Every Scrap of Paper Helps Victory

Peggy Chester - Cover of Woman's Illustrated Magazine, incorporating Eve's Own - photography by Nancy Sandys Walker 1944.

Layton Williams

Layton Williams (1994) is an English actor, singer, dancer and musical theatre performer known for playing the role of Stephen Carmichael in the television series Bad Education and his work in the West End theatre.

His first job was at the age of twelve playing the title role in Billy Elliot the Musical in London's West End.

During his childhood, he also played Young Michael Jackson in Thriller – Live musical, Kylie in the BBC series Beautiful People and featured in the CBBC documentary series School for Stars, which documented life at the acting school Italia Conti.

From 2016, he began playing Angel in the 20th anniversary tour of Rent around the UK. Williams is a strong supporter of the charities Stonewall and Ditch the Label. He is the director of 'Pros From The Shows', which holds dance, singing and acting workshops across the UK.

The Olsen Twins

Mary-Kate Olsen and Ashley Fuller Olsen (1986), also known as the Olsen twins, are American fashion designers and former actresses. Mary-Kate and Ashley made their acting debut as infants playing Michelle Tanner on the television sitcom Full House (1987–1995).

As they grew older, they began starring in other television shows, films, and media through their own production company, Dualstar. The twins became preteen icons, and some of the wealthiest women in the entertainment industry at a young age.

The Olsens stepped away from acting in the mid-2000s and entered the fashion design industry. They founded their own luxury fashion label in 2006, The Row, based in New York City. They have won several awards from the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA).

Abdulah Sidran - In Memoriam

Only today, I learned about the passing of Abdullah Sidran, earlier this year. 

Abdulah Sidran (2 October 1944 – 23 March 2024), often referred to by his hypocoristic nickname Avdo, was a Bosnian poet and screenwriter.

He is considered to be one of the most influential writers in both Bosnia and Herzegovina and the former Yugoslavia.

Sidran is best known for writing the 1993 poetry book Sarajevski tabut, as well as the scripts for Emir Kusturica's films Do You Remember Dolly Bell? (1981) and the Academy Award nominated When Father Was Away on Business (1985).

He was a member of the Academy of Sciences and Arts of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Sidran died at the age of 79 following a period of poor health. Shortly after, many prominent Bosnian politicians and public figures reacted to his death and offered their condolences.

He was buried in the courtyard of the Ferhadija Mosque in Sarajevo on 27 March.

Good News From Europe #3

As if the previous 2 posts aren't convincing of the beret's revival, it is heartening to see the presence of berets in soft toys, contemporary art, signage and t-shirts.

 

Good News From Europe #2

Following yesterday's post, the increased number of beret-wearers, the trend also shows in the numerous shops that keep large displays for berets.

There won't be many retailers who celebrate increased competition, but I love to see this. 

 

Good News From Europe

Despite everything that doesn't go well in Europe (this is not a political blog, after all), I am delighted by the increased number of boineros I encountered in the wild during my 3 week trip to the Pyrenees, Belgium and the Netherlands.

Below some random visual evidence of the growing numbers:

Blue on the Horizon

Horizon blue is a colour name which was used for the light blue uniforms of French troops from 1915 through 1921.

The colour’s name refers to the indefinable shade of blue which separates the sky from the earth, which had been previously used in the world of fashion. Despite a relatively short production, the light blue beret became very popular as a ‘reality shield’ with the troops, and many soldiers wore it until the end of the war and long after.   

Fast forward a century and they’re back, in a range of diameters, pure raw cotton lined and carrying its own label, emphasizing the protective capabilities of these berets!

The Bérets Bleu Horizon come in three diameters: ≈27cm, ≈29cm, ≈31cm and a Chasseur Alpin model in ≈33cm.

All in the same quality merino wool, cotton lined and fitted with the Boneteria Aotearoa Bleu Horizon woven label.

Le refrain des barbus

Clandestine score from WW2 to the glory of the Limousin Maquis.

"Le refrain des barbus" was written in October 1943, published and distributed clandestinely during the Occupation.

Young Woman and the Sea

Young Woman and the Sea is a 2024 American biographical drama film directed by Joachim Rønning and written by Jeff Nathanson, based on the 2009 book of the same name by Glenn Stout.

The film stars Daisy Ridley as Gertrude Ederle, an American competitive swimmer who first won a gold medal at the 1924 Olympic Games.

In 1926, Ederle became the first woman to swim 21 miles across the English Channel.

Away #24

Last of the pre-prepared photo posts - today South Pacific Berets should be back at its core business! 

All (unsent) orders will be prepared for courier pickup today. Thank you for your patience and staying with me!

Away #23