Going to Max Raabe Concert

Some of you may know that I spoke about Max Raabe a while ago here. I was ecstatic when I learned that Max Raabe was coming to San Francisco. Marcel and I were quite pleased to be able to see them live (the tickets were almost sold out!) The music was beautiful. Max Raabe played authentic tunes from the 20s and 30s both in German and English... and of course the infamous classic San Francisco song from MGM's 1936 musical. Max Raabe and his team were quite performers. Max Raabe really ensured we had an authentic experience. Throughout the concert, he spoke to us like a 1920s radio host and engaged us with old timey humor. I really appreciated how the orchestra members also had a chance to highlight their performances individually. I would highly recommend seeing Max Raabe live in case you haven't. To me, it was quite an unforgettable experience. Thanks Max Raabe for transporting us back in time.

 

 

 

Hat, Jacket, Skirt, Leather Glove, Clutch, Bracelet: Vintage, Stole: H&M, T-Strap Pump: Sofft

Catalina Island!

We

This past week, Marcel and I went on a short trip to Catalina Island - a beautiful island located about 22 miles south of LA. We stayed at Avalon - a tiny city which was incorporated in Catalina Island.   The weather was warm and sunny. The beach had beautiful white sands. The people were friendly. Good food, good time. Wish we could've stayed longer!
Mr Wrigley (the chewing gum mogul!) traveled to the island in 1919, fell in love and bought the entire island in 1919. He built the beautiful Art Deco-inspired Avalon Casino and dedicated the island to the federal government as a military zone and training during the World War II. In the 1930s, Catalina Island was a favorite vacation spot for Hollywood movie stars and was also a filming location for dozens of movies! Today, a majority part of the island is a natural conservancy.
We'd love to return to the island soon! (perhaps for a swing dance fete at the Casino!)!

Welcome to Catalina Island!!

Marcel and I on the warmest day of our visit.... nice day on the beach!

What a breathtaking view ....

A view of the Pacific Ocean.... So Surreal...

We love the 1950s coach bus that took us inland and up to the island's airstrip!

Me inside the bus

Catalina Airport - Back in the day, Mr Wrigley used this as a hangar for his private plane

 

Just arrived - fashionably in Catalina style!

 

Ahem... Hello there Captains... 

 

Traveling in style...

 

The tall columns and ceilings a the Avalon Casino - which houses a theater on the lower level and a ballroom on the upper level (the term Casino was meant for an entertainment venue for large gatherings - there was no gambling. This predates Las Vegas!)

 

One of the beautiful murals in the casino - designed by John Beckman, who also designed the Mann's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood and also created a set design for Bogart's Casablanca.

Getting all dressed up for the casino --- me with my 1960s beaded cardigan and floral dress

Fancy some cocktails?? What a swanky art deco bar! Okay, back then, it was the prohibition era, they only had soda fountains!

Look at this beautiful lighting ornaments in the ballroom. This also serves well as an air ventilation for the cavernous ballroom - no need for air conditioners!

 Also, the casino is so well-insulated, When you're watching a movie in the bottom-level theater with 1,153 other audiences, you won't hear any noise from the top-level 6,000+ dancers in the ballroom - and vice versa. Quite an advanced architecture!

Here's a shot of the ballroom

 

I wish today's bars look as cute as this -- Art Deco Fish Murals!

 

Inside the circular theater - John Beckman's beautiful murals with spectacular lighting. You see the dots in the dome -- those are supposed to light up and when it's completely dark, you will feel like stars are above you!

The theater was designed to accommodate talking movies in 1929 - when the casino's construction was completed. The circular dome had a perfect acoustic effect -- you don't need any microphone and people can still hear you when you talk normal voice from the other end of this 1,154 seat theatre! 

NYC's Radio City Music Hall was created using inspiration from the theatre's design!

That's what we're talking about - Dancing in the Casino Ballroom!!

Havin Fun

 

Catalina also made beautiful tiles!

And look at these....The most beautiful public restroom I have ever seen!

Catalina o Catalina

In All the World -No Trip Like This!!

Going to the Art Deco Preservation Ball

This Saturday, Marcel and I attended the Art Deco Preservation Ball which was beautifully organized by the Art Deco Society. It was held at the magnificent Art Deco - style Bimbo's 365 Club which was established in 1931. Gorgeous ballroom and lounges! Everyone was beautifully dressed in their best 1920s-1940s dresses and suits. I definitely felt like traveling back to a time capsule!  For me, I chose a sky blue long gown with a fur cape and white gloves. And I got my hair professionally done by a stylist (for the first time and loved it!  If you're in SF and need a vintage hairstylist, go to KAI!). And look at Marcel, doesn't he look swanky in his tuxedo?? Oh, and we took beginner swing dancing lessons and had a great time swinging to the Don Neely orchestra. A couple of mis-steps but it was a lot of fun! I am so looking forward to the next year's gala!

Thrifted: gown, gloves, cape, necklace, bracelet | Shoes: Satin Low Pump Heels with Rhinestones: Caparros | Beaded cluctch: Bagteria (gift from mom) | Hairstyle: KAI | Makeup: Self

1920s for Spring 2012 v2!

More 1920s in 2012! It's everywhere now. I am sure you will spot them like I do. Here is a few that I saw recently... They come in different shapes and colors - glittery, summer colors, elegant shiny metallic long gowns, beaded dresses, black and white, sheer chiffon. So jazz age!

Source: Style.com

Source: Style.com

Source: Style.com

Source: Fashionising

Source: Cop Copine Spring Summer 2012 Catalogue

Source: Bazaar's Deco Drama March 2012 Magazine Issue

1920s in 2012 : Milla Jovavich in the Academy Awards Red Carpet

Milla Jovavich went to the Oscars in an Elie Saab 1920s jazz deco gown! She's so glam!

Source: FashionRules

1920s for Spring 2012

1920s is one of "THE ERA"s for Spring 2012. In my last post, I saluted Ralph Lauren for its 1920-inspired collection. With the roaring 1920s and deco echoes being a Spring 2012 trend, there are also other designers who are paying respect to this era. Below are select samples. Don't forget to check out Fashionologie's and Style.com. They have pictures of beautiful Spring 2012 deco designs! (Next vintage trend report: 1960s for Spring 2012! I will post pictures in my next post - stay tuned)

Alberta Ferretti, Etro, Roberto Cavalli, Gucci

Source: Fashionologie

Benetton - look at the cloche hats, and the vibrant colors!

Source: Benetton Spring/Summer 2012 Catalogue

Ralph Lauren -- ooh-ahh the dress and the head wear. More on Ralph Lauren, click here.