The Boyd Theatre

Was not saved thanks to Phillys corrupt politics

After the Final Curtain

The Boyd Theatre, downtown Philadelphia’s only art deco movie palace, opened on Christmas day in 1928 (the same day as the RKO Keith’s Theater in Queens, NY). Located in Philadelphia’s Center City neighborhood, the 2,450 seat theater was commissioned by Alexander Boyd and built by Hoffman-Henon, a Philadelphia architecture firm also known for the construction of the nearby Prince Music Theatre. One of the companies commissioned for the Boyd’s interior decoration was the Rambusch Company, who later decorated the Loew’s Kings Theatre.

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Loew’s Valencia Theatre

And here in Philly we cant manage to save the only one left

After the Final Curtain

This theater is not abandoned, but I had the chance to shoot it late last year, and I wanted to share the images with everyone.

View from the main level of the auditorium.

In the early 1920s, the Paramount-Publix theater chain planned to open five theaters in the New York City area. However, in December of 1927 those plans were put on hold due to an agreement with the Loew’s Corporation. The agreement stated that Loew’s would not open any new theaters in Chicago, and Paramount would not open any more in New York. The plans for four of the theaters were then turned over to the Loew’s Corporation. Two years later on January 12, 1929, The Loew’s Valencia Theatre opened in Jamaica, Queens, and became the first of the five Loew’s “Wonder” theaters.

The lobby of the former Loew’s Valencia Theatre.

Designed by renowned theater architect John…

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Loew’s Kings Theatre

A Theater Saved

After the Final Curtain

View of the auditorium from the balcony.

Loew’s Kings Theatre opened on September 7, 1929 in Brooklyn, NY, and was designed by the architectural firm of Rapp and Rapp (also known for the Paramount Theater in Times Square) and decorated by Harold W. Rambush.  It was operated by the Loew’s theaters chain, and, along with the Loew’s Jersey Theatre, Loew’s Paradise Theatre, the Loew’s Valencia Theatre and the Loew’s 175th Street Theatre, it was one of the five “Loew’s Wonder Theaters” in the New York metropolitan area.

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Milton Glaser teams up with Mad Men

If you are not familiar with  Milton Glaser now is the time to catch up. Mr. Glaser was extremely prominent in advertising graphics during the 60’s and 70’s The champion of “instant recognition” his bold statements have become iconic.

His minimal approach created some of the most familiar logos in the world of advertising, many of which are still in use and as fresh today as they were decades ago.There is no mistaking the psychedelic influence of the late 60’s, hence the new partnership with the creative crew who are responsible for the production of  Mad Men The series became extremely popular due its depiction of the goings on in a high powered advertising agency. A cross-generational success due to the number of Baby boomers who remember it well and the 30 somethings who still can’t believe that smoking , drinking  and fraternizing was common place during work once upon a time. I really miss those days of press type, hand done layouts and cocktails for lunch.

Time and fashion move on, as it must for Mad Men as well. It will be interesting to watch the Sterling agency move forward into the past. The question is. How far can they go? Will they push into the 70’s? and what happens when they are asked to take on the publicity for big shoulders of “Dynasty” in the 80’s.

The New York Times Article, http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/07/arts/design/mad-men-enlists-the-graphics-guru-milton-glaser.html

Milton Glaser….http://www.miltonglaser.com/

Mad Men…http://www.amctv.com/shows/mad-men

My own Private Grand Budapest Hotel

My own Budapest..The Painted Lady

It seems all the buzz this morning is about the Grand Budapest Hotel. Well let me tell you about my own hotel. I am obsessed with miniatures, can’t explain why I just am, models fascinate me. Ever since I was a child I have been building models you name it I’ve built it. I had every building set available as a child, Lincoln Logs, Tinker Toys, Erector Sets, Girder and Panels, AMT 3 in 1 car models, Lionel trains everything! I am fortunate that my parents recognized my passion early on, despite their worry about my somewhat anti social attitude. I simply preferred to be alone living in a fantasy world of architecture and auto engineering, in retrospect, playing out “The Fountain Head” scenarios where I was in control.

I’m no different now, in fact I’m more like the I was as a child than ever, due to age as Picasso so wisely understood, It takes a long time to become young. Back about 30 years ago I ran across a miniature kit that captured my imagination in a big way. A house kit, little did I understand where it would lead me. The “Painted Lady” has grown continuously ever since. The perfect winter project every February and March she gets an update. This year was ideal for nesting, its been a long hard winter so the Lady is getting an overhaul. Bare in mind she’s old and [just like me] in need of maintenance. The electric system was failing and she was really dusty. Over the last week I tore into a revamp, re-wiring, replacing bulbs, restoring pieces that have fallen off and making a few decor changes.

