Jolie taking the screen as the iconic villainess.
It’s bound to be a huge hit, and much praise shall be given to the cast and crew for creating this movie magic marvel. . . there’s no doubting it. Plus, how can you go wrong with Angelina Jolie leading the whole thing?
What strikes me most is that the film being told through the point of view of Maleficent will no doubt shed some light on why she decided to become so damn mean. I think I kind of get it – I mean, she was totally shafted from attending Aurora’s birthday party. That IS pretty rude, don’t you think? I guess we will just have to wait for all the insight . . .
In the meantime, you will find us getting drunk on another amalgamation of the {past}, {present}, and {future} with Lana Del Rey’s sweeping take on 1959’s Sleeping Beauty’s original love theme “Once Upon a Dream” based off a theme from Tchaikovsky’s 1890 ballet. With the cooing of her Monroe-esque voice, there was no one more perfect to elevate this classic to a place that resonates today, and beyond . . .
Listen to it below!
Don’t you love that feeling? Of having dreamt the moment before it happens . . .
I get that feeling a lot these days.
I guess that’s what you get for having that Eye of Faith.
Love predicting the {future}. Love keeping you posted.
One of this Holiday’s biggest movie attractions to come to theaters is the 23rd installment of the James Bond 007 spy series “Skyfall“, and it’s not just Sam Mendes’ peroxide prescription for the film’s “colourless” villain, played by Javier Bardem, that has people citing the latest installment of the series as revolutionary in the history of the franchise, but rather one of the film’s dazzling dangerous leading ladies.
The subject in question is 36 year old English actress, Naomie Harris, who comes to play in the film as Eve Moneypenny, a fellow M16 agent who works closely with Bond. On the surface of it all, she seems to join the ranks of dozens of beautiful actresses who have teamed up alongside 007 in one extraordinary mission after another. The coveted ‘Bond Girl’ title will always look good on a resume.
But, Naomie Harris isn’t just your everyday beautiful actress. Time and time again she has exchanged the female stereotype, and impressed not only with her timeless looks, but more so her undeniable edge. Always willing to stand her grounds, at a casting with Michael Mann she is known for showing who is boss with just a look in her eye.
‘He called me for a meeting in his office and he was sort of embarrassed. He just said, “So how do you feel about this nudity thing?” And I said…’ she drops her voice to a low, menacing tone, ‘“Well, I don’t really want to do it, Michael.”’ She sounds terrifying. ‘And he went, “Yeah. OK.”’ I bet he did.
Naomie has also always made room on her plate for faster, feistier, and darker characters. One of her earlier film roles really stands out as a loud and proud display of this quality she brings to the screen is in Danny Boyle’s art-house zombie flick “28 Days Later“.
As Selena, Naomie tears up the screen with a will for survival matched only by her true grit in getting through post-apocalyptic England with her body and soul intact. This was one of the first, but certainly not the last strong atypical female characters she would conquer on her quest.
“She Will Cut You! “
Indeed, she also made an impression as Tia Dalma, Goddess of Calypso in the “Pirates of the Carribean” franchise. She is almost indistinguishable as herself in the film’s fierce makeup, and once again brings her magic to the screen.
Both elusive and dangerous, Harris brings the seductive powers needed to play the ocean goddess and matches it with her viscious voodoo edge. Not your everyday siren of the sea . . .
Throughout her career, Naomie has displayed her will to be something more than your everyday goddess of the screen. From “Pirates of the Carribean”, to “28 Days Later”, Naomie has shown off her ability to play the strong woman, and in “Skyfall“, this inherent quality comes to a head in a move that is completely revolutionary to the history of the franchise.
For the first time in 50 years, 007 is accompanied by not a Bond Girl, but a ‘Bond Woman’.
It’s official. Publicity materials refer to Harris as the ‘Bond Woman’, which is in itself pretty bad ass, indeed. The franchise’s long time producer, Barbara Broccoli, supports the changes:
“‘It’s outdated,’ she says. It’s been a long time since Bond girls wiggled around in barely there outfits sighing, ‘Oh, James!’ every five minutes. And Eve is another significant evolution away from that. She’s a field agent taking the same risks and making the same sacrifices as 007.”
Naomie had hinted at the change at a BAFTA Awards ceremony where she commented on a statement of her as the newest ‘Bond Girl’ , stating “Well, I’m going to change that to Bond woman.”’
Seems like Naomie Harris gets it done. Whether it’s fighting pirates, zombies, or giving 007 a much needed hand, Naomie Harris embraces the evolution of popular culture, and where she fits in as a strong, intelligent, bad ass woman. (read more here)
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.
Colleen Atwood is a genius. If her three Academy Awards aren’t enough for you, make sure you check out her latest endeavor “Snow White and the Hunstman“. People often disassociate costume design from the world of fashion and style, but there’s no doubt in my mind’s eye the staying power of Atwood’s latest vision.
This isn’t your normal fairytale, folks – it’s chalk full of mud, blood, fire, sorcery, and evil birds! Definitely not the Disney version you grew up with. On top of that, Charlize Theron really delivers the punch, with her ultra-evil, corrupted, and malevolent Ravenna – the Evil Queen! Never before have I seen an evil queen so mean, and that was half the fun of the entire picture.
No doubt, the other half of the equation goes to Colleen Atwood’s luscious and intricate costume designs for the film. It’s surprising to find such brilliant “haute-couture” in a film, you’d almost think you were watching a fashion video for Alexander McQueen. Playing off motifs of birds, bugs, and bones (again, not your average fairy-tale) – Atwood’s costumes truly help bring to life a new life for this classic tale of love, revenge, and vanity.
This video guides us on a tour through the different challenges Atwood faced as a designer, and the solutions she came up with. Sit back and enjoy her beautifully subdued voice as she says words like “iconic“, “bad-ass“, “Romanesque“, and “non-classic“.
This video was provided by clevverTV, so a big E.O.F. THANK YOU!
