Simone Mirman: The Milliner of Modern Elegance

Simone Mirman (1912–2008) was a celebrated Paris-born milliner who defined hat design in mid-20th century London. Active through the eras of post-war austerity and the Swinging Sixties, she was a master of impeccable craftsmanship and chic modernity.

Mirman’s career reached its zenith when she became a favored designer for the British Royal Family, notably Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret, crafting hats that balanced traditional regal formality with sharp, contemporary lines.

Her work, which blended the boldness she learned working with Elsa Schiaparelli with her own elegant sensibility, ensured that the hat remained a powerful symbol of sophistication during a rapidly changing time in fashion history.

Myrtle Crawford wearing a mushroom-shaped hat of navy straw, the underside lined in white voile and white ribbon round the crown by Simone Mirman, photo by Henry Clarke, Harper's Bazaar UK, July 1950

Myrtle Crawford wearing a little cloche of navy-blue straw with an upturned brim faced in white by Simone Mirman, photo by Henry Clarke, Harper's Bazaar UK, July 1950

Anne Gunning in cinnamon line dress with scalloped collar echoed with white marcella and wrapped rounded overskirt by Mattli, burnt straw hat by Simone Mirman, jewelry by Asprey, photo by Henry Clarke, Harper's Bazaar UK, May 1951

Anne Gunning in classic black barathea suit by Ronald Paterson, wide-brimmed hat in oyster felt by Dior at Simone Mirman, photo by Richard Dormer, Harper's Bazaar UK, November 1951

June Duncan in toast-colored silk shantung suit, double box pleats streak down the back of the jacket and skirt, by Lachasse, velvet banded straw hat by Simone Mirman, photo by Henry Clarke, Harper's Bazaar UK, May 1951

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Some Photographs of Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston Together in the 1980s and 1990s

Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston were close friends who had a brief, secret romance in 1991. Their connection stemmed from understanding the immense pressures of global fame, and they spent time together at Jackson’s Neverland Ranch. According to Jackson’s former bodyguard, he had dreams of marrying her and never truly got over their connection.

Both Jackson and Houston rose to superstardom around the same time, Jackson with Thriller (1982) and Houston with her debut album Whitney Houston (1985). They met several times at award shows and industry events and were very respectful of each other’s talent. Jackson reportedly admired Houston’s voice, calling her one of the few singers who could truly “move people with pure sound.” Houston referred to Jackson as “very close” and spoke to him often during his trial, though he often didn’t want to see people in person.

Jackson’s former bodyguard, Matt Fiddes, claimed in 2012 that the two had a two-week romantic affair in 1991. Fiddes said they “instantly connected as kindred spirits because they understood each other’s massive fame.” He also claimed that Houston “practically moved in” to Jackson’s Neverland Ranch during this short-lived romance.

According to Fiddes, Jackson had deeper feelings and “always hoped the relationship had gone further,” even dreaming of marrying her. Music producer David Gest also claimed that both artists confided in him that they were in love with each other, but Michael didn’t have the courage to pursue it.

Both artists had discussed collaborating on a duet, but it never came to fruition. The two saw each other for the final time at Jackson’s 30th Anniversary concert in 2001. According to Fiddes, they shared an emotional hug and said they loved each other.

Houston was “devastated” by Jackson’s passing in 2009. In an interview with Oprah Winfrey after Jackson’s death, she called him “an extraordinary man” and “a gentleman.” She recalled how, during the 2001 anniversary concert, she saw both of their frail conditions as a sign of their shared struggles with fame and addiction. She said she felt, “This can’t happen. Not both of us, Mike!”

Both stars faced intense public scrutiny, personal isolation, and addiction issues — parallels that made many fans feel they understood each other’s pain. After Whitney’s death, some of Michael’s fans noted how similar their fates were: two immensely gifted artists consumed by the pressures of the industry.

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40 Glamorous Photos of Suzanne Somers in the 1980s

Suzanne Marie Somers (October 16, 1946 – October 15, 2023) was an American actress, author, and businesswoman. She played the television roles of Chrissy Snow on Three’s Company (1977–1981) and Carol Foster Lambert on Step by Step (1991–1998).

Her time in Three’s Company ended in 1981 following a dispute over salary in 1980 where she requested a raise to match the pay of her male co-star, John Ritter, and other male sitcom stars of the era. Her role was reduced for the remainder of her contract, and she was later fired.

Following Three’s Company, she reinvented herself as a live performer. Her husband and manager, Alan Hamel, helped her establish a new image as a nightclub entertainer in Las Vegas, headlining at the MGM Grand for two years and later at the Las Vegas Hilton. She was named Las Vegas Entertainer of the Year in 1984 and 1986. She performed a lively revue with classic stage songs and toured various clubs across America.

Somers appeared in made-for-TV movies like Keeping Secrets and Hollywood Wives, and in talk shows where her charm and humor helped maintain her celebrity status.

Suzanne began to pivot into business and fitness, laying the groundwork for her later success with the ThighMaster (which became iconic in the early 1990s). She also published self-help and fitness books, establishing her as a voice for women’s empowerment and health.

Her 1980s persona was glamorous and upbeat, often appearing in sequined dresses and big, voluminous hair typical of the decade’s style. She projected a mix of California sunshine and showbiz sparkle, maintaining a wholesome yet confident image that kept her in the public eye.

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30 Amazing Color Slides Capture Street Scenes of Rome in the Early 1950s

The early 1950s saw Rome emerging from the post-war era and starting to flourish as part of the “Italian economic miracle”. This period was a time of significant reconstruction and modernization. The city began its transformation into a fashionable, cosmopolitan capital, laying the groundwork for the famous era of La Dolce Vita (“The Sweet Life”) that followed.

