Absolutely wonderful editorial in the September US Harper’s Bazaar, shot by Peter Lindbergh in Harlem, New York. The models are Chanel Iman and Arlenis Sosa, and you can see them in front of Harlem landmarks like the new Cotton Club, Sylvia’s Soul Food Diner and the Lenox Lounge. Bi-line reads “The fabulous 40s live on in gorgeous details, wonderful prints and all out glamour.” Need we say more?
I just rented Watchmen on DVD, and lord, it’s a great film – the opening credit sequence is amazing! But anyway, of particular interest to Swing Fashionistas, is Carla Gugino playing 1940s superheroine, the original Silk Spectre (aka Sally Jupiter). Check out those victory rolls! Here’s a few more shots from the film, and at the end an unrelated pinup shot of Carla Gugino in a similar Varga girl style. Va va voom!
If you’re in New York this weekend, here’s an opportunity to air out your favourite vintage threads:
Fall Jazz Age Lawn Party on Governors Island
Sunday, September 27, 2009
(Rain date: Sunday, Oct. 4th)
11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
From the website:
“Michael Arenella and His Dreamland Orchestra invites you to join us on this hidden gem just off the southeastern tip of Manhattan, nestled in the heart of majestic New York Harbor. Under a shady grove of centuries-old trees, caressed by fresh sea air, a sprawling green surrounded by historic officers’ quarters and 18th century naval ramparts becomes the setting for a true Gatsby affair. A recession-friendly $5 admission gives you access to one of the Fall’s most magnificent celebrations. Widely anticipated by flappers, sporting gents and tiny tots alike, this event has been featured and reviewed consistently by The New York Times and the Sartorialist.
A wide array of music, food & drink, activities, games and contests are open for all ages to enjoy:
– A delightful variety of refreshing cocktails will be served by St. Germain.
– Picnickers are welcomed and encouraged.
– Tasty sandwiches and BBQ provided by Cercle Rouge.
– Authentic ’78 records from the 1920s played on a phonograph provided by Michael Cumella of WFMU’s Antique Phonograph Music Program.
– Charleston lessons given by Roddy Caravella of Sandra Cameron Dance Studio.
– 1920s Motorcar Exhibition – take a spin around the island in a genuine rumbleseat!
– Vintage clothing dealers and boutique milliners will all be peddling wares
– Special literature/ephemera booths and readings by the Dorothy Parker Society & F. Scott Fitzgerald Society.
– Bathing Beauties & Beaus Promenade
– Live dance performances
– Vintage portraits by R.A. Friedman.
– Tug O’ War
– Parade Of Hats
– Bake Sale and Pie Recipe Contest”
Sounds great, wish I could go, but I’m in Buenos Aires right now! If any of you make it, send us photos!
This lovely lady is Helen ‘Curl’ Harris – an original Swing Fashionista! She was an entrepreneur at a time when women (let alone African-American women) were a rarity in business. A self-made graduate of the Skidmore Vocational School and the Philadelphia Charm and Model School, she ran and operated numerous beauty businesses in Philadelphia (Curl’s Beautyrama, Curl’s Beauty Salon and Charm Service, and Curl’s Moderne Beautyrama) as well as created her own line of make-up and hair products. Ella Fitzgerald and Josephine Baker were among her clients.
Source: Emory University Library via Omega418’s Flickr Stream
I just posted this video up on my personal blog, where I was geeking out about the 1939 New York World’s Fair. But I thought the Swing Fashionistas might be interested in it also, because it’s color footage of everyday girls dancing in 1939. Enjoy!
Source: Prelinger Archives, archive.org