Interview Magazine got it spot on when they chose to feature Carey Mulligan on their May cover. Shot by Mikael Jansson and styled by Karl Templar, the starlet plays homage to Edie Sedgwick with the cropped hair, black and white photos and simple silhouettes. Shot beautifully, the spread could have been compromised by the neon paint splatters, but for whatever reason, they work beautifully over top the faded, grainy images.

I’m always drawn to designs, images and photos that use layering techniques and transparencies, and this specific example reminds me of what I started playing around with when I featured the Ruby collection awhile back, using sheer paintbrush strokes to add colour and interest to the look book. I love the splatter-like effect of the colour here, how it adds an almost punk-like element to a set of otherwise very feminine photos.

The Bicyclette website is in development right now (exciting!), so I’m starting to work on some imagery for that, and I think it’s elements such as these that I’m going to try to integrate. And faded black and white, of course. Always a favourite.

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I watched Down with Love today as I was making some last minute Christmas gifts, which is where the inspiration for today’s interior inspiration post comes from.

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Not sure if anyone remembers it, I don’t think it got the best reception, but there’s something I love about this movie. Perhaps not exactly cinematic genius, but it’s quirky and silly and just plain fun and quite honestly, I think it’s primarily the styling, art direction and set design that has me singing its’ praises. The costumes are fantastic (hello, 60s!) and the sets are amazing. The colours, the patterns, the spaces … perfection, so pretty! They did an excellent job juxtaposing “his” and “her” apartments, and everything is executed down to the last detail.

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That huge window and balcony in her apartment make me wish that that was a realistic apartment feature, not to mention the winding, floating staircase and the sunken living room. And the pink chairs? Ah, love. They’re welcome on the floor of bicyclette anytime. Reminds me of this fiberglass rocking chair, which I would also gladly accept:

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The other highlight of my day was when I wandered down Queen St. West, to get myself out of the house and see if anything sparked inspiration, and came across a tiny little shop selling vintage home wares and a small collection of clothing. Turns out the woman only planned to open for a month (it’s been three weeks thus far), as a way to sell off pieces from her own collection, but it’s been going so well for her and she’s had such a good response that she’s decided to stay open for longer. She has some amazing items: vintage pyrex, glassware, boardgames, linens, jewelry, furniture, and the list goes on. And the prices are very reasonable, not overpriced like I find many of those shops to be. Here’s what I walked away with: a set of eight glasses with the prettiest pattern on them and an elongated, slim shape that is perfect. It just so happened that I had been looking for new glasses, as my random dollar store collection doesn’t quite cut it anymore.

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Back to the movie talk, and on an ending note, I would love to hear what your favourite films are in terms of costume and set design? I know there are some good ones out there, and they’re a great source of inspiration …

I’m running out the door soon to head to a family affair for the day, but wanted a little bit of a distraction, as I’ve been working non-stop on my business plan since yesterday evening, and before that writing a literature review. So Many Words. So Much Work.

Anyways, came across this image a little while ago, and was immediately drawn to it for the retro book design and the gorgeous Marianne Faithfull photo, not to mention the fact that a motorcycle is technically in the same family as a bicycle. After a little google detective work, I found out that La Mototcyclette is a novella written in 1963, and then adapted as The Girl on a Motorcycle in 1968. Other than that, I really don’t know much about it, but perhaps it will be something to pursue over the Holidays…

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It’s my very first style icon post, as I missed last weeks…

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Edie Sedgwick has made her way into my heart for two reasons:

1. I am continually drawn to glamorous, tragic characters, and after reading one of Edie’s biographies, it was apparent that she was one such woman. There’s something that I find fascinating about these women who lead such amazing celebrity lifestyles, and yet are also sucked in by the temptation of drugs, alcohol, men, and other potentially harmful addictions. Edie, as Andy Warhol’s muse and a model and actress of the times, was swept up in to this world of fame and fortune in a whirlwind, and left such an impression after such a short amount of time.

2. Edie has such an iconic look, head to toe. The hair, the eyes, the shift dresses and tunics over tights, the oversized earrings, the fur… there are certain items that just scream “Edie!”, even now. Beyond simply what she was wearing, it’s also how she wore it. With personality and spunk and a devil-may-care attitude.

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(Images from: http://thewitcontinuum.wordpress.com/2009/03/24/factory-girl-fascination/ and http://www.zimbio.com/Edie+Sedgwick/articles/2/60s+vintage+fashion)
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