MOD Monday - 'Veruschka'

It's hard to believe that Veruschka von Lehndorff, the popular model of the 1960's whose name was shortened to simply 'Veruschka', turned 71 this year.  Born in Russia, but of German descent, she came from a military background being that her father was a German Count & Army reserve officer who was a part of the German resistance.  He was executed when she was five years old for attempting to assassinate Adolf Hitler.  Although she was born into wealth, after her father's death her family was left homeless.

She was discovered at the age of 20, and began modeling full-time in Paris.  In 1961 she became acquainted with Eileen Ford of the Ford Modeling Agency & moved to New York.  Being a huge fan of the infamous eccentric Salvador Dali, I was amazed to discover that she had worked closely with him on several projects! 

Although modeling was her forte', she had dabbled in acting a bit appearing in only about a dozen films, none of which were box office hits, her last being a bit part in the 2006 Casino Royale, a prequel to the popular James Bond movies. Throughout her modeling career, she appeared on the cover of Vogue quite a few times which made her well known around the world.  Her look was uniquely distinctive and she was the ultimate chameleon when it came to adapting to the ever changing style trends of the 60's...

Being a Countess by her birth right, she was the epitome of the rags to riches story having gone back and forth between wealth, poverty and finally doing very well for herself in the end.  As the years progressed, she became a well known 'Mod' fashion Icon of the 60's, having been the muse of every designer she came in contact with.

Last year, Veruschka made a runway appearance at the Giles 2011 Spring/Summer show in London for fashion week.  She was part of his finale sporting a long orchid and bow print gown, with a 7 foot boa decorating her hair, definitely proving that youth really has nothing to do with the way beauty should be perceived.

   
            
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MOD Monday - Joey Heatherton

It's hard to believe that the pouty sex kitten with the signature blond shag, Joey Heatherton, will be turning 67 this September 14th 2011.  Heatherton's popularity spanned a decade from the mid sixties to the late seventies and she is definitely known for being a part of the 'mod generation'.

Born Davenie Johanna (i.e. Joey) Heatherton in New York in 1944 to veteran song and dance man Ray Heatherton, she went on to become a singer/dancer/actress, but her career only lasted the short length of a decade and she had only appeared in about a dozen films before it fizzled out.  She was also a regular on popular shows of that time such as The Perry Como Show, Dean Martin Show, The Ed Sullivan Show and This Is Tom Jones. 

She was Bob Hope's side kick accompanying him overseas in support of the serving troops, performing and entertaining sailors aboard the USS Ticonderoga  in Vietnam, December of 1965 & in Thailand in December of 1967.  

She became a pop culture icon most remembered for her servitude to the military but claimed her fame for her overt sex appeal, preceding the footsteps of her fellow sex symbol Farrah Fawcett by posing for Playboy while in her 50's, appearing in the April 1997 issue of Hugh Hefner's popular mag.

The last movie she appeared in that had any acclaim was the 1990's cult classic "Cry Baby' featuring Johnny Depp.  Heatherton portrayed Milton's mother in the film.  Unfortunately, after successfully creating a legacy for herself having had a second in the limelight, Joey Heatherton fell into the Hollywood stereotype by succumbing to a life threatening drug addiction as well as an eating disorder when her star status died down.  

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Military Inspired Fashion

Having just celebrated Independence Day, I began to ponder on the men and women who are serving our country, which in turn gave me an idea to do a little blurb about 'military inspired fashion'.  This trend is nothing new as the 18th & 19th century's Georgian & Victorian era originally popular for functionality and utility clothing styles were the original inspiration behind the fad. 

      
Whether it's Army, Navy, Air Force or Marines, military styles have been on the front lines of fashion for centuries.  Dark blues, sage & olive greens, as well as taupe are the staple colors for these designs and you can even incorporate big chunky boots into the mix.  Big buckles & over sized buttons, pea coats, trench coats and pleated tapered slacks.  The options are endless when it comes to creating your own vibe.  Crisp military designs are on top of the game this year for Fall 2011.  From sleek cropped jackets to edgy military styled pants.  For Fall 2011, the design house of Versace is showcasing a strong and sexy military style for women with metal embellishments and, tailored coats paired with open toed boots.

For a more casual and more affordable military style you can opt for this Army inspired get up that you can easily piece together...

Random fact: The military style is one of the top 4 fashion trends for Winter 2011.






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