Vladimir Tretchikoff’s Chinese Girl portrait is one of the most popular and iconic images of the 50s, and still holds pride of place in vintage homes all over the world. The BBC this week interviewed Monika Pon-su-san, the original sitter for the portrait. I thought what she had to say about Tretchikoff and what she thought of
Paul Culshaw is an artist whose intrinsic love of 50s style and music shines through in his work. He also happens to be the husband of my lovely friend Fiona of Straight Talkin’ Mama. My heart quavers a little when I find out that a friend makes art, writes, or plays
The Wallace Collection is yet another fabulous London art gallery which is totally free to visit. You all know that I love a good bargain, so I took myself off down there with my friend Alex a few months ago for a nosey around. The collection originally was privately owned by one family, but
Many moons ago, when I was growing up on a farm and needed lots of reading material to while away the time, I went through a period of addiction to the James Bond novels. You’ve probably all seen at least one film if not all, but in many ways I actually prefer the books.
View over the heath to Highgate I’m sure you’ve all been following what has been happening over the past few days with the London riots. Sitting here in my quiet little flat in my politely-behaved pocket of London, it is hard to believe the things that have been happening only a few miles away.
This gorgeous picture of Dita von Teese at her dressing table is from a feature in this month’s InStyle magazine (found via Swing Fashionista). I think it is a stunning photograph, and more in the 30s deco style than Dita’s usual adherence to the 50s. The 1930s were an age of extreme glamour; a time when
Here is the last set of Suzy Parker photographs, and a very brief history. Suzy was introduced to modelling at age 15 by her older sister, Dorian. Dorian is often thought of as the first supermodel, though the younger Suzy eventually became much more famous. Suzy was the first model ever to earn as
As promised, here are the higher resolution images of 50s model Suzy Parker doing her thang (Miss Rayne, that image of the three girls yesterday was as big as it could go without blurring). I have so many images that I’m actually going to have to do it in two parts – so if you
This is the dress that some of you commented on in the pictures I put up earlier in the week of my new hair. I bought it because I loved the yellow tartan, the blue pussybow, and the original matching belt, but the length was a hideous 80s calf length and it made me
I know, I know. This is starting to seem like an obsession. It’s not (honestly!), but I found so many great images from this film that I wanted to share them all. These were my favourite discovery – images of the original vintage film posters from when the movie was first released in 1957. The poster designs are
1960s large tropical summer handbag 
1950s plus size floral day dress by Beechtree 
1970s Céline dark red wool skirt 
1980s navy blue tartan wool pencil skirt by Eastex 
1930s mother of pearl deer brooch 
1950s soutache embroidered evening bag 
1970s hand knitted wool Aran knit cardigan 
1970s ditsy flower print cotton dress 
1960s powder blue evening sheath with satin diamante bow 
1950s green and silver clip on earrings