There is nothing that I savor more than rising very early and throwing myself wholly into a creative pursuit. As we grow older it becomes harder to find time to do anything creative due to this crazy world we live in where distraction has become a constant companion. I will say that advanced age has its advantages, I no longer allow myself to be pulled down by the daily stream of problems, I now make room for that “oneness” that can be found in doing exactly what you do best, they are precious moments and time has a way of growing short. The Painted Lady and I are the best of friends she is the embodiment of all things I am now and those things I have always been.

A bit of everything I am

The Grand Budapest Hotel speaks volumes to me, especially the model making aspects of the film. Messy Nessy, Wes Anderson and I are kindred spirits. Take a look at the latest post from my favorite blogger Messy Nessy,

http://www.messynessychic.com/2014/03/06/the-real-life-hotels-and-miniatures-from-wes-andersons-grand-budapest-dream/

I am so down with this its hard to express.

Now take a look at my own Budapest Hotel “The Painted Lady”

http://www.flickr.com/photos/vori52/9655683434/in/set-72157635342081073

 The Fountainhead, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Fountainhead_(film)

The Red Carpet Project.

The Red Carpet has become the most anticipated fashion event of the year, right up there with Fashion Week. Never underestimate the carpets influence, it both follows and dictates the current styles and colors that are considered “fashionable” by those of us who rarely have the opportunity and the funds to really “dress”

Last nights presentation was very entertaining, due to Ellen’s informality in mixing with the celebs, taking selfies ordering pizza and occasionally hinting at her orientation. Pharrell’s rendition of ” Happy” was wonderful, as was Bette’s rendition of “Wings” I still adore Midler and she looked terrific. Pink’s performance of “Rainbow” was flawless, especially when you consider that all of Garlands children were in the audience, a heavy responsibility to say the least.

Leto’s acceptance speech was touching and completely unrehearsed, I was very impressed. Lupita stole the show, she is so lovely and honest and unspoiled by her recent fame.

All in all everyone attending was beautifully put together. The gowns were all beautiful due to minimal black, pastels were in abundance. The men’s attire was by in large classic, thank goodness the bow tie tux is back, the vest showed up as well. The blue tux and white dinner jackets were a welcome addition to the men’s choices.

Want to play? Check out the inactive review of past Academy Awards Fashion

Dries Van Noten, “Curating Inspiration”

Dries curated an exhibit in Paris at the Museum of Decorative Arts. “Curating Inspiration” Pulling together his own work along with that of other designers, he visually demonstrates the elements that inspires the garments.

Would love to see this, but that is not going to happen. Here’s the link

 http://www.nytimes.com/video/fashion/100000002741867/dries-van-noten-curating-inspiration.html?nl=todaysheadlines&emc=edit_th_20140302

Oscar Weekend

It’s here again, the Oscars. Just like many others, I really didn’t get a chance to see any of the films that were nominated. No matter, I’m only really interested in the gowns and tuxedos worn at the event. I’ll watch the films after I see who wins. Here’s a wonderful compilation of the gowns worn by all the best actress winners since the first awards ceremony in 1929. A handy tool in case you fallen asleep before they finally get to the best actress category, like I inevitably do every year.

Mediarun  has done the work by putting together this infographic of all the gowns that have been worn by Best Actress winners since the first year the Oscars were held in 1929. Great job guys!

http://www.mediarundigital.co.uk/blog/dresses-worn-best-actress-oscar-winners/

Times they are Really Changing

 

Banana Republic has launched a same sex campaign using real couples, Nate Berkus and his fiance Jeremiah Brent and are they ever cute.

 

Other retailers are “coming out” as well….take a look at Buzzfeed.. http://www.buzzfeed.com/juliegerstein/nate-berkus-boyfriend-banana-republic-ads

Fashion for real guys…

Paris is fake snow

This is a refreshing approach. Having reviewed most of the recent mens shows, comprised  of  South Sea barely clad Polish boys with 29 inch waists, asymmetrical  Japanese over coats worn by androgynous waifs and the most absurd of all retro coats modeled after Jackie Kennedy’s three-quarter sleeved, huge buttoned, pastel confections, for men? I don’t think so [at least not for me] I loved Jackie but never wanted to be her.

All he needs is the sun glasses

Alexandre Mattiussi, the Designer of the Label Ami has the right idea for the American man.

Yes, after the show they ate pizza

Remember those “school boy” shades?

Real guys all shapes and sizes, a trend that seems to be occurring more and more, as designers opt for a broader audience.

More Shots http://tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/01/19/the-scene-mens-paris-fashion-week-ami-alexandre-mattiussi-fallwinter-2014/?action=click&contentCollection=Fashion%20%26%20Style&module=RelatedCoverage&region=Marginalia&pgtype=article

New York Times….http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/20/fashion/Fashion-Alexandre-Mattiussi-Ami-Paris-Mens-Fashion-Week.html?nl=todaysheadlines&emc=edit_th_20140220