V intage affair
...because vintage is a way of life.
The Clothes Horse
THE INSPIRATION BEHIND A VINTAGE BLOG
THE LIFE OF A
BOWERBIRD
How to be a V I N TA G E KID
V intage S p a c e The fading ads of New York
Shop
Inside Brisbane’s
it’s Vintage Darling
issue 1 - autumn/winter 2011
some things never go out of style
www.vintagekid.com.au
Be Creative, Wear vintage Beautiful Vintage Fashion. Reworked Vintage Clothing. Vintage & Hand Crafted Accessories. Affordable & Fabulous.
www.bowerbirdvintage.com.au
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The Clothes Horse it’s Vintage Darling
How To Be A Vintage Kid The Life Of A Bowerbird Love To Love Vintage
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Red And The Art of Burlesque The Fading Ads Of New York
Vintage Vehicle-The Ford Galaxie Vintage Flick-The Graduate Vintage Music-Even Cowgirls Get The Blues
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Vintage Reads-Naughty Teenagers Vintage City-Riga
Vintage Object-The Rubik’s Cube
Photos of Dustin and Dolly by Alan Light Photo of Red by Patrick Young
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V
Vintage affair
zine (TM)
Editor/Publisher Belinda Hogan Editor Rebecca King Design Editor Fiona Stutz
Contributors Robyn Collis, Christina Ong, Nick Holliday, Rebecca King, Daniel Peut, Frank H Jump, Angela McConnell, ShootMe2 and Patrick Young Design Belinda Hogan. Special thanks to Toni Caldwell at QUT
Cover Image Rebecca Roe The Clothes Horse www.theclothes.blogspot.com
Contact Us Web: www.vintageaffair.net Email: editor@vintageaffair.net Find us on Facebook and Twitter Shop www.vintageaffair.net
Submissions and Advertising Enquiries Email: Belinda Hogan editor@vintageaffair.net Address PO Box 68 Paddington Queensland 4064
W
elcome to th
Ever since I was a little girl, I born in the wrong era. It was antique furniture and my gran my mother started to take me teenager.
Mum and I would spend our markets, vintage clothing and Paddington Markets where the and Redfern, we would always op shops.
This love of vintage has never know there are millions of you or while lazing on an iron day pair of jeans or slacks.
We at Vintage Affair would lo please contact us through our
In this first issue we talk to Greenacre tells us about her Barnett. Red Devotchkin lets u to Brisbane’s it’s Vintage Darl of New York. Also,find out wha
Because vintage is a way of lif
V
he first issue of Vintage Affair, a little zine about all things vintage.
have been interested in things, events and stories from the past. My father would often say that I was his love of music from the 1940s, ‘50s and ‘60s, his passion for veteran and vintage cars, old books and ndmothers’ stories of a bygone era that got me hooked early in life. Noting my enthusiasm for dress-ups, e on shopping expeditions around her old stomping grounds of inner-city Sydney when I was not yet a
r Saturdays in the 1980s walking the streets of her home suburb of Glebe treasure hunting through opportunity shops. She would also take me up Oxford Street doing the same thing until we arrived at the e punks, rude boys and girls would hang out. In the back streets of Kings Cross, Surrey Hills, Darlinghurst s find something to try on in the vintage shops we would stumble across. We became locals at our local
faded. As a journalist, I thought why not put my love of writing and vintage together, so others (and I u) can share the passion. We have designed the zine in A5 size so it’s compact enough to read on a bus, bed in the sunshine, and it’s easy enough to pop into a vinatge handbag or the back pocket of a vintage
ove to hear from you. If you have something you would like to contribute whether it’s a story or photo, r website www.vintageaffair.net. You can also find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
Rebecca Roe, the beauty and brains behind the hugely successful blog, The Clothes Horse. Bernice lovely children’s label Vintage Kid, whilst we discover what it is like to be a bowerbird from Joanna us in on what it takes to be a Burlesque babe, whilst vintage shop owner Holly Whitefield opens the door ling. We also go to the United States, where Frank H Jump takes us to his vintage spaces, the fading ads at you might find at one of Sydney and Melbourne’s Love Vintage Fairs. Plus much more.
fe! Hope you enjoy!
Bea
The
Clothes HORSE Self-described as shy, quirky, opinionated, reclusive and obsessive, American Rebecca Roe, started her blog because she needed a creative outlet after studying in Japan. Now, it’s become a vintage bible for like-minded girls. Rebecca tells her story to Belinda Hogan.
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Vintage Blog
“I
’m 23 years old and still trying to figure out what I want to be and where I want to be!
I grew up moving a lot and probably have spent more time with my nose in a book than interacting with actual people, which is partly why the Internet is a good medium for me. Moving also turns you into an observer, partly because you often end up on the outskirts of crowds, but also because everywhere is new and interesting. I chose the name The Clothes Horse because I liked antiquated language. I didn’t begin The Clothes Horse envisioning the largely personal style blog it is today. I was reading a lot of blogs; I got into them while I was studying abroad in Japan.
It’s a style blog that specialises in escapism. You can regularly expect outfit pictures surrounded by wilderness and posts on vintage films, street art, designers, and other visually appealing subjects. I love the process of taking pictures, composing a post from them and then being able to step back and see it in its completion.
“Lately I’ve really been caught up in the thought of personal style—what does that really mean, you know? If personal style is a reflection of myself, then it should be changing, no?”
When I came back to rural Pennsylvania I went through culture shock at my little college. No one had experiences similar to mine or interests similar to mine. Reading blogs was no longer enough and I wanted a creative outlet and a way to connect to those girls who shared a lot of interests with me.
I enjoy looking through my archives and remembering the days I have experienced. The fact that other people find my record entertaining is still such a marvel to me. I definitely enjoy the comments and the number of readers I have is very flattering.
