Bat Out of Hell!

Initially Mirabelle's wink to Halloween was to feature a 1952 photograph by talented French photographer Robert Doisneau (1912 -1994), entitled 'Porte de L'Enfer, boulevard de Clichy, Paris 9è arrondissement', L'Enfer meaning Hell/ Inferno. The caped policeman 'flying past' the toothy gothic monster was referred to as hirondelle (swallow) back in the day, in reference to the distinctive cape that policemen wore when out on the beat that made them look like swallows when dashing around.

As a fitting correlation to the Halloween theme, I was prone to view the swallow as a bat defying the gates of Hell; note the policeman's confident - almost defiant - demeanour. L'Enfer cabaret (now defunct) stood in the colourful world-famous artist quarter of Paris, Montmartre.

Taking a closer look at the famed photographer's portfolio, it is easy to feel transported to a world of the spooky and the bizarre and the occult, so I couldn't resist adding on a few more Doisneau pictures that coincidentally capture the Halloween spirit, turning the wink into a long glance. The monochrome shots add to the ambience. Now up to us to solve the mysteries or just go along with their imbued poetry...

Sources: (1) 'Porte de l'Enfer, boulevard de Clichy, Paris 9è arrondissement', photography by Robert Doisneau, 1952, via L'Agence Photo RMN Grand Palais (*). The print is showcased at Centre Pompidou, Paris. (2) Sepia postcard of the Montmartre district of Paris, featuring boulevard de Clichy (Le Ciel et l'Enfer) cabarets, via Pinterest, allegedly dating back to the turn of the 20th century. Both cabarets were avant-garde surrealist themed venues. Le Ciel (meaning Sky/ Heaven) was an artists cabaret with a loose angel theme attached to it, while its flamboyant gothic next-door neighbour L'Enfer (Hell/ Inferno) cabaret erred on the morbid and the macabre. Such like venues were popular in 1880s-1920s Paris. (3-6) Robert Doisneau, photography via Atelier Robert Doisneau. (3) 'Yves Corbassière dans sa voiture à carreaux' (Y.C. in his checkered car), Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Paris, 1948. (4) 'Stricte intimité' (Closest and dearest), Montrouge, 1945. (5) 'Une femme passe' (A lady walks by), Paris, 1945. (6) 'Le pendule' (The pendulum), 1945.

(*) RMN = Réunion Musées Nationaux

Good Design according to Dieter Rams

When a product designer rambles on about good design, the first thing you do is check their designs. If said designer is Dieter Rams, you can pay closer attention to his word for you will learn invaluable information (design rules). And you can take his word for it because the gentleman knows his subject. If this weren't enough, he proves it too with his immaculate timeless executions!

PCS 45 Record Player, designed by Dieter Rams for Braun (1962)

Design without the Noise

As Chief Designer at Braun (1961-1995), Dieter Rams applied the winning formula of form and function to the 'T' of technology,  with a concise, methodical, pared-down ('Less, but better'), sleek and sober design. The end result was electrical consumer goods that served beyond the mere consumer act. We had the fusion of practicality, functionality, discipline into a stand-alone style icon that we may describe as a useful object of desire. Expect no brash, tack, bells or whistles. This is a case of unadulterated and enduring design. We're talking the 90% pure cacao bar of the chocolate world: potent, punchy and a classic.

"Indifference towards people and the reality in which they live is actually the one and only cardinal sin in design." - Dieter Rams

Mirabelle wouldn't be surprised if the likes of Apple took a leaf out of Dieter Rams' design book in their formative years or whether they themselves came up to the equation of form and function that would challenge planned obsolescence by standing the test of time, trends and fads, and never fade or date. A quick online search validates my assumption.

Clockwise from top left: Early Shaver Series, F 1 Mactron Lighter, H 3 Heater and F 26 Flash Unit for Braun

You get it: there is design and then there is good design. For the former, expect the average, the bog-standard, and the mediocre, uninspired, imitative mass-produced hotchpotch from a mass of sycophantic designer cheats.

"What Dieter Rams and his team at Braun did was to produce hundreds of wonderfully conceived and designed objects: products that were beautifully made in high volumes and that were broadly accessible." - Jonathan Ive, Senior Vice President of Industrial Design at Apple

However for good design, expect a small distinct number of measured - usually quiet - dutiful and industrious personae like Mr. Rams, busy working on their next ground-breaking design innovation. Good design is not a case of here today, gone tomorrow. It makes a statement and it lasts the distance.

