The Exoticism of Henry Clarke Photos

And Good Things For Summer

Maybe it's because I’m on the Mediterranean, or maybe because I’ve lately been fascinated by the exoticism of 1960s middle eastern-inspired dresses with a psychedelic bent, but the photos of Henry Clarke are my current obsession. The famous shoot of Marisa Berenson perched on rocks high above the shores of Sardinia started it all. These have been embedded in my mind for ages, thank you, Mrs. Vreeland. But on examining the career of the Paris-based, American photographer, Henry Clarke, I’ve come to understand that he is responsible for much of that particular aesthetic that helped to define Vogue of the 1960s.

Henry Clarke photo of Simone D’Aillencourt in Pucci 1967 Vogue, top photo Marisa Berenson in Sardinia Vogue 1967

Highly stylized hair, dramatic makeup, and bold accessories shot in exotic locales are defining features of Clarke’s photos, particularly in the 1960s. I wish we would see more fantasy of this kind in today’s magazines, though I think Diana Vreeland as editor of Vogue set the tone and encouraged full-out fantasy. It was also a brave new world full of energy, change, and an embrace of world cultures. Fortunately, we have a wealth of images that look just as striking today as they did fifty years ago. Here are a few of my favorites.

Marisa Berenson for Vogue 1969

Vogue 1967

Samantha Jones in Udaipur, India for Vogue, June 1967

Marisa Berenson in Iran for Vogue 1969

Marisa Berenson, Vogue, June 1969

Vogue 1967

Marisa Berenson in Sardinia, Vogue 1967

Veruschka in a villa outside of Rome, Vogue 1965

Good Things For Summer

Perusing Moda Operandi the other day, I came across a great selection of A. Emory sandals, drastically marked down. I wear my A. Emory, Jalen sandals on the days I know I’ll be walking all day, but still want to look good. A reader recently asked for a recommendation for comfortable walking shoes to wear on an upcoming trip to Europe. The Jalen sandal, or any of the A. Emory styles with the same molded insole as the Jalen was my first suggestion. They are as comfortable as a Birkenstock and a hell of a lot chicer (and now the same price!). Here’s the link for the entire selection.

One thing I don’t have with me but wish I did is a pair of cotton or linen drawstring pants in white. As the temperatures climb into the 80s, the pants I’ve been living in feel too hot. I’m looking at these three styles from Clyque: the Mecah Pant, the Kira Pant, and the Hunter Pant. If, like me, you don’t love wearing shorts, this is a great alternative.

I love how they’re styled above, with simple white tops for the hottest days. Just add some jewelry, great sandals, and you’re set.

It’s as though a flick was switched here in Spain, and suddenly the summer weather has kicked in. The sweaters I’ve been wearing are now too warm, even for the evening when it cools down. The one fine-gauge sweater I brought has been working overtime. Any of these would be perfect paired with the above-mentioned pants for dinner in one of the many outdoor cafes, here in Dénea, where dinners can last for hours. I love how the Spanish don’t know the meaning of rushing you through dinner to free the table. Just not a concept here.

They come in great brights, in a luxurious blend of 70% silk, 20% Wool, and 10% cashmere, perfect for summer. From left: the Ben Polo, Ben Crew, and Ben V

That’s all for now. I hope you’re having a fantastic weekend wherever you are. What clothes do you feel you’re missing as the summer weather kicks in?

Happy June!

xxx Jolain