Lately I’ve really been caught up in the thought of personal style, what does that really mean, you know? If personal style is a reflection of myself, then it should be changing, no? I feel that I’m still figuring out who I am and what I like. There are certain pieces of myself that are clearly defined and won’t alter, but so much of life isn’t stagnant. So, my clothes preferences are always undergoing subtle changes, because I’m always developing in some way, and I don’t
“Vintage is a piece of semi-recent history you can purchase on the cheap”
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want any of it to stop. Style-wise, I noticed quickly that everywhere I went had a different ‘look’. There wasn’t a universal ‘in’ that I could prescribe to. Some times when I moved I tried to look like people where I was living, but then I would just end up moving and the look would be completely different. At some point I got really tired of changing my ‘look’ and started to play around to figure out what I liked. I think that process of figuring out what I like is still going on, but moving was helpful to realise that ‘cool’ isn’t some universal norm that you can follow, so really why try to be ‘in’? There are a lot of reasons why I love vintage. I’m very budget-conscious. I also love the vintage silhouettes, so even when I buy modern pieces they tend to look like copies of vintage patterns. It also all began with my father. I remember wanting, needing a new pair of jeans. I harassed him, until he said he would take me shopping … then he took me to thrift stores. I found an amazing pair of jeans and then stumbled across the vintage section and found so many things I loved. After that we began going to antique malls and eventually I got my first job at a thrift store. I also enjoy the hunt for vintage. I go to antique malls nearly every weekend. The thing about vintage shops is you never know when you’re going to find that piece. One of my favorite vintage shops is Fairey Godmother’s in Mechanicsburg Pennsylvania. Rural America really seems to have the best vintage pieces. I found this vintage shirtdress with a peter pan collar in Japan for less than five dollars and I wore it on one of the best nights of my life. I went to a Rockabilly club with my two American friends in Sapporo. We danced until the club closed and then befriended the djs over some late night ramen. They gave us dozens of Rockabilly cds. Then my friends and I wandered alone to the nearest park to watch the sunrise. Now, every time I wear that dress I remember that night and it makes the dress extra special to me.”
Find Rebecca at www.theclothes.blogspot.com
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www.empirevintage.com.au
Quick
Melbourne
4. www.sandrav.com.au
5
3.
www.velourvintage.com
www.circavintageclothing.com.au
1.
2.
vintage musts
5. www.retrostar.com.au
Circa Vintage
Empire Vintage
Velour Vintage
102 Gertrude St, Fitzroy
63 Cardigan Pl, Albert Park
184 Barkley St, St Kilda
03 94198899
03 9682 6677
03 9534 4300
Sandra V
RetroStar
353 Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd, Sassafras 03 9755 2299
37 Swanston St, Melbourne 03 9663 1223
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Vintage Shop
it’s
Vintage Darling
With a love of all things old and a dream of owning her own business has seen Holly Whitefield bring the world of vintage to Brisbane’s inner south.
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Brisbane’s it’s Vintage Darling was a hive of activity when I sat down with owner Holly Whitefield to chat about what makes her vintage store the one not to miss. By Belinda Hogan.
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t’s Vintage Darling is firmly establishing itself as the hub for vintage enthusiasts and for those who are a little bit curious.
As you walk through the welcoming bright red double doors of the shopfront on Annerley Road in Brisbane’s inner south, you can’t help but feel you have been transported back to your grandmother’s house, circa 1956. With its black and white chequered lino flooring, cosy velvet couches, retro yellow tables and black chairs, and with an array of clothing to play dress ups with, you know it’s a shop you are not going to want to leave in a hurry. it’s Vintage Darling is a dream come true for owner Holly who opened the store in July 2009. Having a love for vintage clothing ever since she saw Bette Midler in the movie Gypsy when she was six years old, Holly knew that one day she would own her own boutique. After working with her mother Jodi, who owns the popular venue The Joynt in South Brisbane, Holly knew it was time to go out on her own when she came across the Annerley Road premise for lease one day when she was driving by. Knowing it was ideal and having learnt a thing or two from Jodi about running a small business, Holly took the plunge. “I liked to go shopping at high end vintage stores. I used to make a day of catching a bus just vintage store crawling around town and I would think about what it would be like to have my own,” Holly explains. “Setting up has just been an awesome and crazy whirlwind adventure.” After spending a couple of months fitting out her shop, Holly says people just love hanging out. “It’s really comfortable and cosy and homely. You can come and play dress-ups and drink coffee. You can sit out in the backyard or have a game of chess out the front.”
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What I loved about it’s Vintage Darling is that it stocks everyday vintage for men and women of all shapes and sizes. You can pick up dresses, skirts, jeans, trousers, cool lapelled shirts, belts, scarves, hats and jewellery. Best thing of all, you can try them on in the art deco inspired change room that Holly has decked out. “We sell just casual vintage that people would generally have worn back in the day. We have some lovely evening pieces of course, but generally casual wear that is affordable, averaging around $20-30 and max 80 bucks.” If you’re going to a dress-up party and need an outfit, Holly says she also has some ‘special’ pieces out the back. Dino, Frank and Elvis are the regulars you will hear coming out of the wooden stereo system at it’s Vintage Darling and Marilyn Monroe adorn the walls. I love Marilyn Monroe,” Holly says. “She is just so innocent and so sexy at the same time. She is my
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fashion icon. Plus she has the best body ever.” However, it is the shop cat Audrey that everybody really loves. Named after Audrey Hepburn, Holly acquired the “lost little old lady”, when its Vintage Darling had first opened her doors. Taking her place in the sun on the back step or sleeping in the front window sill, Audrey is a another special reason, well….why this boutique is just so vintage darling. its Vintage Darling is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10-6pm and can be found at 257 Annerley Road, Annerley, Brisbane. Phone 3891 6009. Email: itsvintagedarling@hotmail.com or find Holly on Facebook at it’s Vintage Darling. it’s Vintage Darling is also a proud stockist of Vintage Affair.
Vintage
Bu si n e s s
14.
How to be a Vintage Kid
Bernice Greenacre has always loved working with children, so when an offer to buy the business Vintage Kid came up, she jumped at the chance. It’s also a business with a social conscience.
B
ernice was a teenager when she got her first job in a kindergarten. When she was a little older she moved to Hong Kong and taught English at Anglo Chinese kindergartens, before returning to Australia where she worked for many years in early childhood. When Bernice had her own two children she realised that there was a real gap in the market for beautiful and one of a kind children’s clothing. On one of her many searches for cool kids’ clothes, Bernice who had already started her own web business The Bees Knees, stumbled across Vintage Kid. By a stroke of luck, the owner was looking to sell. “I didn’t have to think about it for long and even my husband loved the range so was onboard,” Bernice remembers. “I felt there was definitely a gap in the market for vintage-inspired children’s clothes. Nowadays there are so many clothing ranges that cater for the mini adult rather than old fashioned classic styles that are timeless.”
At the time Vintage Kid only stocked nappy covers, bibs, hats and a couple of dresses.