(L-R) SK 4 Phonosuper (1956), and TP 2, portable transistor radio and phonograph (1959), via Wallpaper

Dieter Rams Ten Commandments of Design:

1  . Good design is innovative
2  . Good design makes a product useful
3  . Good design is aesthetic
4  . Good design makes a product understandable
5  . Good design is unobtrusive
6  . Good design is honest
7  . Good design is long-lasting
8  . Good design is thorough down to the last detail
9  . Good design is environmentally-friendly
10. Good design is as little design as possible

Source: (1-2) All photography via Das Programm, the UK-based specialist dealer of Dieter Rams' designs for Braun and Vitsoe (1955-1995), described by the company as "some of the best 20th century modernist industrial design". Photographic montages by Mirabelle. (1) PC 45 Record Player by Dieter Rams for Braun (1962). (2) Clockwise from top left: Early Shaver Series by Futterer / Braun / Rams / Muller / Gugelot for Braun (1954-1962);  F 1 Mactron Lighter by Dieter Rams for Braun (1979);  H 3 Heater by Dieter Rams for Braun (1962); F 26 Flash Unit by Dieter Rams for Braun (1963). (3) Left to Right: SK 4 Phonosuper, combined audio system by Hans Gugelot, with Otl Aicher, Wilhelm Wagenfeld and Dieter Rams, for Braun (1956); TP 2, portable transistor radio and phonograph, by Dieter Rams for Braun (1959). Photography by Marcus J Leith, via Wallpaper. (4) 'Dieter Rams: As Little Design as Possible', the definitive monograph on Dieter Rams' life, work and ideas, by Sophie Lovell.

Dieter Rams: As Little Design as Possible by Sophie Lovell

Codename: Monsieur Z

This might not jump off the page as a given but Mirabelle loves 1950s-1960s graphics. There is something reassuringly comforting that emanates from the illustrations of that era, in terms of colours, finesse of the trait and the general sunny disposition that beams out of the scenery and characters, immersed in a utopian transposition of life on earth. This golden age recreation might be but idealised depiction, yet it is extremely seductive and enticing.

I cannot help but believe that this general graphic optimism that took off on a par with post-war consumerism was a translation of the feeling of the times. Back then within our westernised societies, it seemed that dreams were not the stuff of dreams anymore, that they could and should come true. There was a sense of personal betterment (and encouragement towards it), no matter where we were to seek it, be it socially, intellectually, spiritually, financially, materially or else. Business and industry were thriving again, there was also a strong national pride, not just in terms of patriotism, but also in terms of collective prosperity and personal success.

There was an insolent vivacity and an insouciance that I struggle to find in modern day life and graphics, even those that are heavily-inspired by the mid-century era. However a French illustrator going by the enigmatic code name of Monsieur Z, and otherwise known as Richard Zielenkiewicz, has managed to recreate the golden age of mid-century graphic design, both in style and spirit. His creations are little gems of Riviera joy!

Source: All the illustrations by © Monsieur Z a.k.a. Richard Zielenkiewicz. (1) Anse San Peyre, La Garde (Var). (2) Jardin Olbius Riquier, Hyères (Var). (3) La Via Olbia, Hyères. (4) Visitez Paris. (5) Téléphérique du Mont Faron, Toulon (Var). (6) Italia è Cassis, 3ème Edition du Village Italien (9-13 Nov. 2011). (7) Carqueiranne, La Californie Varoise.

The Leafy Quarters

If your inner India Hicks awakens the wish for your abode to adopt the stylish beach house interior with a Southern Colonial/ Caribbean feel warmed up by a lush yet breezy exotic vibe that includes a larger-than-life leaf motif of the palm variety, you want to check out three classic patterns that make a timeless design chic statement - faultlessly and effortlessly.

Match with white painted woodwork in a satin finish. Cool down with an imposing vintage ceiling fan. Accessorise with rattan pieces (and that peacock chair!), plates of decorative pineapple and other exotic fruit for visual interest, and lashes of colourful curcuma and protea. Serve with Daiquiris. Infinity pool and pet parakeet optional.

1  - Voyage of Discovery Wallpapers, Manila in Green and Ivory DVOY213367, by Sanderson

Source: 1a - 1b - 1c

2 - The Original Martinique Wallpaper a.k.a. Martinique "A" BH90210, Originally Designed for the Beverly Hills Hotel Fountain Coffee Room in 1942

Source: 2a - 2b - 2c

3 -  Custom-Designed Wallpaper by Idarica Gazzoni for Arjumand Wallpapers, as Featured at the LIZA Restaurant, East Beirut, Lebanon

Source: 3a - 3b - 3c

I Wanna Be Ador(n)ed!

We've heard that Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend, while the only rock some chicks care about is the one they wish to wear on their wedding finger, while some would rather spend their Breakfast at Tiffany's, feasting their eyes on dazzling gems rather than forlornly sat at their local Starbucks in a tête-à-tête with their daily mochaccino-donut combo. So be it!

Mirabelle likes it easy, freestyle, free-spirited and way way cheaper (how about $22.00?) with no compromise on style and kudos. And the effect from those little facets adorning the Parvati's Cuff bracelet from Pondicherry is guaranted to rock you more than Queen or Her Majesty's crown jewels - in our opinion! Would you agree?

Z Movie Set

North of Bastia (Corsica) is a kitsch seaside hotel with a colourful and eccentric reputation that goes beyond its love affair with concrete posts and crazy paving. Its grounds double up as an alfresco impromptu modern art centre, with upcycled consumer waste, weathered raw rusty sculptures, metal wreckage, junk and debris. There is an air of neglect and abandonment that confer it that lived-in feel. Facts and fiction blur further as you venture deeper into the lush semi-tropical swampy gardens. The mind boggles and you start wondering whether what you see is meant to be showcased or you have actually entered a parallel universe... Is this a military testing area, an abandonned Soviet bloc resort, a failed Tiki trove, a jumble sale gone wrong or a (Rob) Zombie film set?

