Yesteryear

20 Rare Photographs of Teenage Jo Raquel Tejada (Later Known as Raquel Welch) in the 1950s

20 Rare Photographs of Teenage Jo Raquel Tejada (Later Known as Raquel Welch) in the 1950s

In the 1950s, before she became the internationally famous sex symbol Raquel Welch, she was known as Jo Raquel Tejada. This was a period of her life where she was a young woman, a student, and a beauty queen, primarily living in Southern California.

Tejada grew up in San Diego, California, where her family moved when she was a child. She attended La Jolla High School. Even as a young girl, she was striking, with her strong features and charisma foreshadowing her later screen presence.
Raquel (then Jo Tejada) studied ballet from a young age and danced for about 10 years. In high school, she was active in theater and won beauty contests. She earned the titles of Miss La Jolla, Miss San Diego, and later Maid of California in her teens. These pageants gave her early recognition and confidence in front of audiences.
She graduated from high school in 1958 and won a scholarship to study theater at San Diego State College (then San Diego State University). Her goal at the time was to become a stage actress.
In 1959, she married her high school sweetheart, James Welch, and took his last name. This is when she began to use the name Raquel Welch, which she would keep for the rest of her life.
While still in San Diego, she had a brief stint as a weather reporter for a local television station. However, her breakthrough into Hollywood and her rise to stardom didn’t happen until the mid-1960s.

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30 Photos of a Young Michael Keaton in the 1980s

30 Photos of a Young Michael Keaton in the 1980s

Michael John Douglas (born September 5, 1951), known professionally as Michael Keaton, is an American actor. His accolades include a Primetime Emmy Award and two Golden Globe Awards, in addition to nominations for an Academy Award and a BAFTA Award. In 2016, he was named Officer of Order of Arts and Letters in France. Because another actor named Michael Douglas was already registered with the Screen Actors Guild, he adopted the stage name Michael Keaton, reportedly inspired by actress Diane Keaton (though the two are not related).

In the 1980s, Keaton emerged as one of Hollywood’s most versatile and charismatic actors, moving from comedy to drama and eventually into blockbuster stardom. The decade was pivotal for him, showcasing his unique blend of manic energy, quirky humor, and a surprising capacity for dramatic depth.
Keaton began the decade with his breakout role as the high-energy, fast-talking Bill Blazejowski in the 1982 film Night Shift. This role, alongside Henry Winkler, showcased his improvisational skills and set the tone for his early career. He solidified his comedic stardom with the massive success of Mr. Mom (1983), in which he played a laid-off engineer who becomes a stay-at-home father. This film cemented his image as an affable, relatable everyman, a typecasting he would later actively try to break. Other notable 1980s comedies include Johnny Dangerously (1984), a gangster spoof, and Gung Ho (1986), which explored cultural clashes in a car manufacturing plant.
Toward the end of the decade, Keaton made a sharp turn with two iconic roles that defied his comedic typecasting. In Tim Burton-directed supernatural comedy Beetlejuice (1988), he played the titular “bio-exorcist,” a crass, mischievous, and unhinged ghost. His performance was a chaotic tour de force that, despite him having less than 20 minutes of screen time, completely stole the show. It demonstrated his ability to play larger-than-life, eccentric characters.
Released the same year as Beetlejuice, dramatic film Clean and Sober showcased Keaton’s serious acting chops. He played a hot-shot real estate agent with a cocaine addiction, a role that proved he was capable of handling complex, intense, and dramatic material.
His most significant role of the decade was his casting as Bruce Wayne and Batman in Tim Burton’s dark and gothic superhero film Batman (1989). The casting was initially met with fan outrage, as many couldn’t see a comedic actor in such a serious role. However, Keaton’s brooding, intense, and slightly unhinged portrayal of the character won over audiences and critics, making the film a cultural phenomenon and establishing him as a global superstar.
Below is a selection of 30 photos of a young Michael Keaton in the 1980s:

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Freddie Mercury’s Birthday Cake, ca. 1984

Freddie Mercury’s Birthday Cake, ca. 1984

A funny snap of Freddie Mercury celebrating his birthday with his band mates, ca. 1984.

From Daily Mirror – September 6, 1984:
CUPS OF CHEER FROM THE BAND
IMAGINE the problem. The birthday boy has everything under the sun.
He’s world famous, he’s a millionaire, and he’s also a king-sized extrovert.
He also loves a joke like the next man.
He is rock superstar Freddie Mercury.
And the only guys who can hold a candle to him are his mates in Queen, Roger Taylor, John Deacon and Brian May.
Yesterday they presented him with a cake you probably wouldn’t see on display at the local bakery.
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Janet Randy — A Glimpse into 1950s Elegance

Janet Randy — A Glimpse into 1950s Elegance

Janet Randy was a fashion model active in the 1950s, widely featured in prestigious publications like Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar. Her sophisticated presence was consistently captured in elegant gowns and refined styling, reflecting the era’s postwar chic. She worked with celebrated photographers including Clifford Coffin, Frances McLaughlin-Gill, and Francesco Scavullo.