“In the beginning there were a few challenges as turnarounds were quite long and costs were high. Eventually I met someone who owned her own factory in Bali. I think that was the best move we made as turn around times are now faster, quality is better, plus the local community is supported and it is fair trade made.” Now the label has been extended to include appliquéd t-shirts, singlets, long sleeve tops, more dresses, long ruffled pants, swing tops, skirts, pyjamas and much more. Drawn in by the classic and timeless appeal of vintage wear, Vintage Kid designs are only made with the highest quality vintage and inspired fabrics. “We always aim to do everything with excellence to be able to sell products that we are proud of and use ourselves. We aim to keep everything easy wear and care as well as easy to mix and match, taking the guess work out of what to wear,” says Bernice. “We source most of our fabrics from the United States and only use designer fabrics. With designs, I look for things that are classic, colourful and fun. Sometimes I
flair to keep it appealing and fresh. Much of the time I will jot ideas and drawings at night when I have a bit of peace and quiet,” she says. “My favourites are ‘China Doll’ in the girls range and ‘Retro Space’ in the boys range. They are our top sellers and there are many new designs coming soon which we are excited about.” Vintage Kid has great plans for its immediate future, including having a range of manchester, blankets, car seat covers and trolley covers. But the great thing also about Vintage Kid is that it’s a business with a social conscience giving some of its profits to charities. Vintage Kid not only is involved in fair trade manufacturing, it supports Compassion Australia and Feed The Children. “I think because my roots are in Africa orginally, I have seen extreme poverty and have a real passion in helping in some way, especially those babies and children without a voice,” Bernice explains.
even ask my son’s opinion on what he likes. He really has a great eye for things.” Bernice designs much of the Vintage Kid range herself getting inspiration from vintage and fashion magazines. “I like to mix vintage with a bit of modern
“These organisations help and save babies and children, and give them hope and a future. As we at Vintage Kid and The Bees Knees go from strength to strength, this means our giving increases. That makes our businesses all worthwhile.”
www.vintagekid.com.au
The Life of a Bowerbird “Vintage is always in fashion,” says Bowerbird Vintage owner Joanna Barnett. By Belinda Hogan
A
s a collector of vintage clothing for over 20 years, the notion to start her own business came about years ago when Joanna realised that she had amassed an enormous collection of dresses, evening wear, jewellery and accessories that spanned from the 1920s through to the ‘80s. Wanting to share her passion, the idea of Bowerbird Vintage was, according to Joanna “... to bring fabulous, unique and affordable vintage fashions to like-minded women who adore dressing up and also love the idea of owning a beautiful, wearable piece of history.” Before Bowerbird Vintage was an online business it took on a different form. “I had a shop in Glebe in Sydney at first,” Joanna remembers.“I found this old vacant shop on the street where I lived and decided on a whim that it would be a great space for a little
Vintage Online
vintage shop. We sold vintage fashion, accessories, art and home wares, but I found being in the shop all the time meant that I couldn’t do a lot of the things that interested me, so I ended up building the website and putting the whole thing online after about 18 months.” Joanna got her love of vintage from her mum. “My mother is an avid collector of antique furniture and home wares so I spent a lot of my childhood getting hauled around antique shops, junk stores and flea markets,” she explains. “This definitely had a huge impact on me and made me appreciate the
“I definitely lo dress, particul That’s probabl also look to m with modern and I’m definit Probably a lit and very fem colour too, tha
beauty and histor bygone eras. This th fashion as I got old
Joanna says she h
ove a vintage larly the 50’s. ly my staple. I mix it up a bit n accessories tely a shoe girl. ttle bit quirky minine. Lots of at’s my thing!”
ry in things from hen translated into der.”
has a varied style.
Below: Joanna Barnett
“I definitely love a vintage dress, particularly the ‘50s. That’s probably my staple. I also look to mix it up a bit with modern accessories and I’m definitely a shoe girl. Probably a little bit quirky and very feminine. Lots of colour too, that’s my thing!” Joanna loves vintage because of the fact that the garments of bygone eras are so well made. “I also love that each piece is a record that chronicles a certain period in our history,” she adds. People can expect to find all sorts of treasures at Bowerbird Vintage. “Dresses, they are our best sellers. The 1950s to the 1980s all sell really well,”
explains Joanna. “But I do suits, pants, tops, skirts, jewellery and bags.” Joanna is very picky about what she sells on Bowerbird Vintage only offering her customers the highest quality. Buying stock from all over the place including the United States, New Zealand and Japan, Joanna also has people approach her now to buy their treasures. Everything is hand-washed or dry-cleaned and then mended if necessary. All orders are individually gift wrapped and then boxed. Joanna and a couple of her close friends also started a ‘reworked’ branch of the business called Rescued by Bowerbird.
Rescued by Bowerbird also sells a range of fabulous handmade vintage inspired jewellery from various crafty Australian designers. Joanna finds her inspiration everywhere. “I devour every fashion magazine. I also love art and photography magazines too. So I guess I am inspired by what others are doing,” she says. “I’m always ripping things out and piling them into my diary or my sketch pad. I also write myself notes about random inspired thoughts I have at places like the gym or out walking.” Over the years Joanna has seen many beautiful vintage pieces come and go. Many have been hard to part with such as an old 1970s chiffon maxi that she turned into a little baby doll mini with an antique lace collar. She does have a couple of pieces that she has not been able to let go of, though these days almost everything gets sold. “I love my gold brocade opera coat from the 1960s, a little Liberace,” she laughs. ‘I also have a couple of great ‘70s maxis that get lots of wear throughout summer because they are so comfy. The others are all quaint little ‘50s frocks that are on high rotation in my wardrobe.”
These garments are either new handmade pieces or vintage pieces that have a special touch added to it. “I generally take a vintage garment and make little changes to it to give a modern feel,” Joanna says. “I try not to compromise the structure or the historical elements too much. I also collect vintage cut-offs, trims and beading which we sew onto little singlet tops. It’s a nice way to give a plain top a little edginess and a vintage feel.”
Counting Carey Mulligan, Victoria Beckham, Dita Von Tesse and Grace Kelly as her style icons, Joanna hopes that Bowerbird Vintage will continue to evolve. “With Bowerbird I focus on the things that sell well and I try to stay connected with my customers. I have a returning clientele which is great,” Joanna says. “I often get emails from people to say how much they love their frock and were thrilled to get something so beautifully packaged. That kind of feedback makes my day!”
Bowerbird Vintage: www.bowerbirdvintage.com.au
Belinda Hogan finds out why Janel loves to love vintage.
Vintage Show
Love Vintage 22.
The Vintage Clothing, Jewellery and Textiles Show has been a staple on the Sydney calendar of must do events since 2006. The brainchild and passion of Janel Morrissey, the show will also be held in Melbourne for the first time in May 2011.
