These are strange and crazy times—wars, economic collapses, and passing pop icons. One thing that remains constant, however, is the comfort of old-fashioned simple recipes and foods, like apple crisp, chocolate chip cookies, and mashed potatoes.
The Betty Crocker's Boys and Girls Cookbook was one of my first cookbooks as a child. Actually, I think it was a hand-me-down from my older sisters, who were 10 years older than me.
The cover of the book has a boy frosting a cake. Throughout the book there are illustrations of boys cooking by themselves and along side the girls.
This was interesting, especially for the era it was originally printed (the fifties), because it didn’t treat cooking as a female specific activity, like many children’s cookbooks of the time period.
I would spend hours examining the photos and drawings, and of course reading the recipes in this beginner’s cookbook.
I rediscovered my cookbook a few years back, while cleaning out my mother’s home. The pages are well worn and stained. I think I made almost every recipe in the book.
As a kid, I’d pester my mom, “Can I make this…?!” She’d always reply, “If you can read the recipe…then you can make it…”
I always wondered why my creations didn’t look as perfect as the photo. I didn’t know about stylists and art directors back then. My "Enchanted Castle Cake" didn't look nearly as dreamy, or neat, as the photo above.
"A picnic with a pal"...a plaid blanket, sandwiches, and "lumberjack cookies"—giant, the size of salad plates, gingebread cookies with pastel icing.
The book also had "menus" for special occasions like mother’s day, and father’s day. I’d plan my own menus too...
Starting with bunny salad…
...then Meatloaf ala mode.
And for desert—apple crisp...admittedly apple crisp conjures up cozy autumn evenings by the fire, but Mr. Peacock makes this old-fashioned comfort food with summer fruits—peaches, plums, and berries.
Here’s Betty Crocker's Boys and Girls Cookbook recipe for Apple Crisp, which I made countless times as a small child and adapted to a “Summer Crisp.” This recipe is so easy, and is a great starting point for whatever ingredients you have in your kitchen.
Apple Crisp (or Summer Crisp) Makes 6 servings Preheat oven 350 degrees
4 cups sliced pared apples (I used sliced peaches, plums, and nectarines with the skins on. You could also use berries, or any combination of summer fruits) ¼ cup water ½ teaspoon of cinnamon ½ teaspoon salt 1 cup sugar (I used a combination of white and brown sugar) ¾ cup flour (I used whole wheat flour) 1/3 cup soft butter.
1. Butter an 8 x 8 x 2” oven safe pan. 2. Evenly spread the fruits in the pan 3. Sprinkle with the water over the fruit (if you’re using juicy plums or peaches, use half the water) 4. Mix the sugar, cinnamon, salt and flour in a bowl. (Sometimes I substitute quick cooking rolled oats for the flour, or use a mixture of rolled oats and flour. You could also add nuts too). 5. Add the softened butter, and mix with a pastry blender until crumbly (or pulse in a food processor). 6. Evenly spread the crumb mixture over the fruit. 7. Bake uncovered for about 40 minutes. 8. It will be hot and bubbly, like lava, when you take it out of the oven. Let it cool for about an hour. It will thicken as it cools. 9. Serve with vanilla ice cream, or whipped cream.
This simple dessert isn’t fancy—but it sure seemed fancy when I was 7 years old. The bubbling fruit with the buttery crumbs is always a comforting treat—especially at crazy times in your life.
William Ralph Blass, or should I say Bill Blass, epitomized classic American style. This gentleman peacock had an impeccable eye and it showed in his work, home and personal style. Mr. Blass would have been 87 years old this past Monday, but passed away in 2002 from throat cancer—which was probably accelerated from his lifelong smoking habit.
In photographs, Mr. Blass is usually shot with his trademark cigarette (above: 1940's).
This boy from Fort Wayne Indiana, whose father committed suicide when he was only five years old, went on to create a $700-million-a-year fashion empire (above at the office in the 1970's).
Above: Smokin' in Indiana in the 1970's.
As a teenager, Bill Blass, was already selling his sketches of gowns to a New York manufacturer, and continued to design until his retirement in 1999.
During the 1940’s, when he was in the army, he sketched what would become his Bill Blass logo (above).
