storyboard, style Cynthia Friese storyboard, style Cynthia Friese

JACKIE NYC.

I’ve heard October in NYC is perfection and can only imagine Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis felt the same. As one of it’s most famous residents and lifelong lover of a good morning Stroll. She never allowed the unwarranted attention of onlookers and Paprazzo keep her inside at 1040 5th Ave. And October 7th 1971 seemed no different I'm sure.

Jacqueline headed out to Central Park wearing probably her usual strolling ensemble, but like many of us anything she put together had innate undate-able style to it. This particular day a simple Heathered Henley shirt, jeans, those iconic big sunglasses and a pair of classic Keds was her uniform.

Once her morning walk was done and she headed back to1040, she seemed unaware or pretended to not notice the infamous Ron Gallela who was there as well shooting another women's portfolio. Gallela a bain in her existence, for his downright obsession with capturing her and her children’s every move. She was after all his bread and butter and even a “crush” he later admitted to as well. Now in our age of paparazzi, he would be considered the Father of Stalk-arazzi. And this day would cement it all.

Gallella then jumped into a Taxi after her and told the driver to follow her closely. He took picture after picture without her being unaware. Then at 89th and 90th. The driver blew his horn excitedly to get her attention. Jacqueline with a slight smile turned to the driver and Ron got his now iconic “Windblown Jackie” image. Soon after she figured out it was him behind the camera and the smile left her face and those legendary sunglasses came on.

He then jumped out after her and continued to snap away… finally she arrived home, but before entering 1040, she boldly asked him, “Are you pleased with yourself?” and he responded exuberantly, “Yes.” He was even more pleased when he got back to his studio and developed the shot. It was his “Mona Lisa”, a once in a life photo. Jackie glowing, No make up, a half smile and her bright wide eyes framed with perfect movement.

Whatever you think of Ron (yeah he’s a smuck) or the debate of Public Figures and privacy. It’s a photographic masterpiece that has stood the test of time and a beautiful image of the legacy of Jackie O’s mystique and style.

Jackie NYC.

Henley•Jackie could make the most basic top look chic. Her Ribbed Henley fit like a glove and her sleeves pushed up were casual perfection. I chose G. Label Krystian Long-Sleeve Henley in Oatmeal.

Jeans•A modern version of her fitted slightly flared jeans with a distressed wash, I picked G. Label Kaplan Vintage Flare Jeans that ooze 70’s-esque style with oversized patch pockets to be dressed down or up.

Shoes•Replacing her Navy Keds with La Tennis Bensimon in Shell. Jackie a lifelong Francophile would of probably adored these Parisian Tennis Shoes today and maybe she did when they were created in1984.

ACCESSORIES.

Sunglasses•These were it! It is rumored that Jackie had a basket full of her trademark large framed sunglasses at her 1040 Apartment door for easy access and this original style Jacky 2 by Francois Pinton were customized specifically for her.

Camera•Jacqueline had a good eye for photography herself. Working as a “Camera Girl” Photojournalist for Washington Times-Herald interviewing the likes of her Future Husband JFK even. I'm sure she might have even dreamed of turning her own camera on the dreaded Ron Gallela at times to give him a taste of his own medicine. A 1951 Vintage Leica IIIF Black Dial Camera via Chairish.

Book• A rare copy of Ron Gallela’s 1974 Photography book on Jaqueline. A interesting peek into his favorite subject.

Further Reading Favorites from my own Jackie collection below:

•Mrs. Kennedy and Me. By Secret Service Agent Clint Hill with Lisa McCubbin•Jackie’s Girl By Kathy Mckeon •New York Jackie By Bridget Watson Payne.

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Style, Storyboard Cynthia Friese Style, Storyboard Cynthia Friese

Steve.