Her appearances ranged from striking magazine covers—such as Vogue’s November 1, 1951 issue shot by Clifford Coffin—to fashion editorials featuring designer pieces by Balenciaga, Adele Simpson, Traina-Norell, and Jo Copeland.
Janet Randy’s work beautifully embodies the grace, poise, and polished glamour of 1950s fashion. Take a look at these stunning photos to see the timeless beauty and elegance of Janet Randy in the 1950s.
Janet Randy in wool tweed coat with large shawl collar, photo by Nina Leen, 1951

Janet Randy in a warm brown crêpe sleeveless dress and jacket by Paula Brooks, photo by Frances McLaughlin, Vogue, September 15, 1951

Janet Randy in black brocade dinner dress by Adele Simpson, Vogue, September 1, 1951

Janet Randy in blue and black brocade evening coat by Adele Simpson, worn with a veiled hat, Vogue, September 1, 1951

Janet Randy in dinner dress of black brocade with loopings of pink velvet at the collar by Martini, photo by Horst P. Horst, Vogue, November 15, 1951

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Giorgio Armani as Photographed by Andy Warhol in 1981

Giorgio Armani as Photographed by Andy Warhol in 1981

Andy Warhol shot these Polaroids of Giorgio Armani in 1981—a quick session that turned into a cool silkscreen portrait. Armani said Andy stopped him in a hallway, took the photo in seconds, and that was that.

“It was a fashion occasion,” Armani recalled. “GFT [the Italian clothing manufacturer] was opening a new showroom. I received an invitation from Andy to represent the fashion scene-and with several others, including [designer] Mariuccia Mandelli, I accepted. Andy stopped me in a corridor for 10 seconds and took a photo to work off of, and when the final portrait was bought by GFT, he made quite a lot of money! Andy Warhol was a genius at marketing himself. Marco Rivetti [the CEO of GFT] sent one of the portraits to me as a gift sometime later. It is now hanging in my office. Years ago, Andy Warhol and I spent an evening together visiting a variety of New York nightspots. Even though I didn’t speak any English, he wanted me to accompany him so that he could introduce me to the city’s night scene. I have very fond memories of my time with him.”
You can see what Andy saw: It’s Armani before the global empire, but already pure elegance: soft blazer, sharp cheekbones, that just-woke-up-and-designed-a-masterpiece energy. In an interview, Armani was asked what he thought his Warhol portraits captured. He responded, “I think that he wanted to portray me as an icon. That is what Warhol portraits do: They elevate the subject into an icon of the pop culture he was documenting. These days, as I am older and wiser, I realize that there is a danger in becoming an icon, as people can see you as remote and untouchable, and they are less willing to tolerate you doing things that don’t fit with their preconceived idea of you.”

This encounter illustrates Warhol’s ability to swiftly turn encounters with public figures into art that elevates them into icons—merging fashion and pop art in a singular moment.
Warhol’s use of Polaroid photography, later adapted into silkscreens or vibrant prints, allowed him to explore his themes of celebrity, mass media, and iconography—a hallmark of his pop art legacy.

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Burkhard Mangold: Pioneer of Swiss Poster Art

Burkhard Mangold: Pioneer of Swiss Poster Art

Burkhard Mangold (1873–1950) was a Swiss painter, graphic artist, and one of the pioneers of poster art in Switzerland. Born in Basel, he became known for his striking and colorful designs that combined elements of Art Nouveau and early modernism.

Mangold studied at the Munich Academy of Fine Arts and later returned to Switzerland, where he built his career as a painter and printmaker. His poster work stood out for its bold use of color, simplified forms, and strong visual impact—qualities that made his designs both artistic and highly effective for advertising.
Aside from posters, Mangold also created murals, stained glass, and paintings, many of which drew inspiration from Swiss landscapes, folk traditions, and everyday life. His work contributed to the rise of graphic design as a respected art form in Switzerland, influencing later generations of artists.
Today, Burkhard Mangold’s posters are regarded as important examples of early 20th-century Swiss graphic design, celebrated for their timeless style and artistic innovation. Here is a collection of Burkhard Mangold’s remarkable works that showcase his pioneering role in Swiss poster art.
Brasserie du Lion, Bâle. Basler Löwenbræu, circa 1905

‘Eidg Sängerfest in Zürich’, “Deutsche Kunst und Dekoration”, 1905

Zugerberg Wintersport, Schweiz, 1907

Marque PKZ, 1909

Schweiz Kunstverein, Turnus Austellung Winterthur 1913, 1909

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20 Portraits of a Young Giorgio Armani in the 1970s

20 Portraits of a Young Giorgio Armani in the 1970s

Giorgio Armani, the iconic Italian designer who turned the concept of understated elegance into a multibillion-dollar fashion empire, died Thursday, his fashion house confirmed. He was 91.