Above: Looking casually elegant in a turtleneck and denim jacket—Chessy Rayner and Mica Ertegun are in the background.
He was pals with, and dressed, many of America’s most stylish ladies including: Chessy Rayner, Mica Ertegun, Slim Keith, and Nan Kempner.
Above: A Blass menswear show from the 1970's—you can see Mr. Blass smoking in the background behind the model on the left.
His menswear line, like himself, was impeccably tailored and classic looking.
Because of the popularity of his men’s wear line, Bill Blass licensed his name to Revlon in the late 60’s-early 70’s. They created a Bill Blass men’s fragrance line that included bronzer, deodorant, soap, aftershave, and something called Men’s "Other" Deodorant—for the crotch!
Bill Blass even designed a Lincoln Continental (above), when he partnered with the Ford Motor Company in the 1970's. When Mr. Blass was a newbie and starting out in Manhattan (above in the 40's), he looked sharp and had a chic apartment. He would buy the best quality things he could afford (Brooks Brothers clothing at the time), and later upgrade to more expensive and higher quality goods.
Above: A Maidenform ad from Glamour magazine, 1961.
Above: Bill Blass with Ralph Lifshitz (Ralph Lauren), c. 1970's.
Whether he was wearing a denim jacket or a tuxedo, this gentleman peacock was always elegant and well groomed. He knew what looked good on him and stuck with it—clean and classic clothing.
His homes were always chic and well appointed and he was a connoisseur of antiquities (above: his home at One Sutton Place in NYC).
Above: A well dressed table and well dressed gentleman—Mr. Blass looking chic in an oversized gingham patterned shirt, navy blazer, pocket square, brown belt, chinos, and his trademark cigarette.
His was passionate about his homes and gardens, and liked entertaining guest. Mr. Blass bequeathed half of his $52 million estate, as well as several important sculptures to the Metropolitan museum of Art—including the piece above.
To learn more about this talented fellow, click here for numerous books about Bill Blass. Mr. Peacock salutes this quintessential American style icon for his taste and continued influence and inspiration for new generations of peacocks. Thank you Bill Blass!
The male peafowl, or peacock, has long been known for its display of its dramatic tail feathers. The brilliant hued feathers of the Indian Blue peacock have always been prized as decorative accents, and inspiration for artists and fashion designers.
Did know the brilliant colors of the peacock plumage are due to an optical interference phenomenon (Bragg reflection) based on (nearly) periodic nanostructures found in the barbules (fiber-like components) of the feathers, which produce the peacock's iridescent hues (which shimmer and change with viewing angle), depending upon the angle of light.
Here’s Mr.Peacock's wish list of “namesake” inspired goodies:
1)This hand-painted Syracuse pattern, by Haviland, reminds me of a stylized peacock feather. My mother inherited a set of Haviland dishes from her great-great grandmother, and the porcelain is sublime. It’s pricey, but a single dish could be very chic used to catch loose change and keys.
2)A gilded Indian peacock mirror would add an exotic touch to an entryway or room. It has a large mirror in the center, surrounded by small mirror discs inset in the “plumes.” 3)This vintage 1960’s brass peacock table lamp would make a unique addition to your home. It has two bulbs, and rests on an ebony stained wood base.
5)I found this peacock feather bric-a-brac at my favorite hardware store for around $3.75 a foot. The feathers are sandwiched (lightly glued in place) between a folded black grosgrain ribbon, and stitched closed along the seam. My photo doesn’t do this amazing bric-brac justice. It would be chic on the bottom of a lamp or window shade. Order some here, or check here.
In the summertime during my tween years, I would work for my father in his golf pro shop taking golf tee times, light book keeping, picking up golf balls on the driving range (ugh!), and keeping the golf carts clean and charged up. I would also sell golf accoutrements such as golf balls, golf gloves, golf shoes, golf clubs, and of course golf apparel...and do displays and merchandising in his shop.
Above: My dad, on the far right, with fellow golf pros in the early 1960’s. My father was almost 6 feet tall, so the third gentleman has to be a giant. My father disliked “loud” golf clothing—bright colors, busy patterns, and especially any cute patterns…ie whales. He sold Lacostein his pro shop, but never wore anything himself with logos or branding. He didn’t want me wearing any “advertisements” either—that’s what he called any clothing with obvious logos and branding.
