Alberto Vargas

Alberto Vargas

When I think “pin up”, the first thing that comes to my mind is Alberto Vargas’ pictures. His iconic style was my definition of this look for a very long time.

Alberto VargasAlberto Vargas was born Joaquin Alberto Vargas y Chávez in 1896 in Peru as the son of Max T. Vargas, a prominent photographer. Prior to World War I he studied art at universities in Zurych and Geneva, and in 1916 he emigrated to the United States. In the early years of his career he drew posters for the Ziegfeld Follies and many Hollywood studios. The breakthrough came in 1933 when he created the poster for “The Sin of Nora Moran”, showing the leading actress, Zita Johann, half-naked in a pose of desperation. The poster is often cited as one of the greatest movie posters ever.

Alberto Vargas

In 1940s, especially during World War II, Vargas became known for being a pin up artist. He painted using watercolours and airbrush. The works he created for Esquire magazine often served as inspirations for nose art of many WWII planes.

Alberto Vargas

Due to parting ways with Esquire and legal disputes over the use of his name, Vargas’ career dimmed in the 50s. It was in the 60s, when he began his cooperation with Playboy, that his popularity boomed. This is how the famous Vargas Girls section originated. One of his Playboy paintings was sold in a 2003 Christies auction for $71,600.

Alberto Vargas

After his wife, Anna Mae’s death in 1974, Vargas stopped creating. Her death was a great shock to him. Anna Mae was not only his model but also his manager. The publication of his autobiography in 1978 renewed the interest in his works which resulted in The Cars album cover.

Alberto Vargas

Alberto Vargas died in 1982, aged 86. Many of his works are in the Spencer Museum of Art in University of Kansas. The annual award given by Airbrush Action Magazine for achievements in airbrushing is called the Vargas Award.

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Alberto Vargas

Pin-Up. Star in a Technicolor Splash of Prints.

Pin-Up. Star in a Technicolor Splash of Prints.

This beautiful photo shoot was published in Elle Canada in June 2012. Canadian model Sarah Jordan poses in typical beach pin up outfits. What attracts the attention is the manipulation of colour which sometimes makes me feel as if I was looking at a photo negative. But I must admit, the blue hair looks tempting 🙂

Pin-Up. Star in a Technicolor Splash of Prints. Pin-Up. Star in a Technicolor Splash of Prints. Pin-Up. Star in a Technicolor Splash of Prints.Pin-Up. Star in a Technicolor Splash of Prints. Pin-Up. Star in a Technicolor Splash of Prints. Pin-Up. Star in a Technicolor Splash of Prints.Pin-Up. Star in a Technicolor Splash of Prints. Pin-Up. Star in a Technicolor Splash of Prints.

photographer: Leda & St.Jacques
stylist: Sara Bruneau
model: Sarah Jordan
hair and make-up: Paco Puertas

5 reasons to be happy

5 reasons to be happy

pink bows

(via Allegro)

5 reasons to be happy

perfume miniatures

(Chloé, Acqua by Roberto Cavalli, via Glossybox)

5 reasons to be happy

sky blue petticoat

(via Allegro)

5 reasons to be happy

strawberries

5 reasons to be happy

100 fans on FB!

 

Burlesque – Audience Etiquette

burlesque audience etiquette.jpg

When I started this blog, I never expected that one of its most popular categories would be performance reviews. However, since I am a regular guest at burlesque shows in Warsaw and often outside of it too, I’d like to share with you some tips on audience behaviour during a burlesque performance.

1. If you like it, let them know.
Someone’s taking off a part of their clothing? You want someone to take off a part of their clothing? You see something you like? Cheer, applaud. There is nothing more disheartening than performing in front of an audience made of stone. Stamp, yell, clap, whistle! I guarantee you that performers like it! The energy from the audience gives them the energy to perform, and they, by performing in front of you, give you that energy back. There is no good show without this exchange! So don’t be shy to openly respond to something you like. There’s nothing wrong with – this is the sign of being experienced with this kind of show! Share it with your friends! Invited them to the next show!

