Style Icon: Grace Kelly

It goes with out saying, that Grace Kelly would be on every Style Icon list. She was the epitome of simple, clean, effortless style. American sportswear mixed with Riviera glamour. She had it all, including a fairy tale life.

Her acting career spanned from 1950- 1956. Not a long career but one she had to give up when she married Prince Rainier of Monaco. She starred in 3 of my favorite Hitchcock movies; Rear Window, To Catch a Thief, and Dial M for Murder. 

She never took the "pin-up" route that so many of her actress peers took in the Fifties. She kept it cool, casual, and classy.

She died in 1982 at the age of 52. She suffered a stroke while driving in the Riviera. She lost control of her car and drove off the steep winding road. 

James Stewart said this at her funeral: 

"You know, I just love Grace Kelly. Not because she was a princess, not because she was an actress, not because she was my friend, but because she was just about the nicest lady I ever met. Grace brought into my life as she brought into yours, a soft, warm light every time I saw her, and every time I saw her was a holiday of its own. No question, I'll miss her, we'll all miss her, God bless you, Princess Grace."

Retro Looks In The Modern World: The Birds

As much as the modern fashion world looks forward it also continually looks back in time. Here we explore Retro Looks in the Modern World.

I love this spread from Elle Russia! It's got an eerie cinematic Hitchcock quality that's a little more Kim Basinger than Kim Novak.  And you know what? It works! 

Model: Britt Maren

Photographer: Koray Birand

via fashiongonerogue.com

Retro Looks In The Modern World: Hollywood Horror

As much as the modern fashion world looks forward it also continually looks back in time. Here we explore Retro Looks in the Modern World.

The stylish chilly world of Alfred Hitchcock movies are the inspiration for this feature in Modern Media. As someone who grew up watching Hitchcock movies, I never tire of this inspiration.  Classy ladies are never what they seem!

Model: Martyna Frankow

Photographer: Stockton Johnson

Images via fashiongonerogue.com

Retro Looks In The Modern World: Window Dressing

As much as the modern fashion world looks forward it also continually looks back in time. Here we explore Retro Looks in the Modern World.

Rear Window is one of my absolutely favorite Hitchcock films! So naturally I was very excited when I came across this editorial for the April 2013 issue of Vogue. 

Carolyn Murphy and Toby Maguire pose as our modern version of Grace Kelly and  James Stewart. 

Photographer: Peter Lindbergh

via: fashiongonerogue.com

Fashionable History: Hitchcock Blondes

There is a certain type of blonde that repeatedly appear in Alfred Hitchcock's films. They are not the "dumb blonde" or the "California blonde", they are the icy, fair skinned, smart, expertly coiffed, classy, brave, steely platinum blondes that have become known as the Hitchcock Blonde. In his movies, Hitchcock defined this look so well it has become a reference for fashion designers and a style inspiration for women across the globe. Hitchcock himself explains his preference as only he can; "You know why I favor sophisticated blondes in my films? We're after the drawing-room type, the real ladies, who become whores once they're in the bedroom....Because sex should not be advertised....Because without the element of surprise the scenes become meaningless. There's no possibility to discover sex." That is precisely the point that makes his movies and his leading ladies so memorable and inspiring.

While there were many blonde actresses in his films, here's a look at the top four most quintessential Hitchcock blondes.


Kim Novak :Vertigo (1958).

Of all the leading ladies, she is the iciest and most mysterious.

Eva Marie Saint: North By Northwest (1959).

She can look fabulous dodging bullets while running across Mt. Rushmore.

Tippi Hedren: The Birds (1963). Marnie (1964).

Her role in The Birds (as well as her relationship with Hitchcock) was perhaps the most difficult.

And finally, Hitchcock's favorite, Grace Kelly. Rear Window (1954), Dial M for Murder (1954), and To Catch a Thief (1955).
She represents the classic Hitchcock signature of beauty, brains, and high class.

Retro Looks In The Modern World: Sharin Foo of The Raveonettes

I fell in love with The Raveonettes with the release of their first album in 2002, Whip It On. Mixing 1950's rock 'n roll, 60's garage, a strong Jesus and Mary Chain influence, and a dark film noir cinematic sound had me enthralled. Six years later I'm still intrigued and will be seeing them perform for the third time tonight!! Sharin Foo, the bassist/vocalist, has become one of the coolest ladies in rock without even trying. I love her vintage style. A modern Hitchcock Blonde with a guitar.

Photo above courtesy of nickwilsonphoto.com

Mid-Week Inspiration:Stardust-Vogue Italia

Steven Meisel shot a retro inspired spread for the Sept. 08 Italian Vogue featuring model Viktoriya Sosonkina. The shots are very Classic Hollywood, reminding me of Bette Davis, Marlene Deitrich, the Hitchcock blonde and more. Katie from Old Hollywood Glamour posted the complete spread a month ago and the two photos above are my favorites. Thank you Katie for finding these!