Above: My dad, second from left, wearing tailor made trousers—sans belt loops in the late 1970's.
As an adult, I understand where my dad was coming from about logos, and by choice I seldom wear anything with logos or obvious branding. However, I’ve always liked patterns (plaid,polka dots,paisley), colors, and even the occasional kitsch wardrobe item. I guess I’m rebelling against my father.
When Mr. Peacock first became acquainted with Loudmouth Golf clothing—I had to chuckle. It’s everything my father disliked...
Loudmouth offers various trouser cuts. The plaid and patchwork pants are 100% cotton, and the printed and striped pants are a summer poplin (97% cotton and 3% spandex). Above: Loudmouth even has patterned golf grips for a customized look on your golf clubs.
It’s nice to see an alternative to drab sportswear. Loudmouth clothing may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but Mr. Peacock thinks you can wear “loud” clothes and still look chic.
Above: Alice Cooper wears Loudmouth, and has always been an avid golfer.
Wear one “loud” or patterned piece of clothing, and pair it with a solid color such as white, black, gray or navy—and wear it with confidence!
Above: A peacock golfer in Loudmouth plaid pants. The US Open Golf tournament championship is this week. My father played in this tournament in the 1960’s—wearing only black, gray or navy trousers, with white, powder blue, and pink polo shirts. Let’s see if anyone is wearing Loudmouth at the US Open. Above: A custom après golf jacket—you select the fabric...perfect for cocktails at the “19th hole.”
Do you wear any “loud” clothes—bright colors or patterns?
Mr. Andrew shared his inspirations and influences last March with Mr. Peacock,click here to read the interview.
UK Elle Decoration has always been a favorite read of Mr. Peacock. I’m thrilled for the kind shout-out from this incredibly stylish and inspirational magazine! Be sure to grab a copy of the July 2009 issue. Thank you UK Elle Decoration!
Gio Ponti was one of the most prominent and prolific designers of the last century. For over six decades, this Italian gentleman designed buildings, furniture, ceramics, and textiles (above—in a cotton suit, with a bow tie).
In addition to being a trained architect, he also was a professor, artist, poet and magazine editor—always paying attention to the sublime details in his work. He was born in Milan on November 18, 1891, and died September 16, 1979.
In 1950, Mr. Ponti, won the commission to design the 32-story Pirelli Tower(in collaboration with Pier Luigi Nervi and Arturo Danusso). The Pirelli Tower is his most iconic building, and the first skyscraper built in Milan.
A lesser-known building, and the only Gio Ponti designed building in the United States (with Colorado architect James Sudler), is the Denver Art Museum(above)—completed in 1971. The Daniel Libeskand, Frederic C. Hamilton building, opened adjacent to the Gio Ponti building in 2006—as part of the Denver Art Museum expansion. Mr. Peacock isn't too keen on this new annex, neither is the New York Times.Another addition, the Duncan Pavilion, was added in 2006 as a link between the Gio Ponti and Daniel Libeskand buildings.
As a child, my mother would take me to the Denver Art Museum to stroll through the galleries and for lunch afterwards in the café. I always thought it looked like a modern castle, and I imagined I lived there.
The entire surface is covered in 3-dimensional, steel gray tiles (above). This geometric shaped motif can be seen in other Gio Ponti works.
Various shaped windows are scattered throughout the building (above). The interior spaces elegantly flowed and allowed the artwork to shine.
The main entrance of the Ponti building had a large steel cylindrical shaped “tunnel.” I always imagined it was a slice of a submarine. It now has a tacky sign guiding visitors to the new main entrance, and was an unofficial bicycle parking area on my last pilmigrage. Sadly, the management of the Denver Art Museum doesn’t pay attention to details, like Mr. Ponti.
Above: Mr. Ponti designed so many wonderful furniture pieces.
Mr. Ponti designed the iconic chair, Superleggera (Superlight—see below left), in 1957. It’s simplicity belies it’s genius design—that is both comfortable and elegant looking...and of course it's super light.
Mr. Peacock has a half dozen Supperleggera chairs in aluminum with woven seats (above right). The sleek silhouette of the chair is ideal for apartments or small spaces. I can comfortably squeeze them all around my round table when I host dinner parties. Above: A pair of ceramic vessels designed by Mr. Ponti for Richard Ginori, c. 1924.