2. Don’t be afraid.
Sometimes the performers invite people from the audience to participate in their act. It’s an honour so work with them and trust the person inviting you – you will never be asked to do anything you won’t be able to. Remember that your refusal tests the performer’s creativity and take into account that it may also result in a reaction from them – the performer whacking you with a cloth or splashing you with the vodka shot you didn’t want to drink 😉

3. Get into the style.
I fervently believe that a Special Occasion requires a Special Outfit. I know that not all of you agree, nevertheless I will try to convince you to put a little bit of an effort into preparing for an outing.
So you’re going to a burlesque show? Wouldn’t it be a nice break from everyday clothes, to dress more elegantly? Burlesque fans (myself included) often dress up for these shows in clothes they love but can’t wear on a daily basis. Most of the shows do not have a strict dress code but I guarantee that seeing people dressed fancily will only turn up the atmosphere of a hot performance. So please – ladies, dust off your corsets, stockings and fascinators. Gentlemen, wear nice shoes and a jacket (I dare not dream of a bow tie). Cocktail style is your friend!

4. Souvenirs from the show.
In most cases there is an element of striptease in burlesque. Performers often shed pieces of their clothing by throwing it into the audience. This doesn’t mean these are gifts – if someone (usually a stage kitten, the person who is in charge of collecting costumes and preparing the stage for acts) asks you to return the gloves or stockings that you caught, give them back. Costumes are expensive. Buying or making a new one for each show is expensive and unprofitable. But, for instance, if a performer’s boa loses a feather, you are welcome to keep it as a souvenir 🙂

5. Photographs.
If it’s not clearly stated (it might be!), most performance artists have nothing against taking pictures from the show. The bon ton is to take pictures without the flash so as to not blind the performers in a critical moment (they’d certainly want to avoid that).

6. What not to do?
Regardless of the amount of alcohol consumes, shouting stuff like “Show your tits” is absolutely out of place. Actually, this kind of shouting is always out of place. The same applies to criticizing the show loudly and attempting to grab any part of the performer’s body – unless they clearly give consent. Basically, a controlled consumption is recommended so that you don’t think you are more interesting than what’s happening on stage 😉
And beyond that? Don’t sit in the last row. The first has a much better view. Turn off the sound on your phone, too. You’ll be too busy to pick it up anyway.

Credits:

Many thanks to Betty Q for helping me write this post!

Title graphic uses the “Red Stage Curtain” image by Sethoscope, released under BY-NC-SA license.

The Vanities Girls

Vanities Girls

Since January 1994 American magazine Vanity Fair dedicated a section called Vanities to young, aspiring actresses and actors. A picture on the first page of this part of the magazine was like a second cover. In September 2006 they decided to spice up this column and the actresses presented in it were shown in 50s pin up stylized pictures. Here are some of my favourite shots:

Isla Fisher November 2006

Isla Fisher – November 2006 (photo: Michael Elins)

2. Mary Elizabeth Winstead December 2006

Mary Elizabeth Winstead – December 2006 (photo: Michael Elins)

4. Alice Braga January 2007

Alice Braga – January 2007 (photo: Michael Elins)

4. Hayden Pennettiere February 2007

Hayden Pannetiere – February 2007 (photo: James White)

5. Emily Blunt March 2007

Emily Blunt – March 2007 (photo: James White)

6. Kristen Stewart April 2007

Kristen Stewart – April 2007 (photo: James White)

7. Rachael Taylor May 2007

Rachael Taylor – May 2007 (photo: Michael Elins)

8. Leslie Mann June 2007

Leslie Mann – June 2007 (photo: Michael Elins)

9. Jess Weixler August 2007

Jess Weixler – August 2007 (photo: Carlyne Cerf de Dudzeele)

10. Alexa Davalos September 2007

Alexa Davalos – September 2007 (photo: Carlyne Cerf de Dudzeele)

11. Alice Eve October 2007

Alice Eve – October 2007 (photo: James White)

12. Lymari Nadal November 2007

Lymari Nadal – November 2007 (photo: Michael Elins)

13. Giovanna Mezzogiorno December 2007

Giovanna Mezzogiorno – December 2007 (photo: Carlyne Cerf de Dudzeele)

14. Jurnee Smollett January 2008

Jurnee Smollett – January 2008 (photo: Matthew Rolston)

15. Malin Akerman February 2008

Malin Akerman – February 2008 (photo: Matthew Rolston)

16. Carice Van Houten March 2008

Carice Van Houten – March 2008 (photo: Wayne Maser)

17. Summer Glau April 2008

Summer Glau – April 2008 (photo: Mark Seliger)

18. Kristen Bell May 2008

Kristen Bell – May 2008 (photo: Mark Seliger)

19. Meagan Good June 2008 Meagan Good – June 2008 (photo: Patrick Demarchelier)

20. Amanda Seyfried July 2008

Amanda Seyfried – July 2008 (photo: Mark Seliger)

