Wednesday inspiration. The Stahl House, also known as Case Study House #22 was finished in 1959 and is most likely the most famous house from the CSH program with help from famed photographer Julius Schulman.
Image via the Ultra Swank Flickr Pool
Lisa Predko, a professional photographer from Chicago and lover of all things vintage sends me these lovely 1960s inspired photos that instantly transports you back 50 years or so, to a more fun, colorful and playful time. I love the the attention to detail and color and if you are fascinated by the space age designed television seen above, you should definitively head over to Predicta, who manufactures them (in living color). Wouldn't mind getting my hands on one of those sets my self, bet it would look snug in any Mid Century modern home! Continue reading for more of Lisa's photos and a short biography about her.
Mad Men's own January Jones presents a few helpful tips that every housewife should know before throwing the perfect cocktail party back in the 1950s. Funny spoof from the Saturday Night Live team. [Thanks Cam]
The scrumptious Bettie Page performs a varietease to the tunes of a exotica styled track that sounds like something from Martin Denny or Les Baxter. Bettie Page is often referred to as "The Queen of Pin-Ups" as she became one the most famous models and burlesque dancers of the 1950s and still continues to influence style even today. What do you daydream about today? [Thanks Cam]
I am the mood to travel to some place warm and exciting so I thought, why not experience some vintage airline commercials from the the past for some inspiration? Here are a bunch of TWA, Pan Am and Braniff commercials produced in the late 1960s and the 1970s — the golden age of air travel — that are sure to bring a smile to your lips. Which is your favorite airline to travel with today? Continue reading to see all the clips.
It was most likely much tougher than it seemed – with charm and grace training, evacuation exercises, disgruntled passengers and endless hair and makeup sessions. Guess all the excitement and grandeur is a thing of the past. Does anyone even consider becoming a flight attendant today? Photos taken from the wonderful Life archive at Google.
Winter is almost upon us in northern Europe, but these newly found postcards of retro Sweden brings back kitschy summer vibes that are sure to warm anyone. Those of you with sharp eyes might spot that a few of the cards depict Sweden pre-1967, when we still had left-side traffic. Native Swedes might even recognize some or all of the places. But for those who aren't in the know, they represent Värnamo, Kramfors along with the two suburbs Vällingby and Huddinge outside of Stockholm. Which street scene looks the most inviting or... boring? Continue reading to see all the images.
Ultra Swank takes you back in time into the kitsch, chic and swank living of the 50s to the 70s. We mainly focus on the design, architecture and the lifestyle of the happy-go-lucky and space-age-living mentality from that era - but also on the mood music that takes you back to happier times. Ultra Swank is run by Chris who resides in Sweden. More | Contact
Since it is summer and very hot outside (at least here in Sweden), many people prefer to stay indoors in a temperature-controlled environment. So why not spend some time at your local mall? This is a exclusive custom made compiltion for this website, to celebrate the mood and feel of the American malls from the [...]
Imagine the following. Late 1960s, gorgeous models moving in slow motion, cutting edge fashion, the city pulse, pans around various locations in what looks like a European city in either northern Italy or Germany Place de la Concorde in Paris. Everything accompanied to beautiful dreamy strings, do-do vocals and a groovy beat with a phaser [...]
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Ultra Swank is your blast from the past that takes you back to a more civilized and elegant era with lush cocktail parties, retro design, tasteful architecture and dreamy mood music.
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