This summer pin-striped suit caught my eye right away. It was purchased in the southern states over 30 years ago but doesn’t look a day old. The handsome man wearing it told me that his ensemble always reminds him of his father who said, “A cane and a hat is the definition of leisure!”
Jeanne pulls out this sassy, striped dress every summer. She’s been doing so for well over 30 years and it still looks remarkable! She remembers buying it when Nancy Sinatra’s These Boots Were Made for Walkin was a big hit and a low waist on clothing was all the rage. What a lovely summer outfit.
This woman was such a good sport. When I asked for her picture, she gave me a selection of gorgeous sparkly horn-rimmed glasses to choose from. I chose the bold white and silver pair which I think completes her pastel print dress. I can’t help but sing to myself “Can you take me to FunkyTown” when I photograph people like her.
My grandmother, Maria Laura Pablo, was the youngest of three children. She grew up in a home that embraced an extended family of three widowed aunts and their six children in the town of Concepcion, Chile. This photo was taken in 1952 by my grandfather one afternoon while they lunched at her cousin Laura Sainz’s apartment. At the time, my grandmother was 25, and was happily married with two young children.
Life in Concepcion in the 1950s was rather sleepy and my grandmother was the quintessential homemaker. At the same time, she was a cultured dame with her mother’s flare for fashion, and her father’s adventurous spirit. Pablo Pablo, her father, was a Castillian who emigrated to Chile at 14 years old determined to make a fortune and help his family back in the old country.
Growing up my grandmother had big dreams of travel and she managed to tour every continent. Over the years her travel bug has led her here to Canada to visit her daughter – my mother – who immigrated.
While it’s been nearly a decade since last I saw her, I’m looking forward to a reunion in Chile later this year.
By Alexandra Samur
Vancouver, BC
When talking about my Nana one of the first things I say is that we are basically the same person, with a difference of 50 years. Spending time with her reminds me of my own creativity, intelligence, humour and beauty – because to be related to such a graceful woman must mean that I too possess at least a sliver of that grace. I am grateful everyday to have her in my life. I love you Nana.
By Angie Walstedt
Montreal, QC
My grandmother is a no nonsense kind of woman with a schedule for everything, but this picture captures an unguarded moment of far away eyes and a touch of a whimsical smile. I have to wonder if it is from her that my mother and I get our imagination and tendency to dream? I wish that I was closer with my Gramma June growing up both in distance and in relationship, but in this process of emulation I did feel a connection to her, and not only in our shared taste in fashion! (Don’t you love the jacket?) As I set my hair and coloured my lips I imagined my beautiful Gramma June as the sweet young woman in this picture having the same kindness, strong will and sharp mind as she has today!
By Terra MacFronton
Richmond, BC
Barbie Patton, the Karaoke Queen, and this Elvis impersonator are both originally from Chicago and were reuniting in Vegas. Chicago wasn’t big enough for them.
Barbie sang to “Livin’ La Vida Loca” by Ricky Martin. In the second photograph she and Elvis are dancing to “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” by the Shirelles. It was amazing.
Photo and text by Shyla Seller
Vancouver, BC
“GP Street Snaps” are photos taken by you, in the street with a point-n-shoot or a cell phone. Send yours to style@granpaparazzi.com
It was February 2011. My grandma and I were in a store in Jacksonville, Oregon. I found some glasses made out of strainers and asked her if I could take her picture, she didn’t hesitate…
By Jarod Timmerman
Honolulu, Hi
There is no other way to describe this man’s style aside from SICK! As in rad, amazing, hip, happening, cool. I love the futuristic Velcro sneakers and the matching white blazer and fedora. I took this photo in downtown Portland, Oregon where there is no shortage of uniquely dressed folks, of all ages.
Don’t sweat it. We’ve got a How-to Guide that will walk you through all the steps to becoming the winner of our contest. Submission Deadline is July 31st, 2011.
Materials and tips:
- Photo of your ancestor.
- The Outfit. Take your photo with you when you shop so you can get it as close as possible. See below for a special contest offer at Little Miss Vintage.
- Hair and Makeup. Use Foundation, cover-up or face powder. Yes, even you boys will need to be pasty, as your photo is likely black and white. For hair, see below for a special contest offer at Bye Napoleon in Vancouver.
- A friend with a camera or a tri-pod and an auto-timer.
Contact your family and ask them if they have a portrait photo of an ancestor that most looks like you. If you can’t get a portrait picture, you can always improvise like Co-Founder Cass Savage did with her remake. If your kin don’t know how to use a scanner, tell them to bring it to a photo lab or to mail you the picture so you can scan it yourself.
Visit your favorite local vintage shop. Little Miss Vintage in Vancouver is offering 15% off your purchase if you’re shopping for the contest! Just mention GranPaparazzi.com.
Find the perfect outfit to represent your ancestor.
Visit your favorite hair salon and give them the picture for styling. Lacey at Bye Napoleon in Vancouver is offering COMPLIMENTARY styling to all contestants who go in for a cut or color. Alternatively, ask a friend to help you at home. If you’re super determined, style your own hair like Co-Founder Shanti MacFronton did with her remake.
Email your two photos in a high resolution (large) file size to style@granpaparazzi.com and you could win a lightbox photo frame of your pictures. For more information on the contest, visit the contest page.