21. Carla Gugino September 2008

Carla Gugino – September 2008 (photo: Matthew Rolston)

22. Mila Kunis October 2008

Mila Kunis – October 2008 (photo: Matthew Rolston)

23. Teresa Palmer December 2008

Teresa Palmer – December 2008 (photo: Jason Bell)

24. Vinessa Shaw February 2009

Vinessa Show – February 2009 (photo: Matthew Rolston)

25. Freida Pinto March 2009

Freida Pinto – March 2009 (photo: Micaela Rossato)

All pictures from
Vanity Fair

Roy Lichtenstein

Roy Lichtenstein

Roy Lichtenstein to obok Andy’ego Warhola najważniejszy przedstawiciel nurtu pop art. Jego grafiki są rozpoznawalne na pierwszy rzut oka. Najbardziej charakterystycznymi cechami jego stylu są inspiracje komiksem, parodia i poczucie humoru.

Lichtenstein urodził się w 1923 roku w Nowym Jorku. Sztuka była jego hobby od wczesnych lat szkolnych. Jako nastolatek był ogromnym fanem jazzu i jego pierwsze prace były portretami muzyków. W 1939 roku uczestniczył w wakacyjnych kursach w Arts Student League of New York, a następnie rozpoczął studia na Ohio State University. Po trzyletniej przerwie na służbę w wojsku udało mu się skończyć studia z tytułem magistra w 1949 roku. Lichtenstein został na uczelni jako nauczyciel rysunku. Pełnił tę rolę z przerwami przez 10 lat.

Początkowo, w latach 50, Roy Lichtenstein malował w stylu abstrakcyjnego ekspresjonizmu. Nie zajmował się też malarstwem “na cały etat” – pracował jako m. in. jako kreślarz czy dekorator. Dopiero na początku lat 60 zainteresował się pop artem i odniósł sukces na tyle wielki, że mógł zająć się tylko sztuką.

Roy Lichtenstein

“Look Mickey” (1961), wzorowane na ilustracji z komiksu autorstwa Boba Granta i Boba Tottena: 

Roy Lichtenstein

“Look Mickey” było pracą, która rozpoczęła okres “pop-artowy” w twórczości Lichtensteina. W tym samym roku stworzył on jeszcze sześć obrazów pokazujących postacie znane z komiksów czy reklam. Jego pierwsza solowa wystawa obrazów w tej stylistyce miała miejsce w galerii Castelli w 1962 i cała przedstawiana tam kolekcja została wykupiona jeszcze przed otwarciem przez bardzo wpływowych kolekcjonerów sztuki.

Roy LichtensteinGirl With Ball” (1961)

Roy Lichtenstein

“Drowning Girl” (1963)

Roy Lichtenstein

Roy_Lichtenstein_Whamm_Original_and_Lichtenstein_Derivative

“Whaam!” (1963), adaptacja panelu z komiksu “All-American Men of War” to bodaj najsłynniejsza praca Lichtensteina.

Inne jego prace:

Roy Lichtenstein

“Pistol” (1964)

Roy Lichtenstein“Oh, Jeff…I Love You, Too…But…” (1964)

Roy Lichtenstein

“Happy Tears” (1964)tumblr_mnghtenB9Y1sppaa7o3_1280

“We Rose Up Slowly” (1964)

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“Reverie” (1965)

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“This Must Be The Place” (1965)

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“Aspen Winter Jazz” (1967)

 


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“Modern Art Poster” (1967)

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“Still Life with Goldfish” (1972)

Lichtenstein eksperymentował także z adaptacjami obrazów malarzy takich jak Van Gogh, Cezanne czy Picasso, oraz drukiem sitowym i rzeźbą. Był aktywny artystycznie aż do śmierci w 1997 roku.

Jego obraz “Woman with Flowered Hat” został niedawno zlicytowany. Laurence Graff, brytyjski jubiler, zakupił go za niebagatelną cenę 56,1 mln dolarów.

5 reasons to be happy

5 reasons to be happy

Lots of inspiration from a new book

5 reasons to be happy

Lots of bracelets

(cupcake: Lemon Lovely, star & clover: Lilou, red cat’s eye: Bijou Brigitte)

5 reasons to be happy

A cupcake handbag from a very cool lady

 (Karolin paskudzi)

5 reasons to be happy

Red nails

5 reasons to be happy

Lillies of the valley!

The Kiss of the West

The Kiss of the West

Actress Amber Heard stars in a photo shoot advertising Guess 2011 fall collection. There is a “Marilyn Monroe in the Wild West” feel, a sex bomb flirting with cowboys. Photos taken by my favourite, Ellen Von Unwerth.