J
anel Morrissey had a gut instinct a number of years ago and luckily ran with it. After having her third child and running her own very successful accountancy practice, Janel wanted a career change, where she could work from home.
come and sell their clothing. I could see that these shows were held all over America. In the UK as well, they have been popular for many years. So I thought maybe this was a way of opening up the vintage market in Australia.”
“I have always been in love with old things, especially vintage clothing. I love the ABC series The House of Elliot, which showcased two fashion designers in the 1920s,” Janel says. “I could see on eBay that vintage clothing was becoming quite popular, so I started to sell online. Then I opened up my own website selling vintage clothing, but I found the sourcing of vintage clothing to be very diffcult.”
With the idea firmly fixed, Janel sprung into action and looked for a venue in Sydney. “I found a netball centre in Lidcombe that was already holding one collectables fair during the year,” Janel explains. “I booked it for one Sunday and approached an exhibition company to put up the stands and started marketing to vintage clothing shops because I didn’t know where the exhibitors were going to come from. It was lucky people liked my idea and that 25 people signed up.”
After accidently coming across the site promoting the famous Manhattan Vintage Clothing Fair, Janel had an idea. “This particular Fair has been running for 16 years now and they have 75 dealers that
After the great success of the first Vintage Clothing, Jewellery and Textiles Show dealers were knocking on Janel’s door. The show now boasts 65 dealers (the maximum that are able to show) and Janel has a long
waiting list of vintage sellers wanting to show. Janel describes the show as a bit like an antique fair. “The dealers sell vintage clothing, jewellery, linen and lace, textiles and small collectables. It has dealers from all over Australia and we also have entertainment such as vintage fashion parades, swing dance demonstrations, different presentations and lectures about jewellery or antique clothing. It is quite unique.” Many of the exhibitors have been with Janel from the beginning. “I live in Northern New South Wales so running a show with only being to the venue once (in 2006) was challenging as I was trusting the exhibition company to set out a layout for me. I didn’t have any experience running shows, plus the exhibitors did not know me. I was an unknown, so they were putting their trust in me. Now we have a large waiting list of exhibitors wanting to come in.”
vintage scene down there is very strong. But I needed to get the Sydney show right. I needed to be comfortable the way that was running before I took on another show. The timing was right.” As a fan of 1920s and ‘30s fashion, Janel hopes to inspire all about how to love vintage. “I hope that we continue to grow the show and that it inspires people to not just throw clothing out,” Janel says. “Vintage is unique, well made and one-off. It is green as in recycling. It’s a passion. It’s something you can make into your own style and it can be interpreted in many ways. I hope our show can inspire young girls not just to go to the chain stores and buy clothes. I hope it also inspires them to use some of that vintage style.”
For more information about the show and exhibitor details please see the advertisement on page 13.
www.lovevintage.com.au Some of the exhibitors include Dianne Pickett from Online Antiques sells vintage clothing, couturier and designer pieces from Art Deco to 1960s costume and Bakelite Jewellery, hats, purses, Lucite bags and other accessories from Art Deco onwards. Bernadette Thomas from Needlewitch sells antique and vintage linen, lace, textiles, antique fashion plates, needlework tools, and fashion accessories. Jacinta Sanders from Circa Hats sells a Beautiful Selection of imported vintage hats and Sarah Hyland from Empire 47 who sells vintage clothing from the 1950s to ‘70s including frocks, blouses, shoes and bags. (see ad opposite)
The success of the Sydney shows has meant Janel has now been able to take the show to Melbourne. “A lot of the exhibitors come from Victoria and they kept saying you’ve got to come to Melbourne it’s the fashion capital of Australia,” Janel explains. “The
Empire 47 SHop 47 Sydney Antique Centre 531 South Dowling St Surry Hills www.empire47.com.au
Red and the Art of Burlesque
Devotchkin
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Vintage Performance
R
ed Devotchkin is a Brisbane Burlesque babe. She talks to Belinda Hogan.about her art and why she thinks vintage never goes out of style.
Can you describe Red what the art of Burlesque is all about? It means different things to different people,which, as far as I’m concerned, is one of the great advantages of Burlesque. To me, it’s about beauty, comedy and satire, melodrama and the art of tease. The origins of Burlesque are definitely in satire and parody usually with a sense of the risqué. It was really in America in the 20th century that striptease became so closely associated with Burlesque. Today performers across the world approach the art in different ways, but for me, I do think that tease is an integral part of Burly-q. How did you get involved in Burlesque? I’ve always said that I’m a show off and I did lots of drama in school, but then let it go for a couple of years. I think I first saw Burlesque at
Big Day Out in 2004 or 2005 and loved it. In 2006 some acquaintances opened Bar Burlesque in Brisbane and I got a job as the door girl. It didn’t take long for me to jump up onstage though! I love that Burlesque can be so innocent and so risque at the same time, particularly when you look at Burlesque performance from the ‘20s through to the ‘50s. I also love the creative outlet of coming up with ideas for my acts and costumes. But nothing beats the adrenalin rush of getting up on stage and grabbing the attention of the audience with something unexpected! Burlesque is known for its vintage glamour, why are you so drawn to vintage fashion and what is your favourite fashion period and why? In terms of vintage clothing that I own, I would think that the majority of it is from the ‘50s. I suppose a big part of my attraction to ‘50s is also about the music. I do have a big soft spot for ‘50s Rockabilly, which includes the music, the fashion, the architecture and ‘50s design in general. On the other hand, I love films from Weimar Era Germany and adore the style and fashion in them. Who are your style icons and why? I absolutely adore Louise Brooks though in a lot of ways our style aren’t very similar at all! She was so amazingly elegant and beautiful. Her style both on and off the screen was always impeccable.
