It still has that distinctive, vintage-esque collage style, but Sir Peter Blake also gives a nod to the contemporary art scene with the launch of his new set of prints, Homage to Damien Hirst – Butterfly Man.
According to the man himself: 'Damien Hirst has used butterflies in a lot in his work, and it was pointed out that 'the butterfly man' owes more than a little to his work, so I was happy to dedicate him in homage to Damien. I am an enormous admirer of Damien’s work.'
Apparently the 'new' Volkswagen Beetle has been around since 1998, so VW thought it was time to go back to drawing board. The result is the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle, which is officially launched today.
If you want to just see the pretty pictures, check out over the page for those. But if you want detail, read on. Launching at car shows in Shanghai, Berlin and New York, it's likely to appear at dealers from late 2011, offered in various guises – a 170 horsepower 2.5-litre version, a turbo-charged 2.0-litre four-cylinder TSI engine or the latest TDI turbo diesel unit. This is no Fiat 500 competitor, that's for sure.
It was the first of the classic cars to get a modern makeover, but with both the Mini and Fiat 500 overtaking it of late, 2011 is perhaps a good time for an all-new Volkswagen Beetle to launch.
According to Car magazine, which has a clutch of spy shots (you can see more over the page), the all-new Beetle will be unveiled around April/May, with the images shown being the latest test model. It might still change a little before it hits the showroom (with regard to the wheel arches in particular, which are still based on the current model), but this is almost the finished item.
One of our firm favourites on Retro To Go, Mode Merr have come back to the market flying this month with a vamped up new website and plenty of covetable clothes to help the relaunch. One of our favourites, thanks to its versatility and undeniable vintage charm is this Understudy Blouse.
Made from a stretch jersey fabric, the top clings to curves to create an ideal separate for your fifties and early sixties looks. With a peep hole neckline, pointed collar and ribbon fastening, the decolletage is key on this one. With a slim long sleeve and fitted cut, however, you can be sure the silhouette is kept classic throughout.
The Understudy Blouse is available from Mode Merr for $62 in a wide range of sizes.
For a genuine fifties look in your retro reproduction dresses, there's few brands who get it right like Vivien of Holloway. The UK-based dressmakers keep coming up with the goods, with new fabrics just in time for the Halloween season.
Shown above left is the new Dia de Los Muertes design, featuring kitschy skull patterns throughout for a psychobilly style pin-up feeling. Alternatively, check out the new skull and crossbones print or a more classic anchor pattern.
Prices start at £69.
We're quite keen on Mikkel Rude shirts. Not least because of their excellent fit, great choice of cloths and the ability to stay looking good after a few washes. If you fancy giving them a try, the new range is now available, some of which are pictured here and over the page.
The fit, cut and design are essentially the same, a classic 60s-style button down with fairly high button-down collar, slim fit, box pleat, button sleeve and single breast pocket. Although this year, there are also some long sleeves in the range, as well as some plain colours.
Check out many more pictures over the page. You can buy the new shirts at Oi Polloi in Manchester, American Classics in London, Storm in Copenhagen and Martin C. in Paris, as well as online at the Mikkel Rude website, although the new designs don't seem to be selling on line just yet (keep checking). Prices are around the £65 mark.
