Winter is nearly over for us desert dwellers.
We may have about 20 to 30 more days of silly rains and cool evenings, but back east and in other places around the globe, snow is still on the ground, and there is still a chance to rock your coats and sweaters. Now, the days of thick fabrics, the sun setting low in the horizon and morning frost are almost totally gone. Therefore, the style of local gents will start to change to slacks, shorts, shirts, tank tops, sandals and a light sweater – when needed.
This cinematic episode registers life in Phoenix a few weeks back when I had the opportunity to visit to one of my favorite modern developments in town. I was asked to guide the redesign and remodel of a bathroom located inside one of these unique modern dwellings. Fortunately, I was able to find a bit of historic information about the complex via www.modernphoenix.net – the popular blog by Ms. Alison King, but not much detail was found. I’ve been told that the HOA and the owners within the complex are thinking of opening a website which will keep track of historic – which most of us that like modern achitecture will be very fond of.
“THE OLYMPUS”, a modern development built in 1964 was designed by Architect Mr. Bob Starkovich- was originally called “The Monarch” – is a very expressive architectural complex and a sign of an elegant era long gone. The fashion captured here feels somehow related to that time. The elegance of what I decided to call, again and again “THE ELEGANT DUDE”.
This “ELEGANT DUDE” calls for dapper neckwear in different shapes and forms in contrast to the cinematographic background of this unique architectural development. It becomes part of the urban memory of the city.
The goal of this photojourney is more of a sensibly stylized vision of modern times combined with a spin of contemporaneity – rather than simply a statement of fashion.
The use of neckties help to define our man’s elegance (as seen in previous posts) in combination with the simple leather jacket and dark denim to the multilayer wool and heavy cotton. The idea is to keep the body warm, but at the same time create a series of contrasting, blending, and juxtaposed layers that is not possible during the warmer months were simple layers are the best option.
After I finished the photoshoot with upcoming model Mr. Mitchell Martinez, I realized that the background and the syling of the shoot was a perfect match for his modern style! – I saw the building design of textured materials, colorfully contrasted with layered subdued and muted tones – very much of what happens with modern architecture, where white, strong geometry and simple pop of colors work to define the structure.
The exterior of the structure is defined by elongated vertical elements topped off by a series of center-point arches. These combine to create a aesthetic solution for the building crowns offered a sensible, yet seductive interior that was very hard to capture without faulting to dramatic or overly direct.
I decided to use tones similar to the environment: a series of blacks and greys, and captures the entire architectural description of tones – which splash and taste as an element of contrast to what I wanted to highlight the most: simple and elegant neckwear.
The neckwear above in bright cobalt is part of an exquisite selection of ties and bowties that my friend Ms. Janet Traylor’s husband Bill (owners of the condominums I am showcasing here) inherited from his father. It was a treat for my design senses to see a very well-preserved series of boxes, each with an assortment of different colors, lengths, thickness of ties and bowties, which also included photographs of Janet’s father-in-law wearing them throughout his life. (I definitely have to spend more time with her and create a cover story about that subject.)
This time, I wanted to capture the essence of the white space, the extraordinary architecture and the flair of an elegant era long gone.
So, even if year after year, the style is repeated, these are just some suggested looks for whatever cold weather remains – to help transition out of the tail of winter.
DISCLAIMER: All ideas, photography, styling and media on this blog photography, written or video are exclusive for the use of Oscar De las salas under www.whatwouldoscardo.com. Any use, copy, crop/paste action, or any similarity of this material is strictly prohibited unless authorized by http://www.whatwouldoscardo.com or by Author. All Copyright laws for internet or media use are applicable. If you want, need or require any of this material for any reason please contact my agent – Always in style – Oscar.
Thanks to your styling and photography, “The Fabulous Olympus” has never looked better, Oscar!
By the way, the architect of record was Bob Starkovich, who died just a few years ago. He was from one of Arizona’s “first families” — those who were early settlers. His firm did a lot of commercial buildings, including schools.
The Olympus is a great example of mid-century concrete-block construction. The transverse vaults visible in some of your photos are made of cast concrete. They’re remarkable for their load-bearing capacity, sound-insulating ability and poetic drama; they catch the light so beautifully. We love living here!
My dear Janet-
Thank you so much to you and Bill to allow me to use your wonderful flat for this post – THE OLYMPUS CONDOMINUMS is one of my favorite modern dwellings in Phoenix, and thank you so much for providing the architect of record name – I was not able to find much information about the architectural process or develpment of the project.
Projects like THE OLYMPUS should be kept impeccably as it is an important contribution to the cityscape and an example to future generations of the ability of modern architecture to be genteel and friendly with the rest of the city, but yet, keeping it’s essence.
Always in style!
Oscar-