My Life In Burlesque
Red Devotchkin is a red hot dame; the Scarlet Grinder - men’s jaws fall at her feet. Red creates beauty and melodrama in Burlesque performance. She is a mixture of sugar and spice, Rock’n’Roll and classic beauty, sass and innocence. While Red Devotchkin may seem as cute as a button and sweet as pie, she is one smoking hot dame and a force to be reckoned with. www.myspace.com/devotchkin
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“I
Photos by Angela McConnell, ShootMe2 and Matchless Snapshots
spend a lot of time thinking about my shows before I actually start rehearsing them. The music is often the first thing that I choose, and I make sure that I listen to it over and over again until I feel that I am totally familiar with it. Then it’s a question of whether I work out some choreography or the costume first. I think they really go hand in hand, because for me, one really is influenced by the other. It’s also how both these things can tell the story that I want to tell in each particular act. My newest costume is for my Champagne Show. I bought the majority of the items for it in New York and then assembled it back here in Australia. It’s all strings of diamantes and pearls – and balloons! I suppose the inspiration for it literally came from thinking about bubbly champagne and the idea of decadence that is often associated with it. Another favourite is for my sailor girl act. The costume is all blue, red and white with lots of stripes with a red waspie cincher, white stockings, gloves and a sailor hat. I’ve always been proud of the pasties (nipple covers) I made for this costume, they have little anchors with sequined rope on them. The act also features a number of props, including an over-sized beach ball with anchors and stripes, a large lollipop, a paper plane, a teddy bear and a toy drum. It’s a little bit silly, but super cute! Last, but not least, I adore my costume for my tribute to Robot Maria from Metropolis. There’s a scene in the 1927 movie where the robot imposter of Maria performs a seductive dance in a nightclub in the Yoshiwara district. I have recreated the costume that Robot Maria wears: a skirt of long fringing, beaded pasties, diamonte slave girl type anklets and a large beaded headdress. Confidence definitely helps a lot! But that’s something that improves over time. You need to be able to put yourself out there and be prepared for things to go wrong! My advice to new performers is not to stress too much over whether your show ends up going exactly the same on stage as it did in rehearsal. I can be pretty clumsy at times and have even fallen over on stage once or twice (well…maybe more than that) but as long as you can laugh at yourself and get yourself back up again, and even work it into the act, then it’s not going to matter! If you’re enjoying it, then you’re doing it right.”
Vintage Vehicle
The FORD GALAXIE In 1965 the Ford Galaxie was everywhere. Now, Brisbanite Nick Heywood is the envy of all motorists that pass him by, including Vintage Affair’s resident vintage vehicle writer Nick Holliday.
Photos by Daniel Peut http://peuty.redbubble.com 30.
T
he Galaxie was everywhere in 1965 – over 500,000 rolled out of Ford’s Detroit factory in just 12 months - outselling everything but the Mustang.
Their success was based on being all things to all people. Your dad drove a brown four-door to work. You could have a bright red convertible for beachside cruising. There was a 450 horsepower dual-quad firebreather in the showroom right alongside the Mileage Maker six cylinder version. The options list is a catalogue of ‘60s automobilia. Your Galaxie could have a duo-tone vinyl roof, cruise-o-matic transmission and a 427 cubic inch Thunderbird Hi-Po V8, along with futuristic options like power brakes, air conditioning and power windows. You could choose from 42 different interior trim styles (including a number of plaid options!) Looking at 35 year old Brisbanite Nick Heywood’s immaculate Hardtop today, you’re struck by the size more than anything. It seems as long as an aircraft carrier. The angular lines are absolutely beautiful and totally at odds with the jelly-mould modern cars driving by. Nick’s car was built in March 1965, originally Raven Black, although it now wears a coat of Rangoon Red. It was optioned with a red vinyl interior, air conditioning and dual exhausts. It made its way to Australia late in 2007. Sliding behind the wheel is an absolute time warp: red vinyl as far as the eye can see, bench seats, and everything is controlled by little chrome buttons scattered across the dash. You half expect to hear the Beach Boys or The Supremes when you turn on the radio, although the best we could manage on my short drive was a ZZ Top song. Out on the road, you need to get used to being the centre of attention. People take photos of it on their mobile phones, wave at lights and yell out as you drive by. This is not a car for the shy and retiring. You become comfortable with the left-hand drive quickly, although changing lanes in peak hour is a bit unnerving. I didn’t want to hand the keys back. “Once I saw it, there was just no other option,” the owner grins when asked why he bought a 45 year old car. It may not be decked out with the creature comforts of a modern set of wheels, but he’d argue it has something they’ll never have.
In 1986, at the age of 26, he was diagnosed as HIV positive and told that he probably would not make 30. This curtailed Frank into what he calls an immediate “midlife crisis”, and he decided to approach life with speed. Frank says, “I raced so quickly, others around me seemed to grow old and die before my eyes. My urgency to leave my mark as an artist became intensified.” After 10 years trying to find his feet as an artist, Frank decide to return to university in 1995 to finish his Bachelor of Arts in Music, Theatre and Film. It was during a unit in photography and a chance encounter with an old building in Harlem that bore the remnants of a vintage Omega Oil fading ad, where the concept was born. This photograph altered what Jump describes as “…my life’s trajectory.” Jump realised that this photo was a metaphor for his own life. That this aging sign, like his life, long outlived its expectancy. It was then a new urgency to capture the marks left by other artists; to document not only an art history but also one of the discourse of commercialisation
that spurred him on to make this his life’s work. The want to produce music and other forms of art waned. “Although this project doesn’t deal directly with HIV/AIDS, it is no accident I’ve chosen to document such a transitory and evanescent subject. Of the hundreds of ads I’ve photographed, many have already been covered up, vandalised, or destroyed. But still many silently cling to the walls of buildings, barely noticed by the rushing passersby.” Since then Frank has taken hundreds of photos of fading ads and has created an online community through his Fading Ad blog. He exhibits his work in his own gallery, collaborates with urban archaeologists and has featured in many newspapers such as the New York Times and the London Observer.
all photos courtesy of Frank H Jump.
Frank H Jump is a New York based photographer, teacher and activist who started documenting vintage mural ads in 1997.
of
www.fadingad.com
The
New York
Vintage Spaces
Frank’s work is not just about taking a few photos of fading ads but also to document and critique social-economic trends in regards to commercialism.
“I am critical of commercialism but find myself caught up in it constantly. We are often documenting a product that is no longer produced but this is still a body of work that celebrates commercialism in some way. I worry that Americans are consumers first and producers second,” Frank explains. “As a teacher I try to foster the creative spirit of producing
something you feel is valuable. So many children are very ‘brand conscious’ and I try to instil a sense of self that is not ‘brand-driven.’ You are not your Nikes. I am not my Vespa. But this is diffcult since consumerism is such a large part of our social and popular culture.” For Frank, photographing vintage ads is a daily part of his life and he feels it’s almost his duty to document them for others and future generations to admire. “The allure of past experiences in ads runs deeper than nostalgia. It is more of a clutching onto the familiar before we can plunge headlong into a new millennium. They are sill something we can physically touch. They are markers of the passing of time.”
Vintage Flick
THE GRADUATE Robyn Collis looks at the iconic vintage flick that launched the career of Dustin Hoffman and finds out why The Graduate speaks to a generation.