Armani died at home, “peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones,” the fashion house said. “Indefatigable to the end, he worked until his final days, dedicating himself to the company, the collections and the many ongoing and future projects,” the fashion house said in a statement.
Before Armani became a household name, he worked as a window dresser and then as a designer for Nino Cerruti’s Hitman menswear line in the 1960s. This gave him a reputation for creating sharp but relaxed tailoring.
In 1973, he partnered with his friend and business associate Sergio Galeotti, who encouraged him to go independent.
In 1975, Armani and Galeotti officially founded the Giorgio Armani company in Milan. Their first collection was men’s ready-to-wear, which challenged the rigid, structured suits of the time. Armani introduced a softer, deconstructed jacket that would become his signature.
By the late 1970s, he expanded into womenswear, giving women tailored clothing with a masculine edge—looser silhouettes, neutral tones, and power suits that later defined the 1980s.

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Photos Taken by David Swenson on the Morning of September 11, 2001

Photos Taken by David Swenson on the Morning of September 11, 2001

David Swenson, who worked in a data center in New York City, was taking weekly time-lapse photos of a new building under construction across the street. He used the Twin Towers to frame his shots, providing a consistent reference point.

On the morning of September 11, he was taking one of these regular photos when he witnessed the first plane, American Airlines Flight 11, crash into the North Tower. He captured this moment and continued to document the unfolding tragedy, including the impact of the second plane, United Airlines Flight 175, into the South Tower, as well as the collapses of both towers. His photographs – taken from 499 Washington Boulevard in Jersey City, directly across the Hudson River facing the World Trade Center – provide a unique perspective on the attacks, showing the progression of events from a nearby vantage point.

“Tuesday morning at 8:45am I was in our data center taking pictures of our new building going up across the street,” said Swenson. “I had been taking a few pictures each week, using the Twin Towers to frame/align all the shots evenly so I could later make a time lapse video of the new 30 story building’s construction.”
“After taking the shot I see a large plane flying south right over the Hudson River. For a moment I thought what a great shot I’m about to get, then American Airlines Flight 11 suddenly rolls into a left bank of about 40 degrees. The impact came about a second later, and I can’t believe what I’m seeing. After shooting a few more pics I run to the hall where I meet up with a few of the building engineers and we head up to the roof for a better view. The scene is surreal, and after watching United Flight 175 circle around and fly into the South Tower everyone began to realize we were under attack. We kept looking around for the next plane and my knees began to go weak. I will never EVER forget that image of American Airlines 11 rolling left and striking the North Tower. To this day, I’m still somewhat startled when looking up at a plane overhead.”

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The 1958 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible: Chrome, Curves, and Classic American Power

The 1958 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible: Chrome, Curves, and Classic American Power

The 1958 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible is a classic American sports car that represented a bold step forward in the Corvette’s styling and performance. This model year introduced a distinctive new look with quad headlights, a louvered hood, and chrome trim accents, giving it a more dramatic presence on the road.

Powered by a range of V8 engine options paired with manual or automatic transmissions, the 1958 Corvette combined sleek design with impressive performance. Its convertible top added to its appeal as a stylish open-air cruiser, perfect for the booming car culture of late 1950s America.
Today, the 1958 Corvette Convertible is highly prized among collectors as one of the most iconic early Corvettes. These stunning photos highlight the chrome details, sweeping curves, and raw American power that made the 1958 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible a timeless classic.

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30 Fascinating Vintage Portraits of People Wearing Pince-Nez Spectacles From the Late 19th and Early 20th Centuries

30 Fascinating Vintage Portraits of People Wearing Pince-Nez Spectacles From the Late 19th and Early 20th Centuries

Pince-nez is a style of glasses, popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, that are supported without earpieces, by pinching the bridge of the nose. The name comes from French pincer, “to pinch,” and nez, “nose.”

Early versions were simple lorgnettes without handles, designed to rest lightly on the nose. At first, they were often associated with scholars, clergy, and the upper classes, as spectacles in general still carried social stigma.
By the mid-1800s, pince-nez had become widespread across Europe and America. They were prized for their compactness—easy to slip into a pocket or hang from a ribbon or chain. They became especially common among professionals, academics, and politicians. Mark Twain, Anton Chekhov, and Theodore Roosevelt all wore pince-nez, helping solidify their intellectual and dignified image.
Around 1900–1920, pince-nez began to decline in favor of modern spectacles with sidearms (temples), which were more stable and comfortable for active use. By the 1930s, they were considered old-fashioned and often caricatured in popular culture as a symbol of fussy intellectuals or stern authority figures.
Today, pince-nez are rare but remembered as an iconic style of eyewear associated with the Victorian and Edwardian eras. They still appear in historical dramas and period films, and vintage pairs are collectible. Some opticians even make modern reproductions for enthusiasts.

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