Across from the hotel, the pier is a crazy architectural feat, with totems, rusty sculptures, plaster figurines and incongru artefacts flirting with art from afar, broken down by shots of colour, incrustations and mosaics. It seems whoever concreted and partitioned off the creek with the pier had some fun and games trying to liven up the utilitarian look. You either get it or you don't. If in doubt ask the loyal crowd of afficionado hotel residents for their view. What is certain is that you will not remain indifferent to the rawness of it all and that's the name of the game!

The Festival d'arts "Singulièrement Brut" art fest has been in residence at the Hotel Caribou, 20228 Porticciolo, Cagnano, Corsica every Summer since 2006.

Source: All photography © Mirabelle Design Inspiration.

Because You're Worth it!

'I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best.'  ** Marilyn Monroe **

Source: Here is a declaration of independence in feminity, a fresh yet defiant statement of truth that no other young lady than Marilyn Monroe could have mustered with candid honesty and which would decades later end up as a mantra for the modern woman on a Facebook page clocking over 3 million 'Likes' to the counter!

Meanwhile Marilyn spent her short lifetime battling prejudices in their derogatory demeasure brought about by her divine looks and status as a hot sex kitten. The Californian actress who claimed having spent most of the 1950s on her knees, who slept at night wearing only a bra and a drop of Chanel No.5, who hairdried homemade pasta ribbons in her bid to be the perfect housewife to Joe DiMaggio, and who popped uppers and downers like there was no tomorrow, happened to have a thirst for knowledge (Arthur Miller), a quest for cinematic recognition (The Actors Studio) and a general lust for life. She was the product of the American dream, its coming of age and ultimate demise. She remains however one of the most alluring and enduring actresses of all times.

Photographic Sources: (1) 'Marilyn Reading at Home, 1953', via Vi.sualize.us/ Photobucket. (2) 'Marilyn Monroe by Douglas Kirkland, 1961, pt.9, Trials and Errors', via Vi.sualize.us. (3) 'Marilyn Monroe', via Vi.sualize.us.

Vintage Flavours

Here today, gone tomorrow: here's the kind of vintage that won't last in time, yet last in effect, with nostalgia galore that whips us back like an ice cream to the sunny side up of British seaside, with edible creamy colours and flavours that sound like Knickerbocker Glory, Peach Melba and Neapolitan, resistance is futile!

Source: From British chocolatier, cocoa grower and chocolate reinventor Hotel Chocolat.(1) Header from their 'Summer Sizzlers' email newsletter (July 2011). 'Knickerbocker Glory' available in (2) + (4) Neapolitan and (3) Peach Melba flavours. (5) 'Making Sandcastles' Raspberry Chocolate Puddles. (6) Sweeter than a Carry On film, the 'Carry On Gift Box'!

B My BB

If sensuality were a woman, it would most likely incarnate Marilyn or Brigitte; if the former exudes 1950s suggestive feminity, titillated by a touch of fragility, wide-eye innocence and tampered eroticism, the latter exhales the smouldering sensuality of the liberated 60s, with a heady blend of spiritedness, assertiveness, effortlessness and girly sassiness (a celebration of 'girl power'), while her trademark pout, sun-kissed mane and eye-liner doe-eye have been emulated the world over ever since, by female artists, fashion figures and girls next door, from Claudia Schiffer to Kate Moss, via Sienna Miller, Béatrice Dalle and Laetitia Casta.

Source: Version Femina (Corse-Matin week-end magazine supplement), inside cover, full-page advertisement from upmarket French designer bag maker Lancel, celebrating 'le Brigitte Bardot', the Bardot bag that it created in honour of the iconic French actress. (Photo by G. Dussart/ Rapho).

In a Happy Mood

One cannot look at those illustrations without at least raising a smile; a smile is not only the most positive form of communication, it is also the most contagious. A smiling face brings another smiling face, and such expression involves less muscles than a frown, a sure win-win situation!

Sources (from top down): (1) 'Elephant' by Bob Daly Illustration, (2) 'The Pink Hat' by Paul Hartley, via Kevin Kidney @ Flickr Walt Disney Magazine, Volume 2, Number 5, August 1957, pp36-37), (3) 'Graphis Annual 1958-59' (International Advertising Art) by Celestino Piatti, via Sandi Vincent @ Flickr, (4) 'Hello Earl' by Orange You Lucky (Helen Dardik), and (5) 'Birthday Girl' by Ellen Giggenbach.

The American Dream Deluxe

Smooth, nipped, tucked, streamlined, aerodynamic, available in lipgloss pink with a flawless satin finish as standard; ladies and gentlemen, please welcome back a flavour of the American Dream Deluxe, best viewed in Cinemascope for splendid appreciation...

Source: Original advertisement feature of the 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz convertible, available as a reproduction print from Plan59. Find out more about this classic supercar's breathtaking credentials from Supercars and Cartype.