T
he Graduate, (Mike Nichols, 1967), is a film which speaks to a generation and deserves no less than iconic status. Launching Dustin Hoffman’s career, the film was released in the so called “summer of love” and dramatised the changing social milieu of post-war baby-boomers. In the 1960s the USA, and other western democracies, experienced a period of rapid social change. The Vietnam War had radicalised a generation who questioned their parents’ values and lifestyles. Benjamin Braddock (Dustin Hoffman), after completing his degree back east, returned home to his suburban Californian home where a welcome home party
awaited him. His parents wanted to celebrate and praise his academic achievements and encourage romance with childhood friend, Elaine Robinson (Katherine Ross). Benjamin, however, was a deeply alienated young man, recoiling from social contact and unable to communicate with his parents. Close up shots of the fish tank in his bedroom with his face beyond, provide a metaphor of his entrapment, a feeling shared by Mrs Robinson (Anne Bancroft), the unfulfilled wife of Braddock’s senior partnerat-law. Mrs Robinson’s seduction of Benjamin is both incredibly painful and incredibly sexy. The (then) taboo nature of the sexual relationship of an older woman with a younger man, was almost incestuous given the close ties between the two families. Benjamin’s fear of intimacy was evident in his awkward and comic responses to the predations of Mrs Robinson, replete in animal print clothing. Under pressure from his parents to develop a relationship with Elaine, and under threat from Mrs Robinson to stop seeing her daughter, Benjamin found himself in a confused and precarious
Mrs Robinson’s seduction of Benjamin is both incredibly painful and incredibly sexy.
position. A brilliant iconic Taft point the the family
cinematic montage fluctuating between Benjamin’s hotel shows the all consuming nature of the secret action showed Benjamin launching himself onto a pool only to land on top of Mrs Robinson in the
home and the affair. At one floating toy in hotel bedroom!
As the affair progressed, Benjamin ‘loosened up’. His appearance changed, he began to smoke, wear dark glasses, his idleness continued to exasperate his ambitious father, but he still retained the basic moral conscience of his generation. Eventually, the relationship between her mother and Benjamin became known to Elaine, who fled the family home. A remorseful Benjamin, realising his love for Elaine, set off in search for her in a brilliant high speed drive, filmed from above through seaside Californian forests. Unable to win Elaine back, Benjamin’s next move was to find the venue of Elaine’s hastily arranged wedding. His mad dash in a red sports car, accompanied by the music of Simon and Garfunkel, slows in tempo and grinds to a halt as he runs out of gas. The brilliant final scene of The Graduate is memorable. Benjamin beats the full length glass window at the rear of the chapel and screams in a guttural and primal voice, ‘Elaine!’ So iconic, it has been parodied in The Simpsons, in advertising, (for Renault Clio), and brilliantly in Wayne’s World Two. As the couple flee the scene in the back seat of a suburban bus, they look away from each other, awkward and uncomfortable, as the gravity of their situation occurs to them. This is not a happily ever after love story and their future will not mirror that of their parents. This is a different world.
35.
Vintage Vinyl
36.
“Even Cowgirls The Blues”
Get
Why Patsy, Dolly, Loretta, Rosemary and Tammy are our vintage country music babes By Christina Ong
Patsy Cline (1932-1963)
The first female solo artist to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, Patsy is one of the most influential Country singers of all time. Famous for being a part of the Nashville Sound, Patsy’s’s first number 1 song was I Fall to Pieces in 1961. With a deep classical voice and emotionally charged lyrics, her signature song Crazy was a top 10 hit and penned by fellow Country singer Willie Nelson. Patsy famously disagreed with many of the song choices given to her, many of which became top 10 hits. Most of her success was posthumous after Patsy died in a plane crash at the age of 30.
Dolly Parton (1946-)
Arguably the most recognisable Country singer to the rest of the world, the Queen of Country has had 25 number 1 singles and 41 top 10 Country albums. Dolly, who began performing as a child in Tennessee, has always been known for her vivacious personality, soprano voice and ostentatious dress sense. With a number 1 single in four consecutive decades, Dolly initially wrote songs for other country artists. Her first number 1 song was in 1971, but none was bigger than her 1973 chart topper Joelene. Covered by the White Stripes in 2004, Dolly’s 1974 song I Will Always Love You also become a hit by Whitney Houston in
1992. Most pop fans did not realise that Houston had covered the song! Earning her a permanent slot on ‘80s compilation discs, Dolly’s hit 9 to 5 celebrated the success of the working women able to hold everything together.
Loretta Lynn (1932-)
With a strong country accent and controversial lyrics, Loretta Lyn is one of the leading ladies of Country Music. In 1967, she reached number 1 with Don’t Come Home A’ Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ on Your Mind) and over the next two years she had six top 10 hits. Lyn was also successful as a duo, teaming up with Conway Twitty. They had five number 1 hits between 1971-1975. Many of her songs were banned as she sung about social issues such as divorce, losing virginity as a teenager and the Pill; topics deemed not appropriate for the time. Her successful autobiography Coal Miner’s Daughter was adapted to film with Sissy Spacek playing the role of Loretta Lynn.
Rosemary Clooney (1928-2002)
Although her later days saw her singing Jazz, Rosemary Clooney started her career in Kentucky. She has sung with everyone from Marlene Dietrich to Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye. Despite hating the song, Come On-a My House it was her first hit. In
her early career, Rosemary switched record labels many times, settling with the Concord Jazz label in 1977. She ventured into television and film staring in her own variety show The Rosemary Clooney Show. A supporter of Bobby Kennedy, Rosemary was at the scene when he was assassinated. She later suffered a nervous breakdown and revealed later that she suffered from Bi-polar disorder. In 1999, Clooney founded the Rosemary Clooney Music Festival and performed every year until her death in 2002. And yes, she is George’s aunty!
Tammy Wynette (1942-1988)
From Mississippi, Tammy Wynette sang one of the most recognised country songs in the world. Stand By Your Man (1968) is the biggest selling single by a woman in the history of Country Music. She had over 15 number 1 hits in the 1960s and ‘70s with her first single released in 1966. Stand By Your Man was controversial as the lyrics spoke of sticking with your man no matter what, incensing feminists at the time. Oddly enough in 1991, Tammy teamed up with electornica group the KLF to provide vocals for their song Justified and Ancient, a number 1 song which saw Tammy gain a whole new audience.
Vintage Reads
Teenagers have been causing pain since well... forever!
Vintage Teenage
By Robyn Collis
RIOT 38.
