All you need to know is “Raquel!” stars Raquel Welch and was “filmed on location in London, Paris, Acapulco, Mexico City, Big Sur, Sun Valley, Yucatan, and Los Angeles!” She sings. She dances. And Bob Mackie designed the costumes. Prepare yourself to step into a time capsule that is so quintessentially 1970.
“Raquel!” starts off with Raquel singing “Games People Play” during the opening credits then dissolves into “California Dreamin’,” filmed with Raquel exploring the famous sites of Paris. As I noted, the costumes in “Raquel!” were created by the legendary designer Bob Mackie, who certainly had his work cut out for him in this made-for-TV musical extravaganza. For the Mamas and the Papas cover, Raquel is adorned in a low-key red cape with black trim. Though, halfway through the song, the tone and location change as she is transported to Mexico where she does some far-out space dancing to an instrumental drum soundtrack. Suited up in a silver bikini, Raquel is joined by a couple of gyrating astronauts. But, faster than you can say “bad acid,” we’re back in Paris where Raquel closes out “California Dreamin’.”
August 20th, 2010
The Brick House have visited a couple who have done a fantastic job of redecorating and restoring their home back to its original style and feel. Located in the high desert of Southern California, they invites us to a house tour.
Jill and T.K. have been DIYing the crap out of their mid century pad for the past six years and while it’s still a work in progress (isn’t everything, always) this place takes getting crafty on a budget to a whole other level. I must say that I was floored by the care and craftsmanship (and maybe a little ashamed of our own little Brick House’s amateur status) that went into the many, many, MANY handmade touches throughout their home. Luckily for Jill, T.K. is good with his hands and spends his days fabricating a whole gamut of items ranging from cutting boards to credenzas to entire kitchens.
(Via)
By Chris
July 14th, 2010
Ultra Swank – Your one stop blog for retro living, style and design
Ultra Swank takes you back in time into the kitsch, chic and swank living of the 50s, 60s and the 70s. We mainly focus on the design, architecture and the lifestyle of the happy-go-lucky and space-age-living mentality of that era – but also on the music and movies that takes you back to happier times. Ultra Swank is run by Chris, a Swede born in the wrong decade that currently resides in Barcelona. Read more
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Good news! The author of the home movie shot at Disneyland in 1956 decided to post some more retro video goodness for all of us! In this clip we see glimpses from Adventureland, which is a cowboy and Indians themed area of the park. I believe it has changed a lot of the years though. Which is your favorite area of Disneyland?
By Chris
January 5th, 2010
A digitally restored home movie shot at Disneyland, California in 1956. Not only was the park only a year old but Walt Disney him self can be seen in the beginning shaking hands with the author’s grand mother. I really love how vivid, colorful and happy everything looks like. The post war optimism and friendliness really shines through the lens and into your heart. See the second part here. (Thanks Cam)
By Chris
January 2nd, 2010
This documentary about the life of famed photographer Julius Schulman looks very appealing to me. If you have been reading my earlier architecture posts you will immediately know who I am referring to. [Thanks Cam]
By Chris
October 14th, 2009
I am strangely fascinated by the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, California. Built in 1955 along with the park it was actually not operated by the Walt Disney Company until 1988 due to the building of the park had tapped Walt Disney for most of his financial resources. The Hotel has obviously been rebuilt, added to and updated over the decades but it still features the original space-age styled monorail from the 1960s (with updated trains). For anyone who want to know more about the construction, design and architecture of the hotel I highly recommend that you dig into the The Disneyland Hotel book which features photos, scans of brochures and lots of other swanky ephemera from yesteryear Anaheim. Has anyone of you stayed at the resort back in the 1960s and 1970s? Do tell us about it. (Via) (Via)
By Chris
August 27th, 2009
Interesting trailer from the upcoming documentary entitled Coast Modern which takes you on a trip back in time to look for the origins of Modernism architecture and how its style and look became associated with the west coast of the US. The release date for the documentary is set for autumn this year, meanwhile you can read their blog. (Via)
By Chris
July 8th, 2009