Iconic spots like the Cinecittà Studios became a hub for major international film productions, with classics like Roman Holiday being filmed in the city. The atmosphere blended historic charm—with its ancient domes and quiet morning cafés stirring with the scent of espresso and soft jazz—with a growing sense of modern energy and excitement.

These vintage slides, from Nicholas Massa, were taken by Earl Schmit on a trip through Europe, showcasing street scenes of Rome in November 1950.

Rome, Italy, November 1950

Rome. A tomb from the 1st century, Italy, November 1950

Rome. Arch of Constantine, Italy, November 1950

Rome. Castel Gandolfo, Italy, November 1950

Rome. Castel Gandolfo, Italy, November 1950

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Brigadier General J V Campbell Addressing Troops From the Riqueval Bridge Over the St. Quentin Canal, October 1918

This famous photo shows Brigadier-General John Vaughan Campbell VC addressing men of the 137th Brigade (46th Division) on the Riqueval Bridge over the St. Quentin Canal in France on October 2, 1918, during the final months of World War I.

The image was taken just after the successful capture of the Riqueval Bridge—a critical objective in the Battle of St. Quentin Canal, part of the broader Allied Hundred Days Offensive that led to the end of the war.

The St. Quentin Canal formed part of the heavily fortified Hindenburg Line, a key segment of the German defensive network on the Western Front. The 9th Battalion, North Staffordshire Regiment, under Brigadier General John Vaughan Campbell, executed a daring assault to seize the bridge intact before the Germans could demolish it. Campbell had previously been awarded the Victoria Cross for bravery during the Battle of the Somme in 1916. His leadership at Riqueval became a symbol of the Allies’ growing momentum in 1918.

The soldiers in this photo were participating in the so-called “100 Days Offensive” at the end of World War I. The offensive began in August 1918 and took place along the entire Western Front. By this point in the war, the German army’s initiative had halted, and their forces were in a dire state. The soldiers were exhausted, and morale was low.

For the first time in the war, Allied planes, tanks, and artillery were coordinated with infantry on the ground. Additionally, French, British, and American troops worked closely together. This coordination was key to Allied success, alongside their dominance in the skies, which was a significant advantage. There were heavy losses on both sides.

During the offensive, Allied casualties totaled approximately 700,000, while German casualties reached around 760,000. Gradually, the offensive caused the German army to collapse, forcing them to retreat further and further as the Allies continued their attacks. The arrival of over a million fresh American troops significantly bolstered the Allied effort, contributing to the final defeat of the German army in November 1918.

Vintage Portraits of Catherine Deneuve During the Filming of “Repulsion” (1965)

Repulsion is a 1965 British psychological horror thriller film directed by Roman Polanski, and starring Catherine Deneuve. Based on a story written by Polanski and Gérard Brach, the plot follows Carol, a withdrawn, disturbed young woman who, when left alone in the apartment she shares with her sister, is subject to a number of nightmarish experiences. The film focuses on the point of view of Carol and her vivid hallucinations and nightmares as she comes into contact with men and their desires for her. Ian Hendry, John Fraser, Patrick Wymark, and Yvonne Furneaux appear in supporting roles.

Shot in London, it is Polanski’s first English-language film and second feature-length production, following Knife in the Water (1962).

The film debuted at the 1965 Cannes Film Festival before receiving theatrical releases internationally. Upon its release, Repulsion received considerable critical acclaim and currently is considered one of Polanski’s greatest works. The film was nominated for a BAFTA Award for Gilbert Taylor’s cinematography.

Take a look at these vintage photos to see portraits of Catherine Deneuve during the filming of Repulsion in 1965.

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Smilin’ Jack, an Enormous Jack-o’-Lantern Painted on the Side of an 80,000-Barrel Storage Tank Each Year Since 1952

“Smilin’ Jack” is the giant jack-o’lantern face painted onto a hortensphere (a squat, ellipsoidal storage tank) at the Phillips 66 refinery in Wilmington — originally the Union Oil refinery. The tank was built and completed in October 1952 when the facility was operated by the Union Oil Company of California. During its construction, the tank’s primer coat had an orange tint.

The combination of the tank’s round, squat shape and its temporary orange color led Union Oil staff to compare it to a pumpkin. An unnamed plant executive had the “brainstorm” to temporarily paint a jack-o’-lantern face on it as a surprise for the community on their daily commute. The idea was approved by the Union Oil President, Reese Taylor. Workers painted the tank with black and white paint to create the massive jack-o’-lantern face, giving birth to “Smilin’ Jack.”

The tank is enormous — commonly described as an approximately 80,000-barrel (often quoted as a “three-million-gallon” or roughly 3–3.36 million gallons) storage hortensphere — making Smilin’ Jack one of the largest jack-o’lanterns on the West Coast. (Calculation: 80,000 barrels × 42 gallons/barrel = 3,360,000 gallons.)

The painting of the tank became an annual tradition in Wilmington, repeated every Halloween season since 1952, spanning over 70 years. The painting of the massive face alone reportedly takes about 21 hours. Historically, after Halloween, the festive orange glow was replaced with gray or white paint. However, in recent years, the tank has sometimes remained orange year-round.

Smilin’ Jack has become a celebrated local celebrity, drawing thousands of people each year to view the “monster jack-o’-lantern” and take photos. The refinery often hosts drive-through events and hands out treats like caramel popcorn to the public. In 2020, to send a message of safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, Smilin’ Jack famously sported an 80-foot-wide face mask.

The Wilmington refinery complex (Phillips 66) was reported to be scheduled to close in 2025, and local coverage has raised questions about Smilin’ Jack’s future and whether the tank will be preserved when the site changes. The fate of the jack-o’lantern tank is therefore currently uncertain.

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