Photo courtesy of Meg Olsen Don Juan’s Reckless Daughter www.donjuans-recklessdaughter.blogspot.com
Emma - Jane Austen (1815) Emma Woodhouse’s overactive romantic imagination causes trouble for everyone as she tries to engineer the course of true love whilst remaining masterfully ignorant of people’s true feelings, (including her own). Despite her many faults Emma remains a lovable character as she grows to humble self-awareness with the love and understanding of her Mr Knightley. Gwyneth Paltrow made a passably good Emma, (Emma 1996). Kate Beckinsale was jolly good in the BBC version (1996) also. Room with a View - EM Forster (1908) EM Forster identified with dear Lucy Honeychurch escaping the dreary Edwardian family on ‘the Grand Tour’ of the continent so loved by the Brits. Lucy herself is a ‘new’ woman, caught between the stifling conventions of late Victorian society and the coming of a new era, where women can work, live independently and make their own decisions. Helena Bonham Carter was only 18 when she played Lucy in her film debut (1985). Who can forget those sulky looks as she struggles to break free of chaperone, Aunt Charlotte, and get a kiss from George Emerson in the fields above Florence! Bonjour Tristesse - Francoise Sagan (1954) A generation on and my, how things have changed! Raymond has raised his daughter, Cecile, alone since his wife’s untimely death. Cecile is therefore not happy that their idyllic life together will be disturbed now that her playboy father appears to have found love. She devises a plan to destroy his engagement to Anne, a friend of her dead mother. When she wrote the story, Francoise Sagan was herself only 18 years of age. Bonjour Tristesse is considered to be remarkable for this fact alone, although it is an engrossing read regardless. A classic 1958 film version starring David Niven, Deborah Kerr and Jean Seberg exists but hasn’t been sighted for several decades. Lolita - Vladimir Nabokov (1955) Humbert Humbert, a serial paedophile, manoevres his way into the Haze household as a tutor to a teenage girl and before he knows it he is a father/husband to his child/wife and they take off on a two year odyssey of debauchery and tenderness, zigzagging their way across postwar America. Humbert both loves and loathes his nymphet believing that Lolita is no match for him intellectually. But she is able to outsmart him at every turn as Humbert learns that the ideal and the reality are two entirely different concerns. Nabokov was censured for writing such a sordid story but denied any responsibility for his characters’ behaviour. Two memorable film versions of Lolita exist, one with James Mason, Shelley Winters and Sue Lyon, (who was too young to view the film after its release). The second, with Jeremy Irons, Melanie Griffth and Dominique Swain can be viewed substantially on YouTube. The Lover - Marguerite Duras (1984) The unnamed teenage protagonist in The Lover might, or might not, be the author who recalls her youth in colonial Vietnam through an imperfect dream of memory and regret. As a teenager she experiences alienation from her family, hatred of her brother, and alienation as an ex-pat. This feeling of dislocation is heightened when, at the age of 15 and while still a schoolgirl, she takes a Chinese lover as a means of enabling her escape from an oppressive family and an alien culture. A beautiful and evocative film by Claude Berri (1992) almost does 39. justice to the narrative poetry of Duras.
Vintage City
LATVIA
RI GA Riga has become the cosmopolitian hub of the Baltics with its Art Nouveau architecture making this city something special. By Belinda Hogan
The Paris of the North
O
nce called the “Paris of the North”, Latvia’s capital, Riga, is once again a vibrant city. Now known as “The Baltic Hub”, it is easy to see why.
Before Soviet occupation in 1940, the city was possibly one of the most important ports in Northern Europe because of its proximity to The Baltic Sea. So influential was the city at one stage, Napoleon described it as a “suburb of London”, because it was a major trader with England and France. Since Latvia joined the European Union in 2004, Riga has had a resurgence and is now starting to enjoy itself again economically, having one of the fastest growing economies in the EU Although the Latvian population has decreased since independence from Russian rule in 1991 (mainly because of strict citizenship laws and repatriation) Riga has flourished as a trade and tourism centre since it was able to re-open its doors. It invites foreign investment and its real estate prices continue to sore. With a population of three quarters of a million people and a history of occupation from German, Polish, Russian and Swedish neighbours, the city’s
liberty has been its rebirth. What totally hypnotised me about the Latvian capital, is its architecture. I was also taken aback at how different Riga is to Tallinn and Vilnius. It is far more cosmopolitan (because of its wealthier history) and I did feel like I was in a metropolis. It is reminiscent of Vienna, Stockholm, Prague and yes - even Paris. It is easy to get to, from other parts of Europe by plane or boat and accessible from other parts of the Baltics by train or bus. It is made up of six sections with the River Daugava splitting it in half. On one side sits Vecriga (Old Riga) with Pardaugavu (New Riga) on the other. The city is an architect’s dream from Medieval to Gothic to Art Nouveau, wooden and modern buildings all standing in solidarity. Although Riga has had many owners and war damaging some of its buildings, the government has restored them rather than redeveloping them to their former glory. Even though there has been much debate about the city’s current skyline expansion recently, the United Nations recognised Riga’s architectural splendour, placing
it on the World Heritage List in 1997. In fact, Riga boasts the bestpreserved collection of Art Nouveau architecture in the world.
O
ld Riga, in times past was the commercial heart of the city and traders were wealthy. Neighbours tried to out do one another and it shows with the array of multicoloured buildings, churches, courtyards and squares that adorn its warped narrow streets. It’s separated by Kalku Street with St Peter’s Church to the south and the Doma Baznica (the largest cathedral in the Baltics with the third largest organ in Europe!) to the north. It’s virtually pedestrianised, making strolling safe and quiet. The best way to start your day, is to take the elevator to the to the top of St Peter’s Church, where you can wander around a 360-degree platform. Built in 1209, the church is a great example of Gothic craftsmanship, although it has had a history of bad luck. It’s been destroyed many times over the centuries (the last time by fire from a war time attack ironically on St Peter’s Day in 1941) and was finally rebuilt again in 1971. The observation tower is 74 metres high giving you a panoramic vista of the entire city and as I gazed over it, I felt I had been transported into a Gothic novel.