In 1928, Mr. Ponti founded the design and architecture magazine Domus—published from its inception to 1999. He remained the editor, with a brief sojourn, until his death. You can buy a complete reproduction set of Domus(above).
If Mr. Peacock wins the lottery, he would furnish his entire home in Gio Ponti (above and below—Ponti interiors).
Until then, there are some great books documenting the talent and work of Gio Ponti.
Above: A painting called, Gemini, by Gio Ponti.
Above: A Gio Ponti designed, Reed & Barton, coffee service with rattan handle.
Gio Ponti is one of the most important design figures of the 20th century.This gentleman icon did it all—designing, writing, painting! Thank you Mr. Ponti!
Years ago, I had custom sepia style note cards (below) made as a gift for my grandmother (LaViolette) and aunt (Mildred). I used a photo of them smoking, when they were teenagers in the 1920's.They got a big kick out of these note cards, and my grandmother had so much fun mailing them to her friends. You can order your own custom cards here, or order some from your local print shop.
Above photo, left to right: Aunt Mildred (about 13 years old), their friend Snookie, and my grandmother LaViolette (about 16 years old)—wearing their one-piece swimsuits and smoking cigarettes at the local "swimming hole." Mildred and LaViolette, weren’t allowed to eat any processed foods growing up. Their father didn't allow them to even eat cornflakes cereal—only whole foods for longevity. It is still debatable who was the favorite of their parents, but I think Mildred was her dad’s favorite and LaViolette was her mother’s favorite. Their father thought both of his daughters should be able to do everything that the boys could do, and therefore taught them both how to drive their Model T Ford when they were only 10 years old. They were the only girls in their neck of the woods that knew how to drive, and later in their teens "chauffeured" all of their friends to parties—including the boys.
Above, left to right: LaViolette and Mildred in their 70's—they still liked to have a good time and go to parties...playfully showing some leg. The sisters in about 1915.
During prohibition, when they were teenagers, their father would let them get dressed up and attend parties at speakeasies in the big city. Mildred begged her dad to buy her fishnet stockings (and he would), and he also let her wear his fur coat when they went to parties (he was a fur trader). Above: The original photo of my grandmother, that I used for the note cards.
In their early teens, my grandmother cut her and her sister’s long hair (and their friends too) into a short style which they called “the mannish dip.” Above: My grandmother (on the left) looking boyish with her cropped hair and "wrapped bosom," with a friend—dressed up and going to some party in the 1920's.
My grandmother had large breasts which weren't very fashionable then, and would wrap herself in a towel to flatten her appearance when they got dressed up—while Mildred had a more fashionable svelte figure. They had many fun and care-free times as teenagers.
I'm attending my grandmother's memorial this week in celebration of her long life. I will be out of town until next week, but will be back next Wednesday!
Thank you everyone for the birthday greetings! And thank you to Mistress MJ at Infomaniac for the naughty birthday wishes last Friday.
My favorite Aunt sent me a birthday card and a check (she has every year since I was born). This year she also included a tree dedication in my name through the Arbor Day Foundation. She's been "green" her entire life. You can buy a tree for someone here.
My mom took these photos at my birthday party when I turned 3 years old. I’m the chunky one in the short coveralls. We didn’t have big fancy, themed birthday parties as a child—just a few kids, ice cream and a homemade birthday cake on a sunny June day.
At the party, my cousin Tracy, (I’m 2 months older) started to cry for some reason ...and ran to her mom, my Aunt Criss. I actually remember thinking, “Why are you crying Tracy, it’s my birthday party!?”
One of my mom’s best friends, Nancy, brought her 2 sons, Ron and Tony. Ron was the oldest—maybe 6 or 7 years old. He didn’t really want play with us little kids.
My mom said, “I want a picture of you and Ron…” So I grabbed his hand and my mom took the picture. Oh, to be 3 years old again...
My partner Jason made me a clever homemade birthday card (which he always does for me), and a wonderful dinner….and I received nice cards (and gifts) from my sisters too. Thanks everyone—I appreciate it!