You don’t find Steve’s much these days, that “King of Cool” era seems to have sailed.. But, I do remember as a kid My Dad and my Mom’s Brothers oozing that Tough & Timeless Style. So, recently at work trying to find the perfect guy counterpart to my plethora of Female Storyboard’s, my co-worker/friend Robert suggested Steve McQueen. Yes. Yes. Yes.

Robert himself reminisced about how as a kid in Cali, he excitedly remembers going to see Bullitt in the Theater and being so entranced by Steve’s character and his epic car chase through the Hilly Streets of San Francisco and the Bay Area (I do remember my Dad reminiscing as well ). So, my Friday Film-Style research date was on.

Bullitt, a action thriller released in October of 1968 was no disappoint. It was such a pleasure to watch Steve Mcqeen as SFPD Detective, Liet. Frank Bullitt. He was such a damn good actor and while watching him chase those bad guys with his classic cool and calm manner. I was so impressed that his chill vibe never left him on the screen and how his Style perfectly reflected his character even down to his paisley pajamas.

I can see why Robert and my Dad loved it so much. Now I hope you will enjoy my little Steve Storyboard style breakdown. * Below I added the original trailer to get you in the mood and you can even watch the Film for yourself over on HBO MAX streaming. Vroom. Vroom:)

Steve.

Sport Jacket • After a late night at the Hospital, Bullitt changes into his iconic wardrobe. Costume Designer Theadora Van Runkle definitely took a lot of inspiration from Steve McQueen’s personal wardrobe throughout the whole film and his Sport Coat was numero Uno. The original Brown Houndstooth with suede elbow patches was a classic of his in daily life as well.

I chose a Orvis Lightweight Highland Tweed Sport Coat in Brown that has that same vibe and more on a police detective budget:)

Trench Coat•It’s all about the layers for those cool San Fran Sunday Mornings when the film was made. Steve’s knee length light khaki Raincoat probably is a Classic Aquascutum London. I chose a modern version with classic details from A.P.C.

Turtleneck•Even Bond took a nod from Bullitt on the merits of a good navy cashmere Turtleneck. His original was a Ballantyne, but with so many I options I picked Sid Mashburn’s Fine-gauged Turtleneck Sweater.

Trousers•I feel like I'm channeling my Grandmother by using the word Trousers:) But, thats what he wore and very well if I might say so myself.

His original Charcoal grey flat fronts with a narrow cut in the legs were late 1960’s perfect. I found q similar pair via Saks from Brunello Cucinelli.

Boots•He loved his Brown Suede Boots and the Hutton Playboy Chukka was a perfect match and still is for any guy with Style.

Accessories.

I did leave out the gun, but if your curious it was a snub-nosed Colt Diamondback. He was a detective after all. But, other accessories do have a place here:)

Sunglasses• Oh the Persol’s even if your not a style guru, its common knowledge that Steve loved his Italian designed Persols on and off the screen. He wore the Classic 649’s in Bullitt, but I chose the classic 714 folding pair from The Thomas Crown Affair in Light Havana and Blue Polarized Lens.

Watch•Mcqueen loved watches and luxury ones at that. Often Actors of that time would wear their own accessories and he chose a more functional one. The New York watchmaker Benrus Series #3061. It’s similar to the Field watch created for American GI’s in Vietnam.

Aftershave•Before Johnny Depp put Dior’s Sauvage on the map. There was the 1966 version Eau Sauvage that Mcqueen splashed on his rugged face and it supposedly was one of the first to drive women wild with a special ingredient. HERE.

Car•My Last, but not least. The Car! and their actually was two 1968 Green Ford Mustang GT Fastback’s Bought by Warner Bros for Steve. You can read about it HERE. What a ride and chase even if your not a car enthusiast like I am.

Other Notes:

Cathy (Jacqueline Bisset) Bullitt’s Girlfriend had some wonderful Acting and style moments as well and her own Driving scene. Worth watchIng for that as well. *Her Yellow Shirtdress was to die for.

And Just Curious who is your favorite Actor Style Icon? Do share!

Until next Storyboard… C.

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