The Kiss of the West The Kiss of the West The Kiss of the West The Kiss of the West The Kiss of the West The Kiss of the West The Kiss of the West The Kiss of the West The Kiss of the West The Kiss of the West The Kiss of the West The Kiss of the West The Kiss of the West

Women in Music

ELLE-WIM-May-Rita-Ora-subcover-1 The May edition of American Elle pays homage to female musicians. The magazine lists stars such as Adele, Alicia Keys (they both have their own covers), P!nk, Rita Ora, Miranda Lambert, Grimes, Haim and Taylor Swift. The amazing photo shoot with Rita Ora caught my eye. I previously associated her with a colourful street style, sometimes flirting with rockabilly. In this shoot, it's all about glamour with a modern, funny flair - but still glamour and couture. The pink Chanel dress blew me away and the bold cover with the hat a la Mickey Mouse's ears by Philip Treacy is just masterful.  Majowy numer amerykańskiej edycji czasopisma ELLE składa hołd kobietom-muzykom. Magazyn wymienia takie gwiazdy jak Adele, Alicia Keys (obie również mają swoje okładki), P!nk, Rita Ora, Miranda Lambert, Grimes, Haim i Taylor Swift. W oko wpadła mi niesamowita sesja zdjęciowa z udziałem Rity. Wcześniej kojarzyłam ją raczej z kolorowym stylem ulicznym, czasami zahaczającym o rockabilly. W tej sesji postawiono na glamour z nowoczesnym, zabawnym zacięciem - ale nadal glamour i krawiectwo najwyższej klasy. Stylizacja z różową suknią Chanel mnie kompletnie zachwyciła, a odważna okładka z kapeluszem a la uszy Myszki Miki Philipa Treacy'ego to po prostu mistrzostwo.  Women in MusicWomen in MusicWomen in MusicWomen in MusicWomen in Music  Photos: Thomas Whiteside Styling: Joe Zee Labels: Chanel, Dior Haute Couture, Valentino Haute Couture, Calvin Klein, Philip Treacy.

The May edition of American Elle pays homage to female musicians. The magazine lists stars such as Adele, Alicia Keys (they both have their own covers), P!nk, Rita Ora, Miranda Lambert, Grimes, Haim and Taylor Swift. The amazing photo shoot with Rita Ora caught my eye. I previously associated her with a colourful street style, sometimes flirting with rockabilly. In this shoot, it’s all about glamour with a modern, funny flair – but still glamour and couture. The pink Chanel dress blew me away and the bold cover with the hat a la Mickey Mouse’s ears by Philip Treacy is just masterful.

Majowy numer amerykańskiej edycji czasopisma ELLE składa hołd kobietom-muzykom. Magazyn wymienia takie gwiazdy jak Adele, Alicia Keys (obie również mają swoje okładki), P!nk, Rita Ora, Miranda Lambert, Grimes, Haim i Taylor Swift. W oko wpadła mi niesamowita sesja zdjęciowa z udziałem Rity. Wcześniej kojarzyłam ją raczej z kolorowym stylem ulicznym, czasami zahaczającym o rockabilly. W tej sesji postawiono na glamour z nowoczesnym, zabawnym zacięciem – ale nadal glamour i krawiectwo najwyższej klasy. Stylizacja z różową suknią Chanel mnie kompletnie zachwyciła, a odważna okładka z kapeluszem a la uszy Myszki Miki Philipa Treacy’ego to po prostu mistrzostwo.

Women in MusicWomen in MusicWomen in MusicWomen in MusicWomen in Music

Photos: Thomas Whiteside
Styling: Joe Zee
Labels: Chanel, Dior Haute Couture, Valentino Haute Couture, Calvin Klein, Philip Treacy.

Pin-Up Story

Pin-Up Story

“Pin-up Story” editorial appeared in the French edition of Grazia in February 2013. I must say I was absolutely captivated by the cardboard accessories and a slightly comic-like atmosphere of the photo shoot. My favourite shot has got to be the one with the dinosaur and the one with a giant drink.

Pin-Up Story Pin-Up Story Pin-Up Story Pin-Up Story Pin-Up Story Pin-Up Story Pin-Up Story Pin-Up Story

model: Jenny Knoch
photos: Marc Philbert
styling: Stephanie Brissay
hair: Marc Orsatelli
make-up: Carole Lasnier
manicure: Kamel