surroundings. Established in 1993, the Museum’s exhibitions centre on the occupation by Soviet and Nazi forces and Latvian independence. It is one of those places that is intensely quiet. I felt the ghosts of a Latvian resistance fighter looking over my shoulder as I examined KGB surveillance equipment and read last letters to loved ones from those who fled in terror. After spending a couple of hours I left feeling anguished about a history that I thought I knew something about. As I stood on the front steps I realised that Riga is an incredibly clean city and that its residents walk proudly as if to say, ‘No one will ever hurt us again.’ Crossing over to the north side, the Tris brali (Three Brothers) and Museum of Architecture on Maza Pils iela, is a must. The Three Brothers are not male siblings but three quaint abodes that show the progression of medieval Latvian architecture. Whilst not much is known about their history, the first (number 17) was built sometime in the 15th century and is the oldest structure in Latvia. It is a square white stone dwelling with a gabled roof and Gothic niches. It houses the museum where you can look at over one thousand sketches, drawings and models of Latvian constructional
I felt the ghosts of a Latvian resistance fighter looking over my shoulder as I There are over 40 museums in examined KGB surveillance Riga and close to St Peter’s is The Museum of The Occupation of equipment... Latvia. This was worth my trip to Riga alone and it gave me more of an understanding as to why Latvians are fiercely protective of their
design. Built in 1646, the middle yellow brother (or number 19) has Dutch influences whilst number 21 is
a thin green Baroque-styled building. Close by, The Powder Tower, the only surviving old city tower, which also is the residence of the Museum of War, is definitely worth a look.
R
iga’s Old Town is not as vibrant as the old towns in Tallinn or Vilnius. When I left its narrow confined streets, I realised the vibrant Riga lay beyond its walls. New Riga is vivacious and has a strong artistic feel to it. The many cafes and bars coupled with the Jugenstil (Art Nouveau architecture) is the reason. To see the best examples of Art Nouveau walk down Alberta, Elizabetes and Strelnieku Streets. Mikhail Eisenstein, a Russian architect and engineer designed most of these buildings and as I wandered I was fascinated by their intricacy. I have travelled through most of Europe, yet I had never seen so much of this type of architecture in such close proximity. It’s really over powering. Gargoyles, monsters, angelic feminine faces, devils and weird animals peer out at you, which is strikingly eerie. The buildings today house everything from residences and schools. Often the interior refurbishments contrast the sophisticated exteriors and are extremely plain, which I found rather quirky. Riga is not a concrete jungle by any means. The great paradox of this city is that it’s not only an architect’s delight, a horticulturalist or landscaper would feel at home too. Riga boasts some the most manicured and diverse parks in Europe. It was during Riga’s construction boom in
the 19th century that most of its 700 parks, gardens and squares were laid. Arkadijas Park is one of the largest in central Riga and it‘s where the locals relax, epecially during lunchtime. I went out of the city and visited the wealthy neighbourhood of Mezaparks. This is easy to get to via bus and is about seven kilometres north of the city centre. It was built orginally by the rich as a garden getaway and the houses still reflect this wealth. The area is surrrounded by woody forests and lakes that accommodate boats and jetskies in summer. Many concerts and festivals are held here also. What is very unnerving about this part of town, although stunning, the forest
The great paradox of this city is that it’s not only an architect’s delight, a horticulturist or landscaper would feel at home too. was once a Nazi concentration camp where thousands of Latvian Jews and Gypsies were murdered. However, I had this ghostly type of experience on every inch of The Baltics I walked on. Riga really is a surprise. The city is developing the most rapidly in The Baltics, making it interesting to see what future direction it takes. Legend has it that the devil emerges from the River Daugava once a century to ask residents whether Riga is complete. If the answer is “yes” he will flood and destroy their city. Somehow I don’t think Lucifer will be doing any of his dirty work in the Latvian capital, for a very long time.
Vintage Object
THE RUBIK’S CUBE
H
BY ROBYN COLLIS
ungarian Erno Rubik, invented the Rubik’s Cube as a teaching aid for his architecture students, hoping they would benefit from its three-dimensional design. The cube first became popular as a toy in his own country during the 1970s before becoming a global craze in the 1980s. By 2009 approximately 350 million cubes had been sold worldwide making the cube the world’s most popular toy ever.
The Rubik’s Cube has 43 quintillion permutations - but only one solution - and has sparked serious study by mathematicians and enthusiasts in researching ‘solutions’ to the cube. There are many ways of playing the Cube from speed Rubik’s to underwater, blindfolded, one-handed, one-footed and single-breath records. The world record Rubik’s Cube solution was set in 2010 in Melbourne by Felix Zemdegs who took a mere 6.77 seconds to solve the cube, while others have been trying, unsuccessfully, for 30 years! The cube has sparked a number of variations, with electronic cubes, online cube tournaments and different size variants, including 2-2-2; 5-5-5; 6-6-6 and 7-7-7 cubes. There are also shape variants of the cube such as a pyramid, octahedron (8 triangular faces), dodecahedron (12 pentagonal faces) and icosahedrons (20 triangular faces). There is a puzzle called the Square One consisting of triangular and trapezoidal pieces which can be manipulated into a variety of shapes. All of these prove the old saying “success has many fathers.” Despite being on record as saying “to repeat
Model-Carmen Merie Blake. Find her wonderful fashions at Repurposefulpunk on ETSY
THE WORLD’S MOST POPULAR PUZZLE the cube – that is not the way I want to live”, Rubik subsequently developed a Rubik’s Snake puzzle which can be manipulated into many shapes including a ball, a dog, a duck and many more. His most recent development is an electronic puzzle called Rubik’s 360 which brings his original genius to the digital age in the form of a computer game.
The Cube’s iconic status is evident in its crossover into popular culture. YouTube offers numerous tutorials on solving the cube. In movies and sitcoms a person’s intelligence or lack thereof is often gauged by their ability with the cube; smart, as in The Manhattan Project, Seinfeld and The Simpsons to not so smart, as in Being John Malkovich and The Wedding Singer. The Rubik’s Cube has been the inspiration for many large scale art installations as well as a pop art icon. There is even a satirical website, The People’s Cube, which uses an all red Rubik’s Cube as its logo as a symbol of political correctness, ensuring equity and fairness and no loss of self-esteem for those who fail to solve it. In recent times the cube has made a comeback, entering the top 20 toy lists in both the UK and the US. The cube is well priced, making it a great austerity toy during the global financial crisis. Older Rubik’s fans also enjoy the nostalgia of rediscovering an old favourite after clearing out their toy boxes decades ago. Erno Rubik has no doubt of the fundamental reason for its popularity. “People like its beauty, simplicity and form. It’s really not a puzzle or a toy. It’s a piece of art.”
Vintage Affair -
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In our next edition: vintage fashion vintage vehicles vintage personalities vintage objects vintage reads, flicks and vinyl vintage fiction and ...a few suprises and prizes.
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