Soviet born artists Konstantin Antioukhin and Konstantin Kalinovich, known as the duo Konstantin v Konstantin make very creepy images on bookplates. The images captivate a lot of detail so there is a lot to look at. Enjoy!
Vintage Soviet Timepieces
Found a collection of a bunch of vintage soviet watches, clocks and even pinky ring watches. Soviet made with strong military influences as seen on a lot of the graphics. I love everything from the colors to the font, seriously cant get enough. Some of the most famous brands during that time were Slava ( translated : Glory ), Vostok ( translated : East ), Raketa ( translated : Rocket ) Chaika ( translated : Seagull) and Pobeda ( translated : Victory ). I found most of them on Etsy, so if you are interested in any of them there are some stores on the site that sell them.
Ivan the Terrible through Cinema
Ivan IV was the Grand Prince of Moscow and later became the Tsar of all Russia. He was actually the first to become the Tsar of all Russia, mainly because he expanded Russia: spanning about one billion acres ( he took over Siberia and many other territories ). Historians claim he was straight up crazy due to his rages and extreme paranoia. He also had a few wives; 8 throughout his life to be exact and with his bare hands killed the dude that he would leave his throne to. He sparked fear which is where the terrible comes from. He was a huge supported of the arts though and anyone who is a lover of art is okay with me. There have been many movies created about him and his reign and all are very artfully captured to signify his terror. When I saw the movie, all I wanted to hear was Wu Tang Clan's "Bring Da Ruckus". I gathered some screen shots and movie covers to show you what this guy was depicted as.
Snow Maiden
Winter besides being hella cold is truly magical and is usually depicted very snowy, white and beautiful. Russian winters are depicted like that too, in folk tales at least. There's even a Snow Maiden character better know as Snegurochka (снегурочка) who had different meanings all throughout Russian folk tales and fairy tales. She was first depicted as a girl taking a walk to the woods with other gals. After starting a big bonfire they decided to take turns leaping over, Snegurochka of course takes a leap and disappears into thin air, becoming just a snowflake (I guess it be like that when you are a Snow Maiden). The other version of her existence is that she is the daughter of Ded Moroz (aka Santa Clauses or better translated Father Frost) and Spring of Beauty. She becomes the mascot for New Years, which is when Father Frost gives away presents. Whatever her purpose, you best believe she is one fly lady. She has a very magical headpiece and usually rocks a braid or two down the floor. Her coat is usually a very detailed pattern of some tapestry and she also rocks a silky gown that drapes down to the floor. She is also equiped with a furry muff to withstand the harsh winter cold. I am totally feeling this steelo, if this is something that was do able in terms of getting around in the streets of NYC: i would totally rock this. Check out a few of her looks below and get inspired.
Russian Nobles: Stay Fly post
Before the rise of the Soviet Union, there were kings and queens better known as Tsars and Tsaritsas (think cartoon Anastasia). There were many of them throughout history passed on by blood or marriage. The history of it all is quite interesting but that's not what I'm here to blog about. I would like to focus on the richness and the art of their attire. Not only was it an everyday thing to be this fly but when it came down to balls at the Winter Palace, you couldn't ignore the straight gold and gems on their outfits (sorry Rihanna but this is how they ball out). Cloaks, coats and fur all embroidered to the last detail, grand headwear for head bitches in charge were set in diamonds, pearls and precious stones. Lets just say things were fancy beyond belief. On of the most luxurious and the most grand of them all was the 1903 ball at the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg during the reign of emperor Nicholas II of Russia. Unexplainably Bourgeoisie. See the richness below, its beyond inspiring.