Madras is lightweight plain weave cotton fabric that originated from Madras (Chennai), India. It's is used for shirts, pants, and hats—and can come in a variety of checks, stripes and plaids...and you my fondness for plaid.
Early madras fabric wasn’t always colorfast, so the vibrant colors faded each time you washed it—and became softer and softer.
Most of the madras today is colorfast, but I still launder my new madras pieces separately—just to be safe, in case any colors bleed. Mr. Peacockloves patchwork, but it has to be the right kind of patchwork. Some of the mass-produced madras patchwork has become somewhat clichéd looking—I think because it looks a bit too perfect. Patchwork is charming when it’s not so perfect. Leave it to Ralph Lauren to make a unique madras patchwork shirt that utilizes the heart and soul of the Indian textile colors and patterns—with a bit of a hippy vibe.
Vivid colors in stripes and checks are overprinted with patterns of paisley, leaves, and other forms—and patchworked into a shirt. The color palette of these madras check swim trunks looks so vintage (50's or 60's)—but they’re brand new.
There’s also a long sleeve madras check shirt available. The color palette would work well all the way through autumn, and look great worn with a sweater.
Band of Outsiders showed many fantastic madras plaid patchwork pieces in their Spring/Summer 2009 collection.
I love the details, including the tab at the neckline.
A great madras tie is an easy way to incorporate some pattern into your wardrobe.
I love the vibrant color palette of orange, red, sky blue and cream on this madras checked tie.
Madras plaid sport coats(they're on sale too) are perfect for either dressing it up with a tie, or dressing it down with a soft, worn t-shirt and cut off shorts.
Madras trousers also look good worn casually with your favorite shirt, or more polished with a navy blazer. There are lots of great madras pieces for men this year. The lightweight fabric is ideal for hot weather. Mr. Peacock has a vintage pair of very soft madras patchwork pants that he’ll be lounging around in this summer.
Around 1990, when I worked at a weekly newspaper, I liked to listen to a local oldies Am radio station while I designed the layouts. The station, which is now defunct, played American standards and jazz—think Ella Fitzgerald, Benny Goodman, and Peggy Lee (above c. 1956).My dad would listen to a similar oldies station while driving his car, when I was a kid, so that music is very comforting to me.
One day, on a lark, I called the radio station when they announced a trivia question to win a pair of tickets to see Peggy Lee in concert. I don’t remember what the trivia question was, but I won those tickets!
I queried my friends to find someone to accompany me to the show—either they weren’t interested in seeing Peggy Lee, or had previous plans (the Folsom Fair was the same day as the concert). I ended up going to the show by myself, and had to take a bus for about 45 minutes, to what seemed like the middle of nowhere, out in the suburbs of San Francisco.
The bus was running late, and I was worried I would miss the beginning of the show—and there was no warm-up act. I walked into the theater, which was a tiered half-circle with maybe 1000 seats—and it was less than half full. I couldn't believe it—I thought it would be sold out. The audience was a mix: dressed-up older couples, some gay men, a handful of hipster kids, and a couple of drag queens. The band, about 10 or 12 guys, came out on stage and began warming-up. Then the lights dimmed and a male voice boomed over the sound system, “Ladies and gentlemen—Miss Peggy Lee.”
Above: Peggy Lee in her dressing room, before a show, c. 1990.
A spotlight appeared on the side of the stage...and Miss Lee was in a wheel chair, being pushed out to the center of the stage, by an assistant. It was rather surreal—and just a few yards away from where I was sitting. She was wearing a sparkly sequined outfit with her signature platinum wig, and a large sparkly rhinestone decoration (brooch?)on top of her hair...and a huge bunch of balloons fastened to the handles of her wheelchair. She was sparkling like firecracker, and brought the whole theater to life.
She took the microphone and looked out at all of the empty seats and said, “How about everyone squeeze in, and come closer.” So everyone crowded together down in the front section, and she began her first song. I literally had goose bumps hearing this legend perform! Like a good wine, her voice had aged, but was still wonderful—and thousands of times better than many young pop songbirds today.
Above: I'm a woman, with Johnny Cash.
She sang all of her hits and many cover songs: Fever, Manana, I’m a Woman, and my favorite—Is That All There Is? Between songs, she told stories and chatted with the audience, and even allowed the audience to ask questions.
