Journalist. Mother. Bunny enthusiast. Pop culture junkie.

Journalist. Mother. Bunny enthusiast. Pop culture junkie.

Monday, August 16, 2010

Sixties Style: Jean-Paul Belmondo



French Nouvelle Vague cinema actor Jean-Paul Belmondo exhibited the elegance, style, and sophisticated mannerisms we have come to associate with a 1960s man about town.

His mixture of charm and classic fashion introduced the world to a new look in the tumultuous decade: Mod.

Yes, this French movie star was the original Mod Man.



Although the mod style had originated in London, it was Jean-Paul who epitomized the look on the silver screen with his effortlessly cool version.



In the mod culture, being well-dressed and worldly was more important than anything else in the world. Young 20-something-year-old mod men would even declare in a national magazine that they would rather starve themselves and save their money for clothes, than buy food.



Jean-Paul became famous for his tailor-made Italian suits, cashmere sweaters, thin ties, button-down dress shirts, and "winklepickers" (sharp-toed, narrow leather shoes and boots).



Like their French idol, mod men preferred scooters over motorbikes, because of the cleaner look, smooth ride, and they were less likely to stain an expensive suit with grease.



In fact, scootering led them to wear military parkas to protect their costly suits and trousers from mud and rain.



Jean-Paul Belmondo is most famous for his roles in Breathless (1960) and Pierrot le fou (1965). They are incredibly good movies and I highly recommend them.

23 comments:

o said...

I'm loving these 60s inspired posts! I love that you featured the "mod man", as well! Have a great week!

TheOwlsCloset.blogspot.com

Camila F. said...

Belmondo, Je t'aime! ♥

stylenuggets said...

I saw Belmondo in Breathless-loved it. I think it was remade with Richard Gere later

Josie said...

What a cutie! Fabulous pick.
xo Josie
http://winksmilestyle.blogspot.com

michelle_ said...

he's an awesome actor and stylish guy !
thanks for the blog birthday wish :)
GLISTERSandBLISTERS

Bionica said...

ah so he is an innovator of fashion =)
very cool

-Bionica

Seema said...

60's Mod is amazing and very inspirational, love this post and by the way thanks for your sweet comment :)

www.fashionat5.blogspot.com

Vix said...

Stylish guy and I loved Breathless (both versions).
Mod's still massive here. xxx

Imogen said...

This is a very fun post and I love the 60s posts that you are doing right now. I love his style. I wish more guys were concerned about being well dressed these days.

ching said...

he looks lovely. very much a gentleman.

thyaudaciousness.blogspot.com/

Sherin said...

He oozes coolness! He looks amazing.

blivbook said...

ohhhhh how we love the 60s! Great post!



Cheers, B & Liv
www.blivbook.blogspot.com
B L I V B O O K : darling&diva ♥

Louise (Fifth Sparrow) said...

I love when men dress well and have their own style, I'll have to check out those films! xx

Melanie's Randomness said...

He's really trendy! Your right it seems effortless. I've never seen any of his movies but I want to. The 60's mod style is one of my faves! =)

Karolina said...

Oh, I need to watch Breathless. xx

Cafe Fashionista said...

I don't just love his style; I adore his entire attitude and person. Fabulous post, Jennifer!! :)

Laura Tenshi said...

I will definitely check out these movies you recommended because I've also seen Belle De Jour when you mentioned it and I've enjoyed it a lot.
He does look like he can pull everything off effortlessly, he has that bohemian feel about him.

Daiana said...

Belmondo is incredible! =D

I loved the photos in this post! right up my alley!

oxx

http://www.sweetfancytreat.com

Spencer. said...

Great post - I love his style
x

FashionJazz said...

Love this post hun! Hope you are having a good week so far : ) xx

Lee Oliveira said...

I love your inspiration back in the old fashionable days! I
I have seen another photos of Colleen and she is divine!
Love your blog big time.
Kisses from Australia
LOx

Jen said...

What a handsome devil!! Breahless is now on my must-see list! :-)

Happy Weekend Dear! xo

Heather Taylor said...

He's gorgeous! Thanks for sharing, I love all of these '60s posts!