Monday, February 7, 2011

Latest articles from Retro To Go

Latest articles from Retro To Go


eBay watch: Rosita 1970s space age hi-fi system

Posted: 07 Feb 2011 12:34 PM PST

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Regular readers will recall us featuring the Rosita Stereo Commander Luxus hi-fi system recently, which was a stunning space age audio system, albeit for £1,699. This Rosita space age hi-fi system is similar and from the same era - but bidding starts at just £1.

There are differences though, despite the initial similarity of looks, not least the stunning chromed, tulip-style base and that similarity of age. This one is made of painted wood for the casing, with integrated speakers and a see-through plastic lid. Vinyl playback, a cassette player and a Grundig radio, plus lots of stylish controls finish things off.

Downside? This is in 'unrestored' condition and although there's no major damage, there are some (cosmetic) things missing from the cassette player. Still, with no bids and that £1 price tag still possible, this Rosita system is well worth looking at more closely. Another image over the page or see the listing for many more.

Find out more at the eBay website

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Fifi Dress by Heartbreaker Fashion

Posted: 07 Feb 2011 10:13 AM PST

Fifidress

Heartbreaker Fashion may focus on 40s and 50s looks for most of their design influence, but it seems they can bring just as much of their usual flare to sixties pieces too. This Fifi Dress creates a chic mod style in a wide variety of colours and prints.

The dress structure is simple and effective, using a basic shift with an empire line. The sleeveless cut, a-line silhouette and contrasting folded collar all combine for a timeless mod style that doesn't put a foot wrong. The chosen prints available range from argyle (left), through houndstooth to more headturning floral prints (right).

Each version is available online from Heartbreaker Fashion for $80.

Find out more from the website

Yellow Short Circle Skirt from River Island

Posted: 07 Feb 2011 09:27 AM PST

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When looking towards the 20th century for fashion inspiration, consumers and designers alike can often forget the gems that can be found in crossover eras. While fifties and sixties inspired styles are usually very distinct, the pieces which aim for the time in between are often the most intriguing.

This Yellow Button Circle Skirt from River Island utilises elements of fifties style, combined with some sharp 60s updates. The circle skirt is given an update with a shorter hem and matelot buttons, while the high waist and a-line silhouette remain intact. Finished in a chic mustard yellow, this skirt is versatile and instantly retro.

Get it from River Island now for £26.99.

Find out more from the website

The Prisoner limited edition postcard set by Piper Gates Design

Posted: 07 Feb 2011 08:49 AM PST

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If you liked The Prisoner poster we featured some weeks back, you'll be pleased to know that there's an euqlly-limited sequel of sorts - The Prisoner postcards by Piper Gates Design.

Like the poster, the set of postcards mixes iconic imagery from the cult TV series with the format of 1960s Penguin paperback books to great effect. Each set of eight postcards comes with a wallet to protect your purchase and each postcard in the set is signed and numbered by the artist.

See some larger versions of the images over the page or if you want to buy, limited numbers are for sale via eBay. £10.99 secures you a set.

Find out more at the eBay website

Via Modculture

 

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Apothecary shower curtain by Izola Shower

Posted: 07 Feb 2011 05:02 AM PST

Shower curtain

Even if you don't know the name, you're bound to have seen some the distinctive designs of Izola Shower before - think of this Studio 54 curtain for example. Their new range, which includes this Apothecary shower curtain, takes its inspiration from vintage wares. 

The curtain features charming illustrations of old-fashioned toiletries which hark back to a simpler age of grooming and which are printed onto a poly/cotton canvas. If you like the style of this, take a look at their other new designs which are based around a powder room, sporting implements and even scout badges. 

The shower curtain costs $55. 

Buy it online

Utility Dress by Tara Starlet

Posted: 07 Feb 2011 05:00 AM PST

Utility

Utility Clothing was introduced towards the end of 1941 by the British government to cope with the short supply of fabric. The Incorporated Society of Fashion Designers, lead by the likes of Norman Hartnell, Digby Morton and Hardy Amies, created over 30 different utility clothing designs that became hugely popular and are still greatly evocative of the period today.

Darlings of the vintage reproduction scene Tara Starlet have paid their tribute to 1940s wartime fashion with their version of the classic Utility Dress. The pin spot dress, accented with white buttons and piping, is available in 5 colours. Pitch perfect 40s chic for attending all those vintage events over the spring and summer months.

The Utility Dress is £75 from the Tara Starlet website.

Lucienne Day bed linen by Heals

Posted: 07 Feb 2011 03:00 AM PST

SheetsBig, bold 60s style patterns are everywhere in clothing and home wares this Spring Summer.

The Lucienne Day bed linen is based on the British textile designer's Sunrise pattern, which was originally designed for Heals in 1969. Over the 20 years she designed for Heals, Day produced over 70 different patterns and, with her prints hanging in every contemporary home across Britain, pioneering the idea of fabric as 'art for the people'. The modernist geometric Sunrise pattern is a great way to introduce authentic 60s design to your bedroom. 

The bedding is 100% cotton and available in sizes single to super king with pillowcases sold separately. The range is available exclusively from Heals and starts from £30. See website for more details.

Skandium sale shop

Posted: 07 Feb 2011 02:30 AM PST

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Skandium crops up quite frequently on these pages as a seller of classic Scandinavian design. Well, as you know, that classic design usually comes with a significant price tag so bargain hunters should make sure they get down to the Skadium sale shop which started on Saturday and runs until 20 February.  

The idea of the shop apparently sprang from when the owners of the store were offered Hans J Wegner furniture by Carl Hansen at reduced price. They've promised 50% to 80% off all stock which includes other Retro To Go favourites like Marimekko. Artek, Fritz Hansen and iittala. 

The shop is based at 235 Brompton Road, London, just down the road from its South Kensington store. The building is a grade II listed Victorian former jewellers shop, so offers an unusual contrast to Skandium's usual aesthetic. 

Find out more online

Wim Crouwel-inspired Wallpaper

Posted: 07 Feb 2011 02:10 AM PST

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Whether the name Wim Crouwel means anything to you, will depend on how much you know about graphic design and specifically typography. Dutch designer Crouwel is best known for designing radical fonts such as the The New Alphabet which he created in 1967. The Design Museum will be celebrating his long career with an exhibition later this year. Whilst the exhibition itself will undoubtedly be interesting, what has particularly sparked our interest is the limited edition Wim Crouwel Wallpaper that will accompany it.

The Design Museum has partnered with Cole & Son to release a wallpaper inspired by his work. The design incorporates a letter C for Crouwel in a geometric and abstract form to pay tribute to his style. Available in a choice of grey or aqua, the wallpaper costs £175 per roll.

The wallpaper will be on sale to coincide with the exhibition (30 March to 3 July) and will only be available to buy from the Design Museum Shop.

Dwell Oval Sideboard

Posted: 07 Feb 2011 02:08 AM PST

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Dwell's Oval Sideboard isn't a show-stopping design, but it is a simple, practical and reasonably priced item of retro-inspired furniture.

The sideboard has a gentle curved edge to it, which suggest a midcentury influence and it offers a decent amount of storage space behind its two doors. It is available in either the walnut veneer finish pictured above or a white gloss lacquer.

The sideboard costs £699 from Dwell.

Don't Be So Quick to Overlook the Maserati Grecale Folgore

If the GranTurismo Folgore is a guide, this Grecale Folgore could be surprisingly competitive. The EV GT was one of the year's best surp...