Mid Century Killer Covers

Please excuse my two week absence; a not so funny story….

Dear friends, 

My heartfelt apologies for going dark for two weeks. On the day of my last post, August 10th, I was swimming in the ocean enjoying life, not a care in the world and certainly not feeling ill. Forty eight hours later I was helpless in the ICU of NY Presbyterian Hospital. It seems almost absurd that a tiny 6 mm kidney stone was the cause of a domino effect of problems that included emergency surgery, sepsis, dangerously low blood pressure and low oxygen levels. I spent three days in ICU, with no window I might add, which added to my distress.  Finally I was transferred to a regular room with an East River view and then released home last Sunday.   I’m feeling much better, recuperating at home and ready to get back to work.

The blessed view from my second hospital room

I would be remiss not to mention my wonderful family and friends who have been so kind and loving. My daughters and best friend Eric sat vigil at my bedside in the dreary ICU room each day. Upon arriving home friends have sent food and flowers and for that I am eternally grateful. The staff at NYP are also champions, their competence and kindness pulled me through.

I’m happy to get back to business albeit a light reentry with a recycled post from my old Prima Darling blog. 

The September issue of Vogue entertained me earlier this week with its retro cover featuring Blake Lively sporting a dramatic puff of hair reminiscent of Diana Vreeland’s Vogue of the 1960’s. I was happy to see a cover that went for all out glamour. Call me old fashioned, but I love a little glamour and would like to see more of it in our everyday lives.

October 1947

Looking back at the covers of Bazaar and Vogue from the 1940s, 50s and 60s I’m  struck by how fearless they were in composition and art direction.  There was a reductive quality to the images and very little text. It was the message that mattered, delivered with wit and long on glamour. Collages, hands, silhouettes and heads cut off at the nose were possible then. The tides began to turn in the 60s when the model’s face became the focal point as it still is today except the models have been usurped by celebrities. It was fun while it lasted, here are some of my favorites.

1954

Dovima by Avedon

1957

1956

Steve McQueen 1965

Irving Penn December 1950

June 1951

Avedon October 1957

Until next time, thanks for reading and enjoy these last precious days of summer.

xxx Jolain