Tony Bennett said, "Peggy Lee was the female Frank Sinatra...she was the epitome of popular jazz singing and a wonderful songwriter as well." Quoted from the Chicago Tribune, 1/23/02
What a performer! This lady with panache entertained us for almost 3 hours, and was so charming, funny and warm. At the time, she was involved in a lawsuit with Disney (they ripped her off for the songwriter royalties for the song, Lady and the Tramp), but still made funny references to the case, without naming names.
k.d. lang said, "She represents an era that is leaving us, one where vocals were king, and I honestly can't think of a better vocalist in that jazz-pop crooning style. What made her so good was that she interpreted and delivered songs with such a complex and dense range of emotions." Quoted from Time magazine, 1/27/02
Peggy Lee was a Gemini, born on May 26, 1920. This elegant and glamorous woman was a singer, songwriter, composer and actress. I can’t even begin to list all of the hits and professional accolades this girl from a small town in North Dakota achieved in her 60-year career.
To learn more about Miss Peggy Lee's amazing life and career, be sure to stop by theofficial Peggy Lee website, or read a book about this American icon. If you don’t have some Peggy Lee in your music collection, buy a cd today....make yourself a Casanova Cocktail and sit down and listen to it this weekend!
I feel very fortunate that I was able to see this icon perform live in my lifetime. She passed away in 2002. Mr. Peacock salutes this fellow Gemini—Miss Peggy Lee!
It’s Mr. Peacock’s birthday this week—so I will be posting items with Gemini connections.
Happy belated birthday to Arthur Ignatius Conan Doyle aka Sir Arthur Conan Doyle(above and below), author of the Sherlock Holmes novels. This Gemini peacock was born on May 22, 1859, in Edinburgh, Scotland. Mr. Peacock loves his impeccably waxed bushy 'stache.
Above: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in his home c. 1912, and in Paris in 1925.
Mr. Peacock has always been fond of the Sherlock Holmes character in books, films, et all. It doesn’t matter to me who’s portraying the drug addicted sleuth in television or film adaptations, as long as the director keeps the mystery on edge—and the costumes are on the mark.
Here’s the trailer for the Guy Ritchie directed Sherlock Holmes film—set to open in theaters in December. I’m not sure if I’m more excited that Robert Downey Jr. is playing Mr. Holmes, or that Jude Law is playing Dr. Watson? The costumes appear to be a visual treat.
David Seidner was a photographer who used his immense talent and cultural knowledge to draw on the past and create modern, yet timeless, beautiful images.
He was only 42 years old when he passed away in 1999, but he left us an amazing portfolio of his work (self portrait above, 1992). He was a perfectionist—always looking for the master technique in capturing his exquisite images.
Above: Ann Duong, 1999...a muse and frequent model
As soon as one complicated technical process was perfected, Seidner would move on to the next.
Above: Pink Orchid, 1999
He was one of those rare photographers able to create both commercial and artistic work—without compromising his own artistic integrity.
Above: Dancers, c. 1987.
This gentleman peacock left Los Angeles, when he was just 17—for fame and fortune in Paris. In Paris, he immersed himself in Parisian culture, nightlife, and the world of fashion. He photographed his first magazine cover at age 19, and had his first one-man show at 21.
The house of Yves Saint Laurent signed him for a two-year exclusive advertising contract when he was just 22 years old.
Pierre Bergé said to him: "David, if you can photograph a woman, the Eiffel Tower, and a bunch of roses at the same time—then the picture for the new fragrance, Paris, is yours." He did, and this photo (1983) would be seen in magazine ads across the world.
Above: Helena Bonham Carter, 1998.
David Seidner's photos were frequently built around themes: fragmented bodies, nudes, and portraits.
Above: Francine Howell for Azzedine Alaia, 1986
He combined a sense of formalism, sensuality and emotion in his work. Always experimenting and mastering techniques including layering Ektachromes, over-printing negatives, and interposing sheets of painted glass.
David Seidner photographed over 60 portraits of artists for his series, Faces of Contemporary Art—over a period of 15 years. Each portrait was painstakingly photographed in exactly the same context, alignment and background size.
Above: Portraits of artists Cindy Sherman, Richard Serra, and Louise Bourgeois.
