Remembering an Icon: Mae West (August 17, 1893 - November 22, 1980)

Happy Birthday to the original sex symbol, Mae West.

"When I'm good, I'm very good. But when I'm bad I'm better." - Mae West

"Cultivate your curves. They may be dangerous, but they won't be avoided" - Mae West

"I didn't discover curves - I only uncovered them." - Mae West

"I'm no model lady. A model's just an imitation of the real thing." - Mae West

"I'll try anything once, twice if I like it, three times to make sure." - Mae West

"You can say what you like about long dresses, but they cover a multitude of shins." - Mae West

"I believe that it's better to be looked over than it is to be overlooked." - Mae West

"I generally avoid temptation unless I can't resist it." - Mae West

"Ten men waiting for me at the door? Send one of them home, I'm tired." - Mae West

"So many men... so little time." - Mae West

"I never worry about diets. The only carrots that interest me are the number you get in a diamond." - Mae West

"Those who are easily shocked should be shocked more often." - Mae West

"I speak two languages: Body and English." - Mae West

"I like my clothes to be tight enough to show I'm a woman - but loose enough to show I'm a lady." - Mae West

"I used to be Snow White, but I drifted." - Mae West

"Good sex is like Bridge - if you don't have a good partner, you'd better have a good hand." - Mae West

"I'm a woman of very few words, but lots of action." - Mae West

All images courtesy of Google Images

Remembering an Icon: Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis

On July 28, 1929, a little girl that would go on to capture the hearts of America with her beauty, grace, and style was born.

Today, in honor of her birthday, I am posting a few of my favorite shots of the timeless Jackie Kennedy Onassis.

Wedded Bliss. Jacqueline Bouvier and John Fitzgerad Kennedy, September 12, 1953.

With the future President of the United States

Images from the Campaign trail with her husband, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, 1960.

The style America - and the world - would grow to love.

Photo Caption from LIFE Magazine:

Sitting Pretty

In New York City, Jackie sits on the steps of a campaign bus, chatting with Mayor Wagner. By the time of JFK's inauguration three months later, pillboxes were all the rage in New York, selling for as much as $70 in hat shops (that's more than $400 in today's dollars). Meanwhile, previously unknown models who even vaguely resembled Jackie suddenly found their schedules booked.

The Inauguration of the 35th President of the United States.

Photo caption from LIFE Magazine:
An Evening Out
Jackie selected the designer Oleg Cassini to create many pieces in her wardrobe, including her hats, her bags, and this gorgeous gown, which she wore to an inaugural concert in January 1961. (Just two months after giving birth to John Jr., she is stunningly slim.) The new first lady, however, designed her own inauguration ball gown; according to LIFE, it made her "resemble both a fairy princess at a fancy dress ball and a little girl enjoying her first party."

Rare moment of relaxation as the First Lady.

First Lady Jackie Kennedy visiting India, 1962.

Tender moments with her children, Caroline and John Jr.

At the White House with John F. Kennedy, Jr. (1962)

Like mother, like daughter.  Jackie and Caroline.

Life after Camelot.

Jackie with second husband, Aristotle Onassis, 1968

Madison Avenue, New York, 1971

Elegance on the way to The Met, 1974

New role as an editor at the Viking Press, NY - 1977

A Greek goddess with her husband, 1977

At an event at the Lincoln Center, 1983

Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis will be remembered throughout history for many reasons.

She will be remembered for the "Camelot Years"

She will be remembered for the tragedy that befell her family on November 22, 1963

She will be remembered as a wife, mother, and First Lady.

And she will always be remembered and revered for her timeless elegance and beauty. 

What are your favorite images of Jackie Kennedy Onassis?

All images copyright LIFE magazine.

Icon: Cheryl Rae Tiegs

Driving into work today I was listening to my favorite Cleveland morning show – Q104’s Wilde and Fee – and was happily surprised to hear them talking with the iconic Cheryl Tiegs.

She came across as surprisingly down to earth during the interview. I could imagine talking to her as if she was just “one of the girls.” Granted, she spoke about jet-setting to Europe for her son’s upcoming graduation, which I am sure none of “my girls” have done recently. But you could hear the pride in her voice as she spoke about the man her son is becoming. You could hear the passion as she spoke about her dedication to being green, and her involvement with that movement. You could hear the laughter in her voice and sense the obvious camaraderie while Alan Fee flirted with her during the interview. She wasn't at all pretentious and she did not act "entitled" as some people do.

Cheryl Tiegs is an icon.

Her work as a model, and specifically some of her work for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition, is among the best and most memorable we’ve seen in the last 30 years. She has graced countless magazine covers and remains a stunning beauty to this day.

Do you remember this 1978 poster of her in a pink bikini? It became a pop cultural image that, I am sure, once graced countless bedroom walls.

Right alongside posters of these women:

Some people might disagree with me, but today’s models don’t have the same impact on our culture that Cheryl did. Sure, there are some beautiful women out there - Giselle for instance - but I don't recall seeing any iconic images coming out of photo spreads from recent years. Have you?

(all photos courtesy of google images)