He used an extraordinarily complicated printing process on “Arche” paper to achieve a dense black. The portraits were shown as a group in 1996 in Paris at La Maison Européenne de la Photographie.
Above: A shot for Yves Saint Laurent, c. 1983.
Mr. Peacock loves Mr. Seidner's work from the 1980's shot at his Paris home/studio. He used used metal, wire, broken pieces of mirror, glass bricks, paint brushes, black grease, and whatever else he found rummaging through second hand shops and hardware stores.
Above: Mr. Peacock loves this image shot for Yves Saint Laurent.
According to his longtime assistant, Gilles Jaroslaw, “He was like a scientist, inventing new things all the time and constantly looking for ways to push the limits, using multi-exposures, mirrors, long exposures, angles, lighting, etc."* *Quoted from The Independent. Above: Honor Fraser, 1994.
In the 1990’s he shot a series of beautiful portraits inspired by Sargent paintings.
He also photographed a series of nudes for an exhibition at New York’s Robert Miller Gallery, which were also collected for his book, Nudes.
Mr. Seidner was inspired by his love of Greek Antiquity and photographed his nude models in sculptural stances.
If you’re in New York this summer, stop by theInternational Center of Photography and check out the exhibit, David Seidner-Paris Fashions 1945. In 1944, the war-battered French couture industry decided to revive its international reputation by conceiving a small exhibition of 230 dolls, entitled Théâtre de la Mode, in which the major fashion designers of the day created outfits for small wire-frame dolls.
After the exhibit, the dolls disappeared, but resurfaced in 1990. David Seidner, because of his pioneering work with French fashion and historical gowns, was asked to photograph the Théâtre de la Mode dolls. You can buy the book, Théâtre de la Mode, with the David Seidner photographs—here.
ICP will exhibit fifteen of Seidner's color photographs of the dolls, along with one of the original dolls. The show runs May 15 through September 6, 2009.
Above: A portrait of Tina Chow, 1981 A muse of David Seidner (and a favorite of Mr. Peacock!)
David Seidner’s commercial work included fashion shoots for the French and Italian editions of Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Vanity Fair and The New York Times Magazine, and advertising campaigns for Emmanuel Ungaro, Lanvin, Christian Dior, John Galliano, Bill Blass, and of course, Yves Saint Laurent.
Above: Taya Thurman, Mme. Gres, 1980.
His artistic work encompassed shows at the Pompidou Centre and La Maison Europeenne de la Photographie in Paris, the Whitney Museum in New York, and the publication of several books. If you don’t already own a David Seidner book, add one to your library today. You can view an archive of Mr. Seidner’s work at the International Center of Photography. Thank you David Seidner for your pursuit of beauty and perfection!
The Betty Crocker's Boys and Girls Cookbook was one of my first cookbooks as a child. Actually, I think it was a hand-me-down from my older sisters, who were 10 years older than me.
The cover of the book has a boy frosting a cake. Throughout the book there are illustrations of boys cooking by themselves and along side the girls.
This was interesting, especially for the era it was originally printed (the fifties), because it didn’t treat cooking as a female specific activity, like many children’s cookbooks of the time period.
I would spend hours examining the photos and drawings, and of course reading the recipes in this beginner’s cookbook.
I rediscovered my cookbook a few years back, while cleaning out my mother’s home. The pages are well worn and stained. I think I made almost every recipe in the book.
As a kid, I’d pester my mom, “Can I make this…?!” She’d always reply, “If you can read the recipe…then you can make it…”
I always wondered why my creations didn’t look as perfect as the photo. I didn’t know about stylists and art directors back then. My "Enchanted Castle Cake" didn't look nearly as dreamy, or neat, as the photo above.
"A picnic with a pal"...a plaid blanket, sandwiches, and "lumberjack cookies"—giant, the size of salad plates, gingebread cookies with pastel icing.
The book also had "menus" for special occasions like mother’s day, and father’s day. I’d plan my own menus too...
Starting with bunny salad…
...then Meatloaf ala mode.
1. Butter an 8 x 8 x 2” oven safe pan.
This simple dessert isn’t fancy—but it sure seemed fancy when I was 7 years old. The bubbling fruit with the buttery crumbs is always a comforting treat—especially at crazy times in your life.
What was your favorite treat to make as a kid?
